A tea kettle is essential for coffee and tea drinkers, but there are so many options and styles. Classic stovetop kettles are easy to use, often have a retro feel, and are perfect for slow mornings. Electric kettles free up your stovetop and boil water to an exact temperature. We’d recommend a more precise gooseneck kettle alongside your favorite pour-over coffee maker. To determine the best tea kettle in every category, we’ve tested more than 30 models, including kettles from Breville, Fellow, and Le Creuset.
In our tests, we measured temperature accuracy and the speed at which each kettle could bring water to a boil. We also noted important design elements, including footprint, automatic shut-off safety features, and whether handles got hot to the touch. After months of testing, we’ve identified the eight best tea kettles for every kitchen setup.
We love the Zwilling Enfinigy as our top pick across both stovetop and electric kettles. It is efficient, easy to use, and very accurate in temperature measurement. In our tests, it took the kettle about six minutes to boil water, which is a little longer than some of our other picks. We liked the keep warm feature, which keeps water at a consistent temperature for 30 minutes before automatically shutting off. Our tests found that the temperature controls were highly accurate, an advantage for brewing delicate teas or French press-style coffee. This kettle has six temperature settings, and the controls are intuitive.
We love that the exterior of this kettle doesn’t feel hot even after water has been boiled, thanks to its cool-touch design with dual-walled insulation and a brushed stainless steel outer layer. Other nice design features include a sleek exterior that doesn’t show fingerprints and is easy to wipe down and clean.
Capacity: 1.5 quarts | Material: Stainless steel | Dishwasher Safe: No
Our favorite stovetop kettle is this enameled cast iron classic from Le Creuset. The brand is known for making dependable, classic, durable kitchen items, and this kettle is no exception. In our tests, we found that it boiled water in under five minutes, a comparatively fast time for most stovetop kettles. The solid cast iron construction kept the water warm even as it sat.
Because of its construction, though, this kettle is heavy. This makes it slightly difficult to maneuver, although we found it otherwise easy to clean. The exterior holds up well and won’t chip or crack over time. A gas flame will likely discolor the bottom of the kettle over time, but we like that patina. The large handle folds down for easy storage, making it easy to pop into the cabinet or for cleaning. It comes in several colors, and the design is great for keeping it out on display, even when it’s not in use.
Capacity: 1.7 quarts | Material: enamel and steel | Dishwasher-Safe: No
With five easy-to-use settings and sleek stainless steel construction, we love the Breville Smart Kettle Luxe. It has specific temperature settings for brewing black, green, and oolong tea, making it an ideal gift for discerning tea lovers. The dual-sided water window makes it easy to boil the perfect amount of water, whether for a cup of tea or a whole French press carafe.
We noted that it looks sleek on the counter, but we also liked that it has a space in the bottom where the power cord neatly nests for storage. We did not like the way fingerprints were visible on the stainless steel exterior, but we found this kettle easy to clean. We did like the low, unobtrusive ding that the kettle makes when it finishes boiling water, and found the overall design thoughtful and intuitive.
Capacity: 1.8 quarts | Material: Stainless steel | Dishwasher-Safe: No
For design lovers or coffee drinkers who want a super simple kettle, the Fellow Clyde Electric Kettle is as functional as it is stunning. Similar to the brand’s travel coffee mugs and coffee grinders we’ve tested and loved, this tea kettle has a sleek modern design and a simple on-off mechanism that boils water in about eight minutes. There’s nothing complicated about it.
In our tests, we were split about the straightforward design of this kettle. Some liked that it is uncomplicated and simply needs to be turned on, while others would have preferred more ability to control the exact temperature of the water. The kettle gets hot to the touch on the exterior, which makes it less safe for children, and at times, we found the handle uncomfortable to maneuver. Still, there’s an audience that will love this kettle as a minimalist kitchen item.
