Buyer's Guide: Best Tea Kettles for Your Home
The capacity
The Tea Kettles have a variable capacity that allows you to adapt it depending on the amount of tea you plan to prepare or serve. Larger Tea Kettles models can accommodate quantities of up to 3 liters of prepared tea, while smaller models typically start with capacities of 0.5 liters.
For your reference, about a liter of capacity you get approximately four cups of tea already prepared, so choose a Tea Kettle that suits the expected amount you are going to serve or brew. As always, it is preferable to opt for a model with a capacity somewhat greater than necessary, to choose a product that has less capacity and then falls short.
The functionality
When making a comparison of Tea Kettles, there are two different models depending on the functionality of the chosen Tea Kettle. There are models that simply serve as containers of prepared tea, which cannot be used to prepare tea since they cannot be put on fire. Other mixed models do allow you to use both the kettle to serve the drink and to prepare it over the fire.
Depending on what you have at home you can opt for one model or another, although if it is your first purchase, a full Tea Kettle that allows you to prepare and serve tea will always save you space and money. Additionally, it is convenient to look for models that include an internal filter that guarantees that the herbs used by the tea always remain separate from the product served. This filter is located in the spout, being able to remove the herbs used once the Tea Kettle is empty.
The materials
Although we leave this element for last, it is one of the most important when choosing. However, the material has a lot to do with the functionality of the product and also with how much a Tea Kettle or other costs.
In mixed-use models, prepare and serve, metal materials such as cast iron or steel are often used, which allow the tea to be heated over the fire and can be served later, keeping the product warm for longer. As for the models of serving at the table, the materials used are usually glass or ceramics.
You must be careful since these models cannot be put on fire. It is also essential that you evaluate the material from which the Tea Kettle handle is manufactured, which should always be kept cold for your safety and be easy to hold and handle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What's the difference between a teapot and a tea kettle?
A teapot is used to steep tea, while a tea kettle is used to heat water for tea. You need both to make tea. The tea kettle is where you heat water to the desired temperature, either on the stove or with an electric kettle. Then, you pour the hot water from the tea kettle into a teapot for steeping.
2. Can I use tap water in my tea kettle?
Yes, you can use tap water in your tea kettle. However, keep in mind that trace amounts of minerals in tap water may slightly affect the taste of your tea compared to filtered water. It is recommended to use slightly more water than needed to fill your pot or cup.
Metal, specifically stainless steel, is a better option for a tea kettle. Stainless steel is an excellent conductor of heat, resulting in faster boiling times compared to glass. This not only saves time but also reduces energy consumption, making stainless steel kettles more environmentally friendly and cost-effective.
4. Why does tea taste better from a teapot?
Tea often tastes better when brewed in a teapot due to the order of adding milk. When milk is poured into the cup before the tea, the fat in the milk emulsifies in a way that creates a creamier flavor profile, enhancing the overall taste of the tea.
5. Do people still use tea kettles?
While electric kettles are not as commonly used in the United States, they are still utilized by many people. In contrast, electric kettles are more standard in Britain for boiling water. Electric kettles can be made of plastic or steel and have a heating element on the bottom.
6. Is it cheaper to boil a full kettle or just what you need?
Boiling a full kettle tends to be more expensive. Most kettles can boil around 1.7 liters of water in about four minutes. Boiling a full kettle may consume more energy and result in higher costs compared to boiling only the amount of water you need.
7. How many times should you boil a new kettle before using it?
To prepare a new kettle for use, boil the water three times. You can also add vinegar or lemon juice during one of the boils. This process helps remove any residue or impurities from the kettle before using it.
8. Why are Japanese tea pots so expensive?
Japanese tea pots, particularly handmade iron kettles, can be quite expensive, often costing over $300. The high cost is due to the traditional manufacturing process, where artisans pour molten iron into molds and hammer them out once they cool. This meticulous and labor-intensive craftsmanship contributes to the premium price of Japanese tea pots.
Editor's Notes
During our tea kettle research, we found 25 tea kettle products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 421,018 customer reviews through our big data system to write the tea kettles list. We found that most customers choose tea kettles with an average price of $27.08.
The tea kettles are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of tea kettles, including Primula, Mr. Coffee, SUSTEAS, Fire Beauty, Sur La Table. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.
Rebecca Cantu grew up in a family-owned retail store for home and kitchen products. She worked online and gave assistance to people to buy ideal products for their sweet home after graduating from Northwestern University with a marketing degree. She has been writing content for online shopping guides since 2011 with her professional knowledge and natural sensitivity of appliances.
