To find the best tea kettles, we researched a variety of stovetop and electric options and factored in considerations like material, capacity, and features. We also spoke to Rishi Deb, a Twinings Master Blender. Whether you choose a stovetop or electric kettle comes down to personal preference, he said, “as the whole process of making a cup of tea is a personal experience to be enjoyed.” Our top pick is the OXO Brew Classic Tea Kettle, which is mid-range in price, has a simple stovetop design, and has all the features you need for daily use. With a 1.7-quart capacity, it will make enough water so you’re not constantly refilling the kettle, and the foldable handle makes it easy to store when not in use. Keep reading to find the best tea kettles, what to consider when shopping for one, and how to clean and prevent limescale so it lasts for the long run. Who it isn’t for: People looking for a kettle that’s very easy to open. Sometimes simplicity is best. The OXO Brew Classic Tea Kettle has a brushed stainless steel design that looks sleek and sophisticated, as well as silicone touchpoints on the handle and spout to keep your fingers safe from hot surfaces. It has a large opening so you can fill it without adjusting it at odd angles, although the lid can be a bit tricky to open. One of the best parts of this kettle is the handle, which flips down and out of the way when you need to fill or stow away the kettle. It’s also very easy to hold, which is good news since the 1.7-quart capacity means that it can get heavy if filled all the way. It heats quickly compared to other stovetop kettles, and the loud whistle will let you know when your water is ready. Price at time of publish: $50 Product Details:
Material: Stainless steelCapacity: 1.7 quartsWeight: 2.65 pounds
Who it isn’t for: People looking for a more stylish tea kettle with extra features. With a generous 2-quart capacity, the Cuisinart Aura Tea Kettle ensures you have enough hot water for a second cup of your hot beverage—and then some. The handle has a rubber coating so you won’t have to worry about burning your fingers, and a lever on the handle lets you conveniently open and close the spout. The kettle whistles when it’s ready and is available in silver, copper, and bright red colorways. Available at a super affordable price, this kettle is a great deal, and is durable enough to last for many years. Price at time of publish: $25 Product Details:
Material: Stainless steelCapacity: 2 quartsWeight: 1.9 pounds
Who it isn’t for: People looking for a budget tea kettle. You may have spotted Caraway’s cookware in your Instagram feed, but you might not have known that the DTC brand also has a tea kettle made with the same colorful, ceramic-coated stainless steel as the rest of their collection. The Whistling Tea Kettle has a modern design, is compatible with all stove types, and is finished with a PTFE-free ceramic coating for a unique (and colorful) look. It also comes with a pot holder you can use to grab the handle or place it on the table for all to admire. Price at time of publish: $245 Product Details:
Material: Stainless steel body with ceramic coatingCapacity: 2 quartsWeight: 3.1 pounds
Who it isn’t for: People who need a tea kettle for induction stovetops. This modern take on a stovetop tea kettle has a 1.8-quart capacity and stainless steel body, as well as other modern touches you didn’t know you needed. It has a sleek, matte black finish and a silicone-wrapped handle that stays cool even when the kettle is hot. It has no spout cover, but the wide-mouthed spout will stay sealed until you tilt and pour. It also has a two-tone harmonic whistle that is more pleasant to listen to than most whistling tea kettles. Just note that it’s not compatible with induction stovetops. Price at time of publish: $105 Product Details:
Material: Stainless steel body with silicone handleCapacity: 1.8 quartsWeight: 1.43 pounds
Who it isn’t for: People looking for a kettle with a heat-resistant handle. Chantal has been making tea kettles for 40 years, with little change to their classic design. This copper kettle has a flat, wide base for quick heating and an attractive wire loop handle. It also has a harmonica whistle to let you know when your water is ready, and a hinged flip for pouring. This tea kettle stands out for its shiny copper finish, which will develop a patina over time. (But you can always polish it to restore it to its original color with a salt and vinegar solution.) Even though the handle is stainless steel, the kettle comes with a stay-cool handle sleeve for safe handling. Price at time of publish: $160 Product Details:
Material: Copper exterior with stainless steel interiorCapacity: 1.8 quartsWeight: 3 pounds
Who it isn’t for: People who don’t want to be too careful when using their kettle. Glass kettles are not only an attractive addition to your stovetop, but they’re functional, too. You can see exactly how much water is in the pot and when your water is boiling, and you won’t get any after taste as you might with other materials (or with an old kettle). This glass kettle will hold up to 12 cups of water, and it’s a cinch to clean—you can easily wipe it down or just put it on the top rack of the dishwasher. In terms of safety, you’ll have to take extra care when handling this kettle. The plastic handle will get hot to the touch and potentially melt if the flame is too high, so be sure to use oven mitts when handling and place it on a smaller burner to boil. Price at time of publish: $19 Product Details:
Material: Borosilicate glassCapacity: 1.4 litersWeight: 1.37 pounds
Who it isn’t for: People looking for a lightweight kettle. Cast iron enthusiasts know the benefits of the material: It’s durable, heats evenly, and retains heat. The same goes for this Japanese-inspired kettle, which has a cast iron exterior and enamel interior, as well as a hemp-wrapped handle that’s safe to hold after boiling water. It even comes with a stainless steel infuser so you can brew your tea directly in the pot and enjoy it warm long after. As with all cast iron tools, you have to be careful about cleaning and drying to prevent damage. Price at time of publish: $35 Product Details:
Material: Cast iron with enamel interiorCapacity: 0.9 litersWeight: 3.64 lbs
