- Most Stylish | Pukomc | Find on Amazon
- Best Stainless Steel Tea Kettle | KitchenAid | Find on Amazon
- Best Stovetop Tea Kettle | Gipfel | Find on Amazon
While a new tea kettle may not be the most significant or exciting purchase for the average person, it's undoubtedly an important decision for tea lovers. Choosing the right kettle ensures your tea brewing or French press coffee session goes safely and smoothly. Plus, a great tea kettle can serve as both a practical cooking tool to boil water and a piece of stylish kitchen decor.
That's why we've rounded up the best tea kettles available in 2021, along with some helpful information on how to pick the perfect kettle for your water heating needs. There's something for every kitchen, with everything from a smart electric kettle to a classic stainless steel kettle to the traditional whistling tea kettle.
How to Pick the Perfect Electric and Stovetop Tea Kettle:
Not all tea kettles are created equal. While it's easy to assume that a cheap tea kettle can do the trick, it's worth splurging on a nice tea kettle if you plan to use it frequently. More expensive tea kettles typically offer additional features that streamline the brewing process.
These days, there is a wide range of styles, materials, power sources, and features to choose from, so here are a few tips on how to select the right tea kettle:
Material
Tea kettles come in various materials, including stainless steel, glass, ceramic, cast iron, copper, and enamel tea kettle. Every material possesses its own set of benefits and drawbacks.
Stainless steel: Stainless steel is a popular material for tea kettles because it is durable, easy to clean, and can be made in a variety of shapes and sizes. Stainless steel kettles are also good at retaining heat and can keep water hot for longer periods.
Glass: A glass tea kettle is a stylish option that allows you to see the water boiling. In addition, they are simple to clean and do not retain any taste or scents. However, glass kettles can be fragile and may break if dropped or mishandled.
Ceramic: Ceramic tea kettles are a great option if you want a kettle that looks stylish and adds a decorative touch to your kitchen. Furthermore, they excel at holding onto warmth, but they can be weighty and might require more time to heat up compared to other substances.
Cast iron: Cast iron tea kettles are recognized for their toughness and capacity to retain warmth. They are often used for making traditional Japanese green tea and can also be used for other types of tea. Nonetheless, cast iron kettles can be weighty and might demand specific maintenance to avert rust formation.
Copper: Copper tea kettles are valued for their excellent heat conductivity, enabling them to heat up rapidly and uniformly. Additionally, they provide a decorative alternative that can enhance the sophistication of your kitchen. Nevertheless, copper kettles can be pricey and may require periodic polishing to preserve their look.
Enamel: Enamel tea kettles are tea kettles coated with a layer of enamel. This coating is typically made from a type of glass powder fused onto the kettle's surface at high temperatures. We recommend avoiding enamel tea kettles because the enamel coating can leach heavy metal into boiling water and accumulate in your body over time.
Capacity
Consider how much boiling water you typically need to make at once. Suppose you intend to prepare tea for a sizable group, then opting for a tea kettle with a larger capacity is advisable. Conversely, a smaller tea kettle might suffice if you're making tea for just one or two individuals.
Electric vs. Stovetop Kettle
You need to decide whether you prefer a conventional stovetop tea kettle or a contemporary electric tea kettle.
Electric kettles have the ability to boil water at a faster rate and might feature preset temperature options. Electric tea kettles are also more energy-efficient than stovetop kettles, as they only heat the water you need, and this means you can save money on your energy bills over time. Electric kettles are designed with safety in mind and offer automatic shut-off and boil-dry protection features, and this makes them safer to boil water than stovetop tea kettles.
While an electric kettle can offer convenience, a classic tea stovetop kettle creates a more traditional tea-making experience. Stovetop kettles are also more budget-friendly, easier to find, and have more designs to choose from. If you are interested in a stovetop kettle, consider the type of stovetop you have. You'll need a kettle compatible with induction heat if you have an induction cooktop. If you're using a gas stove, you'll want a kettle with a flat bottom that sits securely on the burner.
