Tea Kettles That Are Easy to Keep Clean
We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Tested & Approved An extensive testing process (and several cups of tea) led our experts to select the OXO Brew Classic Tea Kettle as the best overall option. Its rotating handle is a convenient design feature, in addition to the smooth-pouring spout and durable materials. Consider the Mr. Coffee Claredale Whistling Tea Kettle, with its ergonomic handle and classic whistle, as a lower-priced alternative. The timeless whistle of a kettle has long been synonymous with tea itself. Today's tea kettles do more than whistle, though. Some are electric and can be programmed to reach specific temperatures; others have handy features like gooseneck spouts, trigger-action lids, and more. Even materials vary, from steel to stoneware to glass. Below, we touch on all of these categories and more, rounding up our favorite kettles and breaking down what we like and dislike about each one. To help you make a more informed buying decision, our expert food writers researched and tested the kettles on this list. They spent weeks assessing each one and rating them on their usability, durability, design, capacity, and boiling speed, among other areas. Whether you're heating water for a cup of hot chocolate, coffee, or tea, here are the best kettles to buy. Amazon Our Ratings What We Like Classic design with modern features Rotating handle stays in place Large opening for easy filling and cleaning What We Don't Like Stainless steel lid gets hot Who else recommends it? Bob Vila, BestReviews, and Simply Recipes all picked the OXO Brew Classic Tea Kettle. What do buyers say? 86% of 3,700+ Amazon reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above. If you're looking for a versatile kettle to help you prepare a delicious cup of tea, the Oxo Brew Classic Tea Kettle is our top pick. We tried the kettle ourselves and found that its rotating handle really separates it from the competition. Our tester said the handle is comfortable to hold and pour with, even when the kettle is full. It's also easier to fill the kettle with water and clean afterward compared to other models. On top of that, the large lid opening let our tester fit her hand inside and clean places that could otherwise be hard to reach. There's a silicone grip on the handle, a silicone knob on the lid, and a silicone tab on the spout cap, all to keep you away from the hot metal surface. Unfortunately, our tester said the lid can get hot, so keep an eye out for that. When you flip the cap down, you'll hear a loud whistle when the water is ready, so there's no need to set a timer. This kettle has a unique shape that suits both retro and modern kitchens, and the brushed stainless steel fits any décor. We also found the material to truly be stain resistant and, according to customers who have used the kettle for long periods of time, it's rust resistant too. While there are some more affordable kettles out there, this is an excellent value for money overall. The Spruce Eats Capacity: 1.7 quarts | Dimensions: 9.75 x 8 x 9.75 inches | Weight: 2.6 pounds | Material: Stainless steel What Our Testers Say "If you're looking for a reliable, fast-boiling tea kettle or want a pretty product for your kitchen, you get both with the OXO Brew Classic Tea Kettle." — Kimberly Holland, Product Tester Courtesy of Wayfair What We Like Ergonomic handle with spout trigger Lightweight Smooth pouring Fast boiling What We Don't Like Thin material Steam may rise from lid The Mr. Coffee Claredale Tea Kettle is more than a budget option. It's a total steal. We used the kettle firsthand over the course of a couple weeks and were impressed by its tapered spout, ergonomic handle, and fast heat-up time. The kettle poured smoothly down to the last drop, which is hard to find as some kettles are prone to spilling near the end. Its Bakelite handle is grooved to make holding and pouring more comfortable; our tester also praised the button on the handle that makes opening the spout quick and easy. As for its boiling speed, our tester compared it to three other kettles and found the Claredale fastest of all. Four cups of water came to a boil in almost exactly four minutes. The Claredale holds up to 2.2 quarts of water, which is an average to slightly large capacity. Even with this considerable size, the kettle is extremely light, only weighing about 1 pound when empty. This made it easy for our tester to pick up, fill with water, and pour when ready. He was also able to fit his hand inside the kettle and clean it with a sponge. The downside is that the stainless steel feels thinner than that of many other kettles. When the water is ready, the Claredale emits a loud and clear whistle so you'll know when it's time for tea, hot chocolate, or more. The Spruce Eats / Derek Rose Capacity: 2.2 quarts | Dimensions: 8 x 9 x 8.5 inches | Weight: 1.2 pounds | Material: Stainless steel Testing Takeaway "Despite its low price, I found the Mr. Coffee Claredale convenient, dependable, and on par with more expensive kettles. It heats quickly and pours smoothly the whole way through." Amazon Our Ratings What We Like Beautiful colors Sturdy handle Works on all stovetops Easy to clean What