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Page Contents:
-Copper Kettles
-Ceramic Kettles
-Glass Kettles
-Enameled Kettles
-Stainless Kettles
-Electric Kettles
Related Pages:
-Tea Pots, Glass & Iron Tea Kettles
-Chemex Glass Tea Kettle
-Cleaning Brushes & Solutions
-Tea Prep Utensils
-Leaf Teas
-Trivets & Diffusers
-Water Pitchers
-How to Remove Lacquer Coating
Home
Water Kettles
Water kettles (commonly called Tea Kettles) are meant
to heat only water.
That's it! Important elements to consider might include
- Capacity (see below),
- Efficiency in heating,
- Handling comfort,
- Pouring ease,
- To whistle or not to whistle, and
- Care requirements
The sizes shown are the
manufacturer's claim of the total capacity up to the brim, not necessarily
of the quantity of water that is safe to boil in them. It is generally
safest to fill only to the bottom of the spout
opening, so that boiling water does not spit out of the spout,
whether or not the spout is covered. You can safely fill a little higher in
kettles with wider, longer spouts. Look for the recommended fill level in
the descriptions of the kettles below.
Whistling kettles usually need to be
at least half full in order to whistle. On some, the water level may need to
be above the spout opening, to cover it and to thus create enough internal
pressure to blow the whistle. An occasional de-scaling (see below) will help
keep the whistle working properly, and let the whistle air dry before
storing your kettle.
Copper kettles are generally the most efficient
because of their speed. As the most conductive material for making kettles,
copper will heat the water from all sides. Take care not to put them over
high heat; it's not necessary and they'll last a lot longer if you don't
"abuse" them as such. If you intend to use a lacquered kettle, remove the
lacquer first. You can keep it polished using a cleaner like Wenol or Red
Bear, which is based on jeweler's rouge and won't scuff the copper.
Anodized aluminum will heat the
second-fastest on your stove.
Glass is beautiful and easy to keep
clean; be sure to use a metal trivet or diffuser between the heat source and
the glass, and heat slowly. Never boil dry.
Cast iron ones are most often used on
heaters, to humidify rooms; once a protective coating of minerals develops
inside, through repeated boilings, they won't easily rust. They take a while
to heat up, but then are the best of the non-electrics at retaining heat.
Enameled ones come in beautiful
colors and are also quite easy to keep clean; some care is required to keep
them from hitting other objects, to prevent chipping. Never boil dry. Remove
water right after heating it, so that it will diminish the chances of any
rust forming along edges. (In case a small amount of rust does occur, put 2
tablespoons of baking soda and a little bit of lemon juice into the kettle,
add water, and bring to a boil.) Distilled and chlorinated water can have an
effect on enameled surfaces over time, so we recommend using filtered water,
when available.
Stainless ones are the easiest to
care for; they're slower to boil than most, and ones with sandwich bases
will heat the fastest.
Electric kettles are the fastest to
heat, they may provide the option of keeping the water hot, they may have an
auto-shutoff, and in general are very convenient.
Plastic parts on stovetop kettles require
a bit of attention to the amount of heat you put under the kettle. Heat
that radiates from a flame or element should never come anywhere close
to contacting plastic parts.
How good is your water? A kettle is
not going to improve the taste of your water. It'll just heat it. If you
don't like the way your water tasted, try bottled water, or use a water
filter.
