There are two popular types of kettles and which of these kettles is better is a hotly debated topic. We are of course referring to the age-old debate of electric vs stovetop kettle. Both types of kettles offer different benefits and have their own downfalls. This means that the ‘best’ type of kettle solely depends on your individual circumstances.
If you have a modern kitchen with ample space, access to high amounts of electricity, and frequently require hot water for tea and coffee, an electric kettle is a good option to add to your collection of kitchen appliances. They are great for families as they can be set to boil and then left while you attend to children in another room. They are also useful for any at-home workers who want to boil the kettle but can’t afford to be away from their desks for 10 minutes while they wait for the water.
On the other hand, a stove top kettle has its own special place in the world. This is mainly for people that have limited electricity, older houses with limited countertop space, or people who are conscious of the environment and are trying to reduce their environmental footprint. These types of kettles are appropriate for gas or electric stoves, but instead of using electricity to power its own internal heating element, this kettle relies on the heat produced by your stovetop. They work on electric or gas stovetops and as they live on the stovetop, they save room on your countertop. In general, these stovetop kettles have fewer features and are less likely to have an automatic shut off when it reaches a certain temperature, meaning there is nothing to prevent excess boiling or even water overflowing. Fortunately, many models do at least offer a heat resistant outer body.
Recommended Kettles
Regardless of your lifestyle or the type of kettle that is best for you, we have some great recommendations. Below we have listed two of each type of kettle to help you choose the best potion for your household.
Cosori Gooseneck Kettle
Starting with an electric kettle, this appliance offers a range of great features that is perfect for people who love to have the latest technology.
Pros
- Comes with 5 pre-set temperatures to get the perfect brew regardless of your drink of choice.
- Has a keep-warm function that will keep your water hot for up to 60 minutes
- Beeps three times when water reaches the desired temperature (this function can be turned off if you prefer a silent finish)
- Made of food-grade steel to prevent any chemical leakage into the water
- Gooseneck spout that allows for precision pouring
- Boils a full kettle within 3-5 minutes
- Auto shuts off if the kettle detects no water to prevent damage
- Aesthetically pleasing to the eye adding an element of sophistication to any kitchen
Cons
- Small 27 ounce capacity
- Does not offer in-kettle tea brewing like other models
- Customer reviews indicate a concern with the packaging choice. It does not appear to be environmentally friendly
- Can be expensive to purchase
Find the Best Value and Fastest Shipping for This Product on Amazon!
Cosori Glass Kettle
If you are looking for a basic electric kettle that just boils water, this is a great option. Not everybody wants a fancy kettle with a dozen settings, they just want to boil water and be done with it. This glass kettle offers the simplicity of a stovetop kettle with the convenience of electricity for fast, convenient boiling.
Pros
- Large 57-ounce capacity
- Glass body making this appliance easy to clean
- Sleek, glass design looks great in any kitchen
- Auto shuts off when the kettle detects no water to prevent damage
- BPA free
- Boils 57-ounce in as little as 7 minutes
- LED light that illuminates the kettle body indicates when the water has come to the boil
- Cheaper option than the variable temperature gooseneck listed above
Cons
- Does not offer a keep warm feature
- Does not offer variable temperature settings
Click here to read more about this product’s relevant reviews!
Belanko Stovetop Whistling Kettle
This stovetop whistling kettle offers simple elegance that is reminiscent of decades gone by. Also, It adds a vintage feel to your kitchen but would also suit a modern design in a brand new house.
Pros
- Large 2.3-quart capacity
- Aesthetically pleasing with a wood pattern handle and marble look body
- Choose from 5 unique and stunning colors
- Made from stainless steel
- Whistles loudly when water comes to the boil
- Works on induction stovetops, electric stovetops, and gas stovetops
- Does not require electricity
Cons
- Does not have auto-shutoff when water comes to the boil
- Does not have boil-dry prevention
- Must be used on a hot stovetop
- Cheaper than some electric kettles
Find the Best Value and Fastest Shipping for This Product on Amazon!
XIRGS Gooseneck Stovetop Kettle
If you are an avid coffee/tea drinker and need your water to boil to a precise temperature, this is a great non-electric option.
Pros
- Gooseneck spout allows for slow and accurate pouring
- Built-in temperature gauge for accurate boiling
- Large capacity of 40-ounces
- Made from stainless steel
- Can be used at home on the stove or while camping
- Lightweight making it great for travelling
- Aesthetically pleasing to look at
Cons
- Does not have auto-shutoff when boiling is complete
- Does not prevent dry boiling
- Some customer reviews indicate the temperature gauge is not accurate at lower temperatures
Click here to read more about this product!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a stovetop kettle better than an electric kettle?
Both types of kettles have pros and cons. If you are looking for a safe kettle that won’t risk boiling dry and doesn’t require the use of a hot stove, an electric kettle may be the best choice for you. However, if you live off the grid or have limited countertop space, a stovetop kettle may be the best choice for you.
Is an electric kettle safer than a stovetop kettle?
Yes, electric kettles are safer than stovetop kettles. They do not require hot stoves to boil and a large number of them have dry boiling prevention. But that does not mean stovetop kettles are not safe and shouldn’t be used.
Which type of kettle should I buy?
The type of kettle you should buy depends on your circumstances. If you are looking for frequent boiling options or an ability to keep your water hot, then an electric kettle may be for you. If you seldomly use your kettle, have limited access to electricity, or have an old-style kitchen, a stovetop kettle is a great option to consider.
Conclusion
Stovetop and electric kettles both come with their own lists of pros and cons. When deciding which one is better for you, make sure you know the benefits of each so that you can make an informed decision when purchasing a kettle to suit your lifestyle.
Regardless of which type you choose, we are sure there is a kettle out there that is perfectly suited to your needs and we hope that our article has been able to point you in the right direction.