We assessed the leading stovetop kettles available, prioritizing both aesthetic appeal and functionality. Our review focused on factors such as design, durability, heating efficiency, pouring capabilities, and ease of maintenance. Some of these kettles even emit a satisfying whistle when they reach boiling point. Whether you’re brewing your morning French press or enjoying an afternoon tea, these stovetop options promise to elevate your experience.
What type of tea kettle is best?
The best type of tea kettle often boasts a combination of durability, efficient heating, and practical features. Here are our top picks to meet your tea brewing needs.
1. BEST OVERALL: Le Creuset Classic Whistling Kettle
2. BEST VALUE: Susteas Stove Top Whistling Tea Kettle
3. BEST GOOSENECK: Hario V60 “Buono” Drip Kettle
4. FASTEST-BOILING: OXO Brew Classic Tea Kettle
What is the best stovetop kettle to buy? [In-depth Analysis]
After thorough evaluation, our top recommendations for the best stove top kettles offer a blend of durability, performance, and convenience. Whether you prioritize classic design, rapid heating, or ease of use, these options are sure to enhance your tea brewing experience.
1. BEST OVERALL: Le Creuset Classic Whistling Kettle
What we like
Featuring a display-worthy design, this teapot is exceptionally easy to clean.
What we don’t like
Its size makes it less than ideal for cabinet storage, and it becomes very heavy when filled.
Le Creuset is renowned for its distinctive style and high-quality reputation, and this teapot is available in a range of stunning signature colors. The enamel finish is chip-resistant, and the inner chamber is non-reactive, resisting staining.
While this teapot may be larger, posing challenges for storage, its broad body covers the entire burner, protecting the exterior finish from flames. Despite its size and weight, its countertop presence is striking, negating concerns about storage. Moreover, when empty, it is surprisingly light, and the handle conveniently folds down. The whistle emits a tempered, steady sound, though softer compared to others. It efficiently reaches a full boil in under five minutes. Despite the exterior heating up, the handle and spout remain cool, facilitating easy pouring. No metallic taste was detected in the heated water.
Cleaning is effortless, thanks to the spacious opening that accommodates hand and sponge access. The black interior conceals watermarks or staining, while the exterior finish is simple to maintain. However, the dark inner chamber makes water lines challenging to read, potentially leading to overfilling. Compatible with most stovetops, including induction, electric, ceramic, and halogen.
Capacity: 1.7 quarts | Weight: 48.25 ounces (empty); 102 ounces (full) | Material: Enamel on carbon steel | Compatible Cooktops: Gas, electric, induction | Dishwasher safe: No
2. BEST VALUE: Susteas Stove Top Whistling Tea Kettle
What we like
The kettle is easy to clean, with hands fitting in the opening, although it’s a bit tight. Water quickly beads off the exterior surface, and there is no discoloration after drying.
What we don’t like
Its bulkiness makes it challenging to store.
This stovetop kettle from Susteas would complement a modern farmhouse kitchen beautifully. While the empty kettle is lightweight, it becomes heavy when filled, which may not be ideal for individuals with weak wrists and arms. Its large size covers the entire burner, requiring ample cabinet space for storage.
During testing, we observed that the kettle exterior becomes very hot when heated. The manufacturer recommends using low heat to prevent overheating of the rubber handle and kettle, reducing the risk of injury or finish damage. Its handle lever facilitates easy opening of the spout covering for seamless pouring. However, the whistle alert is relatively soft compared to other brands.
Boiling took approximately five minutes and thirty-nine seconds, with impressive heat retention; the kettle’s top retained heat for at least ten minutes post-heating, necessitating caution when handling. For added safety, a silicon mitten is included with your purchase.
While the top is easy to remove, it tends to attract fingerprint marks, unlike the kettle’s body, which is fingerprint-resistant. Despite the tight opening for larger hands, cleaning is relatively straightforward. The exterior finish exhibits a beading effect on water, facilitating easy cleanup and drying. Overall, this kettle offers excellent performance, style, and suitability for everyday use.
Capacity: 3.2 quarts | Weight: 32.5 ounces (empty), 144 ounces (full) | Material: Stainless steel | Compatible Cooktops: Gas, electric, induction | Dishwasher safe: No
3. BEST GOOSENECK: Hario V60 “Buono” Drip Kettle
This small yet stylish kettle from Hario stands out with its unique gooseneck spout, facilitating precise pouring for tea or pour-over coffee enthusiasts. Available in stainless steel, black, and matte finishes, it’s ideal for single-use tea service or individual coffee brewing. However, during testing, we noted that this stovetop kettle lacks a whistle when the water is ready.
