Head-to-head · Best Stovetop Tea Kettles

Le Creuset Enamel on Steel Classic Whistling Kettle (1.7 qt) vs SUSTEAS Whistling Tea Kettle (2.64 qt)

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Le Creuset Enamel on Steel Classic Whistling Kettle (1.7 qt) comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.3 vs 3.6). Le Creuset Enamel on Steel Classic Whistling Kettle (1.7 qt) is best for: Daily tea or French-press drinkers who want a fast-heating stovetop kettle that stays on display. Read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Stovetop Tea Kettles

Le Creuset Enamel on Steel Classic Whistling Kettle (1.7 qt)

4.3

3 sourcesall derived$103.95as of Oct 23

Le Creuset's 1.7-quart enameled-steel whistling kettle is the top stovetop pick at both Serious Eats and Food & Wine. Testers credit its burner-wide base with fast boiling and report clean, drip-free pours and an easy-to-clean interior. The trade-offs are weight when full, a stubborn lid and a price several times that of a basic kettle.

Strengths

— Wide base heated water faster than the other kettles in Serious Eats' 14-kettle test
— Poured with no dribbling or spatter in both Serious Eats' and Food & Wine's pour tests
— Heat-resistant knob and flip-back whistle tab can be handled without a mitt (The Spruce Eats)

Watch-outs

— Heaviest kettle in Food & Wine's test when full; felt back-heavy when pouring
— Tight-fitting lid is hard to remove, especially when hot (Serious Eats, The Spruce Eats)
— Hand wash only, and the resin handle warms during long boils

$103.95 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #5 in Best Stovetop Tea Kettles

SUSTEAS Whistling Tea Kettle (2.64 qt)

3.6

4 sourcesall derived$35.99as of Oct 23

The SUSTEAS 2.64-quart whistling kettle was Reviewed's Best Overall pick and a large-capacity or value pick at Food & Wine and The Spruce Eats. Testers credit it with boiling a big batch of water about as fast as smaller kettles and with an easy one-hand spout trigger. Serious Eats was the dissenter, reporting thin metal, a hot handle and a faint metallic taste.

Strengths

— Reviewed named it Best Overall after timing 11 kettles boiling 5 cups on the same burner
— Food & Wine measured a boil in about 5.5 minutes despite holding roughly twice the water of smaller kettles
— Handle trigger opens the spout cover without touching it, praised by Reviewed, The Spruce Eats and Food & Wine

Watch-outs

— Serious Eats found thin metal that screeched when heating and water with a faint metallic taste
— The partly metal handle gets hot over high heat; a silicone mitt is included for that reason
— Bulky to store: the handle doesn't fold, and Food & Wine weighed it at about 9 pounds (144 oz) full

$35.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Le Creuset Enamel on Steel Classic Whistling Kettle (1.7 qt)

Costs about $36 more than the Chantal Anniversary for slightly less capacity (1.7 vs 2 qt), but it is the only whistler here that three outlets scored 4 or higher. It is heavier and harder to pour than the SUSTEAS, and unlike the Fellow Stagg and Hario Buono it is built for quick boiling rather than controlled pouring.

SUSTEAS Whistling Tea Kettle (2.64 qt)

The largest and cheapest kettle here, holding more than the Chantal Anniversary or Le Creuset at roughly a third of the Le Creuset's price. Reviews are split: Reviewed named it best overall, while Serious Eats found it thin and noisy, which leaves its score below the other four.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Le Creuset Enamel on Steel Classic Whistling Kettle (1.7 qt)	SUSTEAS Whistling Tea Kettle (2.64 qt)
Capacity	1.7 qt	2.64 qt usable (3 qt to the brim)
Material	Enameled carbon steel, phenolic resin handle	304 stainless steel body and lid; 201 stainless spout
Stovetop Compatibility	Gas, electric, ceramic, induction	Induction, gas, electric, halogen, radiant
Whistle	Single-tone, flip-back whistle cap	Yes, with push-button spout cover
Handle	Folding, on stainless steel brackets; locks upright	Ergonomic nylon, non-folding; silicone mitt included
Weight	3 lb (empty)	2.55 lb empty
Dimensions	10.5 x 8 x 10 in; 4.25 in opening	—
Warranty	5-year guarantee	1-year limited (manufacturer)
Base	—	5-layer encapsulated (steel/aluminum/iron), 7.3 in diameter

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