Budget vs. Quality
Today, there are tea kettles out there ranging from budget-friendly to mind-bogglingly expensive, so you'll need to determine how much you're looking to spend on a product. If you opt for an electric kettle, you'll likely want to splurge a bit to ensure the materials and heating element operate safely and are designed to last.
Design and Color
If you expect your tea kettle to spend a good deal of time on your stovetop or countertop, it's worth getting a tea kettle that's more than just functional. Consider what shape and style you like best and what color best complements your kitchen decor scheme.
Safety Features
If you opt for an electric tea kettle, look for safety features like auto shut-off and dry-boil prevention that help reduce the risk of burns, fires, and other safety hazards.
If you are looking for stovetop kettles, look for safety features like a whistling tea kettle that lets you know when water is boiling. Numerous stovetop kettles are constructed with a whistle that alerts when the water has achieved boiling point. This is an important safety feature, as it alerts you when the kettle is ready and can help prevent the water from boiling over or the kettle from overheating.
Spout design
Look for a tea kettle with a spout that pours smoothly and accurately. A gooseneck spout, for example, provides more control over the flow of water and can be useful for making pour-over coffee or other precision brewing methods.
Stay-Cool Handle with Grips
To prevent slips and burns, look for tea kettles with handle grips that keep the handle cool to the touch and enhance your grip while you pour. Most high-quality tea kettles on the market are designed with a silicone handle cover.
LCD Display and Adjustable Settings
While electric kettles are used only to offer one temperature, many now come with an LCD display that gives you an accurate read-out of the water temperature and allows you to select from preset heat settings to optimize your brew.
Water Capacity
Tea kettles come in a wide range of sizes, so you'll need to decide if you're looking for something compact or something that can heat enough water for the whole family. Most kettles range from quick heating to 0.75 Qt. models to larger 3 Qt. styles for making multiple cups.
Keep Warm Setting
Many electric tea kettles come with a keep-warm setting that holds the water at the designated temperature for around 30 minutes to an hour, making it easy to refill your mug when it's time for another cup.
Easy To Clean
Even though you boil and heat water in the kettle, you will still need to clean it to remove any built-up scale residue or mineral buildup. A kettle with a large lid opening is easier to clean, as you can fit your hand into the pot, while a smaller opening will require a brush. Most tea kettles are hand wash only, but some are dishwasher-safe. If you are seeking a dishwasher-safe option, be sure to check before purchasing.
The 6 Best Tea Kettle Selections
COSORI Electric Gooseneck Kettle
Best Overall
The COSORI Electric Gooseneck Kettle is a game-changer for any tea or coffee lover and is one of the best tea kettles on the market. This beautifully designed coffee tea kettle boasts a sleek stainless steel finish and a unique gooseneck spout that allows for precise pouring. Its sleek design, variable temperature control, and ease of use make it a standout product that will elevate your tea or coffee experience to the next level.
What sets this kettle apart is its five variable temperature control, which can heat hot water to anywhere between 170°F to 212°F, and it can keep water warm for up to 60 minutes. This feature is especially useful for those who enjoy a variety of teas, each of which requires a specific water temperature to achieve optimal flavor.
In addition to its impressive functionality, the COSORI Electric Gooseneck Kettle is also incredibly easy to use. Simply fill the tea kettle with water, select your desired temperature, and wait for it to heat up. The tea kettle also features an automatic shut-off function, ensuring it won't overheat or boil dry.
One thing to note is that the tea kettle's maximum capacity is 0.8 liters, which may not be enough for larger households or groups. However, this size is perfect for individuals or small groups who want to enjoy a hot cup of tea or coffee.
