The best stove top kettle, with its rustic charm, has been making a comeback. Whether you're brewing a cuppa on an open fire during a camping trip or on your home's gas or electric hob, there's something inherently comforting about using a stove top kettle. Beyond their nostalgic appeal, these kettles offer some benefits compared to their electric counterparts too. They reach a higher boiling point, their whistle is a classic signal that it's time for a tea break, and they are constructed from robust durable non-electric materials allowing them to stand the test of time. In this guide, we delve into the best kettles on the market.
Stove top kettles are typically made from durable materials like stainless steel, copper, and cast iron. These materials are not only robust and long-lasting, but they also conduct heat efficiently, ensuring your water boils quickly. Stainless steel kettles are particularly popular due to their modern aesthetic and are easy to clean, while copper and cast iron kettles offer a more traditional look. The durability of these materials means your stove top kettle could outlast several of its electric counterparts, making it a smart investment. Sometimes the old way really is the right way.
Best stove top kettle at a glance:
• Best stove top kettle for large capacity: Whistling Kettle 3.4 L Stainless Steel – view on Amazon UK
• Best stove top kettle for value: SUSTEAS Stove Top Whistling Tea Kettle – view on Amazon UK
• Best stove top kettle for design: Le Creuset Zen Stove-Top Kettle – view on Amazon UK
Of course, stove top kettles aren't the only option. If you prefer a quieter brewing experience, you might opt for the best quiet kettles that heats water without the characteristic whistle of the stove top models. On the other end of the spectrum, tech enthusiasts might be drawn to the best smart kettles. These electric models offer features like temperature control and keep-warm functions, allowing you to customise your brewing experience down to the last detail.
So let's get into our roundup of the best stove top kettles, where we'll consider factors like material, design, and price to help you find the perfect fit for your kitchen and lifestyle. Whether you're drawn to the rustic nostalgia of a whistling kettle or want to take your brew to the fireside, there's a perfect kettle out there for everyone.
Best stove top kettle
Best stove top kettle for large capacity
Coming in with a 3-litre capacity, this large kettle comes in multiple colours to fit your kitchen decor. The Whistling Kettle from King Hoff is a high-quality stainless steel kettle that features an easy grip design, is ergonomically made and has a heat-resistant handle with a push-button operated spout. Not to mention it is suitable for all types of hobs, making this an affordable, adaptable option.
Customer review: "Very well made kettle, the handle doesn't get hot."
Pros
- Large capacity
- Easy open
- Whistling button
- Modern design
Cons
- Quite tall and so you have to tip it quite a long way to get the water out
Best stove top kettle for design
A true kitchen centrepiece, the Le Creuset Whistling Teakettle is a fusion of style and functionality. Its bold colour adds a vibrant touch to your kitchen decor and the signature Le Creuset finish will surely be a talking point. Crafted from stainless steel and coated with enamel, it's a symbol of Le Creuset's branding. The broad base ensures quick boiling by optimising heat contact. It whistles when it has reached boiling point and is designed for easy flip-back pouring. Plus the sturdy handle is resistant to heat, ensuring safety throughout the process.
Customer review: "Small capacity so great for one or two cups of coffee. Small capacity means you don’t overfill and heat too much water. Quick to boil, very loud whistle. Nice design and good quality comfortable handle."
Pros
- Made by the renowned Le Creuset brand
- Crafted from enamel-covered carbon steel
- Compatible with all heat sources
- Features a flip-back whistle for easy pouring
Cons
- Requires hand washing to prevent limescale buildup
Best stove top kettle for unique design
Bloomingdale's
The Alessi Tea Rex kettle is a kitchen gem with its eye-catching design and polished stainless steel body. The unique copper dragon whistle is a fun feature that signals when your water is ready. The magnetic base provides a secure grip on induction hobs, and the large resin handle ensures a safe, firm grip. While it's a luxury item, its distinctive design and practical features make it a quirky and contemporary addition to any kitchen.
