Who doesn’t love a nice cup of tea? Well, tea brewing on a tea kettle is one of the age-long traditions that we can’t just do away with. The sound of a whistling kettle will instantly trigger your taste buds as you rush to make a cup (or two) of your favorite beverage.
The best overall tea kettle is the stainless steel Pykal Whistling Tea Kettle. It’s rust-free, durable, and features a cool-to-touch handle as well as generous capacity. The Pykal Whistling Tea Kettle is also sturdy and compatible with all types of stoves.
The only instances I wouldn’t recommend Pykal Whistling Kettle are if:
- You’re on a tight budget. Go for Mr. Coffee Claredale Whistling Tea Kettle.
- You don’t want an exclusively stainless steel kettle. Go for Le Creuset Classic Whistling Kettle.
- You want something convenient and energy-saving. Go for KitchenAid Electric Kettle.
- You have a small household. Go for Circulon Morning Bird Tea Kettle.
In this article, I’ll discuss factors to consider when buying a tea kettle, the causes of rusting in a tea kettle, and how you can prevent it. Read on to know why Pykal Whistling Kettle is our top pick, and identify other kettle alternatives that may suit your taste and preferences.
Factors To Consider When Buying a No-Rust Tea Kettle
Nothing frustrates a buyer more than buying an item that ends up in the garbage sooner than expected. So, when shopping for a tea kettle, you should always check its features keenly and identify any undesirable quality. If you’re a tea lover, you’ll want a kettle that’ll serve you well for years without hurting your pocket.
Here’s a list of the factors to consider when buying a tea kettle:
Material
You’ll find a wide array of kettles in the market, including those made from stainless steel, cast iron, copper, and enamel.
So, before you make that purchase, consider if the kettle’s material is rust-free, safe, and long-lasting. You may also want a heat-resistant tea kettle that’ll guarantee no burns while brewing your tea.
Now, kettles made from stainless steel, glass, enamel, and copper aren’t prone to rusting (under favorable conditions), unlike cast iron-made ones.
One downside of copper kettles is that they require more maintenance, while glass kettles are quite fragile.
Here’s a comparison table of my best picks:
Brand | Material | Score |
Pykal Whistling Kettle | Stainless steel | 9/10 |
Mr. Coffee Claredale Whistling Tea Kettle | Stainless steel | 5/10 |
Kate Spade Deco Kettle | Enamel on steel | 8/10 |
Le Creuset Classic Whistling Kettle | Enamel on steel | 8/10 |
Belanko Whistling Tea Kettle | Stainless steel | 7/10 |
Kitchen Aid Electric Kettle | Stainless steel | 8/10 |
Circulon Morning Bird Tea Kettle | Enamel on steel` | 8/10 |
Size and Capacity
The size of your household will determine your kettle’s capacity. Well, while large families require a kettle with a large capacity (2–3 quarts or 1.9–2.83 Liters), you may also consider other factors like how often you have visitors or travel.
Though a large kettle is always advisable, some buyers prefer compact kettles they can conveniently carry around (on trips, perhaps).
Brand | Capacity | Score |
Pykal Whistling Kettle | 3.2 quarts (3 liters) | 10/10 |
Mr. Coffee Claredale Whistling Tea Kettle | 2.2 quarts (2.0 liters) | 7/10 |
Kate Spade Deco Kettle | 2.5 quarts (2.4 liters) | 8/10 |
Le Creuset Classic Whistling Kettle | 1.8 quarts (1.7 liters) | 6/10 |
Belanko Whistling Tea Kettle | 2.7 quarts (2.6 liters) | 9/10 |
Kitchen Aid Electric Kettle | 2.2 quarts (2.0 liters) | 7/10 |
Circulon Morning Bird Tea Kettle | 2.0 quarts (1.9 liters) | 7/10 |
Durability
A long-lasting tea kettle will offer you the best value for your money. No one wants to pour money down the drain now and then while looking for the best kettle. So, if you want a tea kettle that’ll serve you for years, first consider its material as some are more durable than others.
