Whether you are boiling water for tea, coffee, hot chocolate, instant noodles or something else, you want the water to come to a boil quickly and easily.
One of the easiest ways to get the water boiled to your specific needs is with a stovetop kettle. Although stovetop kettles all do the same thing – they boil water – they are available in a wide variety of materials, styles, designs, colors and sizes. The one you choose will depend on a number of factors that include, but are not limited to, your personal taste and style, the décor of your kitchen, the amount of water you wish to make at one time, as well as if it whistles and how easy – or difficult – it is to pour.
If you already have a stovetop kettle and happen to be looking for a thoughtful housewarming, bridal, anniversary or birthday gift, a stovetop kettle is something everyone can use and since there is so much variety, you can find a truly original and useful gift for the foodie in your life.
To help you in your search, we’ve listed our recommendations for the best stovetop kettles you can buy online. Read on to find the one that best suits your personal style and needs.
1. Editor’s Choice: TOPTIER Japanese Cast Iron Tea Kettle
There’s something special about the Japanese tea tradition – it not about making large quantities at a time, it’s the quality of the tea and the care in preparing it that counts. If you’re looking for a beautifully crafted Japanese-style stovetop kettle to bring out the true flavors of your tea leaves, then this model may be for you.
This lovely cast iron tea kettle from TOPTIER allows for gradual and even heating to infuse the greatest amount of flavor from the tea leaves into the water. The cast iron is sturdy and protects the teapot from damage and the fully enameled interior helps to preserve the purity of the tea for superior taste. You can boil water to use with tea bags or insert the stainless-steel infuser for loose leaf tea.
The handle has a comfortable grip and folds down to make filling the kettle easy. Place the tea kettle on the small element of the stovetop for slow heating. Weighing 3.34 lbs. with a 30-ounce capacity, it comes in 12 different colors to complement most kitchens. Easy to clean, just rinse the kettle with water; dishwashing detergent is not recommended.
Pros:
- Made from sturdy cast iron
- Ergonomic handle
- Available in 12 colors
Cons:
- Small capacity
- Should not be cleaned with dishwashing detergent, brushes or cleaning tools
2. Runner Up: Mr. Coffee Carterton Stainless Steel Whistling Tea Kettle
You’ve just moved into your first apartment, are on a budget and are looking for a stovetop kettle that will whistle when the water boils. The last thing you want is a do-over of the last time you forgot you had put the kettle on to boil.
This shiny stainless steel stovetop tea kettle from Mr. Coffee offers up a simple and classic design that will go with any kitchen layout, stand the test of time, and whistle shrilly when the water comes to a boil. Although there is nothing fancy about this kettle, it has everything you need: a black bakelite handle that stays cool to the touch, a lid with a bakelite knob, and a flip-up spout cover for safe and easy pouring.
Measuring 7.75 inches x 7.5 inches x 6.5 inches and weighing only 1.5 pounds, this lightweight, affordable 1.5-quart kettle is great to boil water for cocoa, tea, coffee or instant soup and makes a perfect gift for a first apartment or college dorm – or for yourself.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Whistles when water is boiling
- Made of stainless steel
Cons:
- Hand wash recommended
3. Best Value: Pykal Whistling Tea Kettle for ALL Stovetops
Not all kettles are suitable for all stovetops. If you intend on one day upgrading your stove, if you live in a rental or if you’re buying a gift for a friend, it makes sense to choose a stovetop kettle that is suitable for gas, electric and induction stoves.
This whistling kettle from Pykal comes with many cool features like the latest thermal protection technology so the handle cools down in a few seconds after turning off the stove. And thanks to the ergonomic push-button pouring mechanism, you don’t need to touch any hot metal parts.
Made with a five-ply encapsulated base – an iron layer between two aluminum layers wrapped inside surgical stainless steel – this kettle is built for quick heating, perfect for those busy days when you don’t have time for a slow boil. The kettle is also safe to use on induction, gas, electric, ceramic and halogen stovetops and the loud whistle guarantees that you can hear it from another room when the water is boiled.
The kettle measures 8.7 inches x 8.7 inches x 9 inches, weighs three pounds and comes with two premium tea infusers for when you make tea, and are removable for when you just need boiled water.
Pros:
- Whistles loudly when water is boiled
- Safe for all stovetops
- Comes with a one-year warranty
Cons:
- More expensive than other models
4. Best High-End: Fellow Stagg Stovetop Pour-Over Coffee and Tea Kettle
This Stagg stovetop kettle from Fellow is one of the priciest options on this list, but if you have a little bit of extra cash in your pocket, we think it’s worth the spend.
With this kettle, it’s all about the design, which artfully blends aesthetics with functionality. It begins with the beautiful modern gooseneck design and matte white finish and continues with an optimal pour-over flow rate due to the fluted tipped, precision spout and counter-balanced handle. Heating water for pour-over coffee or tea with this kettle becomes an art unto itself.
That being said, the bottom line when is being able to boil the water to the optimal temperature, since various tea, coffee and even cocoa require different water temperatures. The built-in brew range thermometer is the key to getting it right, every time. Made from 301 18/8 stainless steel, the tea kettle is compatible with gas and electric stovetops, has a capacity of one liter, and would make a thoughtful gift for the home cook lover in your life.
Pros:
- Beautiful gooseneck design
- Built-in water temperature gauge
- Precision spout
Cons:
- Pricey
- Not induction compatible
5. Best Whimsical Design: HOME-X Dog Kettle, 2 Quart
Be prepared for cuteness overload with this stovetop kettle that looks like a dog. Yes, you read it right, a kettle designed to look like a cute puppy. Perfect as a gift for anyone who collects kettles, or for animal lovers (there is also one that looks like a cat).