Who it isn’t for: People looking for a quiet tea kettle. If you’re already a fan of Le Creuset, the brand’s Classic Tea Kettle will be a great addition to your collection. Tise steel kettle is made with lightweight carbon steel and glazed with rich colors like cerise, flame, and Caribbean, making it something you won’t mind leaving on the stove to show off. There are markings inside the kettle to let you know the minimum and maximum water levels, so it’s super easy to use, and it’s compatible with all cooktops. When your water has reached a boil, the kettle will emit a single-tone whistle—just beware that it’s quite loud! Price at time of publish: $115 Product Details:
Material: Steel with an enamel coatingCapacity: 1.7 quartsWeight: 3 pounds
Who it isn’t for: People who don’t want a gooseneck kettle. If you’re looking for a small tea kettle, we recommend the Hario V60 Buono Drip Kettle. Available in three small sizes (ranging from 0.7 to 1.26 quarts), this stovetop kettle has a thin gooseneck spout for a more controlled pour. For this reason, pour-over aficionados will also appreciate this kettle because they can focus on the quality versus quantity of their coffee or tea. This small tea kettle has a classic stainless steel body and an ergonomic handle, and select sizes are available in black, too. Price at time of publish: From $45 Product Details:
Material: Stainless steelCapacity: 0.7, 1, and 1.26 quartsWeight: 0.73 pounds
Who it isn’t for: People who want a whistling kettle. For anyone who needs to boil a lot of water, this large-capacity kettle will provide ample hot water for you and your whole family. It comes in two sizes, either 4.2 or 6.2 quarts (aka 17 or 25 cups), and has an extra wide lid to make filling and cleaning easy. It’s made of polished 18/10 stainless steel, so not only is it high quality but it’s nice to look at, too. Take note that the kettle doesn’t have a whistle, so you’ll have to keep an eye or ear on it to know when your water boils. Price at time of publish: From $65 Product Details:
Material: 18/10 stainless steelCapacity: 4.2 quarts or 6.3 quartsWeight: 3.86 lbs
Who it isn’t for: People looking for a cheaper electric kettle. Although classic stovetop tea kettles are great for traditionalists, electric tea kettles boil water faster and often come with extra features to get the most out of your brew. The Cuisinart PerfecTemp Cordless Electric Kettle boils water faster than a stovetop kettle and has a ton of features built in, such as six preset heat settings for different types of teas and coffee (delicate, green, white, oolong, French press, and boil), a 30-minute keep warm option, and auto shut-off in case you forget to turn it off. There’s also a backlit water window that lets you see how much water is in the pot. Price at time of publish: $100 Product Details:
Material: Stainless steelCapacity: 1.7 litersWeight: 1 pound
How to Shop for Tea Kettles Like a Pro
Material
Tea kettles are typically made of stainless steel, but you can also find kettles made of glass, cast iron, and copper. Your material choice is a matter of personal style and preference. Some materials, like glass, are lighter in weight and will be easier to handle and pour. Deb says his favorites are glass and stainless steel, as they are easy to clean and less likely to pick up other flavors from the kettle. Stainless steel is durable and retains heat well, too.
Capacity
Choose a tea kettle with a capacity that aligns with your tea-drinking needs, including how many people will be drinking tea in your household. Most tea kettles are in the 1-2 quart range, which makes 4-8 cups. Kitchen space is important, too—if you have a small kitchen, you may not want to opt for a large-capacity kettle that will reduce your cabinet or countertop space.
Features
Tea kettles get hot, so safe handling—whether it’s appropriately angled/positioned handles or stay-cool materials like silicone—are essential for everyday use. There are different types of spouts in terms of width and length, but you want one that flows evenly and won’t spill or leak. Stovetop kettles don’t have many extra features—they heat up and usually whistle to let you know when the water is boiling. Electric kettles can have temperature control and safety features like auto shut-off and boil-dry protection. Deb says it’s also nice to have a water level indicator and variable temperature settings, especially if you’re a tea connoisseur, as different teas have varying temperatures for optimum brewing and flavor delivery.
Questions You Might Ask
Is a stovetop or an electric kettle better?
Deciding between a stovetop or an electric kettle depends on your personal preferences and what you want in your kitchen. Stovetop kettles are generally more affordable, don’t require a power outlet, and have a classic look. Meanwhile, electric kettles heat water more quickly and have a power stand that will live on your counter. Deb recommends an electric kettle purely based on the degree of control over variables like temperature and safety, but says that doesn’t mean one type is necessarily better than the other.
Do you need to clean a kettle?
Even though kettles are only used for boiling water, it’s important to clean your tea kettle regularly. Depending on the shape, it may be hard to clean the interior surfaces, and you should always double check if certain cleaners are safe for the finishes on your specific kettle. Depending on the water in your area, your kettle may also develop mineral buildup (limescale) over time. Cleaning the inside of your kettle from time to time with baking soda is very effective, says Deb.
How do you prevent limescale in a tea kettle?
You can use white vinegar, a well-known agent to clear limescale build-up on stainless steel and electric kettles. Mix one part white vinegar and three parts fresh water in the kettle. Bring the vinegar and water mixture to a boil, and allow it to stand overnight in the kettle. Then drain the kettle a few times with boiling water to ensure there are no lingering odors.
Take Our Word for It
This article was written by Lesley Chen, a contributing writer for Real Simple with six years of experience writing commerce, home, and lifestyle stories. To compile this list, she thoroughly researched tea kettles and rounded up the best options based on material, capacity, and features. For expert advice, Lesley spoke to Rishi Deb, a master blender at Twinings, which has been making teas for over 300 years.