We Don't Like Lid is somewhat hard to get off Heavier than most kettles Looking for a kettle that's long lasting and top of the line? Le Creuset has you covered. The company known for its cast-iron Dutch ovens also manufactures a line of stunning tea kettles (among other kitchen goods). This stainless steel kettle is covered in porcelain enamel and makes an excellent registry gift, or it can be an upgrade over your current tea kettle. It holds nearly 2 quarts and comes in nine gorgeous colors, including Oyster, Deep Teal, Cerise, and more. Along with being stylish, the kettle is highly functional. Upon testing the item, our reviewer praised its features and performance. One of her favorite aspects is the heat resistant covering on the knob and spout cap. She added that the spout cap, which functions as a whistler, is easy to flip back when it's time to pour. The handle is unique, too. It can be adjusted from a vertical to horizontal position, which makes it easier to clean and may help users store it the kettle in certain cupboards. A downside our tester found is that the lid can be difficult to remove. The kettle is certainly more expensive than average as well, but we think it's a worthwhile splurge, especially because of its durability and the brand's 5-year guarantee to cover manufacturer defects. The Spruce Eats / Rebekah Joan Capacity: 1.8 quarts | Dimensions: 8.25 x 9.75 x 8.25 inches | Weight: 3 pounds | Material: Enamel on steel What Our Testers Say "Considering how sturdy, beautiful, and easy to use this kettle is, we think it's a worthwhile splurge." — Rebekah Joan, Product Tester Our Ratings What We Like Heats quickly Large capacity Extremely sturdy and well-designed Smooth, precise pouring What We Don't Like Thumb latch gets hot Exterior prone to fingerprint smudges All-Clad has long been a go-to name for high-quality cookware. The brand's items are simple in design but built to stick around for years to come. The same is true of All-Clad's Stainless Steel Tea Kettle. It is expensive, especially for a stovetop kettle, but the pros justify the price. Our tester gave it high marks in several areas, including its overall attractiveness and durability, as well as how little time it took to boil water (just seven minutes for a full kettle and four minutes for a half kettle). He also said pouring was exceptionally smooth. The only caveat our tester had was that the handle is fixed in place, which makes it slightly more difficult to clean. Some customers say the handle can get hot to the touch, but our reviewer had no issues there. He did say the spout cap can get hot, however. The kettle has a 2-quart capacity, which is more than enough whether you're making coffee or tea. A kettle like this will never go out of style, and thanks to All-Clad's craftsmanship it will remain a long-term fixture in your home. The Spruce Eats / Derek Rose Capacity: 2 quarts | Dimensions: 10.1 x 8.9 x 8.2 inches | Weight: 4 pounds | Material: Stainless steel Testing Takeaway "Despite its high price tag, the All-Clad Stainless Steel Kettle is absolutely a worthwhile purchase. It brings water to a boil in minutes, the spout is slightly tapered for precision, and it's all backed by a lifetime warranty." Courtesy of KitchenAid Our Ratings What We Like Easy to use Fast boiling Long lasting What We Don't Like Small capacity Can't adjust temperature Electric kettles are often faster and more convenient than stovetop models, and that's precisely the case with this electric kettle from KitchenAid. Simply fill it up with water, hit the on/off switch, and you can start steeping tea in minutes. Our product tester was impressed by the item as soon as he took it out of the box. The stainless steel exterior and aluminum handle both feel sturdy, and the pistachio green color is striking but subtle. The kettle is also available in black, red, and brushed stainless steel. It's a little small at 1.25 liters, but on the plus side it takes up less counter space. We found pouring from the kettle to be outstandingly smooth from start to finish. While it wasn't the fastest to boil in our testing process, it was still faster than average. The automatic shut off is a nice touch too for safety measures. As expected, cleaning the kettle is more intensive than cleaning a stovetop one. It's hand-wash only and requires occasional descaling with a combination of water and vinegar. One of the only hesitations our tester raised about the kettle is that it's quite expensive considering its lack of versatility. Users can't select specific temperatures, which is a common option for other kettles in this price range. The cord can also be a little frustrating, as it needs to be secured into a notch on the base or else the kettle rests unevenly. All in all, though, this is an outstanding and reliable kettle that looks great in the kitchen. The Spruce Eats / Derek Rose Capacity: 1.25 liters | Dimensions: 10.3 x 8.9 x 7 inches | Weight: 2 pounds | Material: Stainless steel Testing Takeaway "This might be my favorite kettle that I tested. I love its design, ease of use, and how smoothly it pours. The main downside is that it's a little simple given its price tag. For example, it doesn't have an adjustable temperature