Does anything quite beat a hot cup of tea for breakfast, late afternoon, anytime, every time?
If you’re a tea lover, like me, you may have your own taste, and perhaps your own special way you like to brew it. And it begins with the right vessel.
The right vessel is the traditional stovetop tea kettle. Can you picture it right now, atop your gas stove, brewing, while also adding some decorative accent to your kitchen? If tea is not your thing, coffee, hot water for chocolate are still brewed in these kettles.
Stovetop tea kettles have been a staple in our homes for many decades, and they continue to grace our gas stoves with advances in design and color.
Aside from aesthetics, there are some things to consider when you’re looking to purchase a tea kettle for your gas stove.
What should you look for in a Tea Kettle for Gas Stove?
The best stovetop tea kettles are easy to fill in and pour out, quickly bring water to a boil, and can be washed without much effort. They are also made from safe materials and are durable in their construction.
You want one that will not leak as you’re pouring, one that holds enough water for your purposes, and one that has a decent sounding whistle. Of course, for some an electric kettle might make the most sense, but if you want a reminder that you’ve got something brewing….
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Material- Ceramic, Glass or Stainless Steel
These days, most kettles are made of ceramic, glass, plastic, stainless steel, or a combination of these.
Glass kettles are attractive but are not highly rated by users due to their fragility, especially with constant handling.
But as they are made for use, they should be heated gradually, and care should be taken to avoid heating a glass kettle directly over an open flame, unless you have a metal diffuser, or the kettle has been treated for such use.
Plastic kettles are also not preferred because of the fear of chemicals leaching from heated plastics onto liquids and foods.
What you should know Stainless Steel vs Nonstick Cookware. Click to see.
Tea kettles, however, are not made from these types of plastics, but we tread carefully on their use. Enamel- on steel kettles are perhaps the best as rust and discoloration are a less common occurrence.
Cast iron kettles have an appealing vintage look, are highly durable, and excel in heat retention. They, however, can be too heavy for regular use, and prone to rust.
Copper kettles are durable, stand out for their ability to conduct heat very well, and heat up water quickly. They do tarnish very fast, and regular cleaning and polishing is part of their maintenance.
Aluminum kettles are energy-efficient and very lightweight, they are ideal for traveling and camping. Though not common for most households, they hold up well against scratches and stains. Ceramic kettles tend to have thicker walls and can maintain water temperatures for an extended period of time.
They are resistant to rust and do not form scale deposits.
Stainless steel tea kettles are highly rated and popular for their durability, aesthetic appeal, and clean look, and their ease in maintaining them.
Although we know steel is susceptible to rusting, this is easily combated by regularly washing your kettle and drying it completely.
If you do notice rust, a simple solution of a 1:1 ratio of vinegar and water boiled in the kettle clears this completely.
Features
Depending on your preference, or if you stand to be guided, varying features have different experiences in using the stovetop kettle.
Spout
Tea kettles with large lids are easier and faster to clean and dry. Gooseneck spouts provide a more controlled flow of water, making it easy for you to refill it with water, and pour it out into your teacup.
There’ll be no hot spills on your hand. A tea kettle with a gooseneck spout is best for manual brewing of tea and coffee.
Handle
You will be pouring out hot tea or water from your tea kettle, so the handle should be heatproof to prevent burn accidents.
Base
The best tea kettle for a gas stove should have a thick base that withstands the intense heat from the direct flame of the gas stove.
Temperature Selection
A high-end tea kettle has adjustable temperature selections that act as a guide on the best settings for various teas. Some tea leaves require specific water temperatures to release their flavors.
For instance, chamomile tea brews best at 190 degrees Fahrenheit, while green tea is best brewed at 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
Whistler
When the steam builds up on your tea kettle, the familiar whistling sound is produced.
If you’re a fan of this not-so-subtle reminder that your water has boiled, you can choose a tea kettle with this feature.
