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A kettle is a kitchen utensil that is used to prepare tea, coffee or instant brews. Other names for a tea kettle are water kettle, flute kettle or pipe kettle. In Europe, tea kettles have been around since the 17th and 18th centuries. Nowadays, tea kettles are not only used for making tea, but also serve the practical purpose of making several cups for other hot drinks.
With our tea kettle test 2023 we want to make your search for your next tea kettle easier. To help you decide on your next tea kettle, we have taken the time to summarise the most important things for you.
Summary
- Tea kettles are used to heat water on the cooker and thus support perfect preparation of all types of tea, coffee and instant brew.
- Tea kettles basically differ in their material, durability and filling volume. These criteria are of great importance when buying a tea kettle and should not be neglected.
- Proper cleaning ensures good preparation of tea and coffee and supports the longevity of your tea kettle. Before and after use, cleaning should not be neglected.
The Best Tea Kettle: Our Picks
Tea kettles come in many different varieties with a wide range of colours and materials. However, not every material is optimal, but you can see which tea kettles really convinced us in the following paragraphs.
Tea kettles: buying and evaluation criteria
In this article, we have taken a closer look at the above-mentioned item and summarised the most important topics that you should consider when making your purchase.
First of all, you need to be clear about what you want to do with your new tea kettle. Then you should pay attention to the following criteria:
In the following, we have summarised the most important aspects of the above-mentioned criteria in detail.
Material
The most basic materials of a tea kettle are either stainless steel, glass or cast iron. Stainless steel is one of the more durable, as glass kettles break and cast iron kettles can rust. However, kettles can also be made of aluminium, copper or ceramic. The composition of a material can change the taste of the water when it is heated.
There is an “optimal” material, so to speak, for every preparation. In Japan, for example, it is said that tea from an iron kettle tastes better.
Size
Different sizes of tea kettles have different uses. You should make sure that the capacity you need for your purposes is not too small, but also not unnecessarily large.
Aluminium kettles are usually particularly suitable for hiking or camping, as they usually have a capacity of around 0.5 to 2.5 litres. For everyday use at home, a tea kettle made of stainless steel, copper or aluminium with a capacity of about two litres is usually used.
Durability
As with any household appliance, durability is particularly important for a tea kettle. After all, your next purchase should not be a waste of money, but a good investment. The durability of a kettle is often related to the material used.
In addition, care should always be taken that the tea kettle is not delivered to the wrong type of heat source. Kettles can be used on many different heat sources, such as a typical cooker, gas cooker, camping cooker or campfire.
Features
A typical tea kettle should meet the basic requirements of its design. These include a handle with heat protection, some kind of lid and a spout. The thin spout ensures an even, controlled brewing of filter coffee. However, many kettles have several different features. On the one hand, there are some with a whistle attached to the spout, which signals that the water is boiling. On the other hand, there are tea kettles with a water window attached to the side, which is provided with lines for determining the amount of water.
Some tea kettles have an extra tea strainer, an externally mounted temperature indicator or an extra limescale strainer to prevent limescale from flowing out through the spout. In addition, some kettles may be equipped with a double-walled body or a foldable handle.
Tea kettles: Frequently asked questions and answers
In the following paragraphs we have answered the most important questions on the subject of “tea kettles”.
Who is a tea kettle suitable for?
As usual, children should be kept away from heat sources and so the preparation of boiling water with a tea kettle is not suitable.
How does a tea kettle work?
(Image source: laura adai / unsplash)
Fill the tea kettle with water, making sure not to exceed the maximum fill level. Then put it on the cooker and don’t forget to pay attention to the type of cooker to avoid a broken tea kettle or accidents. Many kettles have a whistle in the spout, which sounds a whistle as a reminder when the water boils. After the water boils, it can be poured into cups of tea, coffee or Instand brew.
After heating, the tea or coffee cools down at different rates in each type of tea kettle. Cast iron is one of the best heat retainers among tea kettles and can keep your tea warm for up to an hour.
What types of tea kettles are there?
| Type | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Cast iron tea kettle | Inexpensive, Non-toxic, Long life | Complex cleaning, Not suitable for induction cooker, Not dishwasher safe |
| Stainless steel tea kettle | Long durability, Heat resistant, Easy to clean | No automatic switch-off, Poorer heat conductor, Immediate fingerprints on material |
| Glass tea kettle | Very easy to clean, Taste remains, Elegant design | Fragile, Not suitable for induction cooker, Visible fingerprints |
| Tea kettle made of aluminium | Inexpensive, Low weight, High heat conductivity | Not suitable for induction, Not dishwasher safe, Short heat retention |
| Tea kettle made of copper | Good heat conductor, Beautiful design | Expensive, Copper release into water possible |
| Ceramic tea kettle | Lightweight, Inexpensive | Fragile |
In the end, you should decide for yourself which type of tea kettle suits you and your needs best.
What alternatives are there to a tea kettle?
| Alternative | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Kettle | Faster heating of water
Energy efficient |
Usually needs a cord |
| Boiling pot | Functions like a tea kettle
Exists in every household |
Slow heating of water
Financially not recommended due to high energy consumption |
Most people would probably go for a normal kettle as it is the fastest way to heat water. Heating in a saucepan takes longer, needs more energy and is therefore not the best solution financially. The old-fashioned but at the same time best variant is and remains the tea kettle. It not only looks casual, but has a simple function and makes your tea special.
How do I clean a tea kettle?
First of all, it is recommended to rinse every tea kettle with hot water, preferably before each use. The maximum filling quantity should also be observed to avoid traces of rust. Since most tea kettles are not dishwasher safe, washing them in the dishwasher should be avoided.
(Image source: Lucas George Wendt / unsplash)
After each use, the kettle should also be rinsed with warm water, especially if the tea was prepared directly in the kettle. This is because certain types of tea, such as black tea, can leave brownish traces inside the tea kettle.
Unused water should be completely emptied out. Afterwards, it is important to let the tea kettle dry completely with the lid open to prevent the inside from rusting. Rusty spots can, however, be removed naturally by rubbing with wet green tea leaves. On the outside, the kettle can be wiped with a dry, soft cloth.
If limescale accumulates in your tea kettle, many home remedies can help. Lemon juice, baking soda, baking powder or soda should be mixed with hot water and then left to soak for as long as necessary. After this time, the kettle can be rinsed and wiped clean.
Conclusion
Tea kettle is a great kitchen appliance for all tea and frahling lovers. With many different designs, there is a suitable model for every household. With the help of a tea kettle and its easy handling, boiling water and preparing tea is no problem and therefore suitable for everyone. When buying, you should pay attention to the filling volume, the material and the durability. Many different models and features offer a wide choice.
Tea kettles can not only be used in the kitchen, but can also be a great help on your next camping holiday. Cleaning tea kettles is particularly important for their durability. Thus, rinsing before and after each use should not be missed.
Image source: tashka2000 / 123rf
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