
As the Brits often say, when the going gets tough, make a cup of tea! And you can make the job of brewing the perfect pot of tea so much easier with the right kettle. A good tea kettle will boil the water faster and keep the water warmer for longer, and you can even get kettles that will brew the tea for you. And if you are both a tea and coffee lover and are a bit particular about the way your drink your hot beverage, there are even kettles that can be programmed to get it just right. So, whether you are a back to basics type of tea lover and like to boil your water on the stove or always opt for the high-tech, cool gadget approach, there is a tea kettle for you.
We take a dip into some of the best tea kettles currently on the market to get you stirred.
The Best Tea Kettle
1
T-fal Specialty Stainless Steel Coffee and Tea Kettle
Sleek and stylish, the T-fal is a modern twist on the traditional stovetop whistling tea kettle, giving you a contemporary design without losing any of that authentic feel. Made from high polished, durable stainless steel, this whistling kettle will hold up to three quarts of water and is easy to use.
The ergonomic Bakelite handle gives you a secure feel as you move the kettle around, and the wide base means the water can boil quicker than many standard stovetops. The lid fits securely, and the spout whistle is efficient and loud. And while it isn’t induction-compatible, the whole kettle is dishwasher safe. For less than $30 this is a smart-looking stovetop for your tea making and tops our review list.
Polished stainless-steel body
Built-in whistle spout signals water has boiled
Heat-resistant Bakerlite handle
Dishwasher safe
- BrandT-fal
- Model2100096129
- Weight 2.3 pounds
2
OXO BREW Classic Tea Kettle
This Oxo tea kettle is a lovely looking thing, with its brushed stainless-steel and curvy traditional design. The use of high-grade stainless steel will guard against rust and with its large lid opening, the whole kettle is nice and easy to maintain and clean. We also like the reassuring sound of the Brew’s loud whistle and the precision pouring from its solid spout.
Add in a heat-resistant silicon grip panel and a safe touch handle on the lid and you have a classic tea kettle that does its job and will look old-school stylish on the stovetop when not in use. The handle also flips down to give you clear access to the lid when filling up the kettle. The only real downside is that this stainless-steel tea kettle is not dishwasher safe.
Rust-resistant stainless-steel design
Wide opening for easy filling
Silicon-grip handle that folds down
Dishwasher-safe/not induction compatible
- BrandOXO
- Model1479500
- Weight 2.65 pounds
3
Cuisinart Stainless Steel Cordless Electric Tea Kettle
If a modern tea kettle with a host of features is your thing when it comes to making the perfect brew, then check out this stainless-steel cordless kettle from Cuisinart. At the top end of our best tea kettle review budget, you do get lot of premium spec design for your dollar.
With its 1.7-liter capacity, the Perfec Temp also has 1500W of heating power to get your tea water to boiling in quick time. And the whole cordless kettle sits neatly on its base and rotates 360 for easy access. Add in six heat settings, a 30-minute keep warm feature and blue backlit water window and you have a great addition to your tea making equipment. And when your tea-making is done, this modern tea kettle is super-easy to maintain, thanks to the removable and washable inner scale filter and its auto-safety shut off to prevent it from boiling dry.
Cordless kettle powered for fast boiling
Easy one-touch controls and backlit window
Rotates 360 for easy handling
Limited three-year warranty
- BrandCuisinart
- Model CPK-17P1
- Weight 1 pounds
4
Cafe Brew Collection Glass Tea Kettle
There’s a touch of European styling to this classic stovetop kettle which will make brewing your tea a real pleasure. Made from heat-resistant borosilicate glass, this kettle is actually tougher than it looks and has the capacity to make 12 cups of delicious tea – or coffee. All the plastic parts are BPA free and the whole kettle is dishwasher safe, making it all add up to be our review’s best price choice.
This is a glass stovetop kettle that performs pretty well too, with its drip-free spout, easy to remove lid, decent sized opening and whistle which could be a little louder but works all the same. And the handle is heat-resistant for easy and safe holding. Complete with a metal trivet for when you use it on an electric range, this is a glass tea kettle that’s worth raising a cuppa to.
Heat-resistant glass stovetop kettle
Can be used with both gas and electric stoves
Comes with a diffusing trivet
12-cup water capacity
- BrandCAFÉ BREW COLLECTION
- ModelWK112
- Weight1.25 pounds
5
Willow & Everett Stainless Steel Whistling Tea Kettle
This is one of the best unique tea kettles in our review, thanks to the double-curved design, mirror shine finish and added tea infuser. But don’t let the cute looks of the Willow & Everett Whistling Teapot fool you, this is also one heavy-duty performer. Unlike many other lighter weight stovetop kettles, the bottom on this kettle has five layers of metal to create its wide base that effectively conducts heat and boils your water in super-quick time. And that extra bit of weight gives the whole kettle a reassuring quality feel.
It also has an impressive three-liter capacity, loud whistle and is overall rust, scratch and corrosion resistant. Add on a non-slip silicon handle and spout lever and a single cup tea infuser for when you quickly want a refreshing cup of loose-leaf tea and with this stainless-steel whistling tea pot, we think you could be onto a winner.
