Whistling or not, the best tea kettles make pouring a brew that little bit special, especially compared to some of the bland run of the mill options that most people opt for. Not only can they add a little panache to a tea party but they can make brewing tea easier and are more functional than a lot of people think.
This is only the case when you buy a quality product as there are plenty of low-quality options. Because of this, we have outlined the very best tea kettles on the market. Each one has the quality to make years of great-tasting brews and each one is unique in its own way. Whichever one you go for, one thing you can guarantee is that you’re going to love it compared to your current kettle.
Quick Summary of Best Tea Kettles
Whistling Tea Kettle with iCool – Handle
This impressive tea kettle has all the features you might expect from a quality product and then some, not just that- it’s also great value. It whistles when the water is boiling and when you take it off the stove, the handle cools down within a couple of seconds. Because of the multi-layered base, it heats up fast and is fine to use with all stovetops including induction variants. What we liked was that it comes with 2 free tea infusers so when the water is brewed you and a friend can enjoy a loose-leaf tea together. The 3-quart capacity is one of the largest in our list of the best tea kettles so you can entertain without having to make two lots of boiling water. The 1-year warranty is good to see, as is the gift box it comes in if you want to send it as a present.
- Large 3-quart capacity
- Comes with 2 free tea infusers
- Heats water fast
- Has a whistle when the water is boiling
- Includes a 1-year warranty
Circulon 2-Quart Morning Bird Teakettle, Kiwi Green
One of the most impressive tea kettles available and with its stand out kiwi green design among the variety of punchy colors it is no wonder this is such a popular product. The 2-quart capacity is pretty generous and means it can be used to make up to 8 cups at a time, ideal for entertaining. The textured handle is easy to hold and has a squeeze and pour function to make it safe and the stainless steel lid keeps the boiling contents secure. The enamel exterior is resistant to stains and when the water is boiling its high pitched shrill will let you know. It comes with a lifetime warranty which is something we always like to see.
- Large 8 cup capacity
- Great color options
- Squeeze and pour handle
- Stain resistant
Hario VKB-120HSV V60 Coffee Drip Kettle ‘Buono’, Silver
This neat little tea kettle can make 3-4 cups at a time and is simple yet effective. You can use on an electric, gas or IH stovetop and the smooth stainless steel is easy to wipe clean. You can buy it in three sizes with the smallest being made from copper although this is the largest in terms of capacity. Still, because it isn’t as big as most of the competition it is better for personal use as it heats up fast and the long gooseneck spout gives you a lot of control when pouring, keeping the steam away so you don’t burn your hand. This also makes it ideal for using with pour-over coffee but even the die-hard tea drinkers will appreciate the accuracy you get with this quality kettle. There is no whistle that might put off a few people but if you can live without one then it is a great option.
- Long spout gives you added control
- Available in three sizes
- Easy to hold
- Does not whistle when the water is boiling
Cuisinart CTK-SS17 Aura Stainless Steel Stovetop Teakettle
The two-quart capacity is impressive here and there is a lot to like about the stainless steel tea kettle. It might be best for making tea but the benefits don’t stop there. With a loud whistle when the water is boiling, you’re never going to forget that you put the kettle on and not only that, it retains heat for a long time so you don’t need to rush over to pour. A lot of customers like the fact that it has a clean pour from its spout to make spills less likely and in terms of heating up, it does so faster than most. You don’t expect it to rust because of the stainless steel but some customers have reported this but it does come with a limited lifetime warranty.
- Heats up fast
- Appealing stainless steel look
- Retains heat for a long time
- Some customers say it can rust
Le Creuset Zen Stove-Top Kettle with Whistle
You might be paying for the reputable brand name but any Le Creuset product is going to be worth considering. Owing a lot to its quality, it is stove-top ready and has a three cup capacity. This might not be the biggest but you get rigged material including a heat-resistant phenolic handle. Available in deep red, orange, or black they are some of the most appealing tea kettles around and come with a pleasant whistle when the water is boiling. The upright handle position ensures you get stable pouring that does not burn the hands and each purchase comes with a 5-year warranty. Made from enamel on steel expect excellent resistance to rust and a wide lid for easy refilling.
