7 Best Stovetop Tea Kettles You Should Get Right Now
Stovetop kettles are nostalgic. They’re simple but stylish and functional. However, not all kettles are made the same way. While anyone can boil water in any kettle, it takes a very good kettle to ensure a good experience — from how long it takes to boil to how long it can retain heat. If you […]
Stovetop kettles are nostalgic. They’re simple but stylish and functional.
However, not all kettles are made the same way.
While anyone can boil water in any kettle, it takes a very good kettle to ensure a good experience — from how long it takes to boil to how long it can retain heat.
If you want to relive the older days, I’ve listed down the best stovetop kettles. I’ve also included a quick guide and some FAQs for those handling them for the first time.
The 7 Best Stovetop Tea Kettles
I’ve tested several stovetop tea kettles, and below are my favorites:
1. Le Creuset Classic Whistling Kettle – Best Overall
- Crafted from lightweight carbon steel to quickly bring water...
- Vibrant porcelain enamel is non-reactive, non-porous, and...
What I like
- Can boil quickly
- Beautiful color selection
- No water marks on the inside
What I don’t like
- Lid can be pretty tight
- Max fill marks can be hard to see
After trying out several stovetop kettles, I can say that the Le Creuset Classic Whistling Kettle is the best of the bunch.
This Le Creuset product is made of lightweight carbon steel and porcelain enamel.
I’m impressed with how it can heat up to a full boil in less than five minutes! The black interior also means you don’t need to worry about visible water marks that can ruin the design.
This Le Creuset kettle has a beautiful traditional rustic design that comes in multiple colors. They’re all display-worthy and make for good conversation starters.
But I hope the gas flame doesn’t discolor it through use.
However, I didn’t like how the lid can fit pretty tight, so it can get hard to push down or remove.
While I appreciate the max fill marks, I found it hard to use them. That’s because they’re found inside the kettle and are hard to see against the black background.
Product dimensions: 10″D x 10″W x 6″H | Weight: 3 lbs | Capacity: 1.7 quarts | Material: Steel | Whistling: Yes
2. OXO Brew Classic Tea Kettle – Best Value
- Easy-open, one-touch spout cap
- Soft, angled handle for comfortable pouring
What I like
- Seam-free bottom
- Heavy-duty and simple
- Wide-mouthed top
What I don’t like
- Spout lid design
- Whistle can be hard to hear
Get the best value for your money with the OXO Brew Classic Tea Kettle. It’s also easy to use, making it a good option for those not used to stovetop kettles.
It’s heavy-duty but easy to clean, which I really appreciated.
The wide top means I don’t have to move the handle to pour water inside. That also means I can easily use my hand to wash the inside.
The seam-free bottom ensures that you won’t worry about rust or leaks in that area.
Perhaps a major complaint I have is about the spout lid design. Despite the “no heat” button, it gets uncomfortably hot when the kettle reaches boiling point.
Also, because of the design, some steak leaks around the edge once the water boils.
The whistle seems like a hit or miss. Some reviews say that it’s loud (even too shrill). However, I’ve found that mine is too quiet.
Product dimensions: 8″D x 9.75″W x 9.75″H | Weight: 2.6 lbs | Capacity: 1.7 quarts | Material: Stainless steel, silicone | Whistling: Yes
3. Primula Stewart Whistling Stovetop Tea Kettle – Best Budget Pick
- PREMIUM KETTLE BUILT FOR PERFORMANCE- The Stewart tea kettle...
- EASY TO USE- This kettle will boil water in no time and...
What I like
- Easy to use
- Cheap but functional
- Loud whistle
What I don’t like
- Too lightweight construction
- Small capacity
Other stovetop kettles give you what you pay for — which only makes sense.
However, when I trialed this product, I was very impressed by how functional it is despite the price (at time of publish) of $8.99!
Some people think the design is too bland, but I say the manufacturers focused on its usability.
The stainless steel body isn’t thick, so it boils relatively quickly. The whistle isn’t gradual either — so once it sounds, it’s time to get it off the stove.
While I appreciate the lightweight construction, it tends to vibrate a bit while you’re boiling water. Aside from that, it’s ideal to use only a maximum of medium heat on it.
Product dimensions: 7.44″D x 7.44″W x 6.85″H | Weight: 1.17 lbs | Capacity: 1.5 quarts | Material: Food-grade stainless steel | Whistling: Yes
4. Hario V60 “Buono” Drip Kettle – Best Gooseneck
- Buono Coffee Drip Kettle: Stunning stainless steel stovetop...