Capacity: 1.7 quarts | Material: Stainless steel | Dishwasher-Safe: No
We love this Cosori electric tea kettle for coffee, tea, and other hot water needs. In our tests, we particularly liked that the non-drip spout and two-level lid prevent spills while pouring. This is among our largest kettles, which means that although it’s lightweight when empty, it can be heavy and difficult to lift. A blue LED light shows that the kettle is on, although it does not have specific temperature controls. The lid flips open with the touch of a button, which makes it easy to fill, and the life can open even wider for easy cleaning.
The Cosori kettle takes about five minutes to come to a rolling boil. While it doesn’t make a sound when it reaches boiling, it will automatically shut off after 30 seconds, creating a clicking sound that indicates the heating cycle is finished. A sensor also shuts off the machine when there’s no water left; a helpful safety feature that we appreciate.
Capacity: 1.5 quarts | Material: Stainless steel | Dishwasher-Safe: No
The largest of the kettles we recommend, the Susteas Stovetop Whistling Kettle has all the components of a classic tea kettle, including a loud whistle and strong heat retention. The tea kettle is large enough to cover an entire burner and is compatible with gas, electric, and induction burners. In our tests, we noted that it would take up significant space in a cabinet or on a shelf. However, its large size means it’s easy to boil water for four cups of tea or coffee, an advantage for families or request hosts.
Because of its construction, this kettle gets hot when boiled, and the manufacturer recommends only heating it over low heat. Over high heat, the metal element of the handle gets hot, and the insulated handle also gets warm, so the manufacturer includes a rubber handle as a safety precaution. Our tests found the tea kettle relatively easy to clean, although the opening is tight. We also noted that the exterior coating has a beading effect, which makes drying easy. The top was easy to remove and clean of fingerprint marks. Overall, this tea kettle is ideal for daily use and is of great value.
Capacity: 2.6 quarts | Material: Stainless steel | Dishwasher-Safe: No
If you’re a coffee drinker and prefer a gooseneck kettle for better control when making pour-overs or filling a French press, we love Fellow’s Stagg EKG Pro Electric Gooseneck Kettle. The neck allows precision in pouring, and the temperature controls enable you to set a specific, degree-to-degree control. It comes in several colors, including black, white, and green, with the optional addition of wood accents for a sleek, modern look.
In our tests, we liked that this kettle was extremely quiet when bringing water to a boil, though it doesn’t make any noise to alert users that it has hit boiling. The automatic temperature hold works well, and we found that it reached a full boil in seven minutes and 24 seconds, somewhere in the middle in terms of speed in our tests. As a bonus, the kettle base has a timer setting that allows you to track extraction for a perfect mug of coffee or tea. Overall, this is our favorite tea kettle in terms of precision.
Capacity: 0.9 quarts | Material: Stainless steel; plastic | Dishwasher-Safe: No
If you want a gooseneck kettle but prefer a stovetop option, we love the Hario V60 Buono Gooseneck Drip Kettle. It’s an efficient size that fits on any stovetop without getting in the way. It’s ideally sized for a single serving of pour-over coffee or tea and is easy to clean by hand. This kettle does not have a whistle when it comes to a boil, and because of its small size and lack of a maximum fill line, boiling water can sometimes come out of the kettle’s spout.
Our tests found that the kettle handles can heat up over very high heat. To prevent this, the manufacturer recommends using low or medium heat. We found that the steam release on the lid can also sometimes rotate toward the handle, leaving us vulnerable to burns. Still, we recommend this model for its efficient size, sleek and simple design, and precise pouring.
Capacity: 1.3 quarts | Material: Stainless steel | Dishwasher-Safe: No
Our Favorite Tea Kettles
We love the Zwilling Enfinigy Electric Kettle Pro for its precise temperature control, sleek look, and generous size. For a traditional whistling stovetop kettle that has a classic look, we recommend the Le Creuset Enamel Whistling Tea Kettle. Our favorite electric and stovetop gooseneck kettles are the Fellow Stagg EKG Pro Electric Gooseneck Kettle and the Hario V60 Buono Gooseneck Drip Kettle.
How We Tested Tea Kettles
To determine the best tea kettle in each category, we tested six gooseneck kettles, 18 electric kettles, and seven stovetop tea kettles. We looked for tea kettles that boiled water quickly, were easy and neat to pour from, were easy to clean, and didn’t have design flaws that caused burns or other hazards. We also prefer tea kettles that look nice sitting on our counters.
