The Best Whistling Tea Kettle Options for the Kitchen

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As an appreciation for simpler times becomes more common, whistling tea kettles are making a comeback as a cozy essential—and for good reason. Not only do the best whistling teapots make it easy to boil water without a timer, but they can also add to your kitchen’s decor with their wide variety of colors and materials.

To help sort through the possibilities, this guide shares some of the most important considerations when shopping for a tea kettle. When you pair one of the best whistling tea kettles and your favorite travel mug, you’ll be more ready to take on the day.

BEST OVERALL: OXO Brew Classic Tea Kettle Brushed Stainless Steel
BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Mr. Coffee Carterton Whistling Tea Kettle
UPGRADE PICK: Willow & Everett Stovetop Whistling Tea Pot
BEST LARGE: T-fal C76220 Stainless Steel Tea Kettle
BEST ENAMEL: Le Creuset Enamel On Steel Whistling Tea Kettle
BEST STYLISH: POLIVIAR Black Ti Stovetop Tea Kettle
BEST RETRO: SUSTEAS Stove Top Whistling Tea Kettle
BEST GLASS: CAFÉ BREW COLLECTION Glass Whistling Tea Kettle

What to Consider When Choosing Best Whistling Tea Kettle

There are many kinds of tea kettles on the market. Before committing to one, it is important to consider the kettle’s features, including size, material, shape, and handle. Knowing more about these options can help determine which kettle will make the best choice.

Size

Tea kettles are made in a few different sizes, with the average whistling tea kettle ranging between 1.5 and 3 quarts. Sizes are usually chosen based on the amount of water they can heat and how many cups of tea a kettle can make. A 5-ounce cup is considered a standard-size serving for tea or coffee. A 2-quart kettle can make about 13 cups of tea, whereas a 3-quart kettle can make nearly 20 cups.

A smaller tea kettle is a convenient choice for those who make only a cup of tea or two at a time. For a tea kettle that can accommodate larger groups or families, a 3-quart kettle may be needed.

Material and Finish

Most tea kettles are made from rust-resistant materials such as stainless steel, enamel, copper, or glass. A kettle’s material plays a role in its durability and how quickly it heats up. Most kettles use the same materials on the outside as the inside, but some also feature a nonstick interior to protect against limescale buildup.

Many choose stainless steel kettles because that material heats the fastest and is rust-, dent-, and corrosion-resistant. Glass may not be as durable as stainless steel, but it is often regarded as an attractive material that can withstand high temperatures. For use on an induction stovetop, the kettle must have a base made out of magnetic-grade stainless steel in order to function; glass or standard stainless steel will not work on that surface.

Shape

Whistling tea kettles may come in various sizes, but they are almost always formed in the shape of a squat, cylindrical pot. The traditional body shape of tea kettles is designed to fit on a compact stove or heat source. Its broad base typically measures 8 or 9 inches in diameter, which helps disperse the heat evenly to bring water to a boil faster.

Tea kettles have a handle, a spout, and a lid. A tea kettle’s spout length affects the whistle. The longer the spout, the lower the whistle sound it makes.

Handle and Pour Spout

The design of a tea kettle’s handle, lid, and pour spout can vary from product to product. Tea kettle spouts come in different lengths, with most designed to be drip-free to ensure that boiling-hot water does not spill or drip when being poured or carried. A cool-touch, nonslip grip is the safest handle option, designed to consistently stay at a safe temperature to touch, even after the water reaches a boil.

Handles are typically made with a stainless steel base coated in a material such as silicone or phenolic plastic. Silicone and phenolic plastics are often used because they do not get slippery when wet or retain heat, making them safe to touch after the water has reached a boil.

Tea Infuser

Some tea kettles come with a tea infuser for convenient brewing. A tea infuser is often made from stainless steel formed into a tight mesh that filters out coffee grounds or tea leaves to ensure the drink does not have residue.

Some tea kettles come with tea infusers that fit inside them, but it is usually best to steep tea outside of the kettle or after the kettle has been removed from the heat to avoid a burnt flavor. When tea is steeped in a separate coffee mug, it can reduce the need for cleaning the kettle and prolong the kettle’s life.

Dishwasher Compatibility

Not all whistling tea kettles are dishwasher safe, so it is essential to read the user manual before the first cleaning. While stainless steel is a durable material, a dishwasher can overexpose it to water and break it down over time. The dishwasher may also not be appropriate for the other components of a kettle, such as the whistle spout and silicone or plastic handle. Using any scouring or steel wool scrubbers is not recommended with metal or glass-based kettles, as they can cause damage or unsightly scratches.

Our Top Picks

The top picks below have been selected based on the essential shopping considerations discussed above. These models are made from the best materials, such as stainless steel or glass, and many also have important safety features like stay-cool handles and drip-free pour spouts. These kettles are some of the best whistling tea kettles on the market and are a quality addition to any kitchen.

Best Overall

OXO Brew Classic Tea Kettle Brushed Stainless Steel

The Brew Classic by Oxo is a high-quality tea kettle with a dripless, whistling spout. It is constructed with an attractive brushed stainless steel exterior and a nonstick coated inside that is rust resistant and durable. This kettle has safety touch points on the lid, spout, and handle made from heat-resistant silicone.

The handle is set on hinges, so it can be moved out of the way for more compact storage. On the top of the kettle is a large lid opening that makes filling and cleaning the kettle easy. This kettle does not work with induction stovetops and is not dishwasher safe. It should be hand-washed with warm water and soap without steel wool or scouring pads.

