Whether you're making coffee or boiling pasta, the best tea kettle can be an essential part of your kitchen. Designed to boil water in as little time as possible, and with designs that can whistle to let you know when your water is ready, stovetop kettles are as useful as they are charming.
While many of the best kettles are electric or gooseneck, traditional tea kettles have never gone out of style. They are particularly popular because they often have large capacities which will fill a teapot or serve multiple cups of tea in one go.
A tea kettle will often include a whistle to let you know when it's boiling. That's because they won't automatically shut off, so you do need to be more vigilant when you're using one. However, it's one less electrical to worry about, and the best stovetop kettle will last a lifetime.
While not all of them can be used on induction cooktops, we've featured the best tea kettles for every budget and hob type to make your decision as easy as possible. Pair with the best toasters and you'll be ready for breakfast in no time. Here’s our pick of the best models for your money.
The best tea kettles to buy in 2023
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One of the cheaper Le Creuset items out there, this stainless steel kettle packs a timeless design and heaps of style.
Design
Choose the stainless steel option, or if you have a cast-iron collection to match with, there's also Volcanic, Cerise, Marseilles Blue, or Satin Black available.
There is also a stainless steel rim that is designed to prevent chipping.
What we love about it
The handle sits overhead the kettle itself but is heat resistant and designed to last. It's also paired with an ergonomic lid and handy whistle to let you know when the kettle is done boiling.
What we're not keen on
The kettle needs to be hand-cleaned, and because of the enameled exterior it can mark and smudge quite easily.
The OXO Brew Classic Tea Kettle looks sleek with its stainless steel finish. It's got an in-built whistle which can be closed and opened with one touch for easy pouring.
Design
It only comes in stainless steel, but the OXO Brew Classic Tea Kettle does have a charming retro effect that we really enjoy. The capacity is pretty average for tea kettles, and it's suitable for use on all stove types.
What we love about it
The trigger to open the spout to pour or refill is genius. It will require a little more dexterity than the average stovetop kettle, but it means you can easily stop the whistle by pressing the trigger and pouring.
What we're not keen on
We love a kettle whistle as much as the next person, but it's nice to have the option of removing your whistle every now and again – whether it's for evening tea while the kids are sleeping, or while your partner is on a zoom call. It would be nice to be able to remove it on this model.
If style is your number one priority, take a look at the Fellow Clyde Stovetop Tea Kettle. It pairs perfectly with many of the best coffee makers, and has a striking design that stands out from the crowd.
Design
Black matt all-over, the Fellow Clyde Stovetop Tea Kettle has a silicone handle that will keep your hands from burning when you pour the kettle. The stovetop kettle works on gas, induction, and electric stoves.
What we like about it
You can enjoy the two-tone harmonic whistle that's built right into the kettle. The Fellow Clyde Stovetop Tea Kettle tries to avoid the often uncomfortable screeching that comes with some whistle tea kettles.
What we’re not keen on
The spout is very wide and short. It looks great, but it could make for an unconventional pour. It also can't go in the dishwasher so handwash this baby.
The Premier Housewares Stainless Steel Whistling Kettle is the most affordable option in our lineup, and its large capacity is perfect for generous servings of tea.
Design
The Premier Housewares Stainless Steel Whistling Kettle is available in a huge range of colors, from a simple black to a vibrant lime finish. Its 2.6-quart finish is plenty large enough for cooking, as well as drinking tea.
What we love about it
A reasonable price is an undeniable win, and the Premier Housewares Stainless Steel Whistling Kettle comes in at well under $50. It's also striking – and we love the rubber sleeve that covers the handle. It prevents the kettle from slipping in your hand.
What we’re not keen on
The finish isn't as swanky as some of our upmarket top picks, and it needs to be hand cleaned.
The Alessi Tea Rex Hob Kettle is our premium pick for he best stovetop kettle you can buy, and for good reason, too.
Design
Designed by Michael Graves for Alessi and made from 18/10 stainless steel, this eye-catching kettle has a cute whistle for a fun finish.
What we love about it
It’s said to be a good luck charm and was created to mark the 30th anniversary of the original Alessi Bird design. We love its iconic look and the fact that it’s not overly loud when boiling. It's also compatible with all hobs.
What we’re not keen on
Since it only has a capacity of 2.1 quarts, it’s probably not the best option when you’re expecting a crowd for tea, as you’ll be spending a lot of time in the kitchen otherwise.
The All-Clad Stainless Steel Tea Kettle is one of the best stovetop kettles for quality design. It's entirely made of stainless steel, meaning the handle is not covered in any heatproof coating, but it also means the design is truly built to last.
Design
With a whistle tab to make it easy to pour, the All-Clad Stainless Steel Tea Kettle has a sturdy handle. It's attached with solid rivets that mimic the brand's cookware. If you've got the pans, the stovetop kettle will be a suitable match.
What we love
The design is simple but beautiful. It's suitable on all types of stoves and has a wide flat base that will make sure your water heats quickly and evenly.
What we’re not keen on
The price tag is above average, and because there are no heatproof elements you may need to wear a glove when turning the whistle switch and picking it up.
What is the best tea kettle?
The best tea kettle you can buy is the Le Creuset Enamel On Steel Whistling Tea Kettle. It’s not too expensive, has a classic look, and is compatible with all stoves. Find more of the best stovetop kettle options below.
How to find the best tea kettle for you
Color
If you’re after something to fit in with your kitchen scheme, worry not: the majority of our best stovetop kettles are available in a range of colors. Choose one that matches your decor, or a subtle option that will go with all decors.
Capacity
If yours is a large family, opt for a stove top kettle with a larger capacity to avoid having to refill and reheat constantly. Alternatively, purchase one of these best boiling water taps for hot water on tap (literally).
Dimensions
Compare the kettle’s dimensions to those of your hob rings to ensure the kettle you choose will fit comfortably and heat up evenly.
