Intro
If you’re a tea lover, you know brewing the perfect cup of tea can be an actual sport! Between wrestling with tea bags or trying to get specific temperatures of your hot water, things can get a little tricky. Real tea connoisseurs know that the best way to brew tea is by using loose-leaf tea and a teapot, especially if you are drinking multiple cups of tea at a time.
When choosing the right tea kettle for yourself, you need to choose one that fits your style, habits, budget, and routine. There are a ton of different tea kettles on the market, so finding the perfect one for your lifestyle shouldn’t be an issue! The different types of tea kettles can include stainless steel, copper, cast iron, and glass kettles. You can also choose between a stovetop and an electric kettle, which determines the amount of time you will need to boil water.
Borosilicate glass kettles are made using an extremely durable type of glass that can withstand the high temperatures needed to make teas. Some of the most popular borosilicate glass kettles are the Hiware Teapot With Removable Infuser, Hario Cha Kyusu Maru Glass Tea Pot, and Cosori Electric Kettle.
Let’s go
In this article, we will talk about the different types of tea kettles and the list of the best glass tea kettles available. Keep reading to get closer to your best cups of tea yet!
What is a Borosilicate Glass Tea Kettle?R
Borosilicate glass teapots are made using a combination of silica and boron trioxide. The combination of materials results in a shatter and heat-resistant glass that is very durable. This is much safer than everyday glass because it is less likely to crack or break when exposed to high temperatures. When it comes to a tea kettle, this is one of the best materials to use.
Investing in high-quality borosilicate glass is the perfect choice when it comes to brewing tea. Using clear glass teapots is the best feature for someone who wants to see their blooming tea as it brews. Because of this, clear teapots are particularly popular for brewing flowering or herbal teas. Some even come with a stainless steel filter which allows you to easily brew loose-leaf tea without dealing with the mess of the leaves. A borosilicate glass tea kettle is a great option for everyday use.
Different Types of Tea Kettles
As we mentioned, there are a few different types of tea kettles. First, there are electric and stovetop kettles. These categories determine how the water boils. A stovetop kettle is placed on either an electric stovetop, electric range coils, or gas ranges to heat the water while an electric kettle boils the water itself using its heating element.
The electric kettle is loved for its ease of use, but some love the stovetop kettle for nostalgia and a classic tea brewing routine. Take a look at the charts below to learn the advantages and disadvantages of each type of tea kettle.
Stovetop Kettle
Advantages of a Stovetop Kettle | Disadvantages of a Stovetop Kettle |
Keeps water at a rolling boil for all day use | No temperature settings for precise heat |
Can heat water above boiling temperature (best for certain types of tea) | Require an outside source of heat |
Best for traveling in nature (Does not require electricity) | Slower to heat than an electric kettle |
Easier to clean |
Electric Kettle
Advantages of an Electric Kettle | Disadvantages of an Electric Kettle |
Temperature controls that allow you to get an exact water temperature | More difficult to clean due to the heating element |
Best for hotel travel because all you need is an electrical outlet | Most do not provide a notification that water is ready |
Brings water to a boil faster | Requires electricity to use |
More energy efficient than a stovetop kettle |
Different Materials Tea Kettles Can Be Made Of
In addition to choosing the way your water heats to make your tea, you also have to choose the material that your kettle is made out of. Each of these types of kettles comes in a variety of materials such as stainless steel, plastic, copper, cast iron, and glass. Below is a breakdown of each material and its pros and cons.
Cast Iron Kettles
Cast iron kettles are extremely durable. You will usually only find this material used for stovetop kettles. This is the most classic form of tea kettle material, as it dates back to 17th century Japan. Because they are a strong and durable material, a cast iron kettle will take longer to heat than any other material but will keep the water hot for a long time. Although cast iron is durable, it is also prone to rusting and must be taken care of properly, which can be bothersome for someone on the go.
Copper Kettles
Copper is a great heat conductor, so it will heat water faster than any other kettle material. The downside of copper used as a tea kettle is that it is delicate and can gather scratches and dents. Additionally, some say that boiling water in a copper kettle produces a slightly metal flavor to the water.