Tea kettles made from stainless steel and cast iron are usually the most durable. Glass kettles are relatively durable as they depend on how you handle them. Enamel-coated, copper, and aluminum kettles may be less durable if they’re mishandled.
Brand | Durability Score |
Pykal Whistling Kettle | 9/10 |
Mr. Coffee Claredale Whistling Tea Kettle | 8/10 |
Kate Spade Deco Kettle | 8/10 |
Le Creuset Classic Whistling Kettle | 9/10 |
Belanko Whistling Tea Kettle | 7/10 |
Kitchen Aid Electric Kettle | 9/10 |
Circulon Morning Bird Tea Kettle | 8/10 |
Boiling Speed
If you’re always on the go, you’ll most probably consider a kettle that offers maximum convenience. Therefore, an electric kettle will be the best option in such a case. However, if time is a non-issue and you can brew your tea as you do other things, a stove-top tea kettle would be ideal.
Electric kettles are also energy efficient as they use less energy than traditional gas stoves. Most of them also have temperature control features and automatic shut-offs to help you save on energy. So, for convenience and efficiency, electric kettles take the trophy.
Design
Tea kettles are available in various designs, including classic, high-end, or sleek. Your taste, preferences, and purpose will guide you on the ideal tea kettle to buy.
While electric kettles have fewer attractive designs, stove-top kettles have a vast array of styles.
You may also consider whether you want a whistling or a non-whistling kettle, depending on its design. Some kettles also have ergonomic handles with push buttons to protect you from burning as you pour out the content. Others have unique features, including limescale filters and removable infusers.
Cost
While you may not want to spend much on buying a kettle, cheap may be expensive in the long run.
However, it doesn’t mean that you should hurt your pockets by going for the most expensive brand. Therefore, your ideal kettle should strike a balance between quality and affordability.
Ease of Cleaning
It’s frustrating to have an elegantly-looking kettle that you can’t clean well. You’ll be disappointed if your tea always appears with some layers of limescale or dirt. So, it’s always safe to buy a kettle with a wide opening for easy cleaning.
Best Tea Kettles That Won’t Rust
1. Pykal Whistling Tea Kettle (Best Overall)
Made from surgical stainless steel, Pykal Whistling Tea Kettle is a top-rated kettle that utilizes thermal protection technology.
The sturdy, ergonomic, and stylish kettle will offer value for your money as it’s long-lasting. Pykal Whistling Kettle on Amazon.com has a 3-liter (3.2 quarts) capacity; therefore, it’s ideal for large families and hosts.
Its iCool handle saves you the hustle of looking for mittens — you can easily hold it without getting burnt.
Bottom line: Pykal Whistling Kettle is the kettle of choice for tea lovers as it is rust-resistance, versatile, and worth its price. The kettle scores highly on almost all factors, including durability, capacity, ease of cleaning, and design.
Pros
- Rust-proof as it’s made from surgical stainless steel
- Has a 5-ply encapsulated base, making it sturdy
- Comes with two free tea infusers
- Heats quickly and is cool to touch
- Easy to pour and fill
Cons
- Prone to leaking
- Has no spout filter
2. Mr. Coffee Claredale Whistling Tea Kettle (Best Bang for Your Buck)
Mr. Coffee Claredale Whistling Tea Kettle on Amazon.com is your go-to kettle if affordability is your top priority. The classic stainless steel kettle is available in a stylish design and a range of colors. It also has an ergonomic handle with a cool handle and spout trigger button.
Mr. Coffee Whistling Kettle has a reasonable capacity of 2.0 Liters (2.2 quarts), and it’s lightweight. The kettle’s aesthetic look and whistling capacity make it a favorite to many users.
Bottom Line: Mr. Coffee Claredale Whistling Tea Kettle won’t hurt your pocket. Its lightweight, appealing design, and affordability make it worth a trial.