How hard is your water? Occasionally
de-scaling the inside of every kettle is a light chore that will make your
kettle last a long time. See our page on Cleaners
for the appropriate cleaning agents. Or boil 1/2 cup of white vinegar to
each quart of water for 10-15 minutes, then boil clean water to help rid the
vinegar. |
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Top
Copper Water Kettles



View original Patents |
Simplex 2 Qt Whistling Copper Water
Kettle for Gas Ranges
$139.99
#97711
|
2 qt capacity,
2 qt recommended max fill,
7.5" bottom,
10" high,
Solid copper,
Tin lined interior,
Brass and wood handle,
Plastic lid knob,
Made in England
Use & Care |
Simplex 2 Qt Whistling Chromed Copper
Water Kettle
$119.99
#1987
|
2 qt capacity,
2 qt recommended max fill,
7.5" bottom,
9" high,
Chrome plated solid copper,
Tin lined interior,
Brass and wood handle,
Plastic lid knob,
Made in England
Use & Care |
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Ceramic Water Kettles
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Joyce Chen Ceramic 2 Qt. Water Kettle
$39.99
#23000
|
2 qt capacity,
1.5 qt recommended max fill,
9" high,
9" long,
7.5" round,
Flameproof ceramic,
Matte ebony,
Non reactive,
Made in China |
Top
Glass Kettles
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Bodum Clara Glass Water Kettle, 59 Oz
$59.99
#122264
|
59 oz capacity,
6-1/2" high,
6-1/4" wide body,
Metal lid,
Plastic stopper with whistle,
Heat resistant borosilicate glass,
Use on gas, electric and ceramic cooktops,
Microwave safe (glass body only),
Dishwasher safe
Made in China |
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Chemex Hand Blown Water Kettle
See our
Chemex
page |
2 qt capacity
10" high, 8" round,
The silicone steam-stopper leads steam up and out,
The neck remains cool to use as a handle,
Wire grid included for use on electric stove. |
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Glass Tea Pot With Infuser, 2 Qt
Some Glass Tea Pots can also be
used as kettles |
2 qt (2000ml) capacity,
6-3/4" high overall,
6-1/2" belly,
11" handle to spout,
Hand blown glass pot, infuser and lid,
Heat resistant and microwave safe,
Use with a metal trivet on the stovetop,
Made in Taiwan |
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Enameled Water Kettles
| To enjoy your kettle for
many, many years, keep the heat source directly under the kettle only.
Heat that radiates from a flame or element should never come anywhere
close to contacting plastic parts. |
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TeaBird Whistling Tea Kettle
$39.99
#120433
|
2-1/2 qt capacity,
2 qt recommended fill capacity,
8-1/4" tall,
7-1/2" handle to spout,
7-1/4" belly,
Porcelain enamel on steel,
Stainless rim and underside of lid,
Plastic handle and whistle,
Whistle has a horn sound
Made in Thailand |
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LeCreuset Caribbean Blue Halo Water
Kettle, 1.5 Qt
$54.99
#122279
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1-1/2 qt capacity,
10" high,
7-1/4" round base,
Whistle in stopper,
Heat resistant plastic handle,
Porcelain enamel on steel
Made in Thailand |
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Calypso 2.2 Qt Whistling Tea Kettle,
Black
$29.99
#6370
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2.2 qt capacity,
6.75" tall to top of lid,
9.25" high with handle raised,
7.4" flat base,
Porcelain enameled steel body,
Tempered glass lid,
Heat resistant plastic handle and knobs,
Stainless steel rim on lid and top opening,
Harmonica type whistle,
Washing by hand recommended,
Not for use on induction cooktops,
Made in Thailand |
 |
Calypso 2.2 Qt Whistling Tea Kettle,
Turquoise
$29.99
#6361
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2.2 qt capacity,
6.75" tall to top of lid,
9.25" high with handle raised,
7.4" flat base,
Porcelain enameled steel body,
Tempered glass lid,
Heat resistant plastic handle and knobs,
Stainless steel rim on lid and top opening,
Harmonica type whistle,
Washing by hand recommended,
Not for use on induction cooktops,
Made in Thailand |
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Calypso 2.2 Qt Whistling Tea Kettle,
Red
$29.99