Our Ratings
Overall Rating: 4.8/5 Temperature Control: 4.9/5 Ease to Use: 4.8/5 Value for Money: 4.5/5 Ergonomic: 4.8/5 Easy to clean: 4.5/5 Durability: 4.6/5
Materials | Stainless Steel |
Dimensions | 11.6 x 9 x 7.7 inches |
Capacity | 0.8 Liter |
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Deeoutlife Modern Whistling Tea Kettle
Best Whistling Tea Kettle
This Modern Whistling Tea Kettle from Deeoutlife offers an elegant take on your classic stainless steel tea kettle. It's made from five layers of food-grade 430 surgical stainless steel, iron, and aluminum for fast heating and has a mirror-polished body that brings an elevated feel to the tea kettle. The European style design adds a touch of luxury to your stove top— especially when it lets out its signature whistle when boiling.
What sets this stainless steel whistling tea kettle apart from other stovetop kettles is its distinctive whistle, which alerts you when the hot water has reached boiling point. This feature is especially useful if you are multitasking and want to avoid forgetting about the tea kettle on the stove. For safe and easy pouring, it has a grip-open design and a heat-resistant handle made from silicon to help avoid spills and steam burns. It's suitable for use on almost all cooktops, including electric, gas, and induction stoves.
One of the most impressive features of this whistling tea kettle is its large capacity of 3.17 quarts, which is perfect for serving tea or coffee to a large group of friends or family members. One thing to note is that the kettle's base is not induction compatible, so it may not work on certain types of stovetops. However, it is compatible with gas and electric stovetops.
Our Ratings
Overall Rating: 4.3/5 Temperature Control: 4.2/5 Ease to Use: 4.8/5 Value for Money: 4.5/5 Ergonomic: 4.8/5 Easy to clean: 4.5/5 Durability: 4.6/5
Materials | Stainless Steel |
Dimensions | 9.05" D x 9.05" W x 9.5" H |
Capacity | 3 Liters |
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Breville One-Touch Tea Maker
Worth The Splurge
If you're a true tea lover, this Breville One-Touch Tea Maker is well worth the splurge. The Breville One-Touch Tea Maker is a great appliance for anyone who loves tea and wants to brew it with ease and precision.
The compact tea kettle makes brewing tea easier than ever, thanks to a host of user-friendly features. Its LCD display shows both actual temperature and 'time since brew' and offers fully customizable brew temperature and time settings, along with a preset menu that automatically adjusts the water temperature to optimize steeping for that particular tea. Additionally, it offers useful settings like delayed start, keep warm, and agitate, which loosens tea leaves to improve infusion.
Plus, the glass tea kettle comes complete with a dishwasher-safe tea infuser for loose-leaf teas. Amazingly, it automatically lowers itself into the water and lifts out when done to prevent over-steeping. What sets this tea maker apart is its unique one-touch functionality, which allows you to select the type of tea you want to brew and the strength of the infusion, all with the touch of a button. This feature is especially useful for those who enjoy a variety of teas, each of which requires a specific brewing time and water temperature to achieve optimal flavor.
Our Ratings
Overall Rating: 4.5/5 Temperature Control: 4.9/5 Ease to Use: 4.8/5 Value for Money: 4.5/5 Ergonomic: 4.8/5 Easy to clean: 4.5/5 Durability: 4.2/5
Materials | Stainless Steel, Glass, and BPA-Free Plastic |
Dimensions | 8.6" x 8.4" x 10.1" |
Capacity | 51 oz |
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Pukomc Electric Kettle with Thermometer
Most Stylish
Looking for a stylish electric tea kettle that's a bit more straightforward? This Pukomc Electric Kettle with Thermometer offers easy one-touch switch operation and a convenient thermometer dial for monitoring water temperature during heating. This is especially useful for tea lovers who require precise temperature control for different types of tea. A window into the tea kettle allows you to monitor water levels and keep an eye on boiling water.
Pukomc Electric Kettle is made from high-grade stainless steel with a uniquely angled spout for easy filling. Handy features like automatic shut-off and dry-burn prevention not only increase safety but save energy too. Not to mention, the sleek design looks far more stylish than other kettles when left out on your countertop or table.