While its compact size offers storage convenience, it also comes with some drawbacks. It doesn’t cover the entire burner, which on high-heat gas stovetops could lead to flames shooting out from the sides, potentially causing the handle to melt if positioned directly over a flame. To mitigate this risk, the manufacturer recommends using medium or low heat.
Moreover, the absence of maximum water fill lines increases the likelihood of overfilling. Additionally, caution is advised during handling as steam could cause burns if the small vent holes on the top are positioned near the handle while heating.
In our testing, it took approximately 6 minutes and 19 seconds to reach a full boil, slightly longer than other top brands. However, it maintained a higher and more consistent temperature ten minutes after being removed from the burner compared to other models tested. We also observed a slight metallic taste in the water after heating, which may diminish over time.
Capacity: 1.3 quarts | Weight: 14.5 ounces (empty), 54.25 ounces (full) | Material: Copper, enamel and plastic, Teflon, and BPA-free | Compatible Cooktops: Gas, electric, induction, halogen | Dishwasher safe: No
4. FASTEST-BOILING: OXO Brew Classic Tea Kettle
Compact, easy to clean, and boasting the quickest heating time among all tested models, the OXO Brew Classic Tea Kettle stands out as a top choice. With its efficient yet affordable design, it’s a winner in both performance and practicality. This kettle excelled in the boiling test, reaching 212 degrees Fahrenheit in just over four minutes and retaining an impressive 192 degrees Fahrenheit after 10 minutes.
Its user-friendly features include a loud whistling noise to indicate when the water is boiling, ensuring convenience and safety. The stainless steel construction not only blends well with various kitchen styles but also guarantees durability. Additionally, it’s equipped with a heat-resistant handle and a one-touch spout cap for effortless pouring while keeping your hands safe.
However, it’s worth noting that the kettle can be quite heavy to lift and pour when filled, weighing approximately five pounds. Despite this, its straightforward design and foldable handle make it easy to use and store. Overall, the OXO Brew Classic Tea Kettle offers efficient functionality and practicality for everyday use.
Capacity: 1.7 quarts | Weight: 31 ounces (empty), 83.7 ounces (full) | Material: Stainless steel | Compatible Cooktops: Gas, electric | Dishwasher safe: No
How We Tested
In our assessment of stovetop kettles, we prioritized aesthetics and functionality. Le Creuset’s Classic Whistling Kettle stood out as the best overall choice. Its eye-catching design and easy cleaning make it a standout. However, its size might pose storage challenges. The Susteas Stove Top Whistling Tea Kettle offers great value, being easy to clean and resistant to discoloration. Yet, its bulkiness could be problematic for storage. Both kettles promise durability and efficient performance, catering to diverse tea brewing needs.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Here are some frequently asked questions about stovetop kettles:
1. Is a stovetop kettle better than an electric one?
While electric kettles often outperform stovetop ones, the choice ultimately depends on personal preference and desired features. Electric kettles offer additional functionalities like temperature control, but they come with a higher price tag.
2. Can you use a stovetop kettle on a gas stove?
Stovetop kettles are typically suitable for both gas and standard electric stoves. However, it’s essential to check the manufacturer’s instructions for compatibility. For induction stovetops, ensure the kettle is made of ferrous metal.
3. Can you heat milk in a stovetop kettle?
It’s not recommended to heat milk in a stovetop kettle, as most manufacturers advise against it. Instead, warm milk in a saucepan to avoid potential damage to the kettle.
4. How do you clean a stovetop kettle?
To clean a stovetop kettle, fill it with a mixture of water and vinegar and bring it to a boil. Let it sit for at least 20 minutes, then pour out the solution and rinse the kettle. For mineral buildup, gently scrub the interior. Clean the exterior with warm soapy water, rinse, and dry thoroughly.
Summary
In our evaluation of stovetop kettles, we focused on aesthetics and functionality. The Le Creuset Classic Whistling Kettle emerged as the top choice, offering eye-catching design and easy cleaning. However, its size may pose storage challenges. The Susteas Stove Top Whistling Tea Kettle provides excellent value, being easy to clean and resistant to discoloration. Both options promise durability and efficient performance. Additionally, we addressed common questions about stovetop kettles, covering their use, compatibility, and cleaning methods.
