The nostalgic whistle of a kettle has long been associated with tea, but modern tea kettles offer more than just that iconic sound. Today, you can find electric kettles with programmable temperature settings and the ability to maintain specific temperatures. Kettles also come with convenient features like gooseneck spouts and trigger-action lids. The materials used vary as well, including steel, stoneware, and glass. In this comprehensive guide, we cover all these categories and more, highlighting our best Tea Kettles of 2024 and providing a breakdown of their pros and cons.
To assist you in making an informed purchasing decision, Food and Meal‘s experts in the Lab have conducted extensive research and testing on the kettles featured in this list. They dedicated weeks to evaluating each kettle, rating them based on usability, durability, design, capacity, boiling speed, and other important factors. With their expertise, you can trust their assessments to guide you towards the perfect kettle for your needs.
What to Look for in a Tea Kettle
|
Electric vs. Stovetop |
Electric heats fast but costs more and takes space. Stovetop is affordable with design options but slower. |
| Size | Tea kettles come in various sizes, but electric ones tend to be a bit smaller than stovetop kettles. Choose a size that fits your needs, whether it’s a single cup or serving a crowd. |
| Material | Tea kettles come in stainless steel or glass. Material choice is mainly for looks. Stainless steel may have color coatings but performs similarly. Glass kettles are visually appealing but less durable, and they’re not suitable for induction cooktops. |
| Spout | A tea kettle’s spout is crucial for precise pouring. Longer, tapered or pointed spouts offer better accuracy, like gooseneck kettles for pour-over coffee. Standard kettles have shorter spouts that prevent drips and spills. |
Best Tea Kettles of 2023
Cuisinart PerfecTemp Cordless Electric Kettle
Maintains temperature for 30 minutes
Boil-dry protection
Mineral buildup if not cleaned
- Capacity: 1.7 liters
- Dimensions: 8.8 x 6.1 x 9.75 inches
- Temperature Control: Yes
- Wattage: 1,500
- Voltage: 110
- Warranty: 3-year limited
Indulge in the sophistication of this stainless steel electric kettle, boasting a generous 1.7-liter capacity. With six preset heat settings, it effortlessly steeps different types of tea at the optimal temperature, eliminating the need to remember specific brewing requirements. A delightful blue LED indicator signals when the water is ready, while the convenient 30-minute keep-warm feature ensures your tea remains at the ideal temperature if you’re not quite ready to brew.
The cord, cleverly attached to the base, grants the kettle freedom to move and pour from anywhere. The 360-degree swiveling base allows you to keep the cord neatly out of the way, regardless of the kettle’s placement. Equipped with a powerful 1,500-watt heating element, the kettle rapidly heats water to the desired temperature.
For added convenience, the kettle can be lifted off the base for up to two minutes, allowing you to pour without hindrance, before seamlessly returning it to the base to keep the water warm. After the designated two minutes, the base automatically shuts off. The water window features an attractive blue backlight, making it effortless to gauge the water level at a glance. The removable and washable scale filter ensures your water remains clean and free from impurities. Additionally, the kettle incorporates boil-dry protection, automatically turning off if it runs out of water.
Embrace the elegance and functionality of this exceptional electric kettle, perfect for elevating your tea brewing experience to new heights.
Cosori Glass Electric Kettle
Automatic shutoff
Sleek design
Fairly loud
- Capacity: 1.7 liters
- Dimensions: 7.9 x 6.1 x 9.5 inches
- Temperature Control: No
- Wattage: 1,500
- Voltage: 120
- Warranty: 1-year limited
Discover exceptional value with the Cosori Glass Electric Kettle, a perfect fit for most kitchens. With a 1.7-liter capacity, it matches the standard size of stovetop kettles, allowing you to fill your teapot or French press to the brim. Safety is a priority, as it features a reliable automatic shutoff to prevent dry boiling and ensure peace of mind.
While there are some drawbacks to consider, such as the kettle being relatively loud during boiling, it’s important to note that this may not be a concern for everyone. Additionally, the lid doesn’t fully open, which can make cleaning a bit more challenging.
On the positive side, the Cosori kettle offers a pleasing blue light that illuminates while in use, adding a touch of ambiance to your kitchen. Both sides of the carafe are clearly labeled, making measuring a breeze. Customers also rave about its fast boiling time, guaranteeing you won’t have to wait long for a delightful cup of tea.
Experience the convenience and reliability of the Cosori Glass Electric Kettle, an excellent choice for those seeking value and efficiency in their kitchen.
Mueller Premium Electric Kettle
Shutoff
Fast boiling
Pleasant blue light
Base feels cheap
- Capacity: 1.8 liters
- Dimensions: 8.9 x 7.4 x 10.2 inches
- Temperature Control: No
- Wattage: 1,500
- Voltage: 120
- Warranty: 1 year
Among the reasonably priced electric kettles available, the Mueller Premium Electric Kettle stands out as a fantastic value for your money. It boasts efficient boiling capabilities, surpassing even the speed of a microwave, all at an affordable price point.
