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The 13 Best Tea Kettles of 2024 for the Perfect Cup of Tea

Romanticize tea time with easy to use kettles that look more like an accessory than just another appliance.

 collage of COSORI Electric Gooseneck Kettle on a colorful background

Better Homes & Gardens / Kristin Kempa

Nothing will lift your spirits like a cozy cup of tea. And while it’s tempting to microwave a cup of water for hot tea fast, don’t do it. It compromises tea leaves which means you’re left with bland, flavorless water. For the best tasting, most aromatic cup of tea, you need a tea kettle. 

“Boiling water on the stovetop allows you to reach the optimal boiling point required for brewing black teas, whereas the precision is far less with a microwave,” says Emeric Harney, marketing director of Harney & Sons Tea.

We carefully selected the best tea kettles for every situation and style, taking into consideration capacity, heating method, price, and appearance.

Best Overall

Cosori Electric Gooseneck Kettle

Cosori Electric Gooseneck Kettle

Amazon

Why You Should Get It
  • This kettle checks all the boxes. It’s easy to use, easy to clean and there are buttons for all types of teas.

Keep in Mind
  • The kettle exterior gets very hot when in use.

Both coffee and tea lovers consider the gooseneck style the best tea kettle shape. The signature thin, tapered spout ensures the most precise pour, and the Cosori Electric Gooseneck ensures the most precise temperature, too.

The 0.8-liter kettle features an easy-to-use button to boil the perfect temperature for four different types of tea: white, oolong, green, and black. It also has a coffee temperature setting if you’re a house divided or love French press on the weekends. 

Because of its smaller size, you’ll only get about 3 cups out of each boil. However, that means it will boil fairly quickly, in only about three minutes. The stainless steel model comes in trendy matte black and is less expensive than other options. 

There’s an auto-shutoff for peace of mind on busy mornings, and a one-hour warming function; just press the button and your water will stay at the perfect temperature for another cup. Users say the exterior gets very hot when in use, so be careful when handling.

If you’re multitasking in the kitchen, the Cosori will chime three times when the water has reached the intended temperature. (Though, you can turn this off if you find it annoying.) 

Product Details: Capacity: 0.8 Liters |  Material: Stainless Steel | Type: Electric

Best Budget

Mr. Coffee Flintshire Tea Kettle

Mr. Coffee Flintshire Stainless Steel Whistling Tea Kettle

Amazon

Why You Should Get It
  • It has a large capacity, so you'll be able to make a few cups of tea.

Keep in Mind
  • While the vessel is stainless steel, both the handle and the spout are plastic.

Don’t let the brand name fool you. If you’re on a strict budget but you want to break your microwave water habit, the Mr. Coffee Flintshire Stainless Steel Whistling Tea Kettle is the best tea kettle to consider. And despite its small price tag, it can hold a lot of water.

With a capacity of 7 cups, this is great for family hot cocoa or warming enough water for a small French press and a couple cups of tea. It's is a no-frills item, even for stovetop kettles. While the bottom of the kettle is stainless steel, the whistling spout and top handle are both Bakelite plastic and can easily melt.

If you have a gas stove, be careful to make sure the flames aren’t high as it could melt these pieces. That said, for a dorm with a cooktop or a first apartment with an electric stovetop, this is a great, budget-friendly starter kettle.

And with the plastic/stainless steel combo, the kettle weighs a lot less than other stovetop tea kettles. So, if you’re an avid RVer or have a pull-camper, it's is a cheap and pack-friendly tea kettle to use in a kitchenette.

Product Details: Capacity: 1.75 quarts | Material: Stainless Steel | Type: Stovetop

Best Splurge

Smeg Retro Electric Tea Kettle

Smeg Electric Variable Temperature Tea Kettle

Amazon

Why You Should Get It
  • There’s no tea kettle more colorful, cute and downright charming. 

Keep in Mind
  • For the hefty price, it still comes with a lot of plastic.

Smeg appliances are one of the easiest ways to pack your kitchen with color and personality. And they’re just so gorgeous. Enter the Smeg tea kettle. It comes in all the fun Smeg hues from powder blue to retro red. If you already have a Smeg coffee maker or toaster, it would make the perfect addition to a breakfast or beverage bar.

While it does come in a mini and standard version, we prefer to splurge for the variable temperature tea kettle with seven custom tea temperatures for hot water. Bonus: It’s listed in both Fahrenheit and Celsius so there’s no need to convert.

