You’ve probably heard of Staub cookware and bakeware. These are famously durable items that are constructed from enameled cast iron. Perhaps you have a few pieces and are now curious about this tea kettle they have produced. You may be wondering if this tea kettle is worth the price and if it will make tea just the way you like. If this is the place you are currently in, then keep reading. In this article, we are going to examine this tea kettle thoroughly.
So, get your questions ready, and let’s dive into this topic.
What Features to Look for In a Tea Kettle
Before we begin looking directly at the Staub Tea Kettle, we need to talk about what features make a tea kettle a good tea kettle. Once we have established what these features are, you can use them to make an informed decision about whether or not the kettle produced by Staub is the best kettle for you.
In the following sections, we will be using this list of features as a way to weigh the pros and cons of the Staub kettle and a few of its competitors.
Brewing Versatility
As you select a new tea kettle, consider how you like to brew your tea. Do you like to brew tea inside the kettle or simply pour hot water from the kettle into a cup or a teapot? Also, do you need a tea kettle that will heat up on a stovetop or over an open flame?
Color
This may not be a feature that causes a kettle to work better, but it may be something important to you. If you like to keep your kitchen equipment within a certain color palette, then let this be a way to decide which kettle to purchase.
Maintenance
Before you get your heart set on a particular tea kettle, be sure you read reviews and the manufacturer’s label about how to maintain a clean and useful kettle. If you don’t want to put a lot of effort into cleaning and maintaining a kettle, then you need to select an item that is either dishwasher friendly or requires very basic cleaning methods.
Material
What a tea kettle is made from is probably the most important feature to consider. Each type of material works in a different manner and provides a better or a worse tea serving experience. To help clarify what this entails, let’s look at the different types of materials used to make tea kettles side by side.
Cast Iron Tea Kettles
Pros:
- Available in many different sizes, shapes, and colors
- Very durable
Cons:
- Can change the flavor of water boiled in it
- Expensive
- Heavy
Glass Tea Kettles
Pros:
- It does not change the flavor of the water boiled in it
- Easy to clean
- Non-toxic
- Stylish
- A transparent container allows you to check the doneness of the tea
Cons:
- Expensive
- Heavy
- Not durable
Plastic Tea Kettles
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Lightweight
- The exterior doesn’t get very hot while being heated
Cons:
- Can change the flavor of the water boiled in it
- Not all plastic kettles are non-toxic
- Not durable
Porcelain Tea Kettles
Pros:
- Available in multiple colors
- It does not change the flavor of the water boiled in it
- Easy to clean
- Insulated
- Stylish
Cons:
- Heavy
- Not all ceramics are toxin-free
Stainless Steel Tea Kettles
Pros:
- It does not change the flavor of the water boiled in it
- Durable
- Easy to clean
- Reasonably priced
Cons:
- The exterior will get hot when heated
Price
Tea kettles are available in such a wide range of prices that you should be able to find one even if your budget is tight. But, if you really want a good kettle that will not impact the flavor of the water in it, will not leach toxins, and will hold up for many years of use, you should expect to spend quite a bit of money.
Size
Since tea kettles come in a variety of sizes, be sure to find the right size to meet your needs.
Style
Let’s be upfront about this feature: tea kettles are a stylish piece of kitchen equipment. There’s no need to settle for an ugly kettle or one that doesn’t have the shape, handle, spout, or color that you prefer. Choose something that you enjoy using and looking at.
Taste
Keep in mind that some kettles are made with materials that will affect the taste of the water boiled in them. If you are a tea snob, then don’t let this happen to you. Choose a kettle that protects water from unpleasant flavors.
Weight
A tea kettle is something that you will have to lift and tilt to use. If you struggle to handle heavy items for any reason, be sure to consider what a kettle weighs and remember that it will be filled with water when in use.
The Features of the Staub Tea Kettle
Now that we have a good idea of what features to look for and to consider during a tea kettle shopping session, we can begin to examine the Staub Tea Kettle. In this section, we will use each of the features listed above to learn more about this kettle and why you may or may not want it as a part of your kitchen.
Brewing Versatility
The Staub Tea Kettle is designed for use on any type of stove, including induction stovetops. This kettle also comes with a tea ball infuser attached to the lid for brewing purposes.
