I grew up in a house that always had a whistling tea kettle. A whistling kettle was the only way that my busy mother of four could make sure she didn’t boil her kettle dry because she was always distracted by too many kids and too many things to get done.
There’s just something traditional and warm about a whistling tea kettle. Whether you’re looking for one to boil water for your morning cup of herbal tea, or are a fan of pour-over coffee and need hot water for your caffeine fix, here are my picks for the best whistling tea kettles out there.
There are great options for everyone, from pricey and fancy, to sturdy and functional. Even the cheapest model from these best kettles can heat water like a champ.
Why Whistling Tea Kettles?
Any type of stove top tea kettle needs a whistle. That’s because it’s just too easy to walk away and forget that you have water on the boil.
There’s nothing worse than coming back into the kitchen to find out the enamel bottom of your kettle is now fused to your stove because you boiled your kettle dry. Not only do you have a mess to clean up, but you don’t have that hot water you were looking forward to.
Read on to find out what to look for in a good whistling tea kettle and how to pick the best option for your situation.
This post may contain affiliate links. My full disclosure policy is sort of boring, but you can find it here.
Features to look for a Whistling Kettle
No matter which type of kettle you choose, there are several features to keep in mind when choosing the best stovetop kettle for you.
Capacity
How many cups of tea will you be making at once? Have a large family? Large-capacity kettles hold multiple quarts of water, while demi models hold less. A smaller amount of water boils faster, so if you’re looking for a kettle for one or two people, a small model may be better for you.
Most kettles can hold 2 quarts of water, with large capacity kettles holding as much as 4 quarts. Petite kettles hold just over a quart.
Handle
Look for a kettle with a stay-cool handle or a heat-resistant handle. You don’t want to have to reach for a potholder every time you reach for your kettle. Some whistling kettles have a silicon handle for safe gripping, while others sport an ergonomic handle that comes in handy on a heavy metal tea kettle. If you have trouble lifting heavy objects, make sure to look for a kettle with an ergonomic design.
Material
What type of stove do you have? Most stovetop kettles work with gas stoves, but electric stoves can be radiant or induction. An induction stove will only work with a kettle made with magnetic material. So make sure you’re taking a look at the different materials kettles are made from whether they be glass, stainless steel, or cast iron. If you have a standard electric or gas stove, your options are nearly endless.
Kettle Whistle
Some whistling kettles have flip-up whistles, and others have a removable whistle spout cap that fits over the pour spout. Removable whistles are great when it comes to scrubbing out your kettle, but the flip-up whistles are great because you’ll never misplace them.
Many of these kettles have a push button mechanism on the handle so you don’t have to get close to the steaming spout end with your bare hands. Most of the removable spout models should be used with a pot holder or oven mitt to prevent your hands from getting burned on the steam..
Easy Cleaning
It’s a good idea to look at how easy the kettle will be to clean and descale. Look for a kettle with easy access to the opening. Many have handles that swivel so you can easily get inside. If you can’t fit your hand inside, it will be harder to clean.
Color
One of the reasons that I love a traditional whistling tea kettle is that they come in so many pretty colors. While electric kettles tend to be sleek, stainless steel models, a whistling kettle can be found in nearly every color in the rainbow. If you’d like a kettle to dress up your stovetop, you’re sure to find just the color to match your decor.
Design
Again, similar to colors, there are so many options in design when you’re choosing a whistling kettle. Love a sleek look? Choose a stainless model. Want something a bit more funky? How about a lemon yellow kettle?
Ready to choose? Here are the best whistling tea kettles on the market today.
Best Whistling Tea Kettles for 2024
Le Cruset Enamel on Steel Whistling Tea Kettle
This truly is my favorite tea kettle. If you have any Le Cruset cookware, you know the quality. This is a pricey kettle, but since it’s made with such high-quality materials it will last a long time. It works like a dream on my induction range. This is what sets this whistling tea kettle apart from the pack and makes it my top pick:
- 1.7 Quart Capacity
- Fixed flip-up whistle so it wont get lost
- Wide base for stability and quick heating
- Comes in so many pretty colors and a classic design
- Heat resistant ergonomic handle that swivels
- Removable round-shaped lid with stay-cool phenolic lid knob
- Can be used on any heating source, including induction ranges
Cuisinart 2-Quart Teakettle
If a sleek, stainless steel whistling tea kettle suits your kitchen, this kettle from Cuisinart is a good quality whistling kettle at a reasonable price.