Style & Size
There’s no limit to your choice of size and design of your stovetop tea kettle. You can opt for one that complements your kitchen space and other appliances, or tantalize your free spirit with amazing shapes, and a size that is suited to the number of tea drinkers in your home.
Before we begin shopping for the best stovetop tea kettle, we’ll review how best to clean and maintain your kettle.
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Tea Kettle Cleaning Instructions
Tea kettles are mostly used for boiling water, and because tap water is hard, limescale deposits will form on the bottom and sometimes sides of the kettle.
With time too, owing to long and constant use, your kettle may begin to look worn out and stained. This is a normal effect of time and use.
Thankfully, it is a simple task to get your kettle looking new with a few ingredients that are readily available in your home. These will not only clean your kettle, but it will be more efficient and last longer.
Step 1- Inside the Tea Kettle
Clean With Lime Juice
Add 1 cup of freshly squeezed lime juice to the kettle, and then fill it up with water. Leave the mixture in the kettle overnight and most of the deposit will have loosened.
Alternatively, you can boil this lime water in the kettle, let it sit for 10 minutes, dispose and rinse off the inside.
Clean With Vinegar
White vinegar is very effective in cleaning out mineral deposits and tea stains. Fill your tea kettle with an equal ration of vinegar and water, and boil. Let it stand for about an hour, dispose and rinse off the inside.
If there are some mineral deposits still stuck to the kettle, boil again, let it sit, dispose and rinse off the inside. Your kettle will be bright and shiny as new.
Step 2- Surface and Lid of the Tea Kettle
Stove-top kettles will get streaked with grease and food from being near the stovetop where the kettle sits. With baking soda and vinegar, which are most likely staple supplies in your home, you have the perfect clean up solution.
To remove these stains, use baking soda with a wet scrubbing pad or sponge. After cleaning, rinse it off with warm water, and finish by wiping off the tea kettle with a paper towel dampened with plain, white vinegar.
You’ll be forgiven for thinking your tea kettle is new.
Step 3- Regular Maintenance
You’ll want the life of your tea kettle to be long, perhaps hand it down as an antique appliance in the years to come. To lengthen its life and keep it looking new, it’s important to maintain it regularly.
Clean and wipe the exterior of your tea kettle with a vinegar- dampened paper towel, and for the interior, boil an equal ratio of water and vinegar to slow down the building up of limescale deposits.
Do avoid using abrasives, harsh chemicals, and even soap to clean your tea kettle, the natural lime and vinegar solutions work best and are natural. Remember not to brew tea bags or herbs in your tea kettle or the interior will discolor with time.
Finally, as with all other appliances, do not leave water standing in your kettle if you do not plan to boil and use it. Once you are done with your boiled water, pour out the remaining water, rinse or clean, and wipe it dry.
Water left standing in your tea kettle will accelerate the forming of limescale deposits.
You are spoilt for choice of stovetop tea kettles as there are hundreds of them in the market. Shopping for one, however, can be a daunting task. If you feel making a choice is quite a challenge, we will help you by reviewing the top 6 best stovetop tea kettles.
The 7 Currently Popular Tea Kettles for Gas Stove On the Market
1.Premium Whistling Tea Kettle by Vescoware – A Beautiful Big Kettle
This tea kettle is definitely designed to impress! A classic vintage look and design with a modern polished finish, it has a retro look that is very appealing and will look great on your stove.
The Premium Whistling Tea Kettle is made from food-grade stainless steel that is strong, durable, and resistant to rust, scratches, and dents.
With a multi ply capsuled base made from stainless steel, aluminum, and iron, it distributes heat evenly, boils water quickly, and retains heat better, ensuring you don’t need to reheat your water often. The base is built to work on a naked flame, electric plate, and induction range.
The reasonably sized stout ensures no accidental spillages, while the impressive ergonomic silicone handle and top provide a safe grip that is non-slip and heat resistant.
For the whistle lovers, it also features a loud and pleasant whistle to act as your timer.