The lid on this fun kettle is made to look like a dog’s head, with a cute little face and ears, and the handle, which is made of durable plastic, looks like his tail. The kettle is light brown with big black spots painted on the body, and will add a pop of color to your kitchen and put a smile on your face every time you pour yourself a cup of tea, coffee or instant soup.
Aside from the cuteness factor, the kettle will serve you well for many years. Although it doesn’t bark when the water boils, it will emit a shrill whistle, so you’ll never forget the kettle on a hot stovetop. And since the kettle is made from enamel on steel, it can withstand high heat and can be used on gas, electric, radiant, halogen, and ceramic heat sources.
Pros:
- Whimsical, fun design
- Whistles when water boils
- Made from ceramic coated steel
Cons:
- Design may not appeal to everyone
- More expensive than other models
6. Best Glass: CAFÉ BREW COLLECTION Borosilicate Glass Stove Top Whistling Tea Kettle
For many people, glass is a beautiful vessel to contain many things, from colored rocks and stones to liquid beverages and yes, even aa a kettle for boiling water.
As a natural substance, glass is also free of toxins, which is another reason people prefer it. That being said, glass that is too thin is fragile, especially when heated, so it’s important to purchase a high-quality, heat-resistant glass stovetop kettle to avoid dangerous accidents, like the glass cracking or exploding.
This 12-cup kettle is constructed from the highest quality, heat-resistant Schott DURAN borosilicate glass from Germany for safe, long-lasting use. All the components are lead-free and BPA-free and can be put in the top rack of the dishwasher for cleaning. And while you can see the water bubbling when it’s ready, if you happen to leave the kitchen, the whistling kettle will let you know when it’s done.
This glass kettle is suitable for electric, glass and gas stovetops
Pros:
- Made from borosilicate glass
- 48-ounce capacity
- Whistles when boiled
Cons:
- Needs special care depending on the stovetop
7. Best Large Capacity: SubClap Stainless Steel Whistling Tea Kettle
When it’s time to host a big dinner party and you have a lot of tea to serve, it pays to bring out the big guns – a large capacity stovetop kettle that can handle the demand in one go-round.
For a buffet meal, many people use a large serve-yourself pot to electrically boil water and keep it hot, but for a nice sit-down dinner, you’ll want to be pouring individual cups of tea to serve your guests at the table. What better way to do that, than with this shiny stainless steel stovetop kettle from SubClap!
The large capacity tea kettle has a brilliant mirror finish and can boil up to 4 litres of water, so it’s also a great choice for making lots of hot cocoa or instant soup. The kettle is compatible with gas, electric, ceramic and induction stovetops. It’s important to note that the kettle is heavy to lift when full, so it may not be a good choice for anyone who has weak arms or issues with their hands. The manufacturer also cautions users that the handle may be a little hot after boiling, so you may want to remove it from the stove with a wet cloth or an oven mitt.
Pros:
- Large capacity
- Beautiful polish mirror finish
- Whistles when water is boiled
Cons:
- Heavy
- Handle can get hot
8. Worth Mentioning: Le Creuset Enamel on Steel Whistling Tea Kettle
The last item on our list is for anyone who loves the quality and color section of the Le Creuset brand. Known for its quality craftsmanship, this is a good choice whether it’s your first piece of Le Creuset or the 10th in your kitchen cookware collection.
Available in eight bright and delicious colors, this stovetop kettle will add a touch of panache to any kitchen. The kettle is made of enamel-coated steel for even, quick heating and long-lasting use. It has a decent 1.7-quart capacity and whistles when the water is boiled. The heat-resistant, ergonomic handle ensures a secure grip when pouring and the removable round lid has a stay-cool phenolic knob, so you don’t have to worry about burning your fingers.
The kettle is safe to use on all heat sources, including induction and should only be hand washed. Like most products from this brand, it is expensive, but it makes a beautiful and useful housewarming or wedding gift for the avid cook who appreciates long-lasting cookware.
Pros:
- Choice of bright colors
- Made from enamel-coated steel
- Suitable for induction stovetops
Cons:
- Expensive
Things to consider when choosing a stovetop kettle
Consider these things when looking for a stovetop kettle so you will choose one that best suits your needs:
There are so many different kinds of stovetop kettles on the market, you are certain to find one that suits your taste. However, when it comes to the design, aside from the initial aesthetic appeal, it’s important to consider some other factors before making a purchase.
Size
Stovetop kettles come in a variety of sizes and shapes, from tall and narrow to short and round, all of which affect the total water capacity of the kettle. Choose a size that reflects how much – or how little – water you will need to boil at a time.
The spout
The spout helps direct the flow of water as it’s poured out of the kettle. If you are using boiled water to make pour-over coffee or tea, you might want to choose a gooseneck spout, as this directs the hot water in a more controlled manner, with little to no splashing.
The lid
The last thing you want is for the lid to fall off as you are pouring boiling water. Choose a lid that has a heat-resistant knob so you can hold the lid down when pouring, or one that stays on securely on its own.
The handle
This is something that many people do not think about — if the handle folds down or not. A fold-down handle makes it much easier to remove the lid of the kettle to fill it, and it also makes it easier to access the inside for cleaning. Look at the kettle you are thinking of buying and imagine lifting the lid. If the handle gets in the way, then you may have an issue.
Whistling or not whistling
This is a great feature to have if you are the busy or forgetful type who puts the water on the stovetop to boil and then leaves the room to do something else. Having a kettle that emits a loud shrill whistling noise when the water boils greatly reduces the chances of you forgetting the kettle on a hot stovetop and the water boiling out and possibly causing a fire.
Price
It’s never a good idea to purchase something that costs more than you can afford. Luckily, stovetop kettles come in a full range of prices that make them available to everyone.
Photo credit: Andrei Kuzmik/Shutterstock