Benefits of Electric Teapots For Loose Leaf Tea + Best Options

Electric tea kettles are all about ease of use. You simply select a temperature and let the kettle do the rest. You can walk away and go get ready for work without worrying about the water boiling over. Just head back to the kettle when you hear the beep and start steeping your tea.

These kettles also offer multiple features such as auto shut-off and boil-dry protection to improve safety when brewing tea. Discover the benefits of electric teapots and find the scoop on some of the best options on the market today.

Why Use An Electric Tea Kettle?

Electric tea kettles make brewing tea quick and easy. If you're new to the tea world, there are two basic steps to brewing the perfect cup of tea. First, you'll need to start with high-quality loose leaf tea in the proper amounts — typically 1 teaspoon of tea per every 8 ounces of water.

Second, you'll need to use the right water temperature to develop the best flavors. This is usually the step where people mess up and create bitter brews that don't taste good. That's where electric tea kettles come in.

Heating water in a pot on the stove to the proper temperature can be difficult. Altitudes can change the amount of time it takes to reach a certain temperature. Thermometers are useful, but not always accurate and can be difficult to use without burning yourself or accidentally dropping it into the water.

Electric tea kettles take the guesswork out of proper water temperature for brewing tea. Many electric kettles feature temperature settings that are tailored to your desired tea type. Pressing the "oolong tea" button will heat water to 190 degrees Fahrenheit and the "delicate" button — for light teas such as spring tea and white tea— will heat to 150 degrees Fahrenheit.

Features of An Electric Kettle

Temperature Settings

By far the best benefit of electric tea kettles is their adjustable temperature controls. Variable temperature kettles enable you to set the proper temperature for the type of tea you want to brew. For example, green tea can be brewed exactly at 150 degrees Fahrenheit or a black tea can be brewed at 212 degrees Fahrenheit.

Some electric kettles allow you to set the proper water temperature simply by selecting the type of tea you are brewing. The kettle enables you to preset temperature to ensure you brew with the right water temperature.

Best Option: Krups Savoy Stainless Steel Electric Kettle

The Savoy Electric Kettle offers seven different temperature settings so you can choose the right one for your loose leaf tea. The LCD screen makes it easy to select options and the 360-degree swivel base means you can grab the kettle from any angle. The kettle will even keep your water warm for 60 minutes and features a removable limescale filter for cleanliness.

Cordless

Some electric tea kettles offer a portable option with cordless features. A cordless kettle operates on battery power and can be used in the office or on-the-go to heat up your favorite cup of tea.

Best Option: Cuisinart CPK-17 Stainless Steel Cordless Electric Kettle

The Cuisinart cordless tea kettle features boil-dry protection. This means that the kettle will automatically turn itself off if there is no water in the reservoir. Your kettle and heating elements will be protected from high heat and you won't have to worry about starting a fire if you forget to turn it off. This tea kettle keeps water warm for 30 minutes so you can enjoy multiple infusions of tea as desired.  The cordless feature means you can heat water anywhere in your home — all without an outlet.

Material Options

Electric tea kettles are most frequently made using heat-resistant metals such as stainless steel and copper. That doesn't mean metals are your only options. There are also electric tea kettles made of glass and ceramic.

Glass electric tea kettles are a great choice for tea makers who enjoy a visual component to the tea brewing process. It also makes it easy for people to see how much water is in the kettle. For stainless steel kettles, you can monitor water levels via the water-level window.

Best Glass Option: OXO Glass Cordless Tea Kettles

OXO is known for durable housewares and their tea kettles are no exception. Their glass tea kettles feature heat-safe glass that is designed to be durable and resistant to chips and cracks — even at high temperatures.

The most popular cordless glass kettle size is the 1.7-liter electric kettle. Other fun features include backlit lighting as well as a no-slip grip. The lid opens with soft-open technology making it easy to maneuver and pour. Other popular brands such as Hamilton Beach, Ovente, and KitchenAid also feature glass electric kettles.

Best Ceramic Option: BELLA Electric Ceramic Tea Kettle

The BELLA Electric Ceramic Kettles feature a stunning design and durable functionality for a stylish way to serve up tea. The kettle uses 1200 watts of power to quickly heat up your water so you can enjoy your tea in no time. You can even use the kettle to whip up oatmeal and soups.

The silicone-sealed lid traps in heat and moisture that help to develop the tea's aroma. It's also completely BPA-free. The auto-shutoff feature adds a touch of safety and the kettle is available in several colors and patterns.

Style

Electric water kettles don't have to be bulky and large. There are gooseneck kettle options that feature a delicate, long spout that adds style and class to tea time. You can also find electric kettles that feature an LED light or blue light to add a touch of ambiance to your next cup of tea.

Best Option: Bonavita Gooseneck Tea Kettles

Bonavita delivers style and luxury with its gooseneck tea kettles. With sizes ranging from 0.5 liters to 1.7 liters, the company offers a gooseneck tea kettle size for everyone. They offer a glass body option as well as multiple painted stainless steel choices, making it easy to match your kitchen decor or favorite tea set. These water boilers come in a wide range of price points — from $40 to $130.

Difference Between Tea Kettles and Teapots

In general, a tea kettle refers to a tool that can be used directly on the stovetop to boil water. Tea kettles are typically made of heat-resistant materials such as stainless steel and copper. They're often called hot water kettles.

An electric tea kettle is a tea tool that heats up the water using electricity rather than the stove. Many are cordless while others must be plugged into an outlet to work.

A teapot is usually a tea tool that is used to serve tea. These can be constructed using clay, ceramic, and porcelain. Teapots should not be used directly on the stove for boiling water as they may crack or shatter.

Most companies use the terms tea kettle and teapot interchangeably. Be sure to check if your desired tea kettle is rated for stovetop use to protect its integrity and prevent damage.

Electrify Your Tea Brewing

The beauty of electric tea kettles lies in their ease of use and simplicity. Swap out your stovetop kettle for an electric kettle that delivers maximum precision. Gone are the days when you need a thermometer to adjust the water temperature for your desired tea type.

Simply press a button on the electric tea kettle and you'll have the right water temperature in just a few minutes. Try out some of the best electric kettles from this list and start brewing tasty tea today.