Copper kettles are one of the most popular kitchen appliances on the market. They’re durable, attractive, and made to last a lifetime. In fact, copper kettles have been around for centuries and they are still one of the most popular choices when it comes to boiling water.
They might not be as modern as electric kettles, but there is a reason that people continue to choose them over other options. But how do you choose the best copper kettle? There is no “one size fits all” answer to this question. There are many different types of copper kettles on the market that will suit every budget and need.
So what should you know about copper before buying one? Read on to find out more information about the benefits of owning a copper kettle and how to choose the best one for your needs. In this blog post, we will dive into what makes copper kettles unique, why they’re worth buying, and which ones you should consider purchasing in the 21st century!
What Is a Copper Kettle?
A copper kettle is just as it sounds: a kettle that is made out of copper. Copper kettles are beautiful and functional, and they’re great to cook with for many reasons.
Copper is an incredibly good conductor of heat. This is one of the reasons why this type of appliance has been used for centuries to boil water or cook food. The process of cooking with a copper kettle is a little different than using other types of kettles for a variety of reasons.
First, you use a copper kettle on a stove, not by plugging it into the wall. Secondly, because the metal reacts with the liquid inside it, creating flavors, and third, because it actually preventing bacteria from growing in your water.
Just a few of the reasons why choosing a cooper kettle can be so beneficial.
Why Should You Choose a Copper Kettle?
There are several benefits of choosing a copper kettle over other types of cooking vessels.
Some key advantages include their ability to conduct heat quickly and evenly, their ability to keep water warm for long periods of time without any energy source (such as your stove), and the fact that they’re extremely durable.
Copper kettles are also aesthetically pleasing because they look so nice on your stove.
How Do Copper Kettles Work?
Copper kettles work by conducting heat. This means they’re going to transfer energy from your stove into the liquid inside of it, allowing you to boil water very quickly.
Copper is a great choice for this type of cooking because copper has such high thermal conductivity. In fact, when compared with other metals like aluminum and cast iron, which have low conductivity, copper is the best conductor. This means it’s going to transfer heat faster than other metals and therefore boil water much faster too.
What Are The Different Ttypes of Copper Kettles?
There are many different types of copper kettles on the market. It’s important to go through each type so you know what your options are!
These are the most common types of copper kettles available:
Kettles with copper outers and tin inner layers
This type of copper kettle is the most common because it’s the least expensive. A copper exterior and a tin interior are going to give you all of the benefits that come with having an inner layer made out of this type of metal, but without paying as much money for your kettle.
Stainless steel kettles with copper plating
A stainless steel kettle with a copper exterior is going to give you some of the benefits of both metals. Stainless steel conducts heat well while still looking great on your stove while allowing for an easy-to-clean interior that won’t stain or rust! However, this type of combination isn’t as conductive as having 100% copper or 100% tin.
What Should You Look For In a Copper Kettle?
There are lots of things you should look at before buying a copper kettle. First things first, let’s look at the specific materials used to make it. Looking at the materials used to make the kettle will help you narrow down your choices dramatically. There are three main types of construction: pure, lined, and stainless steel with a coating.
Pure copper kettles are going to have the highest conductivity, keeping your water hot for a long amount of time. Copper is also naturally antimicrobial and will help prevent bacteria from growing in your food. On the other hand, pure copper kettles can be incredibly expensive depending on how big they are. Plus, copper on its own can react with acidic foods and cause serious health problems, so it’s normally best to steer clear of 100% copper.
Copper kettles that have a tin interior layer or stainless steel exterior won’t be quite as conductive. Nonetheless, it’s the best option for those looking for a copper kettle.
Kettles with lined interiors aren’t going to give you quite the same level of conductivity as pure copper. However, it won’t react with acidic foods and, to be perfectly honest, it will still heat your water up perfectly fine. These types also tend to be more affordable than their 100% metal counterparts.
Stainless steel kettles are often coated on top with either nickel (for added durability) or chrome (to make them look like traditional copper). If these coatings crack then they can leach chemicals into your food, so it is best to avoid them.
In general, you should look for a 100% copper kettle with a tin lining if possible! These types of kettles are going to be the most conductive and therefore will keep water boiling longer than other kinds.