With its sleek glass design, this kettle adds an eye-catching touch to any kitchen decor. The pleasing blue light serves both aesthetic and functional purposes, indicating when the kettle is in use. Safety is a top priority, thanks to the automatic shutoff feature. Many satisfied customers also praise its rapid boiling performance. With a capacity of 1.8 liters, this kettle aligns with the size of most options on the market.
It’s worth noting that some customers mention the kettle’s weight, so consider your preferences before making a purchase. Additionally, a few users find the base to be somewhat flimsy. However, considering its price, the Mueller Premium Electric Kettle offers exceptional value that is hard to beat.
Cosori Electric Gooseneck Kettle with 5 Variable Presets
Beautiful design that fits in any kitchen
Gooseneck spout is easy to pour from, stays cool
Outside of kettle gets quite hot
- Capacity: 0.9 quarts
- Dimensions: 11.6 x 9 x 7.7 inches (including base)
- Weight: 3.5 pounds
- Material: Stainless steel
- Product Care: Hand-wash
While several electric kettles performed well in our tests, the Cosori Electric Gooseneck Kettle truly stood out. Its push-button base allows you to heat water to five precise temperatures tailored for specific beverages, ranging from 170 degrees for white tea to 205 degrees for coffee, with the option of boiling water at 212 degrees. The kettle consistently and quickly heats water with remarkable accuracy, and it can maintain the set temperature for an impressive duration of up to half an hour or more.
The gooseneck spout design of the Cosori kettle, coupled with its counterbalanced handle, ensures effortless pouring into any vessel without spills. The matte black finish not only adds a touch of elegance but also resists fingerprint marks. Furthermore, the kettle is reasonably priced, especially considering its exceptional performance.
The primary downside highlighted by our testers is the kettle’s small capacity. With just under a quart, it can only make two or three cupfuls of tea or coffee at a time. If you are someone who requires a continuous supply of hot beverages throughout the day or need to brew for a caffeine-loving family, you may find yourself refilling and reheating multiple times.
Mr. Coffee Flintshire Stainless Steel Whistling Tea Kettle
Available in many colors
Lid holds water and can be hard to clean
- Capacity: 1.75 quarts
- Dimensions: 8 x 8 x 8 inches |
- Weight: 1 pound
- Material: Stainless steel
- Product Care: Hand-wash
The Mr. Coffee Flintshire tea kettle delivers on its core function of heating water effectively, all at an excellent price point. One notable feature is its heatproof handle, which includes a latch for the spout cover, a detail typically found on pricier models. Available in seven vibrant colors, this kettle offers variety, with all options priced at $25 or less.
In our testing, the Mr. Coffee Flintshire performed adequately, falling within the middle range for most of our trials. While some testers weren’t fond of its plain appearance, aesthetics may not be a top concern for budget-conscious buyers as long as the kettle performs well. One drawback our testers noted is the inner rim of the lid, which tends to trap water, making it difficult to fully clean and dry the kettle.
Fellow Stagg EKG Electric Pour-Over Kettle
Temperature hold function
Precise pouring
Can program by single degrees
No indication for reaching desired temperature
Small capacity
- Capacity: 0.95 quarts
- Dimensions: 11.5 x 6.75 x 8 inches
- Weight: 2.75 pounds
- Material: Stainless steel
- Product Care: Hand-wash
Gooseneck kettles, with their narrow and sloping spouts, provide enhanced control while pouring, making them ideal for pour-over coffee or manual brewing methods like French press or Chemex. The Fellow Stagg EKG Pour-Over Kettle excels in every aspect, exuding a high-end feel with its sleek silhouette and convenient features. Its user-friendly dial and LCD display allow precise temperature selection, ranging from 135 to 212 degrees Fahrenheit.
Our testers were enthusiastic in their praise for this kettle, highlighting its exceptional spout, precise temperature control, and unmatched design, making it a worthwhile investment for both tea and coffee enthusiasts. However, it’s important to note that the Fellow Stagg EKG is among the pricier gooseneck kettles available. Nevertheless, it is available in various stylish designs, offering a range of kettle colors and handle materials to suit individual preferences. One minor drawback is its relatively small capacity, just under a quart, although this allows for faster heating. Additionally, there is no visual or audible indication when the water has fully heated, necessitating vigilance while the kettle is reaching a boil.
Hario V60 Buono Drip Kettle
Beautiful pour stream
Striking design
Can overflow or boil over when full
- Capacity: 1.25 quarts
- Dimensions: 12 x 18 x 13 inches
- Weight: 1.44 pounds
- Material: Stainless steel
- Product Care: Hand-wash
For the passionate coffee aficionado who revels in the art of pour-over brewing and manual methods, the Hario V60 “Buono” kettle is the ultimate choice. Its long, graceful gooseneck spout and ergonomic handle offer precise control over the water stream. Hailing from the esteemed Japanese brand Hario, renowned for its top-tier coffee and tea brewing equipment, this kettle’s iconic scalloped appearance adds to its allure.
However, as with any pour-over coffee preparation, careful handling is necessary with the Hario V60 kettle. It lacks a marked fill line, and our testers found that filling it to the brim can lead to boiling over. Additionally, the kettle’s base is smaller compared to many other stovetop models. Therefore, when using a gas stove, it is advisable to use a lower heat level to prevent flames from reaching the sides and potentially melting the handle.