#6367
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2.2 qt capacity,
6.75" tall to top of lid,
9.25" high with handle raised,
7.4" flat base,
Porcelain enameled steel body,
Tempered glass lid,
Heat resistant plastic handle and knobs,
Stainless steel rim on lid and top opening,
Harmonica type whistle,
Washing by hand recommended,
Not for use on induction cooktops,
Made in Thailand |
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Stainless Steel Kettles
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Oxo Good Grips Uplift 2 Qt. Whistling
Kettle
$59.99
#7450
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2 qt capacity,
1.75 qt recommended max fill,
8.25" high,
9.5" handle to spout,
7.75" round bottom,
18/8 stainless steel with santoprene handle,
Cap opens as handle is lifted,
Made in China
Instructions |
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Emerald Whistling Kettle, Cobra Handles,
2.7 Qt
$19.99
#1665
|
2.7 qt capacity,
8-1/2" high to top of handle,
8-3/4" wide at bottom,
18/10 stainless steel,
Phenolic handle with cobra appliquè,
Bottom aluminum diffuser disk
Made in China |
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Godere Stainless Steel Whistling Kettle,
2.2L
$19.99
#10740
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2.25 qt. capacity,
6.75" diameter belly,
5" diameter base,
8.3" high with handle up,
9" back to spout,
18/10 light-weight stainless steel body,
Anodized aluminum infuser,
Heat resistant plastic handle and knob,
Harmonica sound |
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Godere Dual Stainless Kettles, 3L & 1L
$29.99
#10780
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1 qt capacity pot fits over 3.1 qt pot,
5.1" belly with 4" base on small kettle,
7.5" belly with 5.5" base on large kettle,
18/10 light-weight stainless steel,
Heat resistant plastic handles and knobs,
Use together or separately,
Harmonica sound |
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Satin Elegance 2.25 Qt Whistling Tea Kettle
$19.99
#1670
|
2.25 qt capacity,
8.75" high to top of handle,
7.5" diameter base,
Brushed finish stainless steel,
Heat resistant plastic handle and knob,
Flip-up whistling cover,
Made in China |
 |
Aero 2.5 Qt Whistling Tea Kettle, Granny
Apple Green
$19.99
#1671
|
2.5 qt capacity,
9" high to top of handle,
8" diameter base,
Enameled exterior,
Stainless steel construction,
1.5" thick encapsulated aluminum bottom,
Heat resistant plastic handle and knob,
Finger trigger opens whistling lid,
Made in China |
 |
Satin Splendor 2.8 Qt Whistling Tea Kettle,
Metallic Smoke
$19.99
#1657
|
2.8 qt capacity,
9" high to top of handle,
8" diameter base,
Enameled exterior,
Stainless steel construction,
1.5" thick encapsulated aluminum bottom,
Heat resistant plastic handle and knob,
Finger trigger opens whistling lid,
Made in China |
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Satin Splendor 2.8 Qt Whistling Tea Kettle,
Metallic Cranberry
$19.99
#1658
|
2.8 qt capacity,
9" high to top of handle,
8" diameter base,
Enameled exterior,
Stainless steel construction,
1.5" thick encapsulated aluminum bottom,
Heat resistant plastic handle and knob,
Finger trigger opens whistling lid,
Made in China |
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Satin Splendor 2.8 Qt Whistling Tea Kettle,
Metallic Bronze
$19.99
#1659
|
2.8 qt capacity,
9" high to top of handle,
8" diameter base,
Enameled exterior,
Stainless steel construction,
1.5" thick encapsulated aluminum bottom,
Heat resistant plastic handle and knob,
Finger trigger opens whistling lid,
Made in China |
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Electric Water Kettles
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Capresso PerfecTea Cordless Water Kettle
$89.99
#1362
|
48 oz capacity,
8.5" x 7" x 10" high,
5 temperature settings,
Fast boil,
Safety shut-off,
Dry-boil protection,
Safety glass,
Kettle easily lifts from power base,
Slide-out drawer with brewing temperature guide,
Stainless steel covered heating element,
UL Listed 120v, 60hz, 1500 watts,
Model 260,
Made in China
Manual |
 |
Cuisinart Cordless Electric Kettle
$69.99
#21688
|
1-3/4 qt capacity,
10-3/4" high overall,
