Stove top kettle, electrical kettle and teapot - discover the difference
Tea and coffee are staples in Australian households and have long been the beverage of choice for waking up in the morning and relaxing after a long day. To make the perfect cuppa, you need the right devices.
To start, you should understand the difference between a tea kettle and a teapot. While a teapot is used to hold water and tea leaves or coffee for steeping, brewing and serving, a tea kettle is used to simply boil the water used to make tea and coffee.
A kettle can either be stove top or electric:
Electric kettles. These types of modern kettles are powered by electricity and boil water with the flick of a switch. They are the most common type of kettle as they are safe, affordable, easy to use and can come with a wide range of heat setting options for customisation.
Stove top kettles. These kettles are traditional and exude an old-world charm that many people love as it transforms the act of drinking tea or coffee into a timeless ritual. They require an external heat source to boil water and produce a rolling boil that keeps it at a consistent temperature. They can be heated above boiling point which is excellent for some types of teas.
Ease of use when boiling water
The most important thing to consider when buying a stove top kettle is how easy it is to boil and pour water. Look for these features:
Comfortable handle - A stove top kettle needs to have handles that are comfortable to hold while pouring water and also keep cool to the touch to prevent burns.
Wide spout or lid - A wide spout and lid will make the kettle easy to fill up and pour without spills.
Base - The base should be flat and sturdy to keep your kettle safe and upright while boiling. A wide base will also help you to boil water faster.
Benefits of using stove top kettles
There are plenty of benefits to buying a stove top kettle for your kitchen:
They can produce a rolling boil and consistent temperature
They can be heated above boiling point
They are often more durable than electric kettles
They're easier to clean with no electrical parts
They're travel-friendly and can be taken camping or on trips
They have an undeniable vintage appeal which enhances any kitchen decor
Why cast iron tea kettles have become so popular
Cast iron kettles, or tetsubin, are the original type of Japanese kettle that have been used for hundreds of years to boil water and serve tea. These tea kettles have risen in popularity due to the high iron content and its ability to remineralise water while boiling, resulting in a sweeter and more mellow tea. They're also non-toxic, durable, versatile and retain heat very well.
Speed to boil water and energy efficiency
A stove top kettle does not boil water as fast as an electric kettle as it needs to heat up from the outside in. Look for a stove top kettle that has a wide base as it will heat water faster than others and cut down on energy. Our Le Creuset Peruh kettles are an excellent energy-efficient choice.
Whistling kettles vs. non-whistling kettles
Stovetop whistling kettles let out a delightful whistle to let you know when the water has reached a rolling boil, while non-whistling kettles remain silent. Whistling tea kettles add authenticity and charm to the tea and coffee drinking experience.
We have plenty of whistling stove top kettles to add to your kitchen, including the Avanti Novara Stainless Steel Whistling Kettle which combines a traditional shape with a modern finish and comes equipped with a trigger to safely open the spout.
Different stove top kettle designs available - stainless steel, retro and more
You'll be spoiled for choice with our selection of stove top kettles in various shapes, colours and materials. Pick up a stainless steel stovetop kettle by Typhoon with the Otto Stovetop Kettle Black that has a heat-resistant exterior for added protection and is also an induction kettle suitable for any stovetop. There's also the Coffee Culture Pour-Over Stovetop Kettle in black stainless steel with gooseneck spout and in-built thermometer to get the perfect temperature for making barista coffees.
For a pop of colour in the kitchen, the Le Creuset Peruh range features a gorgeous retro shape and a selection of matte shades to suit every kitchen, including Cerise, Coastal Blue, Marseille Blue, Meringue and Satin Black.
Cleaning, maintenance and care of stove top kettles
Some kettles are dishwasher-safe while others will need to be hand washed or simply wiped out with a cloth to preserve their quality. Check your individual product details for accurate care instructions.
Additional stove top kettle accessories to consider
Complete your purchase with our huge range of kitchen gadgets, tableware and other cooktop essentials, including:
Brands we know and trust
We have water kettles that have been masterfully crafted by the most prestigious kitchenware brands in Australia and overseas. Check out these and more by brands like Alessi, Le Creuset, Essteele, Cuisinart, KitchenAid, Typhoon, Raco and more.
Buying your stove top kettle online with Kitchen Warehouse
Buying your new stovetop kettle has never been easier with Kitchen Warehouse. Browse our colourful range of kettles today, as well as cookware, bakeware, tableware, drinkware and more at amazing prices lower than RRP. Shop online today and receive free delivery over $100 or visit your nearest store and let our friendly team help you out!
FAQs:
What is the best kettle for a gas stove?
Some kettles work best on range cookers while others are compatible with gas stoves and induction hobs.
Our Le Creuset Peruh Kettles are perfect for boiling water on gas stoves as well as any other cooktop. They feature a wide base for fast heating, a slip-proof handle and a single-tone whistle to alert you when your water has reached boiling point.
What is the difference between a stove top kettle and an electric kettle?
Kettles are a kitchenware staple and make boiling water for hot beverages and meals easy, safe and fast. There are two types of kettles - stove top and electric.
An electric kettle has a built-in heating element that boils water using electricity. Most electric kettles also come with a thermostat that will switch the kettle off when it reaches boiling point.
A stove top kettle uses an external heating element, such as a stove, to boil water. They are more durable than electric and can be used anywhere there is a heat source. They're also able to produce a rolling boil at a consistent temperature, can be heated above boiling point, are easy to clean and add some retro flair to your kitchen.