Smeg Electric Kettle
Striking design available in many colors
Large capacity for an electric kettle
Not many features
- Capacity: 1.8 quarts
- Dimensions: 6.75 x 9.75 x 8.9 inches
- Weight: 3 pounds
- Material: Powder-coated stainless steel
- Product Care: Hand-wash
Smeg, renowned for its upscale kitchen equipment blending contemporary technology with a retro aesthetic, delivers once again with the Smeg Electric Kettle. This stylish kettle boasts super-fast heating capabilities while exuding a design reminiscent of a mid-century modern museum piece. Despite being one of the largest-capacity electric kettles we tested, with a volume of nearly 2 quarts, it outperformed all others in terms of speed, rapidly bringing water to a boil. Additionally, it offers a delightful range of six adorable colors to choose from.
However, it’s important to note that Smeg appliances come with a price tag that reflects their prestigious name, exquisite design, and superior quality. This particular model lacks temperature settings or additional features beyond quickly heating water to boiling. Our testers also expressed disappointment in the absence of any clear indication that the kettle has finished heating. While stovetop kettles typically whistle and many other electric models incorporate lights or sounds, the Smeg Electric Kettle simply emits a click when it shuts off, and it doesn’t retain heat effectively once the boiling process is complete.
Susteas Stove Top Whistling Tea Kettle
Heatproof handle and spout cover latch make pouring easy
Inexpensive
Handle doesn’t fold down
- Capacity: 2.64 quarts
- Dimensions: 7.16 x 7.16 x 9.25 inches
- Weight: 2.71 pounds
- Material: Stainless steel
- Product Care: Hand-wash
If you often find yourself needing to make multiple batches of coffee or tea, a larger kettle may be the solution you need. This impressive kettle offers a significantly larger water capacity compared to the other stovetop models we tested, yet it still brings the water to a boil with impressive speed. Its tall handle features a heatproof coating and a clever latch, allowing you to open the whistling spout cover without direct contact. In addition to the sleek matte black option, this kettle is also available in metallic Champagne and rose colors, adding a touch of elegance to your kitchen.
Our testers found the heatproof handle of the Susteas kettle to be highly effective. However, it doesn’t fold down, which means it takes up a significant amount of shelf space. On the other hand, its appealing design makes it a kettle that can proudly reside on the stovetop. Due to its substantial capacity, this kettle can be quite heavy and unwieldy when filled, and our testers noted that it doesn’t retain heat for a prolonged duration.
FAQs about Best Tea Kettles of 2024
1. What features should I look for when choosing the best tea kettle in 2024?
Consider factors such as material (stainless steel, glass, or ceramic), capacity, heating method (electric or stovetop), temperature control, and additional features like automatic shut-off or a whistle for boiling indication.
2. Are electric tea kettles more energy-efficient than stovetop ones?
Electric tea kettles are generally more energy-efficient as they heat water directly and often come with features like automatic shut-off. Stovetop kettles rely on a burner, which may take longer and use more energy.
3. Can I use a tea kettle to boil water for purposes other than making tea?
Yes, tea kettles can be used to boil water for various purposes, such as making coffee, preparing instant noodles, or even for sterilizing utensils. Ensure the kettle is designed for boiling water and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.
4. Is it safe to leave an electric tea kettle unattended?
Most modern electric tea kettles come with safety features like automatic shut-off to prevent overheating. However, it’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and never leave any appliance unattended while in use.
5. What is the advantage of a variable temperature control feature in a tea kettle?
Variable temperature control allows you to heat water to specific temperatures suitable for different types of tea. This feature is beneficial for tea enthusiasts who want to brew their tea at the optimal temperature for flavor extraction.
6. Can I use a glass tea kettle on a gas stove?
Not all glass tea kettles are suitable for use on a gas stove. Check the product specifications to ensure compatibility. Some glass kettles are designed for stovetop use, while others are intended for electric heating.
7. How do I clean and maintain my tea kettle?
Regular descaling is essential to remove mineral deposits that can accumulate over time. Use a mixture of vinegar and water or a descaling solution recommended by the manufacturer. Wipe the exterior with a damp cloth, and follow the care instructions provided.
8. Do tea kettles with a whistling feature make a loud noise?
The sound produced by the whistle varies among tea kettles. Some whistles are designed to be loud and attention-grabbing, while others may be more subtle. Consider personal preferences and the noise tolerance level when choosing a kettle with a whistling feature.
9. Can I brew loose-leaf tea directly in the kettle?
While some tea kettles have built-in infusers, it’s generally advisable to brew loose-leaf tea separately in a teapot or an infuser to prevent leaves from escaping into the water. Check the product specifications for specific brewing capabilities.
10. Are there any safety precautions I should take when using a tea kettle?
Always follow the manufacturer’s safety guidelines. Keep the kettle clean, avoid overfilling it, and ensure it is placed on a stable surface. When using a stovetop kettle, be cautious of the hot surface and handle, and use oven mitts or pot holders when necessary.