Another handy design feature is the secret see-through window on the side of the tea kettle. This little piece is labeled with water measurements so you always know how much you’ve filled up or how much water you have left.

With a capacity of just a bit more than 7 standard cups (which is really 11-12 tea cups), this is the perfect size for hosting an afternoon tea or serving tea after a dinner party.

Product Details: Capacity: 1.7 liters | Material: Stainless Steel | Type: Electric

Best Electric

Zwilling Enfinigy Electric Kettle Pro

Zwilling Enfinigy Electric Kettle Pro

Amazon

Why You Should Get It
  • The sleek, modern exterior stays cold to the touch even when the vessel itself is boiling.

Keep in Mind
  • The temperature settings are not labeled for different types of tea.

Kitchen safety is always top of mind when you have little ones or furry friends in the house. The Zwilling Enfinigy Cool Touch Pro is specially designed and insulated so that it’s cool to the touch–even when it’s boiling inside.

Safety aside, this 6-cup tea kettle is so sleek and stylish and comes in several finishes, including matte black and rose gold. Etched measurement lines on the inside of the kettle make filling it up with water super easy and you always know how much you have.

This is the best tea kettle for a tea pro because you really have to know your tea temps. While the kettle features several pre-set temperature settings, the temperatures aren’t labeled with specific tea types like other kettles on our list.

However, there is a handy icon for coffee and even hot water for baby food and heating up baby bottles, making it a great gift for baby showers and new parents. It also features a handy keep warm setting that will hold water at a set temperature for up to 30 minutes.

Product Details: Capacity: 1.5 liters | Material: Stainless Steel | Type: Electric

Best Glass

Capresso H2O Glass Kettle

Capresso H2O Glass Kettle

Amazon

Why You Should Get It
  • The cool-touch, secure grip handle is great for those with low mobility without sacrificing style.

Keep in Mind
  • Glass is easier to break compared to other common tea kettle materials.

Tea time is a ritual and the Capresso H2O Glass Kettle is the best tea kettle for mindfulness. The high-quality Schott Duran borosilicate glass is mesmerizing to watch as the water heats up. 

Even when the water is boiling, the base and handle are designed to remain cool-to-touch, which is great for temperature sensitive countertops such as marble. The large, easy-grip handle is also great for seniors or those with low mobility—and unlike other easy-grip carafe-style tea kettles, this glass pot is incredibly chic. 

With a capacity of 6 cups, it’s the perfect size for one daily tea drinker or a couple that uses hot water in the morning for both a French press and a teapot. 

Because it’s glass, you can easily fill the water to an exact amount or know exactly how much hot water you have left. But glass is also more easily breakable than other materials, so bear that in mind.

Product Details: Capacity: 48 ounces |  Material: Glass, Stainless steel, plastic | Type: Electric

Best Copper

Simplex Kensington No.1 by Newey & Bloomer Copper Traditional Tea Kettle

Simplex Kensington No.1 by Newey & Bloomer Copper Traditional Tea Kettle

Williams Sonoma

Why You Should Get It
  • Copper is the gold standard for a posh tea time.

Keep in Mind
  • Copper tarnishes easily and requires frequent polishing.

A copper kettle is synonymous with French country and English cottage design–and for good reason. They’re as practical as they are pretty. Copper conducts heat much better than other metals or stoneware, meaning it’s far more energy efficient. Remember that when you look at the price tag.

The Simplex Kensington No.1 by Newey & Bloomer is for the true tea aficionado who wants a gorgeous statement piece on display on the stovetop at all times. And this statement piece will be heard, too. The Simplex signature “melodious” whistle is very loud and distinct.

The Victorian style kettle features brass accents and a turned wood handle that’s designed to stay cool to the touch even when the tea kettle is hot. This is an heirloom that can last for years if taken care of properly.

Though, it’s important to note that copper oxidizes fairly quickly and can patina. So, if you don’t want a green matte tea kettle, it’s important to polish regularly. 

Product Details: Capacity: 1.9 quarts | Material: Copper | Type: Stovetop

Best Cast Iron

Staub Enameled Cast Iron Tea Kettle

Staub Cast Iron Round Tea Kettle

Amazon

Why You Should Get It
  • Unlike other cast iron kitchenware, or even other tea kettles, this is completely dishwasher safe. 

Keep in Mind
  • No safety features here. Cast iron can heat well beyond 500ºF and is not the best kid-friendly or pet-friendly cookware material.