setting like some electric kettles in this price range." Courtesy of Walmart Our Ratings What We Like Heats up quickly Removable filter Push button to open No heating element necessary What We Don't Like Short power cord Lid opens forcefully This electric kettle is around the same price or even cheaper than many stovetop models out there, including ones on this list. It's a small kitchen addition that can lead to big changes in your tea and coffee routines. A few of our tester's favorite details are its automatic shutoff after 30 seconds, the button to open the lid while filling, and the wide lid opening that makes for easier cleaning. The handle is slip-free, so you don't have to worry about spilling, and it's heat resistant so no need for a potholder. The capacity is fairly average at 1.7 liters. We found that the water boiled in five to six minutes when the kettle is full and two to three minutes when water is added to the minimum line. The affordable price comes with a natural drawback, however, as our tester said the materials used for the kettle are a bit flimsy. You'll have to keep it close to an outlet too, as the power cord is noticeably short. The Spruce Eats / Rebekah Joan Capacity: 1.7 liters | Dimensions: 9.5 x 10 x 7.5 inches | Weight: 1.14 pounds | Material: Glass, plastic, and stainless Steel What Our Testers Say "The Zeppoli Electric Kettle is an inexpensive addition to your home, dorm, or workplace, especially since it doesn't require a stove or hot plate." — Rebekah Joan, Product Tester Courtesy of Amazon Our Ratings What We Like Stylish Temperature hold function Precise pouring Can program by single degrees What We Don't Like Expensive No indication for reaching desired temperature Small capacity With their sloping and narrow spouts, gooseneck kettles offer added control when pouring. This makes them an especially useful option for those who own non-electric coffee makers, like a French press of Chemex. Our favorite gooseneck kettle is, far and away, the Fellow Stagg EKG Pour-Over Kettle. Every detail feels high-end, from its sleek silhouette to its many convenient features. With the simple use of a dial, you can set the kettle to boil to a specific temperature anywhere from 135 to 212 degrees. The item has a small capacity at just under 1 liter, but this helps it brew quicker. It's also electric, so the kettle won't clutter your stovetop. Our reviewer offered effusive praise after testing the kettle, saying the spout, exact temperature selection capabilities, and unequaled design make it worthwhile for both tea and coffee lovers. However, she added that the cost may be prohibitive. The Fellow Stagg EKG is one of the more expensive gooseneck kettles on the market, so customers on a different budget may want to turn to another brand. Fortunately, there are many affordable and reliable gooseneck kettles on the market. Otherwise, the Stagg EKG is an unbeatable pick. It's available in a number of stylish designs, and it is easy to find at a variety of sites online. The Spruce / Cheyenne Elwell Capacity: 0.9 liters | Dimensions: 11.5 x 6.75 x 8 inches | Weight: 2.75 pounds | Material: Stainless steel What Our Testers Say "This is hands down the most precise pour spout I've ever used. It was incredible how well I was able to control the water flow rate and direction of the water with this pour spout." — Cheyenne Elwell, Product Tester Courtesy of Amazon What We Like Large three-quart capacity Attractive, contemporary design Easy to clean Durable stainless steel What We Don't Like Heavy bottom makes pouring more difficult Hard to press trigger when holding kettle Not compatible with induction cooktops This kettle offers something for everybody, from its large 3-quart capacity to its convenient trigger-action spout. The item is dishwasher safe but extremely easy to clean by hand, too. After testing the product, our reviewer said the average adult's hand can fit inside without issue and that the kettle's design allowed her to clean every inch of the interior. The large capacity and ease of cleaning make it a great option for families and frequent users. And while its stainless steel design may not be the most stylish, the material is durable enough to withstand years of heavy use. There are a few drawbacks, however. First, the item cannot be used on an induction cooktop. Second, its size can be a possible hindrance. Our reviewer noted that the kettle is on the heavier side, making it more difficult to pour. She also wrote that the kettle will naturally catch your eye if it's sitting out because of its size. Luckily, if you want to store the item away, its handle sits low enough to fit inside most cupboards. Capacity: 3 quarts | Dimensions: 10.14 x 10.14 x 9 inches | Weight: 2.45 pounds | Material: Stainless steel What Our Testers Say "Given its extra-large size, the T-fal kettle is a highly functional, affordable option, especially for families, offices, or groups that use their tea kettle a lot." — Kimberly Holland, Product Tester Courtesy of Amazon What We Like Squeeze-and-pour lever Durable Loud whistle What We Don't Like Hard to pour all the water out Spout cap clanks Circulon manufactures a number of dependable and uniquely shaped tea kettles. We recommend