Having a good tea kettle is very important for most households. People who prefer drinking tea to drinking coffee know how true this is. In the past, there wasn’t much variety in tea kettles; they were all pretty much the same.
Basically, there are two types of kettle: electric and stovetop . For decades, whistling tea kettles were the go-to models, so why change? Well, modern technology affects everything, including the modest tea kettle.
Both types of kettles are good, having similar qualities. But there are more important things to be aware of, like the material, effectiveness, rusting etc. So let’s talk about those specific features.
Effectiveness
A tea kettle can look nice and be electric, but is it effective? That’s the No. 1 feature of a good kettle. A kettle is no good if takes too long to boil water, it’s simple as that. Electric kettles are actually more efficient than the old fashioned models which take more time to boil water.
Besides that, you don’t need to put them on a stove. Just plug in an electric kettle in any power outlet and you can make tea — easy as that. This provides more versatility as you can place the kettle on a countertop, kitchen table, or anywhere else within the reach of its cord.
Some electric kettles have an automated switch-off mechanism. This will turn the kettle off after the water boils to prevent any kitchen hazards. It’s a nice safety feature, not available in traditional whistle kettles.
A whistling kettle is great because it informs you when the water boils, in the same way the switch-off mechanism on an electric kettle would, only it’s not automated. However, some kettles have louder whistles than others. It’s best to get a kettle with a loud whistle if you opt for a traditional tea kettle.
In terms of effectiveness, you can also look for a kettle that’s easy to clean. In that respect, kettles with wider lids are preferable. Also, you might want a heat-resistant handle so you don’t burn yourself while using the kettle. Look for the spout cap, it mustn’t be too hot either.
Materials
The second most important characteristic of a good kettle is its construction. A good tea kettle is made from quality materials like stainless steel and copper. Stainless steel kettles are probably the best type because they’re the most durable, are good heat conductors, don’t rust, scratch or get damaged in any other way.
Copper is also a great heat conductor, it has a great shine and is aesthetically pleasing. However, it’s susceptible to scratches, dents, and overall less durable than stainless steel kettles.
Cast iron kettles and aluminum kettles are cheaper, but they’re not good options at all. The aluminum type is not durable, while the cast iron type can rust quickly. Glass kettles are definitely the worst, so it’s best to avoid them. They’re also the least durable, and not suitable for stove use.
Rusting
Of course, you don’t want a kettle that’s going to rust too quickly. A good kettle shouldn’t rust at all, or at least, rust slowly. Rust isn’t just ugly, it can contaminate your morning tea.
Once again, stainless steel kettles are the best if you want to avoid rusting. For obvious reasons, glass kettles don’t rust, but they’re still a poor choice. If you don’t want to invest in a stainless steel kettle, best go for a copper or aluminum one.
Glass Tea Kettles
Okay, maybe we’re being too harsh on glass kettles. They do have some advantages and are actually a solid option if you want a cheap model. They have some drawbacks in terms of durability, they can break easily so you have to be careful when using them.
However, they’re very easy to clean, and often you can put them in a dishwasher. Also, you can put most glass kettles in a microwave too, which makes them more versatile. They also serve well for brewing loose teas.
Their best advantage is the price as they’re much cheaper than stainless steel kettles, so if you want to spare yourself the investment, go for a glass kettle, just be careful. If the handle gets hot from the boiling water, use a kitchen cloth or an oven mitt to protect your hands from the heat.
Aesthetics
Stovetop tea kettles can actually be quite good looking. You can get a gorgeous little kettle for yourself, or as a present for your friends or family. A nice-looking model can be a good addition to any modern kitchen.
A stovetop kettle spices up the place and gives your kitchen a more traditional, old-fashioned look. Of course, there are modern stovetop kettles as well, but each to their own.
Some electric kettles have a great design too. Mostly, they’re very practical but some of them focus on aesthetics. These kettles are more modern, so if you have a smart kitchen featuring many high-end electric devices, why not pair them up with a nifty, cute electric kettle?
The color of a kettle doesn’t really matter, but it can be a nice touch to match your kitchen decor. The most common color options for kettles are white, gray, black, transparent (glass), blue, and red.
Frankly, copper kettles look gorgeous and offer a great blend for most households.
Would Anyone Like Some Tea?
There’s no best tea kettle in the world. You simply have to make an educated choice based on your needs and personal taste. Some people prefer glass kettles, while others like stainless steel.
Then again, some prefer electric kettles, while others still like stovetop kettles more. You won’t make a wrong choice in either case, both types of kettles serve the same purpose. Each kettle has its own advantages and disadvantages, it really is up to you to decide.
Finally, consider your budget for this purchase, and decide based on that. You don’t need an expensive kettle if you don’t want to invest too much money, there are some great budget options available.