Choosing a tea pot is a very personal choice; after all, so often it’s the aesthetics that appeal to us. But there are still some great teapots that are worthy of consideration if you are looking for something functional, highly-rated, and within your budget to buy online. We reviewed a few of the best selling teapots (both with and without infusers) and electric kettles for you tea lovers.
Tea Pots
Glass with Infuser
Hiware Glass Teapot with Removable Infuser
This teapot makes for a lovely presentation but it’s also functional and large enough for several cups of tea (4-5, to be exact). Glass seems a little scary to use on the stovetop, but customers report good results whether they boil water and pour it in or heat the pot up on the stove.
The potential problem with this teapot is the same as with most any other glass teapot: that it’s made of glass, and thus, is fragile. For thicker, more durable glass, you will need to spend more. But on a budget, this is actually a great find. Though there are issues with it breaking, it stands up to use for many. The infuser is sized well, and it’s easily removable if you’re not having loose leaf tea.
Stainless Steel
Cuisinart Stainless Steel Tea Kettle
A no-frills yet nice-looking teapot, this 2 quart kettle heats quickly and retains that heat for the next cup of tea. It’s the traditional whistle design, so you’ll get that familiar scream when the water is ready to go. There is no option to keep the cap open to stop the whistle.
Most of the negative reviews mention rusting that occurs over time, so that is something to be aware of. Cuisinart does have a limited lifetime warranty, but it might not be worth it to get a replacement through it (the pot is under $20). To avoid rust in stainless teapots, you will want to spend a bit more to get a higher quality. (More expensive options to check out: OXO or All Clad.)
Cast Iron
TOWA Workshop Japanese Cast Iron Teapot with Stainless Steel Infuser
Cast iron teapots are popular with many tea drinkers, and are traditionally used in Japanese tea ceremonies. The biggest benefit to a cast iron pot is that it heats quickly and evenly, and it retains heat for longer. This teapot is beautiful in design and it also stands up to heat on any kind of stovetop. It’s a bit on the small side (22 ounces) but works well for one person.
Like all cast iron cookware, you will want to make sure to drain all the water out after use and dry it well before storing to avoid rust. It isn’t meant for the dishwasher, but it is enameled cast iron, making hand washing easy. The included mesh infuser is removable. (Looking for something larger? Here’s a 40 oz pot from Sotya.)
Brown Betty
Handmade Original Brown Betty 4 Cup Teapot
If you’d like something with a bit of tradition, or to emulate high tea with the Queen, the Brown Betty is a great choice. This glazed pot has the traditional shape and feel of English teapots, and it has a rich and interesting history behind it. It will keep tea warm longer than many other typical glazed pots.
Because of the construction, the handle does get hot to the touch when the pot is warming. Take care to use a towel or mitt to pour your tea. This pot should be hand washed. With proper care, this is a lovely English teapot that will last years to come.
Electric Kettles
Under $50
Epica 6-Temperature Variable Stainless Steel Cordless Electric Kettle
A good electric kettle is hard to find, especially if you’re seeking one that has adjustable temperature, stainless interior, and quick boiling. Fortunately, Epica does all that in this electric kettle. In addition to the 6 temperature settings, it also features a warming function so that you can pour up to 7 cups of hot water over a few hours.
It is well-priced, making it a much more affordable option than some other adjustable temp stainless kettles. However, some of the negative reviews point out that it gets very hot on the outside, that it is loud when boiling, and that there is still some plastic on the interior. Even so, overall the reviews are high and it offers tea drinkers a solid cordless and adjustable option.
Under $100
Cuisinart PerfecTemp 1.7-Liter Stainless Steel Cordless Electric Kettle
The Cuisinart electric kettle has most of the same features as the Epica above, but it is quite a bit more expensive. It does have one additional temperature setting and it carries the Cuisinart name, making it a go-to choice for a lot of shoppers. It has a warming feature, stainless interior, and internal memory. Another nice feature is the “boil-dry protection” which enables auto-shutoff if there is not enough water in the unit.
With fast heating, a 3-year warranty, and a concealed heating element, this is an excellent kettle overall. It’s a bit of a splurge but could be well worth it if you are still on the hunt for the right adjustable temp kettle.
Gooseneck
Willow & Everett Electric Gooseneck Kettle
While plenty of tea drinkers prefer a gooseneck kettle, they are primarily purchased by pour-over coffee enthusiasts. This Willow & Everett stainless kettle holds one liter and features a design that gives you full control over pouring.
It boils quickly and is easy to handle. There isn’t an option to adjust temperature, however, so it isn’t a good option for those looking for temperature control. It is relatively inexpensive, though, so it’s definitely worth checking out. (For adjustable temperature control, check out this gooseneck electric kettle for around $50.)
Stylish
KitchenAid 1.25-Liter Electric Kettle
If style is a big concern for your electric kettle, look no further than KitchenAid’s fun, retro device. Available in several of KitchenAid’s trademark colors, it is stainless steel and features an automatic shutoff when it reaches boiling. You cannot adjust temperature, but it’s a great option for someone who just needs to quickly boil water.
It holds 1.25 liters and boils quickly (if a little loudly). It also has a removable base. Its key selling point is style — it looks great and is a sturdy device. It doesn’t have all the features that many other electric kettles do in the same price range, but it does have the KitchenAid name and style, making it an appealing small appliance for your consideration.