Stainless Steel Kettles
Stainless steel is one of the top picks of materials for tea kettles because it is easy to clean, heats evenly, requires very little maintenance, and is very affordable. Because of these reasons, they are common in commercial use. You can find stainless steel kettles for stove tops or electric versions. Unlike copper, stainless steel has not been reported to affect the taste of water.
Enamel Kettles
This type of kettle is easy to clean, exceptionally durable, and heats water evenly. Some of them use stainless steel elements for their many benefits. They also come in a variety of colors, which is one of the reasons that make them so popular.
Glass Kettles
Glass tea kettles provide a visually appealing presence, maintain heat well, and are durable. Borosilicate glass tea kettles are among the safest materials because of their heat resistance. They are also considered non-toxic because they do not transfer any metal or other chemical when water is boiling.
Best Borosilicate Glass Tea Kettles
Now that we have covered the different types of tea kettles, let’s get into our list of the best glass teapots made with heat-resistant borosilicate glass to make the best tea! Clear glass teapots are loved for their aesthetics, ease of cleaning, and non-toxic properties.
- Hiware Teapot With Removable Infuser
The Hiware Glass Teapot is one of the best tea kettles because it is made of durable glass that can withstand extreme temperatures, including the microwave oven and freezer. This kettle is a stovetop version. Its key features include a removable stainless steel infuser, a drip-free spout, and easy cleaning because it is dishwasher safe. Although this tea kettle is extremely durable and heat resistant, it does not retain heat well, resulting in tea getting cold more quickly than other kettles.
Pros:
- Removable infuser
- Stovetop, microwave, freezer, and dishwasher safe
- Non-drip spout
- Heat-resistant
Cons:
- Does not retain heat well
- Willow & Everett Teapot With Infuser
The Willow and Everett Teapot with Infuser comes in two options, one that is stovetop friendly and one that requires the use of a microwave oven to heat your tea water. Be sure to choose the stovetop-friendly version, as this is the one made with borosilicate glass. This pot is easy to clean since the infuser is easily removed.
Pros:
- Removable infuser
- BPA Free
- Ergonomic handle
- Lid locks into place for security
- Heat-resistant
Cons:
- Small capacity
- Megawise Electric Kettle
The Megawise electric kettle works with 1500W power and is one of the best electric kettle on the market. It holds 1.8 liters of water and has great safety features such as an auto shut-off mode that turns the electricity off once the water reaches a boil, which you can see via a blue light at the base of the kettle. The base is made of food-grade stainless steel while the actual kettle is made of borosilicate glass.
Pros:
- Large capacity (1.8 liters)
- Safety features
- High-quality materials
- Heat-resistant
- BPA-Free
Cons:
- Difficult to clean
- Does not retain heat
- Hario Cha Kyusu Maru Glass Tea Pot
This glass stovetop tea kettle is beautifully crafted. If you are looking for an aesthetically pleasing kettle to add decor to your home, consider the Hario Cha Kyusu Maru Glass Tea Pot. Although this pot may seem delicate, it is made with durable glass that can handle high temperatures. In fact, “Hario” means “king of glass” in Japanese. The teapot holds 700 ml, which is perfect for one person to enjoy a few cups.
Pros:
- Large tea strainer
- Shatter and heat-resistant
- Dishwasher-safe
Cons:
- Average-quality infuser
- Small capacity (700 ml)
- Brightown Electric Tea Kettle
The Brightown Electric Kettle has a ton of great features including four color indicators for water temperature, heat containment quality, a detachable glass kettle, and a 1500W heating element equipped with British Strix thermostat technology. The kettle is also eco-friendly because it has zero plastic in its design.