the Morning Bird model because of its strong, easy-to-grip handle. What really sets the handle apart is the squeeze-and-pour lever that opens the spout when it's time for tea or coffee. The 2-quart kettle also features an audible whistle as the water begins to boil, so you'll know when the temperature is best for brewing. The Morning Bird is one of the least expensive Circulon kettles, yet our product tester found all the parts durable and expects the kettle to last for a long time—certainly long enough to get your money's worth. The brand offers a limited lifetime warranty too, so you can rest assured that you're covered if anything goes wrong. Such sturdy materials along with the enameled exterior put this kettle on the heavier side, though, so some customers may want to keep this in mind. The other main criticism our tester had is that pouring isn't the smoothest. When you get down to the last several ounces of water, it starts to dribble and can become messy. When pouring it full or half full there is no issue, however. The Spruce Eats / Derek Rose Capacity: 2 quarts | Dimensions: 8.75 x 7.75 x 8.5 inches | Weight: 1.6 pounds | Material: Stainless steel Testing Takeaway "It's a sturdy and well-built kettle you can tell is worth purchasing as soon as you open the box. I just wish it was easier to pour the last few cups of water." Final Verdict Stylish and functional, the OXO Stainless Steel Kettle is an all-around reliable option worth consideration for all customers. It has a convenient rotating handle, a precise spout, and is built to last for years. Those looking for a slightly more affordable kettle should turn to our top budget pick, the Mr. Coffee Claredale. The tea kettles featured in this article were sent to our expert food writers for home testing. Our reviewers spent weeks evaluating them in their kitchens to see how they performed with everyday use. After testing, our writers submitted feedback about what they liked and disliked, and they evaluated each one on the following features, among others: usability, durability, design, size, boiling speed, and overall value. The Spruce / Cheyenne Elwell One of the first decisions to make when buying a tea kettle is choosing between electric and non-electric models. Electric kettles are more convenient because they heat up faster, and some even have preset temperatures to suit specific types of tea. However, they are more expensive on average and will take up counter space. In contrast, stovetop kettles are cheaper, easier to find, and available in far more design options. So, which style do you prefer? Are you a frequent tea drinker who wants hot water fast or do you gravitate toward a more traditional aesthetic and don't mind waiting an extra minute or two? What Our Experts Say "When in the market for a stovetop tea kettle, find one that both appeals visually but is also made of a durable material like stainless steel. If you are interested in electric tea kettles, my pick is always for one with variable temperatures especially when brewing green and white teas—just know there will be some limescale that looks like brown rust develop over time in the bottom of your electric kettle, which you can clean with a vinegar and water solution." — Annelies Zijderveld, Author of Steeped: Recipes Infused with Tea Many tea kettles come in a similar size. An average stovetop kettle holds close to 2 liters of water, while electric kettles average slightly less than that, often around 1.7 liters. Luckily, it's quite easy to find outliers on either side, small or large, depending on your preference. If you usually make a single cup of tea or fill a small French press, you might not want a large kettle taking up space on your stovetop or in your cabinet. If you often entertain large crowds, however, it's nice to be able to serve everyone without waiting for a second batch of water to boil. The kettles on our list come in a range of sizes—all you need to do is pick which one is right for you. Tea kettles are made from a variety of materials, including glass, stainless steel, and coated metal. There are a few ways to go about deciding on the right option for you. Customers worried about durability should avoid glass and lean toward stainless steel or enamel. If kitchen aesthetic is most important, go with the material you think looks the best. Material also affects a kettle's weight, so if you want one that's easy to lift, then glass or lighter stainless steel are the way to go. Keep in mind that your options are limited if you have an induction cooktop (instead of a gas or electric stove), so make sure your chosen kettle is compatible. Some kettles pour smoother than others, and it all boils down to the spout. While it's not always easy to tell how a spout will perform by looking at a kettle, it's promising when a spout is longer, tapered, or comes to a point at the end instead of staying perfectly rounded. Gooseneck kettles fulfill all three criteria and, subsequently, offer the most precise and measured pouring. That said, many standard tea kettles, including ones listed above, have quality spouts that will avoid drips, spills, and messes. Even though you're only boiling water in your kettle, you'll occasionally want