Boiling water in a kettle is essential and straightforward, or so it seems. While boiling is easy enough for anyone to accomplish, kettles can be a bit of a mixed bag. Some heat faster while others do the job more evenly. Moreover, different metals and other materials can complicate the issue since not all metals are created equal. Issues like rusting and other seemingly minor problems can make you sick if you’re not careful. It’s vital to choose the right high-quality kettle for the job.
As an avid tea and coffee drinker, I’ve used dozens of kettles and researched every aspect of the issue thoroughly. So I’m happy to share what I’ve learned. Anything that helps keep you safe when emergencies occur raises your chances for survival. After all, the last thing you want is metal poisoning when there’s already an emergency going on.
What Metals Are Best for Boiling Water
There are numerous metal kettle styles and options. Unfortunately, like all survival equipment, grabbing a cheap model to toss in your cache to ‘have one’ is a terrible plan.
Before you choose any metal cookware from your grill tools to your frying pans, you need a quick rundown of common metals found in kettles. Especially where kettles are concerned, you’re likely to be using yours often. With repeated use comes problems like wear and aging.
Historically, people have put food and boiling water in lots of different types of vessels. Early pewter, for example, was extremely popular for drinking glasses. Sadly, it also had quite a bit of lead and a nasty habit of leaching it into whatever it touched.
That made for a prodigious death rate. I’m not saying your average kettle is going to kill you as fast as lead poisoning. Still, it pays to look at what might leach into your food and water before you ingest it.
Moreover, protective coatings rub off, and you need to replace things if you buy cheap models. Below is a list of the five most common metals used for kettles. I’ll explain if, why, and when each should be your top choice.
Metals for Kettles
The top five most common metals for kettles are old school brass, cast iron, and copper, or newer materials, namely aircraft-grade aluminum and stainless steel. Each of these options has its uses, but most are genuinely bad choices for a kettle. Unless you don’t plan to drink or wash in the water you boil, then most of these are a waste of money.
- Cast Iron- Cast Iron needs to be seasoned to prevent rust. That means maintaining a layer of oil on the surface. As you might have guessed, that’s not going to taste very good if you need to drink the water. Additionally, it contaminates it, which means that water is not suitable for cleaning wounds.
- Copper- A little bit of copper is great for sterilizing, but too much won’t sit well in your body.
- Aluminum- Aluminum is an excellent lightweight metal that travels well. Furthermore, aircraft-grade aluminum is durable, and it doesn’t rust easily, which is nice. As Winchester Hospital points out, high levels of aluminum in your body have been linked to severe health problems.
- Brass- As a copper-zinc alloy, brass has all the same problems as copper, without the attractive metallic orange shine or the sterilizing qualities. Plus, it rusts easily.
- Stainless Steel- Here, at last, we have a rust-resistant, durable, reasonably lightweight metal that can handle the heat. As an alloy of iron, carbon, chromium, and nickel, stainless steel is also the least corrosive of the metal kettle options, and it is nontoxic. In short, choose stainless steel every time. You don’t even need to look at the rest.
A final word on glass and ceramic kettles: Ceramic is rare, breakable, and more suited to a fancy teapot than a kettle. Meanwhile, glass kettles are great for absolutely nothing except looking good. Sure, they do the job, but this isn’t FancyTeaPartyZest.com.
It would be best if you had a durable, reliable solution that can bug out or bug in with you, not a nifty, frilly thing that’s great for pour-over coffee beakers. Don’t get me wrong, glass kettles, especially self-heating varieties, are great for a morning cup of joe and a sleek looking kitchen, but not in a survival situation. Stick with stainless steel.
Metal Kettle Care & Maintenance
Stainless steel kettles are the obvious choice, but if you want your new kettle to last, you need to take care of it right. Most water causes mineral buildup, and removing it can be a real beast. Tough, scratchy scrubbers will wreck your kettle.
You can use mild detergents like dawn and soft scrubbers on your kettle. However, I recommend baking soda instead. Pour two or more teaspoons of baking soda and a cup of warm water into your kettle. You can leave it to soak for an hour if the scaling or mess inside is really bad.
For the outside, use simple water and baking soda paste will do most jobs. Again, you can leave this on if the mess is extreme. A little dawn or other degreasing dish soap will help with any remaining burnt on grease splatters.
The Top Five Best Kettles for Boiling Water
Merely having the right metal for your kettle isn’t enough. You need rugged craftsmanship and reliability if you plan to make a kettle last through a survival situation. I’ve curated a list of the top five best kettles that you can depend on. Any of the options on this list should outlast your problems and keep whistling well into the next decade if you care for them properly.