- 2.0 Quart Capacity
- Fixed flip-up whistle so it won’t get lost
- Stainless steel finish with a non-reactive interior
- Ergonomic handle with push button mechanism
- Max fill line
- Limited lifetime warranty
SUSTEAS Stove Top Whistling Tea Kettle
This pretty tea kettle comes in several colors and gets excellent reviews. It’s got a round body with a trigger opening on the spout. The metallic nameplate gives it a designer feel.
- 2.6 Quart Capacity
- Fixed flip-up whistle so it won’t get lost
- High temperature resistant coating
- Cool handle with push button mechanism
- Compatible with all cooktops
- Teflon and BPA free
- Includes silicon oven mitt
Pykal Whistling Tea Kettle with iCool Handle
This stainless steel tea kettle holds 3 quarts of water and has a brushed finish. Its handle is made from a special material that doesn’t hold heat so you won’t have to worry about burning your hands. It’s a larger kettle so you won’t have to refill as often.
- 3.0 Quart Capacity
- Fixed flip-up whistle so it won’t get lost
- High temperature resistant coating
- Handle with thermal protection and push button mechanism
- Includes two tea infusers as a bonus
Sotya Whistling Tea Kettle for Stove Top
This cherry yellow kettle will make you smile as it heats your water. It comes in a couple of other colors and comes with a silicone handle to keep things cool.
- 2.5 Quart Capacity
- Fixed flip-up whistle so it won’t get lost
- Stainless steel with high temperature resistant coating
- Handle with thermal protection and push button mechanism
- Works on all types of stoves
- Handle shape allows easy access to interior for cleaning
- 12 month limited warranty
MacKenzie-Childs Flower Market Enamel Whistling Tea Pot
This hand-decorated teapot is enamel over heavy-gauge steel. It’s so sweet and would add a special touch to your teatime ritual. And your stovetop will be pretty all day with this sweet kettle. The timeless design reminds me of the enamel kettles my mom used to have.
- 2.0 Quart Capacity
- Fixed flip-up whistle so it won’t get lost
- MacKenzie-Childs is known for attractive designs
- Enamel over steel
- Wooden handle
- Shouldn’t be used over high heat due to design
- Not for use on induction cooktops
- Must be washed by hand
Glass Stove Top Whistling Tea Kettle
This glass whistling tea kettle is made from BPA-free glass. It’s cute and looks like a coffee pot from a diner. You might not readily think about glass kettles, but it boils water on the stovetop and has a whistle. The plastic handle does get hot which is a drawback, and glass may be less durable if you aren’t careful.
- 3.0 Quart Capacity
- Works on gas, electric and glass top electric stoves
- BPA free glass
- Dishwasher safe
- Includes trivet to use on coiled electric ranges
Le Cruset Enamel on Steel Demi Whistling Tea Kettle
This smaller Le Cruset whistling kettle is just like my favorite above, but it holds a smaller 1.25 quarts. Perfect for a single cup of tea or tea for two. You get all the quality of this brand in a smaller kettle.
- 1.25 Quart Capacity
- Fixed flip-up whistle so it wont get lost
- Comes in so many pretty colors
- Ergonomic heat resistant plastic handle that swivels
- Removable round-shaped lid with stay-cool phenolic lid knob
- Can be used on any heating source, including induction ranges
Electric Kettles (Non-whistling)
Now that you’ve seen the top choices in stovetop models, you might want to look at some choices that don’t need a whistle. These electric models don’t need a whistle to remind you that you’re boiling water because they shut off automatically.
Both types boil water with ease. The best tea kettle for you will depend on whether you want to use your stove as a heat source, or prefer the convenience of plug-in electric tea kettles.