Cast iron tea kettles have been part of tea culture for thousands of years and there are numerous benefits. Cast iron doesn’t contain unsafe chemicals commonly used in other kinds of cookware and it keeps water hot longer, meaning you don’t need to reheat water for a second cup of tea.

It’s also incredibly durable and can last generations and that’s why Staub’s cast iron kettle made our best tea kettle list. The 1-quart stovetop kettle is gorgeous and makes the perfect kitchen heirloom to pass down. Like Staub’s signature line of cookware, there are so many gorgeous colors from which to choose.

Unlike other cast iron pieces, this one doesn’t require seasoning, so it’s dishwasher safe. Take it from the stovetop to the campfire to the dishwasher rack. If you want low maintenance, this is your buy. It even comes with a tea infuser that you clip into the lid so the kettle becomes a teapot. (Genius.)

Another great feature: the smooth bottom. Cast iron typically has a rough texture that doesn’t make it a great option for glass stovetops. However, this kettle has a smooth enamel bottom that works with gas, glass, induction and more.

Product Details: Capacity: 1 quart | Material: Cast Iron | Type: Stovetop

Best Vintage-Inspired

KitchenAid KitchenAid Electric Kettle

Why You Should Get It
  • This is the easiest kettle to use thanks to the giant, no-fuss on-off switch.

Keep in Mind
  • The enamel exterior scratches easily.

This KitchenAid kettle riffs on several vintage styles, from a slightly Victorian silhouette to candy colors à la Smeg (but without the price tag). At just bigger than 1 liter, this electric module is small but not tiny.

It’s perfect for sharing countertop space with other breakfast appliances if you’re wanting to create a breakfast bar or a coffee and tea station. And did we mention the colors? With darling options like pistachio green and powder blue, this hits the sweet spot of style and budget.

For functions, it’s pretty basic. No high-end temperature settings here. Just one big LED-lit switch in the back to turn on and boil. And when it does boil, the switch automatically shuts off. It’s a great intro into the world of electric tea kettles–especially if you’ve been Team Stovetop and just want water boiled fast.

And oh, does this boil fast, and quietly, too. If we had an award for best tea kettle that boils the quietest, it would be this one. As it’s smaller in size and features an aluminum handle, the kettle is super lightweight at just 2.5 pounds. That’s handy if your kitchen sink is far from your counter space or if you have mobility challenges.

Product Details: Capacity: 1.25 liters | Material: Stainless Steel | Type: Electric

Best Small

Beautiful by Drew Barrymore Gooseneck Electric Tea Kettle

Beautiful by Drew Barrymore Gooseneck Electric Tea Kettle

Walmart

Why You Should Get It
  • The one-liter design is more compact than traditional gooseneck kettles and perfect for small kitchens with minimal countertop space.

Keep in Mind
  • It’s a one-hit-wonder with no variable temperature settings.

This Drew Barrymore kettle made our list for the best tea kettles because it gets the job done without taking up much space at all and yet it’s still big on style with brassy-gold accents and a handful of colors to choose from. 

Matte black or cream would look incredibly chic, but we also love the serene sage or lavender for a pop of color. With a 1-liter capacity, it’s on the smaller side, and it feels even smaller for countertops thanks to its elongated, vertical carafe. 

Gooseneck tea kettles are typically even smaller than this, but the shape becomes challenging for cabinet storage. The little kettle can tuck into the smallest of nooks, and the cord even wraps around the base for secure storage or a more clean countertop display.

While it doesn’t have all the fancy temperature buttons or hold settings you’d find with other electric tea kettles, it does have an auto shut-off safety feature in case you’re making a bedtime sleepy tea and forget to turn it off.

Product Details: Capacity: 1 Liter |  Material: Stainless steel | Type: Electric

Best Gooseneck

Fellow Stagg EKG Electric Pour-Over Kettle

Fellow Stagg EKG Electric Pour-Over Kettle

Amazon

Why You Should Get It
  • Variable temperature control via a dial helps you get the exact right brew for tea or pour-over coffee.

Keep in Mind
  • The water pours slowly.

While retro gooseneck kettles are often standard stainless steel, Fellow is giving the iconic gooseneck a fashion-forward upgrade. The Stagg EKG Electric Kettle is available in colorful matte finishes, from blush pink to deep navy, and even shiny metallics. 