- Quality materials including ceramic on steel
- Comes with a 5-year warranty
- Heat resistant handle up to 190 C
- Can be expensive for some people
Medelco 12-Cup Glass Stovetop Whistling Kettle
With a large 12-cup capacity this is one of the best tea kettles for anyone on a budget. It feels sturdy and is made from BPA-free materials. Fine to go in the dishwasher it is one of the easiest products on our list when it comes to cleaning and the heat-resistant handle is sturdy for an easy pour. It is made in the USA using heat resistant glass and has that traditional whistling sound when everything inside starts to boil. It might not be the prettiest but the design is certainly eye-catching and it is unlikely that your friends will have a similar one if you want to stand out a little when it comes to entertaining.
- Large 12-cup capacity
- Heat resistant glass
- Can go in the dishwasher
- Good value
- Have to heat it on a low setting
Tea Kettle Guide
Upgrading your tea-making kit feels good and is sure to get the conversation started when entertaining. Because you will want to use it around friends you need to make sure the product you are buying is easy to use and reliable but this isn’t always easy to find in a tea kettle.
To avoid making a mistake and ending up with a product that burns your hands or doesn’t tell you when the water is boiling, we have created the following buyer’s guide. It details everything you need to know before you can think about putting the kettle on.
What To Look For In A Tea Kettle
Whistle
This is a good place to start as it is the feature that most people tend to seek from a tea kettle. There isn’t going to be a lot of variety, most products have one but whatever you choose, the whilstle is most likely to be high, shrill, and will easily notify you when everything is ready.
Some tea kettles are known for having better whistles than others so it is something to check on.
Quality Handle
This is a big factor in deciding what tea kettle to go for. The better products will have a grippy handle making it easy to maintain a sturdy hold, especially important around a hot stove and water. Not only this, but they need to be heat resistant.
Some products go a little further and give you a press and hold button on the handle that allows the tea kettle to pour. The benefit of this is of course safety and the more ways it can keep the user safe the better.
Capacity
This is mostly down to personal preference as there is little point in buying a large capacity tea kettle if you are only going to be using it for you and your partner. There are plenty of great options for those who want something a little smaller.
Accurate Pouring
Some products are known for having an easy to pour spout and a lot of it is down to the shape. The gooseneck types tend to be easier and because of the increased accuracy they are ideal for a coffee drip as well as tea.
If you can find a product that has a lid on the spout then it gives you another layer of protection against unwanted spills.
Easy Filling
The lid is key here and anything too small or awkward is going to make life difficult. Any product we recommend is easy to fill because of a wide lid, just make sure it also stays on securely once you have filled it.
Design
High on a lot of people’s priorities when it comes to tea kettles the color and shape are a major factor. It can either turn heads in the right way or be something a little simpler but a lot of people tend to match the color to their current kitchenware. Some of the best products we have reviewed come in different colors so take your pick.
Tea Kettle Materials
This goes hand in hand with the design because certain finishes and materials are what attracts a lot of us to a certain tea kettle. Here are the most common:
Cast Iron – Expect durability but at a price. That’s right, cast iron tea kettles are among the most expensive. After you have parted with more money you will have to wait longer for the kettle itself to boil although they do retain the heat for longer so you can leave a fair amount of time between refills.
Stainless Steel – An affordable option hence why it is so popular but also one with a neutral design. This means it fits into most kitchens without looking unsightly and is fairly durable. The main issue is that they can be susceptible to rust and it maintains its heat for a while so make sure the handle is heat resistant.
Copper – The maintenance and upkeep of a copper kettle are what puts some people off as they need a bit of a shine from time to time and tend to scratch easily. If you can keep it looking its best then you can enjoy a kettle that heats fast and does look good.
Enamel – Most of the time enamel is used as a coating and gives the kettle a nice smooth finish. Often used alongside a pop of color that is vibrant but they are not so hard-wearing and can chip easily.
Stovetop Kettle Vs Electric Kettle
For many people this is the main decision they will have to make and whilst both offer their benefits, the main decision will be down to your personal preference.
In terms of safety, they both have their positives and negatives. An electric kettle will just shut off when the water has boiled which is always good but then you have the issue of water around electricity. A stovetop kettle usually comes with a built-in whistle to notify when the water is boiling but relies on human interaction to take it off the stove.
There isn’t a lot to split the two when it comes to appearance as although the stovetop designs tend to be more traditional, creative, and sometimes eye-catching, a lot of electric kettles come in similar designs. The olden day’s appearance and feel of a stovetop kettle will likely please and sway the tea-drinking purists of the world.
They both come in similar materials and capacities but you’re most likely to get a whistle with a stovetop kettle which is something that most electric products don’t offer.
Whichever you go for, it is important to ensure it is the right one for you by researching so you know what is out there. Only then can you know what the better tea kettles are capable of, so you can get the benefits into your home.