Features to look for in an Electric Kettle
If you have your heart set on a whistling kettle, you’re not alone. But if you’re feeling more like a modern minimalist, take a look at these electric models. Many electric tea kettles just may win you over as the best tea kettle. You may find that your electric kettle becomes the favorite out of all your kitchen appliances.
For a complete guide to choosing an electric kettle, check out this post on the best kettles here.
Check out these features you’ll usually find in electric models:
Auto-shutoff
The auto shutoff feature automatically turns the kettle off once the water has reached the desired temperature. They don’t whistle to tell you they’re done, but they don’t keep boiling until they’re dry either. This is an absolute must have in any electric kettle.
Cordless
A cordless electric kettle has a base that stays plugged in, and a removable pitcher that you can easily move to the sink to fill with water. A cordless kettle is so much easier to fill than one with an attached cord.
Temperature Settings
The simplest electric kettles have one setting: boil. This is fine for most people. Especially if you’re using your kettle to boil water for a french press, or to make oatmeal. More sophisticated electric kettles have multiple temperature settings so you can heat water below the boiling point for more delicate teas.
Best Electric Tea Kettles for 2024
Consori Electric Gooseneck Kettle with Temperature Presets
This gooseneck kettle is a step up from the standard tea kettle. It has 5 one-touch presets that range from pour-over coffee to a lower temperature for delicate white tea. It’s sleek and can keep water hot with a convenient hold temp feature.
Gooseneck kettles are prized for their precision pouring and this model fits the bill with its well-designed small spout.
One drawback of this kettle its small capacity: it holds less than one quart of water.
It’s definitely worth it if you’re interested in brewing different teas at their optimum temperatures. You’re pretty much a barista with this model.
- 0.85 quart capacity
- Auto shutoff with boil dry protection
- Precise temperature control with presets for 5 specific temperatures
- Keep warm temperature hold feature
- Counterbalanced handle
- Black matte finish with stainless steel interior
- Heats in 3-5 minutes
Mueller Glass Kettle
This glass kettle is one of my favorite kettles I’ve tried. It heats fast and has a cool-looking blue light that comes on when heating. It also holds nearly 2 quarts (nearly 8 cups of water) so you won’t have to be refilling it all the time. Glass kettles are nice because you can easily see when they need to be cleaned or descaled.
- 1.9 quart capacity
- Auto shutoff
- Borosilicate glass
- Fast boil
- Cordless pitcher for easy filling and pouring
Smeg Retro Electric Kettle
I haven’t tried this super cool retro kettle, but users love it. It’s very pricey but it’s worth taking a look even if it’s just for fun. It’s extremely cool looking and very stylish if you like making a statement with your kitchen appliances.
- 1.8 quart capacity
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Swanky retro style
Don’t Forget These Tea Accessories
Once you’ve picked the perfect whistling tea kettle, don’t forget the other things you’ll need for that perfect cup of tea: infusers, teapots, frothers, and more….in this must have tea accessories post.
How to Keep Your Kettle Steaming Away
Once you find the perfect kettle, don’t forget that they do need a bit of maintenance to keep them working well for a long time.
If you live in a place with hard water like me, you may have to descale more often. Even if you live in a place with amazing, crystal clear water, you’ll still have to descale since minerals are what make your drinking water taste great.
For a detailed tutorial on cleaning your kettle, see my post on how to clean your kettle naturally. If you’re short on time, here’s a quick overview of how to clean your kettle with just vinegar and water:
Cleaning a Kettle in 6 Easy Steps
- Fill your kettle about halfway with equal parts water and plain white vinegar.
- Let it sit for one hour.
- After the hour, turn on your kettle and boil the mixture.
- Empty the mixture and rinse the kettle well with clean water.
- Run a kettle full of water through a boil cycle and empty.
- Use as normal.
With this method, there is no need to buy the expensive cleaning solutions that some appliance stores want to sell to you. I like this method because I like knowing just what I’m putting in my kettle, and I know that vinegar is a safe way to clean.
The bottom line: There are plenty of amazing whistling tea kettles to help you make the perfect cup of tea
So there you have it! There are so many great choices available if you are looking for the best whistling tea kettle out there. From simple and utilitarian, to colorful and fancy, you’re bound to find the perfect kettle for your next hot cup of tea.