Best Bang for the Buck

Mr. Coffee Carterton Whistling Tea Kettle

An affordable pick, the Mr. Coffee Carterton Whistling Tea Kettle can hold up to 1.5 quarts of water to easily make tea for two or a small family. It is compatible with induction stovetops as well as other common heat sources.

The body of the tea kettle is made from mirror-polished stainless steel that is both durable and attractive. The handle, lid, and pour spout feature heat-resistant plastic materials that are safe to touch even after the water has reached a boil. The whistling spout sings a tune when the water has reached a boil. This kettle is not dishwasher safe and should be hand-washed.

Upgrade Pick

Willow & Everett Stovetop Whistling Tea Pot

This Willow & Everett tea kettle is designed with a stainless steel body that functions well on most stovetops, including induction. The bottom has been constructed from five layers of premium metal, including stainless steel, iron, and aluminum, which ensures water heats up quickly and evenly. These high-quality materials are also scratch-, dent-, and rust-resistant for a long-lasting kettle that can hold up to 2.5 quarts of water.

This kettle’s overall design has safety and comfort in mind and features an ergonomic handle with heat-safe silicone that’s soft and nonslip. There is a spring-loaded lever on the handle that safely opens the whistling spout. It also comes with a stainless steel tea strainer that makes a single cup of tea.

Best Large

T-fal C76220 Stainless Steel Tea Kettle

This large whistling kettle from T-fal quickly boils up to 3 quarts or 96 ounces of water. The body of the kettle is made with heavy-gauge stainless steel and a broad base that heats water faster than average kettles. This kettle can be used with most heat sources, but it is not induction compatible.

The built-in whistling spout signals when the water has reached a boil and can be safely opened and closed with a simple pull lever on the handle. The heat-resistant Bakelite handle is cool to the touch use when pouring. On the top of the kettle is a large lid opening for easy cleaning. For best results, hand-wash this model with warm water and soap.

Best Enamel

Le Creuset Enamel On Steel Whistling Tea Kettle

Le Creuset’s Enamel Whistling Kettle holds up to 1.7 quarts and is available in a few different vibrant colors like red, blue, teal, and orange. Its enamel construction means that it’s both durable and attractive, plus it matches most kitchen decor. It can also be safely used on all heat sources, including induction stoves.

This whistling kettle features an ergonomic handle made with strong stainless steel brackets and a heat-resistant phenolic plastic for a secure and cool grip. Atop the kettle is a large lid with a safe-temperature knob. This kettle is not dishwasher safe and should be carefully hand-washed.

Best Stylish

POLIVIAR Black Ti Stovetop Tea Kettle

POLIVIAR’s Black Ti Stovetop Tea Kettle features anti-rust and anti-heat properties with an attractive exterior made from food-grade stainless steel. This kettle comes in a few different color options to match any kitchen, all of which are paired with a wood-grained silicone handle. On the handle is a convenient lever that safely opens and closes the spout.

The body of the kettle also features a wide base that heats up quickly and evenly. It is possible to use this kettle on gas, electric, induction, and radiant stoves. It should be hand-washed only, not put in the dishwasher.

Best Retro

SUSTEAS Stove Top Whistling Tea Kettle

The SUSTEAS Stove Top Kettle is an attractive kitchen addition that works with induction cooktops, gas stoves, electric stoves, and radiant cooktops. It has a large capacity of 2.64 quarts that can make tea or coffee for the whole family. The kettle’s exterior body is made with top-grade surgical stainless steel that is resistant to rust and corrosion, with a base that features layers of aluminum for better heat retention.

The cool-touch ergonomic handle has a push button that makes opening the spout and pouring water simple and safe. This kettle comes with a silicone hot pad that can be used to protect countertops from the heated metal and other cookware.

Best Glass

CAFÉ BREW COLLECTION Glass Whistling Tea Kettle

The glass whistling tea kettle by Café Brew Collection is a uniquely transparent kettle that works on electric, glass, and gas cooktops. The body is constructed from high-quality Borosilicate glass made in Germany, and it is fully assembled in the United States.

This kettle can hold up to 48 ounces of water for a yield of nearly 10 cups of tea or coffee. The handle and the lid are made with phenolic plastic that does not easily retain heat for cool-touch use. This kettle is also conveniently dishwasher safe for easy cleanup.

FAQs About Whistling Tea Kettles

Below are answers to some common questions about tea kettles. For additional information, contact the kettle manufacturer.

Q. Are all whistling tea kettles rust resistant?

Not all whistling tea kettles are rust resistant. To avoid rust, choose a kettle made from stainless steel, enamel, or glass, and follow all recommended cleaning instructions from the manufacturer.

Q. How long does a whistling tea kettle take to boil?

A teapot must reach a temperature of at least 212 degrees Fahrenheit before it boils and whistles. Depending on the heat source and capacity, it usually takes 10 to 15 minutes for a full whistling tea kettle to boil.

Q. Can I leave water in a kettle?

Never leave water in a kettle. It can cause limescale to build up that will affect the taste of the tea or coffee, and it can shorten the kettle’s lifespan.

Q. Can I put a tea bag in a kettle?

It is not recommended to put a tea bag in a kettle. The tea can burn easily when placed directly on heat, and it then requires the kettle to be thoroughly cleaned with soap after each use.