The 7 Very Best Stovetop Kettles for Making Tea, Coffee, and So Much More
A good kettle is an invaluable kitchen tool. "At my house we are always making tea, oatmeal, and various items that require a kettle and I tend to opt for a stovetop kettle as opposed to electric," says Elisa Marshall, founder of café and bakery, Maman and author of Maman the Cookbook ($27.60, bookshop.org). "Not only does this save room on my countertops, but there are so many beautiful options out there, often vintage inspired in terms of design which can also double as beautiful kitchen décor."
There are numerous good options for stovetop kettles at different price points, with different finishes, and different capacities. Marshall suggests opting for a larger kettle because you'll find there are many reasons you need to boil water in the kitchen beyond your morning cup of coffee or tea, from cooking pasta to a shrimp boil. And while we've got kettles in our top picks that can handle big jobs, we also have fantastic mini versions as well.
Best Stovetop Kettles of 2022
Best Small: Le Creuset Demi Kettle
The Le Creuset whistling kettle has long been a popular option but we highly recommend the Demi Kettle if all you really want is a vessel to heat water for coffee and tea. It holds 1.2 quarts of liquid, and comes in many gorgeous colors (as is typical of the Le Creuset brand). This lovely choice is a mini version of the classic kettle and it's sized just right for making tea for one or two.
Best Splurge: Simplex Buckingham No 1 by Newey & Bloomer Kettle
Sure, this kettle is an investment but I've owned two of these beauties and each one has lasted over 15 years (despite using them multiple times a day!). The handcrafted stovetop kettle is made in England in much the same way it was when Newey & Bloomer started making kettles in 1903. It has a capacity of 1.75 quarts, an old-school wooden stay-cool handle, and comes in chrome or copper, and regular or fast boil option that's 25 percent quicker than flat-bottomed kettles!
Martha Approved: Martha Stewart Blue Tea Kettle
Our founder is a longtime fan of this blue hue, which looks so good on her 1.5 quart whistling stovetop kettle. The enamel-over-steel construction makes it durable and the large lid opening means it's easy to fill and to clean.
Best Pour Over Option: Hario Buono Kettle
Anyone who makes pour-over coffee knows what a difference having a kettle with a gooseneck spout makes. The long thin neck makes pouring water without splashing a cinch. A goose-neck kettle is also a good option for anyone looking for a kettle for small jobs; this Hario holds about 1.2 quarts of water.
Best Large: Demeyere Resto Water Kettle
If you need a stovetop kettle for bigger jobs, whether for making large pots of tea or for boiling water for cooking, this 4.2 quart stainless steel kettle is just the thing. (And should this not be enough, they also make a 6.3 quart model.) It's also induction compatible.
Best Whistling: Chantal Vintage Tea Kettle
A classic and popular choice, Chantal has been making kettles for over 40 years. This 1.7 quart enamel-on-carbon-steel kettle is available in four colors and has a whistle that is robust without being overwhelming. Its handle and knob stay cool to the touch, and it works on all kinds of cooktops, including induction.
Best Modern: Fellow Clyde Stovetop Kettle
Sleek yet sturdy, this design-forward take on the tea kettle is made of stainless steel with a black coating. It has a flat base, cool-touch handle, and a lid with a tight seal (no leaks with this kettle!). Perhaps its most charming feature is the magic pour spout; there's no flap but it only pours when tilted. It's also induction compatible and has a two-tone whistle.