In our tests, we evaluated each tea kettle based on the below metrics:
- Temperature control: We started by testing how long it took for each tea kettle to boil its maximum contents of water, starting with room temperature water at 72°F. We timed the kettles, then noted how hot the exterior of the units were.
- Heat retention: We then tested how well each kettle stayed warm by letting it sit or using the Keep Warm setting where applicable. After 10 and 30 minute increments, we measured the water temperature.
- Temperature accuracy: For kettles with specific temperature settings or temperature gauges, we also compared the temperature settings to our own temperature measurements to determine how accurate these settings are.
- Care: We also washed each kettle and noted how easy or difficult they were to clean. We also observed design, ease of use, and overall performance.
What We Looked For
Electric vs. Stovetop Kettles
Your preference between a stovetop or an electric kettle will depend on several factors, including counter space since most electric kettles will sit on your counter, as well as temperature precision. Electric kettles can have more features that offer temperature specificity, while stovetop kettles typically do not. Some stovetop kettles will whistle, which some people prefer. Electric Kettles also have safety features like an automatic shut-off.
Size
Most of the tea kettles we recommend have a capacity of between one and two quarts; typically enough water to brew coffee or two for two people. If you have a large family or want to regularly brew hot drinks for guests, consider a larger tea kettle.
Material
Weight is usually the biggest concern for material since stainless steel is typically lighter than enameled cast iron. However, enameled cast iron has the advantage of better heat retention and durability.
Temperature control
Some electric kettles have temperature settings for specific tasks like brewing tea or coffee, and some even have a degree-by-degree control that lets you set the exact temperature of the water you’re heating. These settings are ideal for more precise brewing methods for coffee or tea.
Design
Every hand is different, but for most people, a tea kettle will be used several times a week if not daily, so you want it to be beautiful to look at and comfortable to hold. Consider the aesthetics of your kitchen space as well, since you’ll want your kettle to fit in with your favorite cookware set.
Noise
The classic whistle of a boiling tea kettle is nostalgic for some and annoying for others. Some stovetop kettles sound when they reach a boil, while others do not. Electric kettles also offer sound options, including beeps when they reach boil or when the keep warm setting automatically shuts off.
Safety
Automatic shut-off features allow electric kettles to turn off after a set time, preventing them from boiling off water and overheating. These settings are attractive if you live in a household with children or worry about forgetting to turn off the stove.
Other Tea Kettles We Tested
Strong Contenders
Bonavita 1L Digital Variable Temperature Gooseneck Electric Kettle ($118 at Amazon)
This kettle looks nice on the counter, but our tests found it took more than seven minutes to bring water to a full boil, the longest of any of the electric gooseneck kettles we tested.
Smeg Electric Kettle ($219 at Amazon)
If you particularly want the style of this tea kettle, it’s a good choice as it boils water quickly, but for the price point, we don’t think it has the temperature control to live up to the competition.
OXO Brew Classic Tea Kettle ($49 at Amazon)
We typically love OXO’s kitchen tools, but this tea kettle was difficult to clean. Its spout cover gets hot to the touch and is difficult to manage.
What Didn’t Make the List
A few kettles that didn’t make our list include Mr. Coffee Flintshire Stainless Steel Whistling Tea Kettle ($16 at Amazon), the Hamilton Beach Electric Tea Kettle ($36 at Amazon), and the Zojirushi Hybrid Water Boiler & Warmer ($245 at Amazon). We found that they took a long time to heat, had design flaws that made them difficult to store or fill or were uncomfortable to hold.
Our Expertise
Maddy Sweitzer-Lammé is an experienced professional home cook. She has worked in restaurant kitchens, professional test kitchens, and also on farms and at farmer’s markets. She’s an expert at translating techniques, recipes, equipment, and ingredient information for all skill levels. She’s dedicated to making the home cooking experience more enjoyable and is always on the lookout for the next great tip or trick to pass along to readers.
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