Pros
- Has a cool ergonomic handle
- Lightweight
- Cost-friendly
- Has an appealing look
Cons
- Not dishwasher safe
- Made of thin material
- Whistling isn’t loud
- Can’t be used on high flames
3. Kate Spade Deco Dot Colbalt Kettle (Best Stylish)
Do you want a kettle with a signature look, one that’ll impress your guests and enhance your kitchen’s appeal? Kate Deco Kettle (available on Amazon.com) is a well-designed tea kettle with a striking look. It’s rust-proof as it’s made from stainless steel with an enamel coating.
The tea kettle will serve you well as it has an average capacity, is long-lasting, and has a cool handle.
Bottom Line: Kate Spade Deco Kettle is your ideal type of sleek and stylish tea kettle. The rust-free, elegantly-looking kettle is made from durable materials and will add charm to your kitchen.
Pros
- Features an attractive look
- Rust-resistant
- Has a reasonable capacity of 2.4 Liters (2.5 quarts)
Cons
- Whistling isn’t loud enough
- Handle may become loose
- Not dishwasher-safe
4. Le Creuset Classic Whistling Kettle (Best Enamel)
If you’re looking to invest in a tea kettle that’ll serve you for years, the Le Creuset Classic Whistling Kettle (available on Amazon.com) is the best choice. This good-looking, rust-free, and long-lasting kettle will add value to your kitchen and make your tea-brewing experience worthwhile.
Le Creuset Classic Whistling Kettles are available in various shapes and colors, including Cerise, Oyster, and Deep Teal. They also heat up quickly and have easy-to-flip whistles.
Bottom Line: Le Creuset Classic Whistling Kettle is your go-to kettle if you’re looking for a combination of durability, efficiency, and convenience.
Pros
- Rust-free and has a secure ergonomic handle
- Compatible with any heat source
- Has a good capacity
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Has a lid that sometimes sticks, making it hard to open
- Heavier than most tea kettles
- May spill hot water.
5. BELANKO Whistling Tea Kettle (Best for Gas Stove)
Do you want a kettle that’ll help you brew your favorite cup of tea, specifically on your gas stove? Belanko Whistling Tea Kettle is a rust-free and attractive stainless steel kettle with a silicone-coated handle. It’s energy-efficient and compatible with various heat sources.
Featuring food-grade materials, reasonable capacity, ease of cleaning, and affordability, Belanko Whistling Kettle is an ideal choice for many tea lovers. Its ergonomic design and cool-to-touch handle are an added advantage.
Bottom Line: Belanko Whistling Tea Kettle is best for serving a large family and when a gas stove is the only heat source.
Pros
- Attractive and available in several colors
- Has a fully sealed lid
- Made from food-grade materials
- Has an insulated silicone-coated handle
Cons
- Not suitable for high heat sources (spout cover may melt)
- Has a lid that isn’t made from wood as it appears
6. KitchenAid Electric Kettle (Best Electric Tea Kettle)
If convenience and energy efficiency are your top priorities, then an electric kettle should be a perfect choice. The KitchenAid Electric Kettle (available on Amazon.com) is your kind of long-lasting, fast-boiling, and sturdy kettle. It has a nice-looking design that won’t leave a boring impression on your kitchen counter.
The KitchenAid Electric Kettle has a BPA-free interior and a stainless steel body. It also has a removable base and an automatic switch with LED light to enhance visibility.
Bottom Line: KitchenAid Electric Kettle helps you save on time and money. Though it may cost a little too much for heating water, its durability makes it a good investment.
Pros
- Boils water in less than 5 minutes
- Durable and convenient.
- Has a limescale filter
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Has a small capacity
- Expensive
- Has some plastic parts
7. Circulon Morning Bird Tea Kettle (Best Compact)
Circulon Morning Bird Tea Kettle (available on Amazon.com) is what you should go for if you want a conveniently shaped tea kettle compatible with various heat sources. Apart from Morning Bird, the smartly-designed kettle is available in other colors, including Sunrise, Circles, and Contempo.