If you’re looking for an attractive tea kettle for a beverage nook or to keep on the counter 24/7, this is a statement piece you won’t mind leaving out. While competitors offer similar colors and temperature control for less, the Stagg is a luxury kettle. 

Besides its stylish appearance, the Stagg features a variable temperature dial that allows you to set precise temperatures for tea or pour-over coffee. Monitor the water’s progress on the LCD screen. 

Select colorways have real maple or walnut wood handles. Williams Sonoma sells exclusive finishes, such as a sweet cream that’s perfect if you don’t like stark white appliances. Or the copper makes a great compromise between Old World style and modern features. 

It is worth mentioning that some reviewers find the water pours slowly—this may be because the Stagg is specifically designed for pour-over coffee, which requires a slower stream for best results. 

Product Details: Capacity: 0.9 Liters |  Material: Stainless steel | Type: Electric

Best Stainless Steel

Caraway Whistling Tea Kettle

Caraway Whistling Tea Kettle

Amazon

Why You Should Get It
  • Like the brand’s signature cookware and bakeware, this kettle is made free of PTFE, PFOA, PFAs, lead, and cadmium.

Keep in Mind
  • It’s a major splurge with a price tag well beyond other stainless steel stovetop kettles or even fancy electric tea kettles.

This vibrant Caraway Whistling Tea Kettle is the best tea kettle to consider if you prefer a stainless steel option. The tea kettle is stovetop-flexible and can be used on electric, gas, and even induction cooktops.

The 2-quart capacity holds up to 8 cups of water, which is more than enough for a crowd at tea time or a big family brunch. Plus, each order comes with a free pot holder for touching the tea kettle handle after boiling, and it can also be used as a trivet.

This is one of the best tea kettles on the market because it’s easy to clean, and it’s just so pretty. We love that this is a classic whistling kettle but with a more modern, updated silhouette. And with the choice of Caraway’s signature seven colorways, this is a statement kitchen piece you’ll want to display on the stovetop all the time.

Product Details: Capacity: 2 quarts | Material: Stainless Steel | Type: Stovetop

Best Infuser

Breville The Tea Maker

Breville The Tea Maker

Williams Sonoma

Why You Should Get It
  • It’s a kettle and teapot all in one, with an auto setting that can prepare your brew before you wake up.

Keep in Mind
  • Tea tannins can stain glass over time.

Kettles and tea pots are traditionally kept separate in the cherished ritual of brewing tea, but sometimes you’re late for work and need caffeine ASAP. Meet the Breville Tea Maker

The nifty appliance essentially skips the timely steeping step thanks to the infuser basket inside the kettle. If you always steep for too long and end up with nasty, bitter water, it does the timing and monitoring for you with pre-programmed temperatures and strength settings. 

Note that the electronic keep warm function will continue to steep tea and weaken it over time. Tea purists may not love infuser kettles because brewing different types of tea in one vessel could alter the taste over time, as different tannins can leave traces on surfaces (and stain the glass). 

But if your household is pure chaos in the morning, there’s nothing better than waking up to fresh-brewed tea—there’s a timer for auto-brews so you can set out your favorite breakfast blend overnight and wake up to perfectly-steeped tea.

Product Details: Capacity: 51 ounces |  Material: Glass, stainless steel | Type: Electric

Best Ceramic

Bella Electric Ceramic Kettle

Bella 1.5L Electric Ceramic Kettle

Amazon

Why You Should Get It
  • Get the classic teapot look for your countertop with the benefit of fast, electric heat.

Keep in Mind
  • Ceramic is heavier than other materials.

No eyesores here—the Bella Electric 1.5L Ceramic Kettle is an appliance hiding in plain sight as it is designed to look just like a traditional tea pot right down to its ceramic material. And there are several motifs available, from faux marble to black toile roses perfect for a cottagecore-style kitchen

If you do a lot of entertaining, this is a great kettle to bring from the kitchen to the dining table without looking out of place. And it’s perfect for more elegant occasions such as showers or luncheons. 

We also love the Bella line because there’s a range of sizes to shop, from a basic 1.5 liter kettle with no variable temperature settings to the larger 1.8 liter kettles with pre-programmed temperatures for more delicate teas such as oolong. 

At 5 pounds, the ceramic kettle is significantly heavier than stainless steel or glass styles with the same water capacity so it may not be the best tea kettle for seniors or those with low mobility. 