Premium stainless-steel stovetop kettle
Five-layer base for even and fast boiling
Silicon handle grip and spout lever
Includes a single cup tea infuser
- Brand Willow & Everett
- Weight 4.05 pounds
6
Circulon 1.5-Quart Sunrise Teakettle
The Circulon is a contemporary stovetop tea kettle made from stainless-steel, enamel coated for a stunning shine. But it’s not all about the looks, this kettle quickly boils enough water in one sitting for an ample-sized pot of tea. You get everything you need in a good stovetop kettle – the flat wide bottom to speed up heating, a snug fit lid and a loud whistle to tell you when the water is ready.
Plus, the heat-resistant handle is linked to the spout so all you need to do is squeeze the handle for a controlled pour from the spout. The combination of stainless steel and stain-resistant enamel also makes the Circulon easy to clean and at less than $20, this is a quality kettle that won’t break the bank.
Stainless-steel with enamel coating
Six cup water capacity
Squeeze and pour lever in the handle
Available in a choice of colors
- BrandCirculon
- Model50066
- Weight 2.6 pounds
7
Pykal Whistling Tea Kettle
If quirky looking kitchen appliances are your thing, you are going to love this whistling kettle from Pykal. And as a stovetop kettle, it also has enough features to keep your inner geek happy! Top of the list is the iCool thermal protection technology which makes handling this kettle a breeze.
The handle will cool down in seconds once the kettle is off the heat and there is an ergonomic push button for instant pouring. Made from a stainless-steel outer, it also has an iron base, sandwiched between two layers of aluminum for super-fast heating and it can also be used on an induction hob. You also get two tea infusers thrown in for good measure. That’s a lot of kettle for your money!
3L stovetop kettle that’s induction compatible
Stainless-steel with a three-layer iron and aluminum base
iCool technology for safe handling
Complete with 2 tea infusers
- BrandPykal
- Model KIT-WK-001
- Weight 1.76 pounds
8
KitchenAid Electric Tea Kettle
This cordless electric tea kettle in coated stainless steel from KitchenAid will look smart in any kitchen. Available in a choice of six eye-catching colors, its slim design means it will also fit in most work surface corners. With a 1.25-liter capacity, it is not the largest kettle in our review but for making a decent pot of tea it’s up for the job.
Powered by 1500W, you get a fast, quiet boil and the removable limescale filter in the spout ensures the water is perfect every time. The kettle rotates 360 on its base for easy transfer and the on/off LED indicator lets you know when the water is ready to pour. Certainly not the cheapest tea kettle but a solid performer that has a nice contemporary style for the modern home.
Stainless-steel kettle with aluminum handle
1.25-liter water capacity
Limescale filter in the spout
Available in six colors
- BrandKitchenAid
- ModelKEK1222ER
- Weight 2.5 pounds
9
Cuisinart Aura Stainless Steel Stovetop Tea Kettle
The Cuisinart Aura is a classic stovetop tea kettle that will add a touch of industrial styling to your kitchen. Smooth curves, minimalist design and sleek stainless steel all add up to a hardworking kettle that looks the part.
The Aura can hold up to two quarts of water and has a traditional sounding whistle in the spout to let you know it’s ready to pour. This stovetop kettle also heats up pretty quickly, thanks to its flat wide bottom and the heat-resistant handle and lid top makes it a cool customer to handle. You are paying for the solid and well-made styling but for the home fashionista that loves the industrial look, this kettle will hit the hotspot.
Made from premium stainless-steel
Two quarts capacity
Heat-resistant handle and spout whistle
Can be handwashed
- BrandCuisinart
- Model CTK-SS17
- Weight 1 pounds
10
Susteas Stove Top Whistling Tea Kettle
To stand out in the kitchen crowd, SUSTEAS has created this stunning stovetop that oozes a vibe of days gone by. Made from surgical grade stainless steel, enameled in white with vintage brass-style details, this is also a workhorse of a kettle.
Holding 2.64 liters of water, the body is thickened and has a three-layer bottom for a super-fast boil time. The handle is part enameled for easy handling and you can fill the kettle either through the lid or the whistling spout. And despite its vintage look, this is a thoroughly modern stovetop kettle and is as happy on an induction or halogen hob as it is on gas or electric stove.
Enameled vintage design
Made from surgical grade stainless steel
Three layered bottom for a fast boil
Induction, halogen, gas and electric hob safe
- BrandSUSTEAS
- Model PDH-White
- Weight 2.78 pounds
Best Tea Kettle Buying Guide & FAQ
Things to Consider Before Buying a Tea Kettle
There’s something magical about the perfect cup of tea so when choosing your new kettle, it needs to be up to the brewing job. Here are the main things to consider when buying a water kettle:
- Whistle quality: For stovetop kettles, you need to be confident it has a loud, quality whistle to let you know it has boiled. A quiet or weedy whistle is going to pass you by, and your kettle could well boil over or boil dry.
