Kettles for a gas stove: types and subtleties of choice
The teapot for the stove, as a rule, is characterized by durability, safety for humans, the water in the teapot remains warm for a long time. Manufacturers today produce a large number of models. How to make a choice and purchase a quality product?
Varieties
The teapot may differ in the material of manufacture, design, volume, and the presence of additional functionality. The latter includes, for example, a whistle.
Whistle kettle makes a sound when the water boils. This is due to the steam coming out through the opening of the whistle. Thanks to such a product, you can not "watch" when the liquid boils. This kettle is especially convenient for busy and elderly people.
Additional features include the presence of temperature sensorsthat some models are equipped with. For many elite varieties of tea, the temperature of the liquid is very important, so a kettle with a thermometer in such cases is an irreplaceable thing.
The volume of the teapot depends on how big the family is, as well as on the tradition of tea drinking. The minimum volume is usually 300 ml, the maximum is 6 liters. For one or two people, a product with a volume of 0.5-1.5 liters will be optimal. For a family of 5 people or less, a product with a volume of 2.5-3 liters is sufficient.
Modern models have multilayer bottom, thanks to which it evenly heats up... There is also an option with a capsule bottom - this is a three-layer bottom, the first layer of which is stainless steel, the second is dense aluminum, the third is another layer of stainless steel.
Manufacturing materials
The gas stove kettle can be made of various materials.
Stainless steel
The stainless steel heats up quickly and evenly, and also differs long service life. During boiling, the water does not interact with the teapot coating, and when brewing herbs, the drink does not acquire a metallic taste.
Of the minuses - the appearance of scale on the inner walls of the kettle, as well as scratches on the surface when exposed to sharp objects or abrasives.
Enamelled teapot
The device will become a decoration of the kitchen, but it is not suitable for everyday use. The coating begins to deteriorate due to sudden temperature changes, and carbon deposits appear on the enamel under the influence of fire. To remove it, you have to use abrasive detergents, which, in turn, destroys the enamel layer.
Ceramics
The ceramic teapot is made of natural clay that can withstand high temperatures and is varnished on the outside. Ceramic teapots are offered in different price categories, however inexpensive models - heavy and fragile - may crack when exposed to fire. A better quality kettle cannot be cheap.
Heat resistant glass
Stylish and modern model that will harmoniously fit into the interior of a modern studio.
Thanks to the transparent walls, you can see how the kettle boils. The material does not emit substances upon contact with water, and no scale forms on its surface.
The obvious cons are - increased fragility and short service life.
Aluminum
Such kettles are less and less common in everyday life, since aluminum is oxidized under the influence of water. There is an opinion that only pure aluminum is oxidized.
Despite this, experts do not recommend buying a thermal device, even from an aluminum alloy.
Cast iron
A cast iron kettle heats up quickly and evenly, retains heat for a long time. The service life of the product is also pleasing - the kettle will last up to 10-15 years.
However, a cast iron teapot has heavy weight and rather high cost... When buying, you should pay attention to the handle - it doesn't have to be plastic, because upon contact with hot metal, the plastic will melt sooner or later.
Copper
The copper teapot looks very elegant and invariably attracts attention. The material has a high thermal conductivity (it is worth remembering the famous Russian samovars and Turks), the water in such a kettle quickly heats up and boils. Besides, copper does not oxidize and moreover – has antiseptic properties. Cons - difficulties in leaving, high cost.
Top Models
Among the models that are popular and trusted by buyers are Finnish, German, and some domestic options. In any case, it should be remembered that quality and cost primarily depend on the material of manufacture. And good metal, ceramics or heat-resistant glass cannot be cheap.
- The Tefal brand is called one of the most reputable and popular tableware manufacturers. For a gas stove, the manufacturer offers a stainless steel model Tefal C7921014... Externally, the teapot is very attractive due to its streamlined shape, stylish design and matte surface. The volume of the product is 2.5 liters.
The handle is located at some distance from the kettle and is made of heat-resistant material. The lid of the kettle is held by a special device, so that it does not slide off the productbut opens easily when needed. The dish spout is equipped with a whistle, its sound is loud.
The kettle is light enough (weight 800 g), but durable. The spout and handle are firmly fixed; when pouring boiling water, it does not spill out. Users note that, despite the manufacturer's assurances, the handle of the kettle heats up a little.
In addition, there are complaints about the excessive tightness of the lid: in order to pour water into the container, you have to make a lot of effort. Finally, the teapot has to be carefully looked after - fingerprints are quickly imprinted on the matte surface.
- Another stainless steel model that has gained popularity among users is Rondell RDS-088. The product with a volume of 4 liters has the shape of a cut triangle and looks stylish and modern. Equipped with a spout that opens by pressing a special button. The latter is located on a bakelite handle that does not heat up.
The bottom of the device has no seams, is made of solid metal, and therefore the product can be considered safe.
On the mirror surface, there are practically no replacements for traces and prints. Thanks to the thickened bottom, the liquid in the kettle boils faster, and the vessel itself retains heat for a long time. The kettle itself is heavy (weight 2280 g), and when filled with liquid it becomes literally overwhelming for some users.