to remove built-up scale residue. Kettles with a large opening may let you fit your whole hand into the pot for cleaning, while a smaller opening might require a brush. Glass kettles make it easy to assess cleanliness, while metal kettles are a little harder to examine. It's also worth checking if a kettle is dishwasher safe or hand wash only before purchasing. The Spruce / Cheyenne Elwell The most popular method to clean a tea kettle goes as follows: fill the kettle halfway with equal parts water and white vinegar, heat the kettle until the water-and-vinegar mixture is boiling, pour out the mixture, and once the kettle is cool, scrub the inside with a non-abrasive cloth or brush. Finally, rinse the kettle or boil water in it until all traces of vinegar are gone. This process, which is suitable for both electric and stovetop kettles, removes any potential limescale buildup. It's important to thoroughly clean inside a kettle at least once every three months; otherwise, limescale will begin altering the taste of your tea or coffee, and it may prevent electric kettles from working properly. Other household products like baking soda and lemon juice are effective descaling agents, too, and many brands sell descaling solutions in liquid or powder form worth checking out as well. The same combination of water and vinegar can be used to clean the outside of a tea kettle, especially for tough stains, although water and dish soap works, too. All you have to do is wet a microfiber cloth with either solution, gently scrub the kettle's exterior, and dry thoroughly. Regularly performing this task eliminates scale buildup, prevents rust stains, and keeps your kettle looking good in the kitchen. Those who own an electric kettle should avoid getting too much solution on the base of their machine and certainly avoid immersing the item in water; this may damage the electric components and render the kettle nonfunctional. Stovetop kettle owners trying to get rid of pesky burn marks may need to try a couple different cleaning tactics depending on the toughness of the burns. First, soak the kettle in hot water and dish soap for 30 minutes to two hours (once again, do not soak an electric kettle). Second, lightly cover the kettle's exterior with baking soda. Third, using a sponge or brush, scrub the exterior with a combination of water and dish soap until clean. Finally, rinse and dry the kettle. Before cleaning any kind of tea kettle, it's worth consulting an instruction manual to know what products and methods a brand recommends. The Spruce Eats / Derek Rose The ideal water temperature varies widely depending on the type of tea you are making. Gentler teas taste best when brewed at lower temperatures, while bolder teas require hotter temperatures. White tea, for example, is best brewed with water that is 160 degrees. Green tea ranges from 150 to 180 degrees. Oolong is best around 190 degrees. Moving into the stronger teas, black tea ranges from 180 to 212 degrees. Finally, herbal teas sit around the 212-degree mark. Many electric kettles can be pre-programmed to reach a specific temperature, and some even come with designated buttons for different tea varieties. Users should avoid heating milk in an electric kettle (no matter how strong the hot chocolate craving may be). Milk can damage an electric kettle's heating elements and may not initiate the automatic shut-off feature, which means a mess might happen. Although it is not preferred, stovetop kettles can be used to heat milk; users should just make sure to warm the milk slowly and clean thoroughly afterward. Heating milk in a pot or in the microwave are better options than using a kettle. Unless otherwise specified, it's not a good idea to brew tea inside a kettle. Tea kettles are solely designed to heat water. Placing tea bags or loose-leaf tea inside a kettle may leave stains and lingering smells and potentially damage the kettle itself. On top of that, it would likely lead to a pretty unpleasant cup of tea anyway. A teapot is a superior alternative that will produce a much better flavor. The Spruce Eats / Rebekah Joan This piece was written by Derek Rose, the coffee and tea expert for The Spruce Eats. He researches a variety of products, from measuring scoops to commercial espresso machines, and interviews field experts for their insight. He tested a number of kettles on this list, like the Le Creuset Classic Whistling Kettle, which he found to be an eye-catching yet functional piece that suits any kitchen. He also tested the All-Clad Stainless Steel Kettle firsthand and fully recommends it to customers interested in a high-end kettle that will stick around for decades. :max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/OXOGoodGripsClassicTeaKettleBrushedStainless-593acbb43df78c537b122aaf.jpg)
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How We Tested
Other Options We Tested
What to Look for in a Tea Kettle
Electric vs. Stovetop
Size
Material
Spout
Cleaning
FAQs
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Can you heat milk in a tea kettle?
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Source: https://www.thespruceeats.com/best-tea-kettles-4092907
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