This tea kettle weighs 1.9 lbs, which is a comfortable weight even when filled and has a capacity of 10 cups of water, a comfortable quantity for a family’s breakfast tea. When heating water, do not fill it up to its full capacity, as it has a tendency to spout water when boiling.
The large removable lid makes it simple fill, as well as clean and dry the tea kettle. This eye-catching whistler is retailing at very fair prices.
Pros
- High-quality build and materials
- Great heat conduction
- Ergonomic
Cons
- Relatively high price
- Some buyers experienced spills when boiling if filled to capacity. There is no maximum fill guide.
2. Willow & Everett Tea Kettle - Surgical Whistling Stove Top Kettle Teapot
This nifty stove top kettle featuring an eye-catching metal mirror finish and a stainless steel tea strainer/ infuser is a perfect addition to your stove.
With a sturdy comfortable weight, the Willow & Everett Surgical Whistling Stove Top Kettle is made with premium surgical grade stainless steel, aluminum and iron, a combination that renders it a high quality, durable and rust-resistant kettle.
Designed to be both beautiful and functional, the handle and the spout lever are coated with silicone that is slip-resistant and comfortable as it provides you with much-needed protection from heat.
The handle’s ergonomics ensure your optimum comfort and firm grip, while the lever is spring-loaded to open and close the spout with minimum fuss.
The kettle whistles sleekly and gently when boiling to notify you when its task is complete and is easy to clean as it has a broad removable lid.
This 3-liter stovetop induction kettle is made with 5 layers of premium grade stainless steel, iron, and aluminum forming a thick capsule bottom that heats up quickly and evenly.
This means less waiting and a more efficient tea or coffee brewing experience for you.
Pros:
- Stylish mirror finish
- Ergonomic handle
- Comes with a tea strainer
Cons:
- Relatively high price
- Whistle has to be held open to pour out water
- Whistling is not very loud
- Spills when boiling if filled to capacity. There is no maximum fill guide.
3. Bellemain Extra Sturdy Surgical Stainless Steel Whistling Tea Kettle
A breathtakingly beautiful tea kettle, the Bellemain Extra Sturdy Surgical Stainless Steel Whistling kettle is designed for elegance and function.
The tea kettle has an attractive mirror finish and is made out of surgical grade stainless steel alloy which makes it incredibly tough, withstanding corrosion, cracking, denting discoloration, and abrasion.
The aluminum/ iron alloy-tiered ultra-wide 9- inch wide base accelerates even heat distribution, shortening the boiling time of this 2.75 quart-sized kettle.
This layered base makes it a sturdy 3.55 lbs and is suitable for use on all types of heat including gas stoves, electric plate, ceramic, and halogen.
The cool- to- the- touch riveted handle and lid knob feature heat-resistant grips that protect from singeing. The curves of the handle also provide for a firm grip while pouring, keeping your hands and fingers safe and clear from heat and steam.
Easy to wipe down the mirror-finished exterior, this loud whistler of a kettle is said to be dishwasher safe.
Pros
- Superior quality, surgical-grade alloyed stainless steel makes it tough and hardy
- Large and broad caliber helps in effortless cleaning
- Heat resistant handle and lid cover knob
Cons
- The loud whistling sound may be unnerving
4. Foodie Aid Whistling Stove Top Kettle
A very stylish design with a mirrored finish, Foodie Aid Whistling Stove Top Kettle is aesthetically appealing and durable, ensuring long-term use.
This tea kettle is made of the highest quality stainless steel and has a sturdy weight of 3.7 lbs. The base is encapsulated with five layers, ideal for fast and even heating up of nearly 3 liters of water in minutes.
The loud but comfortable whistle alerts you when ready.
The layered base allows you to use the kettle on your induction, electric, or gas stovetops in no time. You are well protected from heat and burns with the silicone handle and spout lever of this kettle.
The non-slip silicone handle also provides for a firm grip.
Easy to clean and dry owing to its stainless steel body and large removable lid, this stylish and sturdy teakettle is a great choice.