- Kettle Vinzer Symphonia 89003 Is an example of high-class Swiss quality. The stainless steel product is equipped with a double bottom and a whistle, suitable not only for gas, but also for other types of stoves, including induction. Volume - 2.5 liters, the kettle is suitable for family people.
Due to the design and material features, the bottom and walls heat up quickly and evenly, therefore kettle boils 10% faster... The handle is attached to the product from one side, and therefore has a crescent shape. It does not heat up, it also has a push-button mechanism for opening the spout.
- A versatile and modern model - a teapot from the Chinese brand Maestro mr 1337. Double bottom, non-heating handle, whistle make this model comfortable and safe. A stylish appearance, several colors of the kettle will also make it a decoration of the kitchen. Suitable for all types of stoves, this model is dishwasher safe.
- Vitross Maestro is a glass model from a domestic brand. Although it would be more correct to say that this is a model of a combined type - made of enameled steel and tempered glass. Volume - 2 liters, weight - about 1200 g. The handle is attached on one side, does not heat up.
The water in the product boils quickly. The kettle is dishwasher safe. But at the same time it is not very convenient to open it.
- A combination of stylish looks and functionality - this is the Jasmine model from the Portuguese company Silampos. A three-layer bottom, the presence of a whistle, a welded nose and a handle - a guarantee of the practicality and safety of the product. It has an elegant, streamlined shape and a mirrored surface. The volume of the dishes is 2 liters, the weight is quite noticeable - about 1200 g.
The kettle boils quickly, it made of high quality stainless steel. It is not surprising that the cost of the product is quite high. However, despite this fact, "Jasmine" has disadvantages, among them - a heating handle and the inability to wash the kettle in the dishwasher.
- If you cannot decide on the material from which the kettle should be made, pay attention to the products of the Carl Schmidt Sohn Aquatic brand. In the line of this German company, there are two types of teapots for gas stoves - made of polished steel, as well as with an enamel coating. The first model has a natural steel color, in the second case, you can choose a kettle in red, black or beige.
The handle, by the way, does not heat up in this model, it fits comfortably into the hand. The kettle boils quickly and has an attractive appearance.
The disadvantage can be called a rather large weight - over 1.5 kg.
- If you're looking for a stylish kettle, check out the stainless products from the Kitchenaid brand. A streamlined shape, 4 color options, a scratch-resistant enamel coating and a volume of 1.9 liters make the model optimal for a small family.
How to choose?
Choose a kettle suitable volume... For a small family, a 3-liter is enough. With a smaller volume of boiling water, there may not be enough, a vessel that is too capacious will boil for a long time.At the bottom, as well as in the accompanying instructions, there must be a mark proving that the kettle can be used for gas stoves.
The handle should fit comfortably in the palm of your hand, not get hot. It is desirable that there are no plastic elements on its surface, as they can heat up and melt.
The product should be tight, if it is metal, then it should not bend. Pay attention to the bottom of the kettle, it should be thick. The diameter of the base must be such that it fits the size of the cooking zone. However, the wider the bottom, the faster the water in the kettle will boil. The ratio of the diameter of the bottom and the opening for pouring water is 2: 1.
The inner surface should not have chips and cracks, otherwise it will soon crumble, and the particles of the coating will fall into the water. The lid of the kettle should not just overlap it, but fit snugly, enter the hole through which the water is poured. Otherwise, under the influence of hot air, it may simply jump off, which is fraught with burns.
The spout of the kettle should ideally be in the middle of the model. If the spout is located lower, it can lead to splashing water during the boil. If the spout is high, the kettle will have to be tilted too far to pour liquid into the cup. Another important point is that the spout must be welded to the product.
The safest are considered Turkish-type models, the handle of which is located on the side.... They can be tilted at any angle, minimizing the risk of scalding from hot steam. A prerequisite is that the handle of the product must be finished with heat-resistant material. Handles made of silicone or special heat-resistant plastic - Bakelite do not heat up.
A double bottom product will be stronger and more durable, and will also allow liquids to boil faster. A safety kettle should be free of seams, and the spout should ideally be equipped with a small steam outlet.
Since the most popular model is a stainless steel kettle, it is advisable to find out how safe it is.
It is enough to hold a magnet over it while still in the store: if the latter is magnetized, then the stainless steel has a minimum amount of other alloys. You can buy such a kettle.
At home, you can check the product in another way - a small part of it needs to be placed in a 2% vinegar solution. A high-quality product will not change its appearance, while a product of inappropriate quality will darken at the point of contact with vinegar.
If the water in your area forms scale, it makes sense to purchase model with filter. A special strainer will prevent limescale from entering the cup.
Black, like a white teapot, will be easily soiled, like products with matte surfaces. Products of natural steel color, as well as mirror counterparts, will be more practical. A beautiful enamel teapot with flowers and patterns also leaves almost no imprints on the surface.
If you brew sweet brews and other drinks in dishes, it is better to purchase a special copper kettle. It is ideal for boiling and for cooking sweet syrups - they do not burn.
The following video will tell you what to look for when choosing a kettle.