- Controlled Pour: Slender gooseneck spout allows for a slow,...
What I like
- Great for pour-over coffee
- Compact and lightweight
- Nicely balanced
What I don’t like
- Takes a while to heat up
- Not a whistling kettle
For hardcore coffee lovers who are especially fans of pour-over coffee, I highly recommend the Buono Drip Kettle for you!
The gooseneck spout allows for a slow, steady, and more controlled pour. Aside from pour-over coffee, it also works great for drip or manual coffee brewing.
From my experience, it’s also lightweight but not flimsy. Instead, it’s nicely balanced, which also helps in improving your control.
I appreciated how compact it is, making it easy to store.
Something I didn’t like while using it is it takes a while to heat up. Even then, you’ll have to keep an eye on it since it’s not a whistling tea kettle.
Product dimensions: 21″L x 18″W x 13″H | Weight: 1.44 lbs | Capacity: 1.27 quarts | Material: Stainless Steel, phenol resin | Whistling: No
5. Mr. Coffee Flintshire Stainless Steel Whistling Tea Kettle – Most Lightweight
- Solid stainless steel constructed 1.75-Quart teakettle
- Whistling teakettle alerts when water is boiling recommend...
What I like
- Made of lightweight metal
- Budget-friendly
- Straightforward design
What I don’t like
- Handle tends to get hot
- Color tends to come off
Mr. Coffee offers another budget-friendly stainless steel kettle.
It has a straightforward design that’s easy to clean and pour. I especially appreciated the visible max fill line indicator, which ensures I don’t accidentally overfill the kettle.
The manufacturer offers multiple colors. Unfortunately, the color tends to come off after a few uses.
The rubber handle isn’t very heat resistant either. Because of that, I need a towel or mitt to handle the kettle once it boils.
But this is still a good option if you just want a kettle that does its job.
Product dimensions: 8.75″D x 8″W x 8.5″H | Weight: 1.26 lbs | Capacity: 1.75 quarts | Material: Stainless steel | Whistling: Yes
6. POLIVIAR Natural Stone Finish Tea Kettle – Biggest Capacity
- Anti-Rust Finish: Stylish tea kettle electroplated for...
- Loud and Audible Whistle: The whistle of this kettle will...
What I like
- Great size and large capacity
- Display-worthy design
- Spout cover locks
What I don’t like
- Lid can be too tight
- Doesn’t last very long
When it comes to the best stovetop kettle, you want one that can accommodate a larger group.
Fortunately, this is the only kettle that does the trick; with a capacity of 2.7 quarts, it’s perfect for two or three people!
It also looks great in any kitchen — there are several stylish colors to choose from. Plus, the lid locks securely so no need to worry about accidental spills.
Unfortunately, the lid may be too tight and require extra effort when opening; some users have even reported needing to replace it every year or two because of this issue.
However, overall I’d say this kettle is an excellent choice for anyone looking for something with a bit more capacity and style than most tea kettles!
Product dimensions: 9.3″D x 9.3″W x 9″H | Weight: 1.75 lbs | Capacity: 3.2 quarts | Material: Stainless steel | Whistling: Yes
7. Alessi Stainless Steel Tea Kettle – Best Splurge
- Designer: Michael Graves
- In PA, 18/10 stainless steel
What I like
- Beautiful unique design
- Magnetic base for stability
- From a well-known company
What I don’t like
- Whistle tends to have problems
- Expensive but kind of simple
Yes, I know that a price (at time of publish) of $169.45 for a steel whistling tea kettle is a wild idea.
But look at this unique modern design by Michael Graves and tell me that’s not something you’d fall in love with.
It’s a mirror-polished stainless steel kettle with a bird-shaped whistle on the spout. I also liked the magnetic base, so it’s stable on your induction hob.
However, the downside is that it’s expensive but quite simple — and I agree it’s not for everyone.
It also tends to have whistle problems. For one, the whistle tends to be too quiet, so I can’t leave the room.
Another is that you should not pour water through the bird whistle. Unfortunately, you’ll have to pull it out while steam pours out of the spout — which makes it a really hot and hard task.