- Material: You will be boiling water to drink so to keep that water safe, clean and bad taste-free always opt for toxin, chemical, and BPA free materials. High-quality stainless steel is one of the most popular and practical tea kettle materials, while copper is also a good choice for a stovetop. Other materials used include plastic and you can also buy old-school style cast iron tea kettles. Glass and ceramic are also used for kettles and while they look smart, are not as robust.
- Capacity: How much your kettle holds needs to match your tea drinking expectations! If you’re a prolific tea drinker look for a kettle that has a larger capacity. Many electric kettles will have how many cups of water it holds marked on the side so you can boil the right amount of water for your needs.
- Durability: Especially if it will be used regularly, you need a tea kettle that’s durable enough to last a good while. Look for robust materials and any protection it may have against limescale and rust. A good warranty is also a wise idea.
- Safe handling: You don’t want to find yourself in hot water when handling your new tea kettle and so it needs to not only be robust but heatproof and safe to carry. Always check that any handles are made from or covered with heatproof material, such as non-slip silicon and that the spout is non-drip and easy to pour.
- Heating time: You don’t want to be waiting around when it comes to your cup of tea so check the heating times of your new kettle. Some kettles also have adjustable heat settings, eg, medium and high heat as well as minimum boil capacities so you can get an efficient boiling rate for your specific needs. Thicker bottomed stovetop kettles also tend to have faster boiling times.
- Added extras: Some tea kettles are just that, straight up and ready to boil your water. But others come with added extras, depending on your tea drinking needs. One key extra that may interest you as a discerning tea drinker is an added tea infuser or a single-cup brewer, meaning you can make your tea in the same pot. Other added extras you may want to look out for, especially in an electric tea kettle, include eco boiling, limescale filters and keep warm features.
Types of Tea Kettles
When it comes to boiling your water, there are two main types of tea kettle you can choose from:
- Stovetop tea kettle: The stovetop does what it says on the tin – it boils water when heated up on the stove and will take your water to a higher temperature than an electric version. With a heat-conducting bottom, the kettle sits on the heat and when the water is boiled, the steam pressure from the water triggers a whistle in the spout to alert you that it’s ready. Stovetop kettles are typically made from stainless steel, copper or iron and when it comes to the heat source, there are two types – gas/electric hob and induction stovetops.
- Electric tea kettle: Either mains plug in or cordless, the electric tea kettle has more functions than the traditional stovetop style and while they are often more expensive, are more convenient, will boil water quicker than a traditional stovetop and potentially less messy to use. Extra features on electric kettles include adjustable heat settings, temperature control, and timer.
Cleaning and Maintenance of a Tea Kettle
Depending on how hard your water is, limescale build up in your kettle is inevitable. Scaling happens when mineral deposits such as calcium built up inside the kettle and hardens into a milky layer. This layer can fragment, leading to unwanted particles in your water, and potentially in your tea. To keep your tea kettle clean and limescale free, we suggest you:
- Rinse out any residue water after every boil
- Always fill your kettle to the minimum boil line if indicated on your kettle (in an electrical tea kettle, the internal element should always be fully submerged)
- Regularly clean out any hard water build-up or limescale, either with a shop-bought solution or home-made
- To make your own kettle cleaner add a solution of 50% water and 50% white vinegar to the kettle and boil, before leaving the solution in the cooling kettle for around 30 minutes to an hour before pouring the solution away. Rinse the kettle with clean, fresh water. Alternatively, you can substitute the vinegar with one ounce of lemon or lime juice
- For any stubborn scaling, rub with baking soda on a dry cloth to buff the residue away.
Best Tea Kettle FAQ:
Q: What is the safest tea kettle material?
A: Stainless-steel is generally considered one of the safest materials for a tea kettle as it is durable and conducts heat well, but lightweight to handle, as long as it has a heat resistant material for its handle. Additionally, it is rust-free and easy to clean. Cheaper aluminum is also a safe material, as is plastic for an electric kettle although it is not the most durable.
Q: Is it OK to leave water in a kettle?
There is no harm leaving water in your kettle short-term (eg. the same day) although by re-boiling you are using water that has less oxygen in it, which can affect the taste of your tea.
Leaving water in your kettle for longer, especially if you live in a hard water area is going to raise the chances of limescale building up inside it. Ideally, you should drain the kettle of surplus water after every use but never boil kettle when it is dry it can damage the element inside and reduce the lifespan of your kettle.
Q: How long do tea kettles last?
The lifespan of your tea kettle depends on both the material it is made from and how often you use it, as well as how well you look after it. A copper stovetop kettle will not rust and can last many years as long as you look after it, while a plastic electrical kettle will not necessarily fare so well. When buying a new tea kettle, check that is has a warranty from the manufacturer of at least 12 months, longer if possible, just in case.
Our Top Pick
With its sleek modern styling but all the performance of a solid and reliable stovetop, the T-fal whistling stovetop tea kettle is a lovely looking thing that boils your water faster than many other traditional kettles. Holding three quarts, it is more than enough for your daily tea requirements and is easy to use, thanks to the heat-resistant handle and high-performing whistle. Easy to clean, the T-fal is also dishwasher safe, making it a great tea kettle all-rounder.