The Pukomc Electric Kettle is also easy to use and clean. The wide mouth opening makes it easy to fill the kettle with water, while the removable and washable filter ensures that you get a clean and pure taste every time. One thing to note is that the kettle's maximum capacity is 1.8 liters, which is perfect for individuals or small groups who want to enjoy a hot cup of tea or coffee.
Our Ratings
Overall Rating: 4.6/5 Temperature Control: 4.9/5 Ease to Use: 4.8/5 Value for Money: 4.5/5 Ergonomic: 4.8/5 Easy to clean: 4.5/5 Durability: 4.8/5
Materials | Stainless Steel |
Dimensions | 10.59 x 9.37 x 7.91 inches |
Capacity | 1.8 Liters |
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KitchenAid Electric Kettle
Best Stainless Steel Tea Kettle
The KitchenAid Electric Kettle is a top-of-the-line appliance that will elevate your tea or coffee-making experience. This exquisitely crafted kettle showcases a polished stainless steel exterior that would enhance the appearance of any kitchen counter. Unlike the other tea kettles, this kettle heats the water quickly, which is especially useful for those who are short on time in the morning.
Crafted from a smooth and seamless stainless steel interior that is easy to clean, the exterior wipes clean easily with a damp cloth. One essential aspect to consider is that this stainless steel kettle does not possess a keep-warm feature, and as a result, the water will cool down after boiling if not utilized promptly.
Apart from its remarkable functionality, the KitchenAid Electric Kettle is also extremely user-friendly and simple to maintain. The removable limescale filter ensures that you get a clean and pure taste every time, while the kettle's sturdy construction makes it durable and long-lasting. With 1.25 liters, this tea kettle is perfect for individuals or a couple.
Our Ratings
Overall Rating: 4.7/5 Temperature Control: 4.2/5 Ease to Use: 4.7/5 Value for Money: 4.5/5 Ergonomic: 4.8/5 Easy to clean: 4.5/5 Durability: 4.8/5
Materials | Stainless Steel |
Dimensions | 8.9" L x 8.9" W x 10.3" H |
Capacity | 1.25 Liters |
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Gipfel International Whistling Tea Kettle Stovetop
Best Stovetop Tea Kettle
The Gipfel International Whistling Kettle is a reliable and durable stovetop kettle that will elevate your tea or coffee experience to the next level. The design of this tea kettle embodies a timeless and sophisticated appearance that would complement any kitchen décor.
The Gipfel International Whistling Kettle is also made of high-quality 18/10 stainless steel throughout that is durable and easy to clean. The kettle's handle is constructed with heat-resistant material, enabling effortless pouring even when the kettle is hot. The kettle is suitable for all stovetops, including gas, electric, and induction, and the stainless steel material makes it easy to clean.
Unlike the other stovetop kettles, this tea kettle is a large 2.5-liter capacity, which is perfect for larger households or groups who want to enjoy multiple cups of tea or coffee. One of the distinctive characteristics of the Gipfel International Whistling Kettle is its whistling spout, which notifies you when the water has boiled. This attribute is particularly advantageous for individuals who aim to prevent water overboiling or overheating.
Our Ratings
Overall Rating: 4.5/5 Temperature Control: 4.2/5 Ease to Use: 4.7/5 Value for Money: 4.5/5 Ergonomic: 4.8/5 Easy to clean: 4.6/5 Durability: 5/5
Materials | 18/10 Stainless Steel |
Dimensions | 8.3" D x 8.7" W x 6.3" H |
Capacity | 2.2 Liters |
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How We Picked
We have taken great care in selecting the top tea kettles on the market, using a variety of sources to curate our list. Our team drew from personal experiences, scoured customer reviews from multiple retail platforms, and consulted with tea enthusiasts to compile our recommendations.
We prioritize several key factors, including capacity, ease of cleaning, material, temperature control, and durability. By carefully considering these attributes, we are confident that we have only included the highest quality products in our list.
Our ultimate goal is to provide our readers with the most reliable and informative recommendations possible. With our thorough research and attention to detail, we proudly present our selection of the best tea kettles on the market.