Product dimensions: 8.66″D x 8.86″W x 8.66″H | Weight: 2.04 lbs | Capacity: 2.1 quarts | Material: Stainless steel | Whistling: Yes
Quick Comparison Of Stovetop Tea Kettles
| Stovetop Tea Kettles | Product dimensions | Weight | Capacity | Material | Whistling |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Le Creuset Classic Whistling Kettle | 10 x 10 x 6 inches | 3 lb | 1.7 quarts | Steel | Yes |
| OXO Brew Classic Tea Kettle | 8 x 9.75 x 9.75 inches | 2.6 lb | 1.7 quarts | Stainless Steel, Silicone | Yes |
| Primula Stewart Whistling Stovetop Tea Kettle | 7.44 x 7.44 x 6.85 inches | 1.17 lb | 1.5 quarts | Food-grade Stainless Steel | Yes |
| Hario V60 “Buono” Drip Kettle | 21L x 18 x 13 inches | 1.44 lb | 1.27 quarts | Stainless Steel, Phenol Resin | No |
| Mr. Coffee Flintshire Stainless Steel Whistling Tea Kettle | 8.75 x 8 x 8.5 inches | 1.26 lb | 1.75 quarts | Stainless Steel | Yes |
| POLIVIAR Natural Stone Finish Tea Kettle | 9.3 x 9.3 x 9 inches | 1.75 lb | 3.2 quarts | Stainless Steel | Yes |
| Alessi Stainless Steel Tea Kettle | 8.66 x 8.86 x 8.66 inches | 2.04 lb | 2.1 quarts | Stainless Steel | Yes |
Factors to Consider When Buying the Best Stovetop Kettles
Stovetop kettles have been around for decades, so choosing which one to get can be hard.
From my experience, below are factors you should always keep in mind for getting the best stovetop kettles:
1. Capacity
The first thing you should be looking at is a kettle’s capacity. How many people are you making tea or coffee for at once?
Most stovetop kettles have an average capacity of around 1.7 quarts. Some, like the POLIVIAR and Susteas kettle, can contain up to nearly 3 liters.
However, some options can contain up to 6 quarts.
Your kettle’s size should also depend on how much space you can spare. So, if you don’t have a lot of storage or counter space, then a smaller product should do.
Also, remember that the capacity will also affect how fast you’ll get hot water. For instance, larger kettles tend to have a minimum fill level and take longer to boil.
2. Material
Stainless steel and coated metal are two of the sturdiest options for tea kettles. You can find some models made of solid copper, cast iron, and glass.
After conducting tests on several kettles, I’d say you should go for a stainless steel kettle as much as possible.
That’s because this material is durable, easy to clean, and heats up quickly. It looks great on your stovetop too! It tends to have a silicone handle for safer handling.
If you want something that’s more display-worthy, there are manufacturers out there that offer multiple color options.
3. Weight
A kettle with a heavy bottom is good since it allows for even heat distribution.
However, you’ll want something that’s still light enough to make handling a kettle full of boiling water safe.
If a kettle is already pretty heavy for you while it’s still empty, I highly suggest you find a different one.
4. Ease of Cleaning
Stovetop kettles typically require you to hand wash them with dish soap and a sponge. As such, you should get something that’s easy to clean.
I recommend getting one with a larger opening and a higher or movable handle. These factors make it easy to peek inside and reach in to remove mineral buildup.
However, getting one with a smaller opening is fine too. After all, you can just use a small brush to clean the inside.
5. Design
Design is very subjective.
If you don’t want to stay in the same room to boil water, then get a whistling tea kettle. If you want more precise pouring, then I recommend a gooseneck kettle.
Of course, there’s also the question of whether you want the stainless steel body on display or if you want it coated in a different design.
How Did I Test These Stovetop Tea Kettles?
To find the best stovetop kettles, I had to test multiple products. Below are several things I paid attention to as I used the kettles:
- Overall feel: How balanced does the kettle feel? Can I comfortably handle the hot kettle even when it’s full of water? Does it allow for smooth pouring? Does it have a heat-resistant handle?
- Cleanup: How easy is it to clean and dry the kettle? Are there any hard-to-reach areas, even with a brush? Is there a folding o rotating handle and wide lid that make cleaning easier? Does it retain any water marks inside? Does the paint outside come off when you wash it?
- Storage/size: How much a kettle makes depends on its size, but is there anything that helps make it easy to store? Does it have a folding handle? Can the base be used on both an electric and gas stove?
- Performance: How long does it take in heating water? How long can the kettle retain the heat? Does the water have any metallic taste or other off-flavors?
- Style: How display-worthy does it look? Are there other color variations available? Is the style too basic or modern?
- Price: Will I really want to buy the same product in the future? How often will I need to change it?
How Do You Use Stovetop Tea Kettles?
