Brew the Perfect Tea Using the Best Stove Top Kettle

Should You Buy a Stove Top Kettle?

A stovetop kettle refers to the traditional style kettle that requires an additional source of external heat. It includes gas, infrared, and induction. The kettle has several advantages, such as:

Better performance

The stovetop kettles use external sources, so they can heat the water above boiling point. There is no restriction to the temperature ranges. It creates better rolling boils and gives a better taste to your tea.

You can also use the high temperatures to your advantage by brewing different varieties of tea. For example, you can brew different types of herbal tea between the range of 121-degrees Fahrenheit and 140-degrees Fahrenheit.

Easy to clean

Stovetop kettles do not have any sensitive parts attached to them, such as electric coils. Plus, the infusers are also removable. All of this makes these kettles easy to clean.

You can get rid of the limescale from all corners. In certain cases, you can even wash them in the dishwasher with the rest of the cutlery.

Cheap to use

Since stovetop kettles have no fancy electronics, they come at a fairly reasonable price. Although the stovetop kettle is usable on all heat sources, most people use it on gas stoves. The usage of gas makes maintenance cheap over time.

All in all, investing in a stovetop kettle is an excellent decision. It's an efficient, cheap, and versatile option to brew the perfect tea every time.

How Does a Stove Top Kettle Work?

The working mechanism of a stovetop is simple. It has a metallic base that absorbs heat from the external source and passes it onto the water inside. Now, heat travels through two processes:

• Conduction, where heat transfers from particle to particle as they come in contact.
• Convection, where heat transfers from hot water to cold water in the form of currents. It continues to occur until both regions are at the same temperature.

Both of these processes cause the water to heat up until its boiling point. In most stovetop kettles, there is a whistle that alerts you when the water reaches boiling point temperature. When left boiling, the temperature rises, and some water may evaporate.

Factors to Consider in a Stove Top Kettle

When purchasing kettles, most of us only consider their heating efficiency. However, using a stovetop kettle is more than just boiling water. It’s about making the perfect, flawless cup of tea. And so, you must always choose a stovetop kettle vigilantly. Here is a detailed overview of all the factors to consider.

Ergonomics

Most manufacturers design the stovetop kettles such that you can use them stress-free. You will find long, curved spouts that pour tea into cups without spilling. There will also be wide, curvy, and groovy handles for better handling. However, you may come across stovetop kettles that do not offer any ease. You should avoid such options regardless of the low price tags.

Capacity

Stovetop kettles are available in different sizes. You will find the small, medium, and large-sized ones. However, it is not the size you should be examining but the capacity. At times, even a small kettle can contain bulks of tea depending on its structure and build. So, look for the value stated in liters or quarts to ensure the kettle meets your needs. Typically, you will find kettles with 1L, 2L, and 3L capacities. While 1 L (four cups) will suffice the needs of an individual, the 3L capacity is ideal for large families.

Materials

The stovetop kettle usually has a metallic body, though the metal type differs from product to product. You may find stainless steel, copper, aluminum, iron, and many others. In terms of durability, it’s best to opt for high-grade stainless steel. Stainless steel is a heavy-duty and corrosion-resistant metal. It doesn’t bend or rust easily. Plus, it heats up quite efficiently.

However, it can be heavyweight which may cause strain on the hands. If you have any serious medical condition like arthritis, aluminum stovetop kettles would be a better option.

Apart from metal, you may find the glass kettle body too. These glass kettles are thick, heavy, and heat-resistant. Though they require immense care, the kettle looks extremely beautiful.

Washability

Improper cleaning can lead to bacteria development and the spread of diseases. Hence, you should look for a stovetop kettle that is dishwasher-friendly. It should withstand the damages caused by rough movement and water jets.

Also, the stovetop kettle should have removable infusers for better cleaning. The infusers are the metallic mesh cylinders placed in the kettle center. You can place tea leaves and herbs in them.

Additional features

The fundamental purpose of the kettle is to boil the water efficiently. But, having additional features in the kettle other than a solid build can make things convenient. For example, a stovetop kettle with an automatic whistle alerts you when water reaches boiling point. So, you can add in the tea leaves on time for consistent results. Similarly, flip-up covers on the kettle spouts increase safety. You can leave the tea in the kettle without worrying about something entering the tea via sprout and contaminating it.

Stove Top Kettle vs Electric Kettle: Which Is Better?

The stovetop versus electric kettle has always been on the top amongst tea lovers. But, it wouldn’t be wrong to claim that both have their specific pros and cons.

Heating flexibility

Electric kettles use electric currents to heat the water. And so, they offer a scale of temperature ranges to select. Once selected, the kettle automatically switches off when the water reaches the desired temperature.

Convenience

Stovetop kettles do not have electric parts to make washing difficult. You can place the kettle inside the dishwasher without worries. However, an electric kettle requires special care and maintenance.

Energy efficiency

Electric kettles are indeed 80% more energy-efficient than stovetop kettles. These kettles heat the water quickly and switch off afterward. But, gas remains cheaper than electricity and makes stovetop kettle an affordable option.