Pros
- Made out of hardwearing food-grade stainless steel
- Silicone grip on handle and covering lid protect against scalds and provide a firm grip
- Five-layered bottom promotes even heat distribution within minutes
Cons
- The kettle could be a tad too heavy for some tea enthusiasts
- The whistle is loud enough which could be a distraction for some
5. Red Whistling Tea Kettle Pot
Le Creuset Enamel-on-steel Red Whistling premium stainless steel tea kettle is sleek, with a unique modern diamond shaped design that has a satin finish to it.
A complement to every modern kitchen, this tea kettle, designed to offer phenomenal durability, is made from premium lightweight aviation grade stainless steel, which makes it rustproof.
It can be used on all stovetops, as it has a layered capsule bottom that ensures even heat distributions and faster water boiling.
The handle on this tea kettle is heat resistant and offers a non-slip grip. And, right about at your thumb, there is a quick release tab for the spout to further protect your hand from heat.
This kettle is a perfect addition to your household. Lightweight at only 313g, it is handy, easy to use and simple to clean.
This uniquely beautiful tea kettle is currently unavailable.
Pros
- Excellent design with a modern finish
- Can be used on different stoves or heat sources
- A moderately loud whistling function that alerts a user when ready
Cons
- The spout does drip at most angles when pouring
6. Vanika Stainless Steel Tea Kettle
This classic looking tea kettle with a stainless steel mirror finish is irresistible.
The Vanika stainless steel kettle is made from premium food-grade stainless steel, both in its interior and exterior. This makes it ideal for use on gas, ceramic, and electric stoves.
It is NOT compatible with induction stoves. It also boasts a high resistance to dents, heat, scratches, and other external damage that arise from regular use.
This tea kettle has a special “Safety-Silicone” handle that protects your fingers and hands from heat build-up and burns. The lid too is safe to use as it can be placed easily with a push of a button.
The classic whistle notifies you when the boiling process comes to an end.
It is a well-balanced tea kettle- weighing 2.7 lbs, a lightweight that is easy to use, carry, and move around even when filled with water.
Pros
- Premium grade stainless steel mirror finish that is tough and resistant to dents and scratches.
- A uniquely strong whistle that gets your attention
- Heat-resistant handle
Cons
- Vibrates when in use.
- The lid gets very hot with time, so immediate refill is difficult
7. Le Creuset 1.2 Quart Stainless Steel Demi Tea Kettle
A pretty and practical tea kettle, the Stainless Steel Demi adds a touch of contemporary style to your stovetop with its lustrous finish and a charming silhouette.
The tea kettle features a commercial-grade triple-layer construction of a full aluminum core sandwiched between two layers of premium-quality stainless steel.
This heat-responsive aluminum core extends up the sides of the kettle to provide even heat distribution and eliminate scorching and hot spots. The stainless steel Demi is compatible with gas, electric, and induction stovetop heat sources.
The magnetized polished stainless steel exterior is easy to wipe down and ensures compatibility with gas, electric, and induction cooktops. This tea kettle also has a stainless steel rim that is rust and chip-resistant, like the rest of the kettle.
The stainless steel Demi features a heat-resistant phenolic knob, and steady ‘stay cool’ pouring handle that locks in an upright position, with a comfortable firm grip to ensure steady lifting, pouring and cleaning. The spout easily flips open when you are pouring water, and the whistling is pleasantly soft.
Weighing 3lbs, it is a sturdy tea kettle that provides you with 1.25 qt. of rapidly boiling water, ideal for your stovetop and tea for two.
Pros
- Heat resistant locked handle
- Sturdy and compact
Cons
- Though advertised as having a lifetime warranty, the manufacturer’s warranty is actually five years.
- Boiling water must be poured very slowly from this teas kettle, otherwise, it sputters
- Now water level markings to guide on maximum levels
Hopefully, the task of identifying your next best tea kettle is now simplified, having reviewed the currently popular options in detail.
When you make the new addition to your stove, happy tea time.