Customer review: "Looks so great on hob a very cool looking kettle, have to get used to the dragon device of pulling out when pouring as worried at first might break, but it's very well designed, and everyone comments on it."
Pros
- Unique design featuring a copper dragon whistle
- Made from polished stainless steel
- Features a magnetic base for a sturdy hold on induction hobs
Cons
- Some may not like the dragon embellishment
Best stove top kettle for coffee lovers
Developed with coffee lovers in mind, the Coffee Gator Pour Over Kettle is a dream to use. It features a built-in thermometer for perfect brewing temperatures, ensuring your coffee beans are never burnt - plus it can be used on an open flame. The gooseneck spout provides a smooth, even pour for a perfect brew, and the unique triple-layer base is compatible with all heat sources, making it a versatile pick.
Customer review: "This works on our induction hob, and boils far quicker than an electric kettle. It has a temperature gauge on the lid so we can get it to the precise temperature for making proper large leaf teas. The spout pours really beautifully, and it is a joy to use. We descale the kettle with the juice of a fresh lemon which leaves it looking new again. Much better than the old electric kettle we used before."
Pros
- Built-in thermometer
- Gooseneck spout for controlled flow
- Triple-layer base for all stovetops
Cons
- Smaller capacity than others
Best stove top kettle for fire and gas
Perfect for the outdoor adventurers out there, the REDCAMP Outdoor Camping Kettle is a great choice for campers, alfresco cooks and cosy indoor lovers alike. Lightweight at just 150g, this aluminium kettle is easy to carry on your hikes or camping. It features a threaded base design for even heat distribution, providing faster boiling times over a gas flame. The spout is designed for easy, drip-free pouring. Plus, the heat-resistant silicone handles add a safety feature, making it a reliable companion for your outdoor experiences. At a budget-friendly price, it's a camping essential.
Customer review: " I don't think there's anything I can do with the pot that I can't do with this kettle. I can make food in it and eat out of it just fine - perfect for camping. Anyone using a camping pot needs to seriously consider this kettle."
Pros
- Light and portable for outdoor cooking
- Even-heating base
- Non-drip spout
- heat-resistant silicone handle
Cons
- No whistle
- Not compatible with electric
Best stove top kettle for copper finish
The KitchenAid Stove Top Kettle is a practical and compact choice for smaller households. Made from stainless steel with a copper finish, it delivers durability, quick heating, and easy cleaning. It's compatible with all heat sources. However, its handle is not fully insulated, so you must be cautious when handling it.
Customer review: "It‘s extremely lightweight and my favourite kettle! I've had this kettle for a few months now, and so far so good. The handle is still secure too."
Pros
- Compact design with a 1.3-litre capacity
- Compatible with all heat sources
- 10-year guarantee
Cons
- The handle is not fully insulated, so a touch of caution is needed when handling it.
- Whistling is not too loud
Best stove top kettle for value
Featuring an ergonomically designed handle that has push-button technology that makes pouring a breeze, this whistling settle from SUSTEAS is a great addition to your kitchen. Whether you are looking for a bold red design or a subtle black, this bold statement has a combination of high-quality nylon material and stainless steel effectively insulates and avoids scolding. The stainless steel tea kettle has a matte textured finish, and part of the design is decorated with a metal copper-plated design, which adds a touch of elegance to the teapot body. If you are looking for a kettle with a retro feel - this a great choice.
Customer review: "Works really well. Looks good. Feels like a quality product. Happy with my purchase."
Pros
- Good capacity
- Two colours
- Easy to hold
Cons
- You need to touch the handle to press the release button so need to be cautious when touching the handle as may be hot
Best stove top kettle for a traditional Japanese design
The Victor Cast Iron Tea Kettle offers a unique tea brewing experience with its traditional Japanese design. It's perfect for use on wood cookers and open fires, adding a touch of tradition to your tea time. Unlike other kettles, it doesn't whistle but comes with an infuser, allowing it to serve as a teapot. The handle isn't insulated, so an oven mitt or glove is needed for safe handling. If you're looking for a different kind of brewing experience, this kettle is a beautiful choice.