Color
The Staub Tea Kettle is available in six different colors. These include black, cherry red, dark blue, grey, grenadine red, and basil green.
Maintenance
The Staub Tea Kettle is designed to be cleaned in a dishwasher or by hand. Its enamel coating makes cleaning up a very easy task.
Material
The Staub Tea Kettle is made from enameled cast iron. The enamel covering the cast iron prevents the metal from flavoring the water inside it, enables the kettle to be cleaned easily, allows the kettle to come in multiple colors, gives the kettle a non-stick surface, and protects the stovetops from getting scratched.
Price
The Staub Tea Kettle is priced at $199.95. This is a significant amount of money for a kettle, but this price reflects the durability and the quality of the product.
Size
The Staub Tea Kettle is designed to hold 1.15 liters of liquid.
Style
The Staub Tea Kettle comes in one very basic style. It looks more like a soup pot than a tea kettle, which is why many customers use it for both. Its spout is short, its lid covers the entirety of its top, and its handles fold outward and connect at the top.
Taste
The Staub Tea Kettle is designed with an enamel coating that protects the water inside it from any flavors or toxins that could be leached into it by the cast iron body.
Weight
The Staub Tea Kettle weighs 5.4 pounds without water inside it.
Pros:
- Available in many different colors
- It can be used on any stovetop
- Dishwasher safe
- Does not stain
- It does not take on flavors from tea or foods cooked inside it
- Every Staub Tea Kettle is made from an individual and unique cast iron molding
- Has great heat distribution and retention
- Oven safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit
- Resists scratches
- Very durable
Cons:
- It does not have a whistle to signal when the water is boiling
- Handles get hot when heated up
- Heavy
- Small size
- There is no flow control with the spout
Is the Staub Tea Kettle Worth the Expense?
Ultimately, this decision is up to you and how you view the features of this kettle. If you like a unique-looking kettle that is toxin-free and does not flavor the water boiled in it, then this may be the perfect tea kettle for you. If, however, the positive features do not compensate for the price, you may need to look elsewhere. No matter where you are in the decision-making process, remember that this is a very durable kettle that should last a lifetime.
Alternatives to the Staub Tea Kettle
If you’re still unsure about whether or not the Staub Tea Kettle is right for you, take some time to compare and contrast it with some alternative tea kettles. This could give you some clarity as you make your decision. We will examine these kettles using the same list of features that we examined when looking at the Staub Tea Kettle.
Hobnail Iron Teapot Set
Brewing Versatility
This item is best used for brewing tea and keeping it warm rather than heating up water in it. It comes with an infuser and a warmer.
Color
This item is only available in black.
Maintenance
This item will require extra effort to keep clean. It should only be hand-washed, and it should be dried immediately after washing it. It may even require a little oil on its exterior from time to time.
Material
This item is made from cast iron and has an enamel-coated interior.
Price
This item is priced at $69.95.
Size
This item holds 2 cups of liquid.
Style
This item is Japanese in style.
Taste
The enamel coating on the inside should prevent any flavor alteration.
Weight
This item weighs 8lbs. with all its amenities.
Is the Hobnail Teapot Worth the Expense?
If you need something stylish to keep your tea warm while it steeps, then this is a great item. If, however, you require something larger for brewing tea, you may want to keep looking.
KitchenAid 2.0 Quart Kettle
Brewing Versatility
This kettle comes with a tea infuser basket and is designed to heat up directing on a stovetop.
Color
This kettle is available in nine different colors.
Maintenance
While this kettle may require some maneuvering to get it’s interior clean, most customers consider it an item that is easy to clean.
Material
The interior of this kettle is stainless steel, and the exterior is porcelain.
Price
This kettle is priced at $59.99.
Size
This kettle holds 2 quarts of liquid.
Style
This kettle is designed in a common stovetop kettle style.
Taste
Since the interior is made from stainless steel, there is little to no flavor alteration.
Weight
This kettle weighs 5 ½ pounds without liquid.
Concluding Thoughts
The Staub Tea Kettle is a durable kettle that is a great addition to the kitchen. It may not be for everyone, but those who use it do love it. Hopefully, this guide has given you some insight into this fabulous kettle and has helped you to make your decision so much easier.