With more Americans drinking tea and coffee than ever before, boiling water has become one of the most frequently performed tasks in any household. This act, of course, requires some form of water-heating mechanism, which usually comes in the form of a coffee maker, microwave or kettle.
The beauty of the average tea kettle is its simplicity. Put the water in the kettle, put the kettle on the stove and wait for your water to boil. The whole process is easy enough that kettle lovers have probably never even thought about an alternative way to heat water. However, it’s interesting to know that in general, a stovetop kettle may not actually be the most efficient way to heat water. Unsurprisingly, microwaving your water is the least effective answer. Stovetops are the second least effective. But electric kettles are the most efficient of the three. That begs the question, why don’t most of us use electric kettles instead of microwaves and stovetop kettles?
The answer is actually pretty straightforward. The majority of homes in America run on a relatively low voltage. In fact, homes in Europe, where electric kettles are almost exclusively used to boil water, have double the voltage. This lower voltage results in significantly longer boiling times and renders the change to electric over stovetop less advantageous. Add into the equation the fact that an induction stove is actually the most efficient way to boil your water, and it becomes clear why electric kettles haven’t caught on in America.
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So, to celebrate the tea kettle, we’ve put together a collection of our favorites. There are kettles for modern and retro kitchen interiors as well as vibrant colors and a cast iron option. Pick your favorite and enjoy a good ol’ cup of the good stuff.
1. Chantal Anniversary Stainless Steel Stovetop Tea Kettle
BEST OVERALL
The Chantal Anniversary Stainless Steel Stovetop Tea Kettle delivers a mix of clever functions and an appealing style. The ergonomic handle ensures you’re always comfortable and in control of your kettle during use. This feature also works to catch any visitor’s eye. The kettle sports a high-quality enamel finish which is guaranteed not to fade and available in a range of vibrant colors. In addition, this popular kettle choice also works on all kinds of stovetops, including magnetic induction models, and features a wide-bottomed design to help speed up the boiling process.
2. Wayfair Basics Stainless Steel Stove Tea Kettle
BEST BUDGET
Do you want a popular and well-reviewed kettle at a budget-friendly price? Look no further than the Wayfair Basics Stainless Steel Stove Tea Kettle. This option sports a beautiful, stainless steel construction, which wouldn’t look out of place in any modern kitchen. The tough material gives it a lasting and durable feel. It’s made for gas and electric stoves and also features a removable whistle to ensure you know when your water has boiled.
3. Chefbar Gooseneck Tea and Coffee Kettle
BEST FOR COFFEE DRINKERS
The Chefbar Gooseneck Tea and Coffee Kettle sports a gooseneck design which delivers a precise pour every time. This pick is great for users who love pour-over coffee and also features a heat-resistant handle which allows for easy pouring, even when your water is at its hottest. The kettle is dishwasher safe and available with either a brushed or shiny metal finish.
4. KitchenAid Kettle
MOST ATTRACTIVE
If you want a kettle to match your kitchen decor, the KitchenAid Kettle is the choice for you. There are nine different mono-tone color options to choose from, including red, yellow and orange. Furthermore, the design is completed by the attractive trim band and eye-catching, C-shaped handle which also provides a comfortable and secure way to hold the kettle during use. The thumb-press spout adds further control to beverage pouring, and the kettle includes a built-in whistle to help prevent over-boiling.
5. Kate Spade New York Charlotte Street Kettle
MOST RETRO
If your kitchen has a retro theme or you’re looking to create one, why not add this Kate Spade New York Charlotte Street Stovetop Kettle to your set up? It features a C-shaped, stay-cool handle, a flip-up spout with a built-in whistle and an attractive loop design which is available in blue or grey. The kettle itself is made from durable stainless steel with an enamel finish around the pot.
6. Fellow Raven Stovetop Tea Steeper Kettle
MOST COMPACT
The Fellow Raven Stovetop Tea Steeper Kettle is compatible with gas, electric and induction stove tops and delivers up to 4.2 cups worth of boiling water. The kettle comes with a steeping basket and includes a handy color-guide thermometer to ensure you’re steeping your tea at the right temperature every time. It’s only available in a copper but we think that’s enough, and the elegant design boasts a large base to ensure rapid boiling.
7. Rachael Ray Stainless Steel Stovetop Kettle
BEST ENAMEL
The interesting combination of enamel, wood and metal makes the Rachael Ray Stainless Steel Stovetop Kettle an attractive addition to any kitchen. The natural, rubberwood handle stays cool throughout the boiling process, while the built-in whistle ensures you know when the water is ready. The flip-up spout makes pouring precise and easy, and the internal maximum line makes it easy to fill your kettle to the right place every time.
8. Le Creuset Classic Whistling Tea Kettle
BEST COLOR OPTIONS
Le Creuset is famous for their product quality and range of attractive colors options. This Le Creuset Classic Whistling Tea Kettle is no exception as it is constructed from a durable, carbon steel with a beautiful porcelain enamel finish, and it comes in a choice of eight different eye-catching colors. The design includes a built-in whistle to ensure you know when your water is boiling, along with a heat-resistant and rollable handle to provide easy access when filling or cleaning the pot. In addition, this kettle is compatible with a range of stove types, including electric and gas, and also sports a larger-than-average base size to promote faster boiling.
9. SMEG ’50s Retro Style Electric Kettle
BEST ELECTRIC
If you don’t have access to or simply don’t want the hassle of warming your water up on a stovetop, it could be time to try an electric kettle. This SMEG ’50s Retro Style Electric Kettle offers hot water at the flick of a switch. Simply turn the kettle on, and it will turn itself off when your water is ready. This particular model is available in a range of attractive colors and sports a simplistic design capable of adding a touch of class to any kitchen interior.
10. Cuisinart PerfecTemp® Tea Kettle
BEST TEMPERATURE CONTROL
The Cuisinart PerfecTemp® Tea Kettle is a must for anyone who wants optimum brewing conditions for their hot beverage. By adding a built-in thermometer to the kettle, you can see the exact temperature of the water inside. You’ll also find a handy indicator key on the outside which tells you what temperature to aim for. Whether it’s coffee, oolong tea, black tea or green tea, this stylish kettle has got your back.
11. Staub Cast Iron Stovetop Tea Kettle
MOST UNIQUE
If you love the look, feel and quality delivered by cast iron kitchenware, why not add this Staub Cast Iron Stovetop Tea Kettle to your kitchen collection? It’s safe for use on all types of stoves and is even oven safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. The cast iron gives the kettle impressive heat retention, so your water will stay warmer for longer. In addition, this French-made kettle is available in a range of colors, including dark blue, cherry and basil green.
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