1. Secura Whistling Tea Kettle
Made from excellent 304 stainless steel, the Secura Whistling Tea Kettle from Amazon makes a great addition to any survival supply cache. The bright blue (or red) makes it easier to find your kettle in low light. Additionally, the Secura is excellent for most heat sources, including gas.
The handle setup keeps it away from the heat. Moreover, the silicone handle wrap can handle the heat, and it stays cool longer. Meanwhile, the one-touch lever easily opens the spout when you’re ready to pour.
With an impressive two year warranty, you can rest easy knowing Secura lives up to its name. You won’t find many kettles with a guarantee that outlasts the first year. Plus, you get the silicone trivet and a tea strainer with your kettle. Select your Secura here.
2. Susteas Stove Top Whistling Tea Kettle
A Susteas Stove Top Whistling Tea Kettle from Amazon has an innovative three-layer base design that heats water faster. In a survival situation, you can’t always wait around as long as you’d like, and this kettle can help you save time. Plus, the rounded, ergonomic handle is comfortable on your hands and wrists.
With an easy button release cap for pouring, you don’t have to risk scalding yourself. Meanwhile, the thickened body holds heat better and longer than most, and the black colored outside aids in that process. Additionally, you get an anti-heat holder to make sure you don’t hurt your hands.
These Teflon and BPA free kettles don’t have any dangerous plastics to worry about. Best of all, they also have a two-year warranty. Find a high-quality Susteas Kettle here.
3. Poliviar Tea Kettle
The Poliviar Tea Kettle from Amazon is an outstanding example of what everyone should look for in a tea kettle. You’ll hear the whistle even with plenty of background noise. Moreover, the classic matte black finish on the outside holds heat well.
A wooden handle will keep you from burning your fingers. Plus, it looks classy in any non-emergency kitchen as well. You don’t want to blister your hands just getting some hot water no matter the situation. Better still, the ergonomic shape is comfortable on your wrists and simple to use.
This innovative kettle is suitable for all heat sources and doesn’t have a handle that sticks out over a flame. Additionally, the eight-inch induction base heats water fast, and the perfect seals help eep that energy where you need it most, inside. Finally, Poliviar offers a twelve-month full-satisfaction guarantee. See Polivar’s Amazon Reviews when you click here.
4. Barista Warrior Stainless Steel Coffee & Tea Kettle
A Barista Warrior Stainless Steel Coffee & Tea Kettle offers something none of the other kettles on this list have. A thermometer allows you to be precise with your water boiling. Although you won’t always need the added feature, when you do, it’s vital.
The gooseneck spout design makes pouring water safer. Rather than a drippy design, the gooseneck gives you precision. You won’t need to worry about over-pouring from a wider mouth and wasting clean water or burning yourself.
Leak and rustproof, the 18/8 stainless steel, will outlast other metals easily. Furthermore, like many high-quality kettles, the Barista Warrior comes from a company that believes in the quality of its products. You get a one year warranty with this model as well. Learn more on Amazon by clicking here.
5. Pykal Whistling Tea Kettle with iCool Handle
Pykal’s Whistling Tea Kettle with iCool Handle is made from surgical stainless steel. The latest Thermal Protection technology keeps your fingers safe, and the pushbutton mechanism gives you an easy pour. Plus, this kettle has a sizeable three-liter capacity so you can boil more water at one time.
The shape and size of the base on the Pykal kettles are superb for heating water quickly. A layer of iron between two aluminum layers gives outstanding heat transfer. Moreover, the width helps prevent heat from reaching the handle.
You will love Pykal’s prompt and friendly customer service. The one year warranty gives you plenty of time, but you won’t need it. Along with the two free tea infusers, this kettle makes an excellent gift for a survivalist, or anyone else. Get your Pykal Tea Kettle here.
Final Thoughts
When selecting your kettle to boil water, it’s crucial to look at your circumstances as well. Do you plan to bug in, or will you be bugging out? The weight of your kettle matters a lot more if you plan to leave home.
Moreover, it’s essential to consider how you plan to use your kettle. If you’re likely to have an open flame fire, then skip the plastic handles since they melt. Instead, opt for metal or wood, and always remember to use a potholder, so you don’t burn your fingers.
Choosing a durable, reliable, and rustproof kettle to boil water is only part of the issue. You also need a nontoxic option that won’t rust the first time you leave a dab of water inside.