Help with Tea Kettles
I didn’t want to start a new thread if there was already a thread that could answer my questions. So I did a search of teaware and ended up 4 years in the past – just figuratively of course. I thought starting a thread would be better than trying to reply in a four year old thread that was only tangentially related.
So, I have no kettle at the moment, and I don’t want an electric kettle. That narrows down my search a bit. I want a metal stovetop kettle, but looking at the prices of kettles at Bed Bath and Beyond has me more confused than necessary. Kettles shouldn’t be that different in price, but the kettles here range in price from $19 to $99. It seems that the major factors in price are:
Material (a given: stainless, enamel, aluminum, glass, rubber/metal handles)
Size (ranging from 1 to 3 quarts)
Whistle (Some are louder than others)
Lid (Some lock, others don’t, which means you could have a problem with getting burned by steam)
Shape of the bottom (rounded/flat)
I feel a bit overwhelmed looking at all the options though, and I was wondering if I could get your opinions. If you were looking at kettles to buy for a friend, what would you want in that kettle?
How are these?
http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/le-creuset-reg-zen-1-6-quart-tea-kettles/3247885?categoryId=12117
http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/circulon-reg-morning-bird-2-quart-tea-kettles/3247259?categoryId=12117
I used a $5 one from Walmart until I went with a variable temp one. If you are planning to spend as much as the first link, maybe go the variable temp route?
I agree with Marzipan… if you are going to spend that much, get a variable temp. It really makes a lot of difference to know your water temp.
If you are looking for pretty, that first one looks lovely. :)
Our stovetop kettle was $19 at Davids some years ago. My mother recently bought one for $6 as she just needed something to keep water in on the woodstove for the air, rather than tea.
One thing I noticed with her cheap purchase was that the handle was make of flimsy plastic and when the kettle was full it would bend a little. Honestly, I was afraid of it breaking or bending too much and a boiling hot kettle landing on someone.
Other than that criteria, I suggest avoiding glass (they do sometimes shatter, even the “stove safe” ones and it can be quite dangerous). I also suggest not spending too much, $20 – 30 should be fine to get you one made with good materials. I personally find the stovetop kettle a pain in the butt (except in winter when the stove heat is helpful!) but if that’s what you want, then enjoy!
Le Creuset is known for their excellent enamel and cast iron cookware made in France. Their other accessories made of any other materials are usually manufactured in China and carry premium prices for their name, and tend to have mixed reviews overall. The quality is no different than a similar product, you’re paying for the name. I do like the design. The traditional design can be had in cast iron with enamel interior. I bought the Silver Warriors pot at enjoying tea.com and it comes with a stainless filter, and free tea!
Breville variable temp at BBB. If something happens you can always bring it back, even without receipt.
Thanks, guys. I’ll take all of this into consideration when I get closer to buying a kettle. Variable temp may be the most practice. Thanks for the help.
If you are open to an electric kettle and enjoy drinking tea at anything other than boiling I highly recommend variable temp. You still don`t need to spend a tonne though. There are kettles in the $40-60 range that work just as well as those at $100. Then there`s the one-touch which is it`s own beast.
The stovetop I used to use: http://smile.amazon.com/Medelco-12-Cup-Stovetop-Whistling-Kettle/dp/B000V5X826/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1405968130&sr=8-1&keywords=kettle
The kettle I use now: http://smile.amazon.com/Hamilton-Beach-40996-Programmable-1-7-Liter/dp/B0083I7THI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1405968193&sr=8-1&keywords=hamilton+programmable+kettle&dpPl=1
Both are available at Walmart. I think the second one is one of the most affordable variable temps out there and it works GREAT! :)
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