9 Best Tea Kettles in 2022 (Tea Sommelier-Reviewed)

Stovetop kettles sit on a burner on your gas or electric stove. Some models work with other types of stoves too, like induction, but be sure to check the details to make sure it'll work with your stove. They come in a wide variety of materials and shapes, so it's easy to find a design, capacity, and price point you like. 

These are great for bringing water to high temperatures, as they can heat water above the boiling point. It's also easier to keep them heated at a specific temperature, which is useful if you need hot drinks all day. They're easier to clean as they don't have a heating element inside or require frequent descaling.

However, there are some disadvantages to this style. It usually takes around 10 minutes to reach a boil, which is a little longer than electric kettles. You will also have less control over the specific temperature of the water, too. Stovetop kettles can be dangerous, so take care to not burn yourself on the burner or exterior surfaces. 

Some people find this bothersome, but other people love the ritual of heating up water on the stove! If you like simple functionality, stovetop kettles are your best bet.

Electric styles only need to be plugged in for them to work, as they have an internal heating mechanism built into the kettle. They are also more energy-efficient, as it takes less power to heat up your water compared to using your stove. Depending on the model, water may heat up in well under 10 minutes.

Many people like how precise they are, and for tea connoisseurs, the ability to set an exact water temperature is vital. Many offer an automatic shutoff function, and the lack of a hot stovetop means you're less likely to burn yourself. They're also quieter, as electric models typically don't use a steam whistle.

You can leave them on all day, which is much more convenient than having to keep using your stove. Unlike stovetop kettles, you can use electric kettles in places without a kitchen, like a dorm room or office desk! All you need is a plug socket.

However, electric kettles may not be able to maintain rolling boil temperatures. You will also need to clean them regularly, as limescale can accumulate on the heating element inside.

Prefer the modern look and durability of metal? Stainless steel is your best bet, as it resists denting and cleans easily. However, steel kettles can take longer to heat up than some other metals and materials. Copper is also a durable choice, but may require maintenance to avoid oxidizing and becoming tarnished, and isn't as suitable for high heat.

Metal can also hold heat well, keeping your water hot longer. Many kettles use a combination of metals to their best advantage. For example, a kettle could have a stainless steel body for strength but use aluminum in the base to help transfer heat. 

Some steels may be coated in enamel to make them more attractive. This can also help to protect the metal from rusting! However, some people dislike metal kettles as they feel like the water is left with a metallic aftertaste. You also have to be wary of rusting or corrosion, as well as how hot the metal can get. It's easy to burn yourself on a metal kettle.

Plastic is often used in combination with metal or glass for electric tea kettles. It's used to make the tea kettle safer, since metal or glass can get quite hot but plastic doesn't conduct heat very well. It's also used to make surfaces non-slip, which is important when you're handling scalding water. Plus, plastic can make handles more comfortable to use!

However, consider avoiding kettles that have a lot of plastic in contact with hot water. Unless it's a durable and food-grade plastic like silicone, the hot water may cause the plastic to soften or melt. Many kettles that have a plastic casing will have metal inside to ensure the water never comes into contact with any plastic.

The size of the spout should be suited to your cups. A small spout allows for precision pouring into delicate teacups, while a wider spout lets water flow more quickly into mugs. However, wider spouts often lead to splashing, which could in turn lead to scalding.

Check reviews to see if the spout drips as well. A well-designed spout should allow water to flow smoothly without gurgling and shouldn't drip after you're finished pouring. Curved spouts that are thin and long are your best bet to avoid splashes and drips.

Decide if you prefer to set it and forget it or if you like having the option of setting water temperature and boiling times. More complex electric kettles can give you a lot of control, but the extra bells and whistles may be unnecessary for people who value simplicity.

Delicate white and green teas turn bitter if the water is too hot, but black tea steeps better at higher temperatures. So if you are brewing different types of tea, then temperature controls may be necessary. 

Some kettles will allow you to choose between several different temperatures. This will ensure that you always have the right temperature no matter what you are drinking. 

Especially when using a stovetop kettle, make sure the handle is ergonomic and heat-protected. If the kettle is made from a conductive material such as metal, make sure that the handle is protected in some way. The handle should also be easy to grab and hold in a way that won’t end in any burned knuckles. 

Full tea kettles can be quite heavy, and you want to be confident you've got a good grip. Hands could slip or cramp due to a poor handle design, which could be disastrous while you're holding hot water! Plus, a comfortable handle that you have a firm grip on allows you to control the speed of your pour.