Cast iron is a material that home cooks and professional chefs love and employ in their everyday cooking. Sure, we all know this material is great for proofing and baking sourdough bread and frying eggs and potatoes, but it is often overlooked as a great medium for brewing a beautiful cup of tea or coffee.
Kettles made from cast iron have so many wonderful features that everyone searching for a new kettle should consider this material. In case you don’t what these features are, here’s an easy-to-reference list:
- Aesthetic appeal
- Durability
- Heat distribution
- Heat retention
- Resists deterioration
If this list has made you reconsider your current kettle or has inspired you to look through cast iron kettle options, then keep reading. We are going to journey through the wonderful world of cast iron kettles and how amazing they are for tea and coffee preparations.
To do this, we will discuss the qualities or features that should be considered as you look for a cast iron kettle and we will discuss some product options that offer these qualities.
Qualities That Should be Considered
Before we look at actual products for you to consider purchasing we need to discuss what qualities you should look for in a cast iron kettle. Some of these qualities will be personal preference decisions, but some will actually be a feature that everyone should get in their kettle.
The qualities listed below also highlight the criteria we used to make the product recommendations we’ve listed in this guide. So, as you browse the products we discuss later, keep the following qualities in mind. This list of features is also what will be used to select products for recommendation later in this article.
Amenities
Some cast iron kettles come with an infuser to help steep loose leaf tea. This is a great asset but it is not absolutely necessary since infusers can be bought separately.
Color
Cast iron can actually come in more than just the traditional black color. If you like colorful kitchen equipment, be sure to look for kettles that include your favorite color.
Heating Factors
This quality is actually quite important since it is the main reason kettles are used, that is, to heat liquid. The cast iron kettle that you purchase should be able to heat up quickly, distribute heat evenly, and retain heat for a long period of time. Be sure to check reviews and the manufacturer’s label for information about these.
Maintenance
Cast iron skillets are notoriously difficult to clean, but cast iron kettles should not be. These are used in a far different manner than skillets so they should not create much of a mess; in fact, most kettles are made with enamel lining on the inside to make clean-up even easier than you can imagine.
It is a good idea to check reviews and the manufacturer’s label for information on how to clean the kettle you are interested in.
The important thing to remember about cleaning cast iron is that it does require regularly oiling. Plus, you need to consider that enamel has a tendency to chip and peel over time. These are two factors that you must know beforehand because they can cause some frustration.
Manufacturer Guarantees
Since these items can be pricey, you don’t have to be stuck with something that breaks down quickly and you have no options for refunds, returns, or maintenance.
If the kettle you are interested in is extremely pricey for your budget, check the manufacturer’s label to find out if they offer a warranty, maintenance helps, or any other thing that will make the purchase less of a risk.
Price
This is going to be an expensive item but look at it as an investment. Cast iron equipment should last a lifetime when cleaned and cared for properly. Spend only what you can afford, but know that these items are worth the expense.
Shape, Size, & Style
Look for a kettle that is shaped in a fashionable manner that is aesthetically pleasing to you. Cast iron kettles are very stylish and come in many different shapes, sizes, and styles. Be picky and find exactly what you want for you kitchen set-up.
Taste
Unfortunately, cast iron does give off a taste as it is used. If this is a concern to you, consider getting a kettle that has an inner enamel lining. These linings are designed to prevent the metal from tampering with the flavor of the coffee, tea, or water contained inside it.
Products That Should be Considered
Now that we have listed the qualities that we should consider when we look for the best cast iron kettles, we can use those to discover some of the best products available on the market. Let’s begin looking at these now.
The Best Cast Iron Kettle for Camping – Camp Chef Cast Iron Tea Pot
Does the Manufacturer Offer Any Guarantees?
There are no special manufacturer warranties or guarantees attached to this kettle, but it is possible to return it if it is defective or has not been used.
How Easy is it to Clean?
This kettle is coated with enamel on its interior, which should make it easy to clean; however, some customers have mentioned that the enamel has begun to chip off of their kettle after a few uses. Remember to oil the outside regularly.
How Much Does it Hold?
It holds 2 quarts of liquid
What is the Best Way to Heat it?
This kettle is designed for use over an open flame.
Pros
- Thick and sturdy so it cannot be damaged easily
- Provides good heat retention
- Compact size
- Holds a lot of liquid
Cons
- Heavy
- The handle and the body get hot when it is heated
- Enamel can peel off after a few uses
The Best Cast Iron Kettle Overall – Old Dutch Cast Iron Hakone Teapot
Does the Manufacturer Offer Any Guarantees?
The manufacturer does offer a 12-month warranty on this kettle.
How Easy is it to Clean?
The manufacturer should explain how to clean this kettle and those instructions should be followed for the best results. Some customers have said that this kettle is difficult to clean and have mentioned that it requires a lot of cleaning before using it the first time. As with any cast iron product, the outside should be oiled regularly.
How Much Does it Hold?
This kettle holds 3 liters of liquid.
What is the Best Way to Heat it?
This kettle is safe for any stove top.
Pros
- Beautiful design
- Can double as an indoor humidifier
- Enamel lined for taste protection
- Large holding capacity
Cons
- There is confusion about whether or not a tea infuser is included with the kettle
- Heavy (6 lbs.)
The Best Cast Iron Kettle with Amenities – Hobnail Iron Teapot Set
Does the Manufacturer Offer any Guarantees?
No special manufacturer warranties or return policies are mentioned.
How Easy is it to Clean?
This set should be hand washed with warm, soapy water and dried completely. The inner enamel lining does help make it easier to wash. The outside should be oiled regularly.
How Much Does it Hold?
This kettle holds 24 oz. of liquid.
What is the Best Way to Heat it?
It is best to heat water and put it inside this kettle and use the teapot warmer to keep the tea warm. Or, it can be heated over a low flame.
Pros
- Includes a tea infuser basket
- Includes a teapot warmer
- Includes two tea cups and saucers
- Elegant design
Cons
- Weighs 8 lbs.
- Not meant for stove top heating
The Best Cast Iron Kettle with an Inner Lining – Toptier Japanese Cast Iron Tea Kettle
Does the Manufacturer Offer any Guarantees?
There is no mention of a warranty or special return policy mentioned by the manufacturer.
How Easy is it to Clean?
This kettle is considered a very easy to clean item. It just requires soap and warm water. Be sure it gets dried completely and quickly.
How Much Does it Hold?
It holds up to 4 cups of liquid.
What is the Best Way to Heat it?
This kettle is safe to use on a stove top.
Pros
- Comes in a wonderful variety of colors
- Unique and aesthetically appealing design
- Has great customer reviews and ratings
- Has great customer service
- Comes with a tea infuser basket
Cons
- The handle gets hot
- It can boil over
- It is a small kettle
- Some users have stated that the inner enamel chipped very quickly
In Conclusion
Cast iron kettles are not for everyone, but they are certainly wonderful for those who want them. They offer beautiful designs and elegant features along with a sturdy body. There is just so much to love about them. Hopefully, this article has convinced you of your need for a cast iron kettle and provided you with all the information you need to select the best option for you.