To make the most of the best stovetop kettles, you’ll of course need to know how to use them.
Below, I’ve listed a step-by-step guide on how to use a stovetop tea kettle to heat water:
- Fill a clean kettle with water.
- Put the lid on and place the kettle on the burner of the gas or electric stove, hot plate, or induction burner.
- Turn the heat to high (or medium, if it’s according to the care instructions).
- Wait for it to boil — which can usually take anywhere from 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the kettle’s size. Some kettles have a whistle, so if yours does, wait for it to sound to signal that the water is ready.
- Turn off the heat, then pour the hot water into a teapot or mug.
Stovetop Tea Kettle FAQs
Not everyone can be familiar with these traditional kettles. So, to help you understand (and appreciate) them more, I’ve answered some questions below:
Stovetop kettles are simpler to use than electric kettles.
For one, stovetop kettles can heat water beyond its boiling point — which you might need in some drinks.
On top of that, they’re also easier to clean and keep free of limescale.
You can use a stovetop tea kettle if you’re camping or don’t have electricity. That’s because you can boil it over a fire or gas flame — just ensure the kettle is suitable first.
Meanwhile, electric kettles are typically programmed to bring water to a certain. Electric kettles are also harder to clean and maintain. It takes up quite a bit of counter space too.
However, there are small electric kettles that are easier to store.
The kind of kettle you should buy depends on your lifestyle.
If you love your coffee (especially pour-over), you should get a gooseneck kettle. The long, thin pour spout with a slight S-shape neck allows ultra-precision.
If you don’t want to watch over your stovetop kettle while it boils, getting one with a good whistle means you can leave it while you do other things.
The Fellow Clyde Stovetop Tea Kettle even has a nice two-tone harmonic whistle so you won’t be surprised by a loud screech.
If you value speed, you should choose from the best electric kettles. There are even electric gooseneck kettles!
Yes, you should always clean your kettle.
That’s because water has calcium carbonate, which builds up over time, leaving white residue behind.
There are several ways to clean your stovetop tea kettle:
- Scrub the kettle with a non-abrasive sponge. Use hot, soapy water, then dry with a clean towel.
- If you’re removing rust and other mineral deposits, boil water with two tablespoons of baking soda and three tablespoons of lemon juice for 30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly.
- Another way to clean the kettle is to fill it with equal parts water and white vinegar. Bring that to a boil. Turn off the heat and let the solution sit for around 30 minutes. Then rinse and dry. This is also a good way to clean an electric kettle
Something you should not do is dry the stovetop tea kettle by heating it on the stove while empty. Doing so can damage it.
The whole boiling process for a full stovetop kettle can last five to ten minutes.
This can change depending on how much water the kettle has and how big it is.
You technically can heat milk in a stovetop kettle, but you’ll need to be more careful about it.
For one, milk overflows more readily than water. That’s because the fat that milk contains floats to the top, leaving the water to boil.
Then, the steam from the water gets trapped in the milk fat, which causes frothing.
You’ll also need to pay more attention, so you don’t scald or burn the milk.
Keeping all that in mind, I’d still highly recommend you just do it in a saucepan.
You can, if the manufacturer says it’s safe for use on induction.
However, you shouldn’t have a problem using most stovetop models on an electric or gas burner.
A Recap of the Top Picks
Before I end this article, let me remind you of the best stovetop kettles from our list today:
Best Budget Pick: Primula Stewart Whistling Stovetop Tea Kettle
You don’t have to spend a lot on a basic stovetop kettle!
The Primula Stewart whistling kettle is straightforward to use. It’s cheap, easy to heat up, and has a loud whistle
Best Value: OXO Brew Classic Tea Kettle
For a heavy-duty (but still budget-friendly) stovetop kettle, get OXO’s classic tea kettle.
It’s easy to use and clean. I’d say this is great for beginners who are still getting the hang of handling stovetop kettles.
Best Overall: Le Creuset Classic Whistling Kettle
This Le Creuset stovetop kettle gets the number one spot for the best stovetop kettle.
This model is available in many colors, all with a rustic design. The inside also ensures you won’t see water marks. It boils pretty quickly too.
Conclusion
A stovetop tea kettle is a classic kitchen staple that will have you feeling like you stepped back in time!
Despite their simplicity, these kettles can be surprisingly sophisticated and stylish.
When shopping for the best stovetop model, keep your eye out for features such as capacity, design, price, and other aspects that are important to you.
With all of these factors in consideration, you’ll be sure to find the perfect stovetop kettle for your needs!
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