/ck/ - Food & Cooking

>>5382946
If you're buying a stovetop kettle, make sure it's a model that whistles when the water boils (most do). It should also have a removable lid with a hole big enough for you to get your hand in it for cleaning. Pic related, it's pretty standard. If you leave it on the stove all the time it'll definitely get dirty. Scrubbing with baking soda will make it shine like new. The expensive ones do just as good a job boiling as the cheap ones but it takes more to make them rust. I've had a stainless steel model for 2 years ($15) that always has water sitting in it but hasn't rusted at all yet. Glass kettles don't rust so it's a good option if you're cheap and careful, but the insides can develop thin films of mildew inside if you don't clean them (not visible to the naked eye, you have to feel around for them). Look for something with a large, flat surface area on the bottom, as they tend to boil water faster.

If buying electric, electric kettles have two major parts: the heating element and the kettle itself. If you're able to find one without any plastic touching the inside (many come with plastic on the lids), you'll be able to use it for heating more than just water (you can use it for stocks and milk or whatnot). Nice thing about them is they can keep the water heated long after boiling.

If you buy a teapot, you'll still need a kettle for heating water in. Porcelain or ceramic are good, since they're porous (under the glaze, obviously) and will keep your tea insulated. Just don't buy them in dark colors or you'll never know when they're dirty. Baking soda is great for cleaning tea stained cups btw. Glass teapots are great for aesthetics but lose heat quickly. Blooming teas and tea blends can look very lovely in them though.