Customer review: "Bought to use on wood burning stove, and I have to say it’s one of my best purchases. Surprisingly the boiled water has a much nicer taste than the water boiled in my electric kettle, which was an added bonus. More than enough water for three large mugs when full. The handle gets warm but not overly hot. It’s not a large kettle, so not too heavy to handle, and the quality is good."
Pros
- Unique cast iron kettle based on traditional Japanese design
- Works on wood cookers and open fires
- Comes with an infuser for use as a teapot
Cons
- The handle isn't insulated, so an oven mitt or glove is needed for safe handling
- Does not whistle
Best stove top kettle for sturdiness
www.procook.co.uk
The ProCook Stovetop Induction Whistling Kettle incorporates style and practicality into its design. It has a dome shape and stainless steel construction that adds a classic touch to your kitchen. The handle remains cool to the touch for safe use too. In terms of its size, it has a 2-litre capacity, and it's suitable for everyday use. Its sturdy and heavy design minimises the risk of accidental knock-offs as well. Although it only comes in a stainless steel finish, its timeless design will fit any kitchen decor.
Customer review: "A really solid, well-made kettle with a long guarantee. It looks great and has a large capacity too."
Pros
- 10-year guarantee
- Super fast boil time
- A lever to lift the spout cover when pouring
Cons
- Could be difficult to pour from when filled as it’s quite heavy
- Doesn't always whistle
Our Verdict: Best Stove Top Kettle
Our top choice for bigger households is the Whistling Kettle from King Hoff as it is a high-quality stainless steel kettle, suitable for all types of hobs and has a 3-litre capacity making it an affordable and adaptable option. For smaller households, the Le Creuset Enamel-on-Steel Whistling is our top pick. This kettle's winning combination of style, functionality, and durability sets it apart from the rest. The iconic Le Creuset brand is synonymous with quality, and this kettle is no exception. Its enamel-covered stainless steel construction ensures longevity and comes in many colours - which will make a statement in your kitchen aesthetic.
What to consider when buying a stove top kettle
Material: Stove top kettles are available in a range of materials, including stainless steel, copper, enamel, and cast iron. Each material has its unique advantages. For instance, stainless steel and copper are renowned for their superior heat conductivity, while cast iron kettles exude a traditional charm and can be used on an open flame.
Capacity: f you frequently make beverages for a group, a larger kettle might be the best fit. Although, if you're typically brewing for one or two, a smaller kettle could be more suitable.
Compatibility: Thirdly, ensure the kettle is compatible with your stove type. While most stove top kettles are designed to work on gas, electric, or induction stoves, it's always wise to check the product description to confirm compatibility.
FAQs: Best Stove Top Kettle
Why choose a stove top kettle over an electric one?
Stove top kettles are often applauded for their durability, often outliving their electric counterparts. They also have a smaller carbon footprint and can be used during power outages if you have a gas stove. Moreover, stove top kettles can boil water to a higher temperature than electric models.
Can I use a stove top kettle on any type of stove?
Most stove top kettles can be used on a variety of stoves, but it's always best to check them to be sure.
How do I clean a stove top kettle?
Most stove top kettles can be cleaned with a mixture of vinegar and water to remove any limescale buildup. If left for too long, this limescale can corrode your kettle over time, meaning it won't last you as long. To help you get the most out of your kettle to make it last as long as possible, here is our buyer's guide on hard or soft water.
Do stove top kettles get limescale?
Any kettle will get limescale buildup eventually, but certain factors, such as how hard your water is, will impact how much buildup you get and how quickly you get it.
Ellen Kinsey is a Senior Health & Wellness Product Writer for A Modern Kitchen, specialising in sustainable living and healthy cooking. She lives and breathes all things food, travel and wellness.