However, stainless steel with a plating of either nickel or chrome isn’t necessarily bad as long as they’re not cracking – just make sure that there’s no plastic interior because this could release chemicals into your food too!
Once you’ve narrowed down what type of construction, these are some of the other most important things to look for in a copper kettle:
Size
The size of your kettle is very important. It will determine how much water you can boil at one time as well as how easy it is to clean. It’s also important to make sure that you have enough space in your kitchen to keep and store the kettle, so this is also something to consider when looking at the size.
Material
The best copper kettles should be made out of 100% copper, with a tin lining. You do get variations of this, but they usually aren’t as durable or aren’t as high-quality made.
Handle type and placement
The type of handle on your kettle will play an important role in making sure that it stays cool while boiling so you don’t burn yourself. Some types of handles are more ergonomic than others too. The handle also needs to be able to stay firmly attached and, as you’ll be using this to pour the boiling water, it’s important that you feel comfortable holding it.
Pouring spout
Make sure there are no ridges in this area because they can trap liquid or bacteria in between them when your copper kettle is sitting on the stovetop. However, having a slightly raised edge around where it meets the body of the kettle isn’t necessarily bad; just make sure not to get one with sharp ridges.
Efficiency
Depending on how much you’re boiling, your copper kettle can use up to 50% of the energy that it takes to boil water with a traditional stovetop. So if you want to save some money and help out the environment, then investing in one of these is definitely worth it.
Ease of cleaning
One downside to copper kettles is that they are harder to clean than plastic or stainless steel kettles. They also require regular maintenance to ensure that they don’t start to corrode. So, you’ll need to make sure you purchase a kettle that’s easy to clean, and that you have the time and patience for this upkeep, otherwise you may want to look at another option.
Stove compatibility
You’ll also want to make sure that your copper kettle is compatible with the type of stove you have. If it’s not, then this will become a major problem and you won’t be able to use it. If you’re not sure, then look at the specifications on either your stove or kettle and make sure they match up before purchasing. Some kettles aren’t compatible with induction hobs.
Extra features
Sometimes, extra features can make all the difference. You might want a kettle with an extra-large lid to make it easier to clean, or one that has some kind of filter built-in, a clever boiling whistle, or a temperature gauge. Just keep in mind that these features can also add additional costs to your kettle.
Price
You don’t necessarily need an expensive copper kettle because as long as the construction is solid and it boils water consistently, then you should be fine. However, price is always something you should consider before buying one.
If you’re looking for something with extra features or that has a slightly higher level of quality (and thus better conductivity), then those can end up being pricier options to consider.
Copper kettles are much more expensive than plastic or stainless steel ones, to begin with. However, there’s a reason for that – copper will last longer and conduct heat better so the energy savings can be huge over time compared with other types of kettles.
So, you should expect to pay at least $50 for a good quality copper kettle. Kettles with lower prices are likely made out of inferior materials or won’t be as conductive, so it’s best not to go too low on the price range unless you’re okay with that trade-off.
As you can see, there are quite a few things to consider when choosing the best copper kettle for your needs. What you need to know and what type of kettle will be best suited for you, all depends on how much you want to spend, whether or not it’s compatible with the stove that you have, and if this fits into your budget, as well as any other extra features that might interest you.
The Major Differences Between Copper Kettles And Regular Kettles
There are several major differences between copper and regular kettles. For example, copper kettles are much more conductive than any other type of kettle on the market. This means they can heat up liquid faster and will use less energy to do so over time compared with plastic or stainless steel ones.
Typically made out of solid sheets of either pure or 99% high-grade copper that’s been hammered into shape, these kettles are incredibly durable and will last for years. However, they can be quite heavy so if you’re looking to boil water on the go then this might not be your best option since it’s more suited for home use.
Another difference between a regular kettle and a copper one is how long they take to boil water over time – about twice as fast when compared with common plastic electric kettles or stainless steel ones. The price range can vary depending on size though, so make sure you do your research first before making the purchase.
Some of these differences are minor, but taken altogether they can really help give copper kettles an edge over other types of kettles that use inferior materials or conductivity (which means more energy savings for you!).
As mentioned before, copper kettles are quite heavy compared with plastic or stainless steel ones which can be difficult for some people to maneuver. If you plan on carrying around your kettle then this could pose an issue so make sure you weigh all options carefully beforehand.
