Tea kettles are a staple in many homes. There are many types of tea kettles to choose from when looking for a new one. There are electric kettles, stovetop kettles, and even travel kettles. The most common type is a stovetop kettle used on the stove. Another type is the electric kettle, which needs to be plugged into an electric power source, has a heating setting and many more advanced features. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Below you’ll get a step-by-step guide on how to use a tea kettle, mainly the common ones.
Stovetop Tea Kettles
If you are looking for a traditional-style tea kettle that is not so large and in your face, a stovetop tea kettle might be more suitable for you. With a stovetop tea kettle, you simply fill the kettle with water and place it on top of your stove so that the heat of your stove can boil the water. These kettles are made of stainless steel and have a spout that pours the water.
Electric Tea Kettles
This type of kettle is more forgiving than a traditional kettle in that you can leave it on the stove and not worry that the water will overboil and burn. You can set the temperature, and it’ll keep the water at that temperature for however long you want. Plus, it’s got a timer on it, and I can set it to turn off automatically, which is perfect for most people. It’s also pretty easy to clean.
How To Use A Tea Kettle: Stovetop and Electric Kettle
Here’s the step-by-step guide to using a kettle to make perfect tea for you or for your family.
Step 1: Clean Your Kettle
The easiest way to clean a kettle is with a sponge and dish soap. Fill the kettle with water and dish soap and let it sit for about 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, scrub the kettle inside with a sponge, rinse and dry. If you have hard water, you’ll want to repeat the process with a different solution of water and vinegar, if needed.
Step 2: Fill Your Kettle
Fill your kettle with filtered water because the taste of the tea can be affected by minerals present in direct tap water. Also, make sure you don’t overfill, which may spill and burn when the water boils.
Step 3: Boil The Water
Once filled with water, the tea kettle should be placed on a burner, electric or induction stove set to medium-high heat, and the heat should be turned on. When the water inside comes to a full boil, a whistling sound can be heard. Once the stovetop tea kettle begins to whistle, the kettle is ready to be removed. If it’s an electric kettle, plug the tea kettle into an outlet and set your desired temperature after filling it with water. The kettle will shut off automatically when the water reaches a full boil. Your water will remain hot for a long time even if you forget about it.
Step 4: Infuse Your Tea
Once the water is heated, pour the hot water over the tea leaves in your pot or cup. You need to pour over the tea leaves instead of adding the tea leaves later; otherwise, the tea leaves won’t be saturated fully. A teapot, tea infuser, or tea filter is recommended when brewing tea. You can also pour the hot water over your teabag in a cup.
Step 5: Empty Your Kettle
To reduce rust and bacteria growing inside the kettle, you need to empty your kettle of the remaining water and then place it in a cool place on your countertop.
Safety Tips for Stovetop Tea Kettles
Stovetop tea kettles are a very common household item, but they can be dangerous if not used properly. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind when using a stovetop tea kettle:
- Never leave a kettle unattended on the stove or near a fire.
- Never fill a kettle with anything other than water or other gentle liquids.
- Never use a kettle on a stove that isn’t explicitly designed to be used with a kettle.
- Always make sure the burner underneath is clean and free of debris.
- Never serve flammable liquids or hold a flame near the kettle during or immediately after use.
- Ensure the spout is clear from any debris or gunk that might impair the flow.
- Ensure the water is not boiling when pouring it into the cup; otherwise, it may burn the user.
Safety Tips for Electric Tea Kettles
Electric kettles are convenient for boiling water, but they can be dangerous if not used properly. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind when using an electric tea kettle:
- It’s essential to read the manual before using your electric kettle.
- Never use it to heat anything but water. And never submerge the cord or plug in water.
- You also want to ensure that you’re using the correct voltage for your kettle. If you’re using a kettle with excessively high voltage, it can cause a short circuit.
- If you’re using a kettle with a voltage that’s too low, you could wind up with weak tea, or you could end up boiling your water too long, and it’ll gunk up your kettle.
- When you’re done using the kettle, make sure to unplug it and wait for it to cool off before cleaning it.
- If you have children, make sure they cannot reach it.
To Finish With
Tea kettles are a valuable tool for any kitchen, as they are used to boil water. They can boil water quickly and save a lot of time. They also make an excellent gift for a friend as they are a useful and thoughtful gift to give. Tea kettles can be decorative, fun, or simply practical.