Product Details: Capacity: 1.5 liters | Material: Ceramic | Type: Electric

The Bottom Line

For fast boiled water, stylish design, and handy temperature settings for all kinds of drinks, the Cosori Electric Kettle Gooseneck with Temperature Control checks all the boxes. But for a no-fuss, classic stovetop tea kettle, you can’t go wrong with the Caraway Whistling Tea Kettle.

What to Know About Tea Kettles Before Shopping

Type

Tea kettles come in two types: electric and stove top. The main difference between a stovetop tea kettle and an electric tea kettle is temperature variation.

A stovetop tea kettle will bring water to a boil whereas many electric tea kettles have multiple temperature settings for different types of teas. An electric tea kettle will bring water to a boil faster than a stovetop tea kettle, though it does take up countertop space.

Capacity

Most tea kettles are designed to hold 1 to 2 quarts of water, which means 4 to 8 cups of water or eight to 10 traditional small cups of tea. The best tea kettle really depends on how much tea you drink and how often. If you drink a morning cup of tea every day, but only need one cup, a small 0.8 liter electric tea kettle is fast and efficient.

If you love to host and entertain or need several cups of caffeine in the afternoon, a larger 4-liter electric tea kettle ensures that no one has to wait for a cup. But if you’re an occasional tea drinker, you likely don’t need an electric tea kettle and can save countertop space with an old-fashioned stovetop tea kettle.

Materials

Like teapots, tea kettles come in many different materials ranging from copper to glass. “Most often you'll find yourself looking for a stainless steel kettle,” says Harney. “They're easy to clean and relatively lightweight.” But you can find decorative electric tea kettles in ceramic china patterns that look just like a teapot.

“I think the most important thing is to think about the maintenance that someone is willing to do on their kettle,” said Harney. “Copper and iron kettles might take more maintenance to reduce rust and patinas” 

“Glass and ceramic kettles are the most fragile, and you also want to really make sure they are oven safe if that's where you plan to use them. Stainless steel kettles usually come with great bells and whistles.”

Your Questions, Answered

What is the safest material for a tea kettle? 

“There is no particular safest metal for a tea kettle,” said Harney. “Anything that is on the market is going to have to be food grade safe, so it really comes down to preference.” 

Are there any downsides to using a stainless steel kettle? 

“None that I'm aware of,” said Harney. “Glass, iron, copper or stainless steel kettles could absorb flavors if used for anything else aside from water, but both would clean easily.” 

Which type of tea kettle heats water the fastest?

If you want a nice rolling boil for tea or coffee ASAP, the best tea kettle is an electric tea kettle as these can boil water within a couple of minutes. By comparison, it can take a stovetop kettle five to 10 minutes.

How long does it take a tea kettle to boil water? 

On average, 1 liter of water (4 cups) takes about 10 minutes to boil on the stovetop. However, 1 liter of water in a small electric tea kettle will typically boil within a couple of minutes. Larger capacity tea kettles will take about five minutes to boil.

How do you clean a tea kettle? 

Like a coffee maker, tea kettles require occasional descaling to ensure hard minerals in water don’t build up inside the kettle. To descale, fill the kettle with a solution of one part water to one part distilled white vinegar.

Bring the kettle to a boil and then either remove from the heat or turn off and let the solution sit for at least 20 minutes. Pour the solution out, and with a soft sponge, wipe out the inside of the kettle. 

To clean the outside of a tea kettle, use a couple drops of gentle dish detergent and wash by hand in the sink. But never, ever submerge an electric tea kettle in water as this will likely damage the external, electric heating element.

Can you put milk in a tea kettle?

You can, but you really, really shouldn’t. While it’s tempting to use a tea kettle as a shortcut for heating milk–especially in the winter when you want hot cocoa ASAP–heating milk is more complex than water.

That’s because the fats and proteins in milk break down when they heat and can damage the inside of a tea kettle or make it impossible to clean the heating mechanism.

In theory, you could use a stovetop tea kettle to heat milk without worrying about coating a heating mechanism. But you’d need to do it with the lid off as boiling milk requires constant stirring and monitoring. It’s best to stick with an old-fashioned pot for boiling milk so you don’t scorch it.

Who We Are

Deanne Revel is an award-winning journalist and host based in Seattle. She covers home and design shopping, including the best deals and dupes, and did significant research on the best tea kettles for this story. She also spoke to Emeric Harney, marketing director of Harney of Harney & Sons Tea.

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