Lastly, copper kettles tend to be much more expensive than plastic or stainless steel ones. So, it’s best to decide whether you want a solid metal handle before making the purchase since this will impact your budget.
What About Upkeep?
As far as upkeep goes, there isn’t much required for a regular kettle outside of regular cleaning with soap and warm water every now and then which is easy enough to do. You won’t need any special tools either.
Copper, on the other hand, needs regular maintenance and frequent polishing, to keep it looking good. This is where you might need a few extra tools and supplies, but once you have them they’re easy enough to maintain, even if it is a little time-consuming.
The Advantages of Copper Kettles
Here are some of the advantages of using a copper kettle:
- They’re incredibly durable and can last a lifetime. Especially if you maintain it properly.
- Copper is the best material for conductivity which means that this kettle will heat up liquid faster than any other type of kettle on the market – including stainless steel ones. In fact, copper kettles are about twice as fast when compared with plastic or stainless steel counterparts. This makes them great to have in your kitchen since they won’t take long at all to boil water.
- They’re typically more energy efficient – you will only need to use medium heat to boil water in a copper kettle. This will help save on energy costs over time, and means they’re more energy-efficient than other kettles.
- They’re aesthetically pleasing and have a beautiful shine to them along with a vintage, antique charm.
The Disadvantages of Copper Kettles
Here are some of the disadvantages of using a copper kettle:
- Copper is an incredibly durable metal, but it’s also very heavy so if you plan on carrying it around your kettle then this might not be a good choice. If you want to transport water from one place to another, you should consider a plastic or stainless steel kettle instead.
- Copper kettles need regular maintenance and polishing, so they can get dirty after use and require more upkeep and frequent polishing than other types of kettles.
- They’re also more expensive than other types of kettles so if you don’t want a solid metal handle then this might not be the best choice for your kitchen since you’ll need to pay extra money on tools and supplies! Plus, they’re typically higher-end products which means they have a higher price tag.
Our Top Copper Kettle Recommendations
DEMMEX Engraved Solid Copper Tea Pot Kettle Stovetop Teapot, 1.6-Quart
Easily the most beautiful copper kettle on this list, the DEMMEX Engraved Solid Copper Tea Pot Kettle is a gorgeous addition to any kitchen. This kettle has an elegant handle that’s made from riveted brass with wood, which will stay cooler than other metal handles and can be folded down for easy storage when you’re not using it.
The spout features decorative engravings while the base of this pot also has some etchings. This teapot is made from solid copper which has a tin lining to help with heat conduction, and it’s also incredibly lightweight compared to other kettles It only weighs about one pound so you won’t have any problem carrying this kettle around your kitchen if needed!
This product can be used on gas or electric stoves but is not compatible with induction cooktops. It also doesn’t have a whistle, so you’ll need to keep an eye on it while you’re waiting for your water to boil.
Handcrafted in Turkey, this product has a classic silhouette with an elegant design that will add some flair to your tea time. But to keep it looking this good, you’ll have to clean and polish it frequently.
Pros:
- Beautiful design
- Handmade from solid copper and tin lining
- Foldable handle for easy storage
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Not compatible with induction cooktops.
- No whistle. You’ll need to keep an eye on it while you’re waiting for your water to boil
- Will require regular maintenance with copper polish
OPUX Gooseneck Copper Kettle
Made by OPUX, this gooseneck copper kettle can be used on all types of stovetops, including induction. It features a long neck and spout for precise pouring as well as an easy-to-read thermometer located inside the spout which allows you to make your perfect cup of tea.
The triple-walled design helps keep hot liquids hotter longer while preventing heat transfer out or in. The first wall is a scratch-resistant exterior layer, the second is a copper lining for quick heat transfer and the third interior wall contains stainless steel to prevent dents or corrosion. The outermost coating also resists moisture, dirt, and debris from accumulating inside of the kettle.
The gooseneck spout gives you complete control over your pour as well as an accurate reading of the water’s temperature.
This model is handmade in Turkey with a brass handle and spout, stainless steel lid knob, and copper bottom. It can be used on all stove types including induction cooktop stoves as well as cleaned by hand or dishwasher safe. However, a slight downside is that this kettle does not have a whistle so you will want to keep an eye on it while waiting for the water to boil.
