Choosing The Best Stovetop Kettle

What is a stovetop kettle anyway?

A stovetop kettle is heated on your gas, wood or electric stovetop using the cooktop to heat the water directly like a saucepan.

Stovetop kettles are one of the oldest designs of kettle still in regular use worldwide. Probably the earliest designs would have been hung on a tripod over an open fire or hearth. How things have progressed now in the modern age for stovetop kettles.

Why choose a stovetop kettle?

One of the best benefits of owning and using a stovetop kettle is that is frees up kitchen counter space. This leaves more counter space for meal prep and baking without dedicated kettle space taking up countertop space. The more compact your kitchen, the more important this consideration becomes.

Another benefit of a stovetop kettle is that it frees up a power socket in the kitchen. Unless you are awash with power sockets in your kitchen, then not having one dedicated to a kettle is a real advantage that allows all available sockets to be used for other appliances.  This is especially useful when baking and creating using multiple kitchen appliances.

The additional advantage of having a stovetop kettle is that you are entirely in control of the temperature of the water. You control the water temperature simply by using your stovetop gas or electric control.  Remember stovetop kettles can be used for many other things besides making tea and coffee  i.e. warming water accurately for baking, humidifying a room, having hot water on the back burner, heating filtered water for baby’s bath or baby’s bottles, for sterilizing at specific temperatures – all easily achieved with the flexibility of a stovetop kettle

What size stovetop kettle is the best?

Often our kettles are much bigger than we need. Think about how your kettle gets used during the day – this will give you clear guidance of the size kettle you will need. Are you serving beverages to a crowd all day or are you making yourself a small cup of coffee once only in the morning and evening? Let this be your guide.

By choosing the right size kettle you will save water and save energy by only using and heating the exact amount of water each time.

What to look for when buying a stovetop kettle

Stovetop kettle bases – the base of your kettle is important because it conducts heat from your stovetop to the water. The more efficiently heat is conducted, the quicker your water boils. Look for a base using high conductivity materials. Also ensure the base is of sturdy construction (multi layered if possible) as stovetop kettles have to withstand high direct temperatures from an external source.

Stovetop kettle lids – the lid of your kettle can be either a thing of simplicity and ease or a thing of high frustration. The last thing you need is to struggle with a tight burning-hot lid that either tumbles off when you don’t want it to or get stuck when trying to open or remove it. Modern kettle lids should be heat insulated and have hinges or release mechanisms that work smoothly under all conditions.

Stovetop kettle spouts – the spout of your stovetop kettle needs to be fit-for-purpose. If you like accurate slow pouring (like for pour-over coffee), then go for a gooseneck spout. If you need maximum flow of hot water then a standard lip spout will be fine.

Stovetop kettle handles – the handle of your stovetop kettle must stay cool even if it is metal. Most modern kettles have a small discreet insulator between the body of the kettle and the handle. This is just design safety 101.  Additionally the kettle handle should be well balanced and act as a natural counterweight for the design of the kettle. Consider the handle design to ensure there are not awkward pouring actions or painful wrist maneuvers.  Some larger kettles have two handles to ensure a safe smooth pouring action

Other considerations – also look at the reviews of any kettle you are buying. Reviews can quickly identify a dud product no matter how lovely it looks. Check out the returns policy, the warranty, the materials it is constructed from and the country it is made.  Other things like delivery times and shipping may influence your purchase. You need to be comfortable and confident with all these factors.

Happy stovetop kettle shopping.