7-1/2" diameter base,
Lifts off base for easy pouring,
Concealed element boils water fast,
Automatic shutoff; won't boil dry,
Cord storage under base,
UL Listed, 120v, 60Hz, 1500 Watts,
3 year limited warranty
Made in China
Model KUA-17
Instruction
Manual |


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Chef'sChoice Deluxe Cordless Electric
Kettle
$59.99
#122266
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2 qt capacity
9-1/4" high
6-1/2" wide at base
7-1/2" wide power base
Unit lifts off power base for serving
Water level gauge
On/off switch
Auto shut-off when water boils
Boil-dry shutoff
Locking lid
Switch illuminates when on
Satin stainless steel body
Concealed heating element
UL Listed 120v 60hz 1500 watts
1 year limited warranty
Made in China |

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Capresso H2O Plus Model 259, Glass
Electric Cordless Safety Water Kettle, Chromed Finish
$59.99
#6725
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1-1/2 qt capacity,
9" high,
6-3/8" round stay-put base,
7-1/2" wide to handle,
Triple auto shut-off,
Concealed heating element covered in stainless,
Heat resistant German Schott safety glass,
Illuminated power switch,
Ounce and cup fill markings,
Cordless design swivels 360°
Cool-touch handle,
Drip-free pouring,
Cord storage under base,
UL Listed 120V, 60Hz, 1500 Watts,
1 year warranty
Made in China
Instruction Manual (189KB) |
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Bodum Ibis Cordless Electric Water Kettle,
Green
$49.99
#1514
|
57 oz capacity,
10-1/2" high overall,
6-1/4 x 4-1/2" oval body,
Auto shutoff,
Hinged lid,
Stainless steel heating element,
High impact plastic body,
Separate corded base unit,
Cord storage area with 31" long cord,
UL Listed 120v, 60Hz, 1500 watts,
Model 5500
2 year limited warranty
Made in China
Instructions (118KB) |
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Bodum Ibis Cordless Electric Water
Kettle, Black
$49.99
#1325
|
57 oz capacity,
10-1/2" high overall,
6-1/4 x 4-1/2" oval body,
Auto shutoff,
Hinged lid,
Stainless steel heating element,
High impact plastic body,
Separate corded base unit,
Cord storage area with 31" long cord,
UL Listed 120v, 60Hz, 1500 watts,
Model 5500
2 year limited warranty
Made in China
Instructions (118KB) |

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Bodum Mini Ibis Electric Water Kettle,
White
$29.99
#1193
Currently unavailable |
.8 qt capacity,
.8 qt recommended max fill,
7" high,
7.75" long,
3.5" base,
Boils in 4 min., auto shut-off,
Polypropylene,
120v 1070w UL Listed,
2 year warranty,
Made in China |
Top
Memorabilia
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Elephant Tea Kettle, 2.5 Qts
Currently unavailable |
2.5 qt capacity,
7" bottom diameter,
9.5" back to spout,
9.2" high with handle up,
Enameled steel,
Stainless steel rim,
Heat resistant plastic handle
Made in Taiwan |
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Yellow Duck Whistling Water Kettle
Currently unavailable |
3 qt capacity,
8" high to top of handle,
7-1/2" wide belly,
5-1/2" base,
12" spout to handle,
Porcelain enamel on steel,
Stainless steel rim and underside of lid,
Plastic harmonica whistle and lid knob
Made in Taiwan |
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White Duck Whistling Tea Kettle, 3 Qt
Currently unavailable |
3 qt capacity,
8" high to top of handle,
7-1/2" wide belly,
5-1/2" base,
12" spout to handle,
Porcelain enamel on steel,
Stainless steel rim and underside of lid,
Plastic harmonica whistle and lid knob
Made in Taiwan |
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Pig Whistling Tea Kettle, 2.5 Qts
Currently unavailable |
2.5 qt capacity,
5" diameter base,
7" belly,
9" spout to back,
10" high to top of handle,
Enameled steel,
Heat resistant plastic handles
Made in Taiwan |
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Giraffe Whistling Water Kettle
Currently unavailable |
2.8 qt capacity,
10-1/4" high to top of handle,
7" wide belly,
5-1/4" base,
10" spout to handle,
Porcelain enamel on steel,
Stainless steel rim and underside of lid,
Plastic harmonica whistle and lid knob
Made in Taiwan |
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