Pros:
- Easy on/off button
- Plastic-free
- Adjustable cord length
- Auto-shutoff feature
Cons:
- The lid is not easily kept close
- Reported to leak over time
- Cosori Electric Kettle
The Cosori Electric Kettle is among the best kettles. It safely boils a maximum capacity of 1.7 liters in 3 to 7 minutes. The high-quality borosilicate glass keeps the water safe and non-toxic while resisting scuffing and scratches from everyday use. When it comes to safety, this kettle has an auto-shutoff function and a boil-dry feature.
Pros:
- Large Capacity (57 ounces/1.7 liters)
- Quick boiling
- Auto shut-off feature
- Boil dry feature
- Durable material
- Large spout for easy cleaning
Cons:
- Must be cleaned after every use
- Auto shut-off feature can shut off too quickly
- The kettle is prone to rust
- Teabloom All-in-One
This classic and simple stovetop glass kettle is truly beautiful. The Teabloom All-in-One kettle is crafted with extra-thick, lead-free borosilicate glass making it extremely durable. It also has a super fine filter that prevents any loose tea leaves from making their way out into your tea. The hinged cover makes it easy to pour without the lid coming loose and the non-drip spout makes for a mess free pour every time!
Pros:
- Removable filter
- Dishwasher safe
- Secure Lid
- Large Capacity
Cons:
- Not as heat resistant as other teapots
- TOYO HOFU Tea Pot With Infusers For Loose Tea
TOYO HOFU Tea Pot has a high-quality borosilicate glass body and a removable stainless steel filter and lid. Loose tea leaves brew perfectly in this tall kettle that resembles a French press. This uniquely shaped tea kettle is a great addition to your kitchen utensils!
Pros:
- Stovetop safe
- Drip-free spout
- Removable filter
- Easy to clean
- Unique square design
Cons:
- The lid is not as secure as others
- Not dishwasher safe
- CH66 Electric Tea Kettle
This high-tech electric kettle has amazing features and a ton of great reviews. The kettle has a 1.7-liter capacity that quickly brings water to a boil in just minutes using programmable temperature settings, giving you the perfect cup every time. It also retains heat with its 120-minute keep-warm function and an auto shut-off setting for safety. People love this kettle for its ease of use.
Pros:
- Removable infuser
- Programmable brewing temperatures
- Safety features
- BPA-free
- Retains heat for all-day drinking
- Ergonomic handle
Cons:
- The plastic base is not as durable as other models
- Kendal Glass Teapot Set
If you plan on hosting a tea party anytime soon, look no further than the Kendal Glass Teapot Set. The entire set includes a 27 oz. capacity teapot, removable infuser filter cup, a teapot warmer, a candle, and 6 small teacups. Both the teapot and cups are made with durable borosilicate glass that retains heat very well.
Pros:
- Stovetop safe
- Heat-resistant
- Retains heat for all-day drinking
- Comes with high-quality cups
Cons:
- Small capacity
- The lid does not stay secure
Summary
Using a kettle to prepare tea is the way to go if you are a true tea lover. This allows the tea to be made in larger batches more safely. The act of using a tea kettle dates back to ancient Japan with the conception of tea itself. There are numerous different types of tea kettles, so choosing the right one can be a bit of a task. The most important things to keep in mind when purchasing a kettle are your personal style, habits, budget, and routine.
Tea kettles can be made in the standard stovetop version which uses an outside heat source, or a more modern electric kettle that is plugged into an outlet and generates its heat to boil water. Kettles can be made with materials such as stainless steel, plastic, copper, cast iron, and glass.
A borosilicate glass teapot is made using a combination of silica and boron trioxide, which creates an extremely durable type of glass that is heat resistant and is less likely to crack or break when exposed to high temperatures that can occur when boiling water. Some of the best tea kettles include the Hiware Teapot With Removable Infuser, Teabloom All-in-One Kettle, and the Brightown Electric Tea Kettle. We hope you enjoyed our list of the best borosilicate glass tea kettles!
Sources :
https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/best-glass-teapot/
https://www.momjunction.com/articles/best-glass-tea-kettles_00717132/
https://www.perfectbrew.com/reviews/best-glass-tea-kettles-for-any-budget/
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