Pros:
- Can be used on all stove types including induction
- It has triple walls that help it retain heat longer.
- Built-in thermometer
- The long neck and spout give you precise control over the amount of liquid coming out as well as an accurate temperature reading.
Cons:
- Does not have a whistle to indicate when water is boiling inside of it so you will need to keep an eye on it while waiting for the kettle to heat up or use your timer instead.
Old Dutch Hammered Copper Tea Kettle
Featuring a classic vintage charm, this copper kettle by Old Dutch is a favorite among tea lovers. It has a beautiful hammered texture that will add depth to any kitchen. This kettle also comes with a wooden handle which makes it easy to pick up and pour, without getting burnt from the steam coming off of the pot when you lift it out of place on your stovetop or countertop oven. The wood resists the buildup of heat – perfectly pairing beauty with practicality
Also important about this kettle is its size. It has a capacity of up to six cups, making it perfect for those who need to brew tea for more than one person at once.
Like many copper kettles, it will require regular polishing (we recommend using a copper polish and microfiber cloth) as the shiny color will start to dull after a few weeks without it. But, it’s worth the effort as this copper kettle features solid brass accents on the body which gives this kettle an elegant look and feel that many will love about it.
The bottom of this teapot is extra broad to reduce how long it takes for the water to boil. The inside is also made with a nickel lining which keeps it safe to use, and allows you to enjoy all of your teas worry-free!
Pros:
- Has a classic vintage look
- Comes with a wooden handle for easy use without burning your hands when you pick it up to pour out the tea or water.
- The hammered texture gives this kettle depth and beauty, while also helping to keep the hot steam inside of the pot in order to better heat up your water quickly.
Cons:
- The copper will need to be polished with a microfiber cloth and polish at least once every few weeks if you want it to keep its shine.
- It will not work as well on an induction stovetop or electric stoves.
Zanzer 3 Quart Whistling Tea Kettle
This copper kettle by Zanzer is a great choice for anyone who wants to brew tea or coffee from scratch. It features a sleek and stylish design that will fit perfectly in most kitchens. The kettle is ideal for large households where more than one person drinks tea on a regular basis. In fact, it can cater to up to 12 people with its large 3-quart capacity.
A cool-touch handle ensures safe use, even if you forget to wear an oven mitt or glove when pouring the boiling water into your favorite teacup or mug. Its easy-pouring feature makes serving guests a breeze, and it also features a loud whistle that alerts you when the water is boiling.
The entire kettle measures about nine inches tall and has a width of eight inches at its widest point, so it should fit just fine on most stovetops without leaving much room for other pans or kitchenware. It’s crafted from high-quality materials and should last for years to come.
Pros:
- Sturdy and durable.
- Efficiently designed for maximum convenience.
- Comes with a one-year warranty from the manufacturer’s date of purchase
- Hige 3-quart capacity
Cons:
- Very loud whistle
What Criteria Did We Use To Come Up with These Selections?
We used a variety of criteria to come up with the above selections. First, we looked for kettles that were made from high-quality materials. We also wanted to choose products with a large capacity so they could cater to more than one person at once, and be able to hold enough water for several different cups or mugs of tea or coffee throughout the day.
Next, we looked for copper kettles that featured traditional whistling sounds which help you determine when your water is boiling inside of it (and ready to go). Finally, we chose selections based on their design and how well they would fit in most kitchens without having any strange or awkward dimensions that might make them difficult or impractical for some people’s uses.
We also considered the price and how well the product was reviewed by customers who have purchased it. We wanted to find a balance between quality and affordability, so we made sure that our selections fell somewhere in the middle of these two factors.
Best Copper Kettles: Conclusion…
If you’re looking for a high-quality kettle that will last and provide great-tasting water, then investing in a copper one may be the best choice for you. Copper kettles heat up quicker than most other types of kettles on the market, so your beverages come out hot every time.
All of these options are great choices for anyone looking to buy their first copper kettle or upgrade from an older model they already own. Each one brings something unique and useful to the table while also remaining affordable enough to fit most budgets. They’re perfect for those living alone as well as large families with everyone drinking tea on a daily basis.
We hope this article has helped you learn more about the best copper kettles that are available, and what to look for when buying one, and our top recommendations. Happy copper kettle shopping and we hope you enjoy your next brew!