As a tea lover, one of the most important pieces of equipment in my kitchen is my tea kettle. I also use a tea kettle when heating up water for my ramen or to give my pasta water a head start.
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Whether it be electric vs stovetop kettle, I need a kettle that can heat up water quickly and easily. But which is the best between these two options? Let’s compare electric vs stovetop tea kettles, and weigh the pros and cons of each so you can make an informed decision when it comes time to purchase your own.
Electric vs Stovetop Tea Kettles: Head to Head
Let’s begin by looking at electric kettles. As you’d expect, there are great benefits to using them for heating your water but you should be aware of the cons as well.
The Pros of Electric Kettles
Electric Kettles: Convenience and Temperature Control
Electric kettles are hard to beat if it’s convenience you’re looking for. With the push of a button, hot water is ready in just a few minutes. Plus, many models come with adjustable temperature settings, which is great for different types of tea.
For example, green tea should be brewed at a lower temperature than black tea to prevent burning the leaves. Therefore, having a kettle that can reach the perfect temperature for each type of tea is a huge plus.
Safety Features for Electric Tea Kettle
Another pro of using electric kettles is the safety features. Nearly all models come with automatic shut-off and boil-dry protection.
Once your water has reached boiling temperature the kettle will automatically shut off. The boil-dry protection feature will shut off the kettle automatically to prevent a kitchen disaster. These features are a huge plus, especially if you’re prone to forgetfulness like me.
Faster Heating of Electric Tea Kettle
One of the biggest advantages of electric kettles is their faster heating time. For instance, the Cosori Electric Kettle can have hot water ready for you in only 3 minutes. They can heat up water much faster than stovetop kettles, which is great if you’re in a hurry.
The Cons of Electric Kettles
Electric Kettles: Dependence on Electricity
As a New Orleans native, we frequently had power outages during bad storms or hurricanes.The downside of electric kettles is that they can’t be used during power outages. If the electricity goes out, you won’t be able to boil any water until it comes back on. .
Higher Cost of Electric Tea Kettle
Another downside of electric kettles is that they tend to be more expensive than stovetop kettles. While the convenience and temperature control features are great, they come at a cost.
Electric Tea Kettles Take Up Space
Finally, electric kettles can overcrowd your kitchen space. I have an electric kettle that I really like, however, I have to move or maneuver around it in order to use my coffee maker. If you have limited counter or pantry space, an electric kettle could get in your way.
The Pros of Stovetop Kettles
Take a look at the stovetops of many of your favorite television shows and you’ll see a classic stovetop kettle on display. It’s no wonder why because of their nostalgic look and charm. We continue our comparison of electric vs stovetop kettle by taking a look at the pros and cons of a stovetop kettle.
Durability of Stovetop Tea Kettle
Stovetop kettles are also often made of thicker, more durable materials than electric kettles. Stainless steel and enamel on steel are two of the top choices for stovetop kettles. These materials can withstand more wear and tear and are less likely to break over time.
Whistle Alert
Many stovetop tea kettles whistle once the water has reached boiling. I really appreciate this feature in my kettle as it lets me know when my water has reached boiling point.
This feature is especially useful if you’re a multitasker or easily distracted like me. Additionally, the whistle alert can be a helpful safety feature as it can remind you to turn off the heat once the water is boiled, which can prevent the kettle from boiling dry and potentially causing damage.
Classic Design of Stovetop Tea Kettle
We know that the design of a stovetop tea kettle has very little to do with functionality. However, there’s just something about the classic design of a stovetop kettle that adds a traditional, nostalgic touch to your kitchen.
Also, many manufacturers offer stovetop kettles in a variety of different colors. The renowned company Le Creuset has approximately 9 different colors. Since they’re available in an array of colors, you can choose a stovetop kettle that matches your kitchen’s color palette.
Lower Cost of Stovetop Tea Kettles
Stovetop kettles offer models that are often less expensive than electric kettles and we’re not talking about cheap knock-off brands.
The brand, Mr. Coffee offers a few stainless steel whistling stovetop tea kettles that will cost you less than $20. So, if you’re looking to save some money, a stovetop kettle is a great option.
Click here to check out a great selection of Mr. Coffee stovetop tea kettles!
The Cons of Stovetop Tea Kettles
We’ve discussed the pros of stovetop kettle but they have their downsides. Check out the disadvantages of stovetop kettles as highlighted below.
Take Longer to Heat Water
In comparing stovetop tea kettles vs electric in terms of boil time, stovetop kettles will take longer to heat up water. An electric kettle can have water boiled in less than 4 minutes, however, a stovetop kettle can take up to 10 minutes. So, if you’re pressed for time or lack patience, a stovetop kettle may not be for you.
No Adjustable Temperature Settings
We previously noted that some electric kettles have adjustable temperature settings. For example, you can set the ideal temp for green tea of 170℉ or black tea for 212℉.
Stovetop tea kettles do not have any temperature presets. This lack of temperature control can make it more difficult to achieve the perfect brewing temperature for your tea, and may result in tea that is either too weak or too strong.
Safety Concerns
Stovetop kettles do not have the same safety features as electric kettles, such as automatic shut-off and boil-dry protection. A benefit of stovetop tea kettles we previously cited was the whistle alert. However, this alert just signals that the water has reached boiling point.
The stove will continue to remain on. If you fall asleep while your water is boiling in a stovetop kettle or the whistle alert fails to work, there could be damage and a potential fire hazard.
Stovetop Kettles Are Less Energy Efficient
And lastly, stovetop kettles can be less energy efficient than electric kettles. Electric kettles have heating elements that are specifically designed to quickly and efficiently heat water, while stovetop kettles rely on the heat from a stove or burner.
This can make it take longer to boil water and can also lead to higher energy consumption. The lack of energy efficiency is a drawback for folks like me who are concerned about energy consumption and saving money on energy bills.
Our Final Thoughts
Electric and stovetop tea kettles both have their pros and cons. If I had to choose one over the other, I would pick an electric tea kettle because of the fast heating time and safety features.
If you’re looking for convenience and faster heating time, an electric kettle might be the way to go. But if you’re looking for versatility and a classic design, a stovetop kettle might be the better choice.