Though compact, Circulon Morning Bird Kettle has a generous capacity of 2.0 quarts. It also comprises a sturdy handle and a stain-resistant exterior.
Bottom Line: Circulon Morning Bird Kettle, a sleek and compact tea kettle with a squeeze-and-pour handle is perfect for a contemporary kitchen.
Pros
- Features an audible whistle
- Easy to clean
- Has a stain-resistant exterior
- Rust-free
- Comes with a lifetime limited warranty
Cons
- Handle gets hot sometimes
- Enamel coat can chip off
- Hard to pour out all the water
- Somewhat expensive for its quality
Causes of Rusting in Tea Kettles
Rusting is one of the major challenges that kettle users face every day. Though most tea kettles are made from rust-resistant materials, some conditions may expose your kettle to rusting. These include:
Hard Water
Water hardness occurs when the water has a high amount of dissolved minerals, including magnesium and calcium. You can tell that you’re using hard water if you feel a film of residue after washing hands or dishes with soap. Hard water forms solid deposits of calcium carbonate, mostly referred to as limescale after heating.
Though limescale doesn’t directly cause rusting, it corrodes the kettle material. Moreover, if you don’t clean your kettle well to remove the limescale build-up, the corrosion will expose your tea kettle to rusting.
Cleaning Issues
Some cleaning methods may contribute to kettle rusting. As mentioned above, a failure to clean a kettle with limescale build-up will eventually fasten the corrosion and rusting of a kettle. Most kettles also get some deposits of iron or iron oxide (which cause rusting).
You might have noticed some stains inside your kettle (yellow or reddish). These stains could indicate rust, and if you don’t clean it well, the rust will corrode the kettle.
Use of Kettles With Rust-Prone Materials
Some kettles are made of rust-prone materials, hence, have higher chances of rusting. If you buy a cast-iron kettle, it’ll start rusting upon exposure to water or moisture.
At times, a kettle with an aluminum or enamel coating may be exposed to rust if the coating material chips off.
Though stainless steel and copper kettles are rust-resistant, some environmental conditions, such as exposure to hard or salty water, may cause rusting.
How You Can Prevent Rusting in Tea Kettles
Though you can remove some levels of rust from your kettle, prevention is always the best remedy. Preventing your tea kettle from rust exposure will lengthen its life, and you’ll also save on repair or replacement costs.
Now, here’s how to prevent your tea kettle from rusting:
Clean the Kettle Well
A well-cleaned tea kettle will have minimal chances of rusting. While you may be cleaning it daily with only soap and water, it may not be effective if the water is hard.
You can try using other cleaning solutions, including white vinegar, lemon juice, and baking soda. Some people also use Coca-Cola and descaling products.
Here’s how to clean your kettle with white vinegar:
- Mix fresh, clean water with white vinegar in a 1:1 ratio.
- Pour the vinegar solution into the tea kettle up to the marked line.
- Let it stand for 15 minutes.
- Boil the solution at medium heat for about 5 minutes.
- Then, let it cool down for 15 minutes or more.
- Once the mixture has cooled, pour it out and rinse the kettle.
Handle the Kettle Properly
If you’re using an enamel-coated kettle, avoid scrubbing it with rough brushes or steel wool to avoid chipping off and exposing the metal. For other types of kettles, don’t leave water inside the kettle for a long period. Also, avoid letting the kettle accumulate limescale deposits.
Parting Shot
Finding a durable, rust-resistant, energy-efficient, and cost-friendly kettle is a worthy investment. Pykal Whistling Kettle is one such kind of kettle, emerging as the best overall among kettles that won’t rust.
Check out the Pykal Whistling Tea Kettle on Amazon.com now.
One feature you don’t mention is the “burn your hands” issue. Many kettles have a handle that heats up too much to handle sans mits. Or has a stopper you need to pull (again with mits). It’s a big problem with several of the fancy looking kettles.
I also enjoy an electric kettle, but a key con you don’t mention is counter space.