Help me shop for a kettle

[freezorburn]

Remember when I said I was replacing all of my Calphalon? Yeah, that means my kettle has to go, too. I love this kettle. It's got a pleasant whistle, and really well-balanced. The handle has been coming loose, but that's neither here nor there. It's been 18 years. We had a good run.

So I'm in the market for a new kettle and I'm overwhelmed by the choices. Do not want an electric, as countertop space is precious whereas I don't mind a kettle living on my stovetop.

I mostly need it for tea, or pourover coffee. I've had so many coffee making methods over the years, and pourover is the last thing standing. I've got a cheap-o plastic Melitta cone, that I'm positive I got free from a Gevalia promotion. It has outlasted every percolater, drip machine, French press, etc. that I have ever had. Pretty sure I've had it for over 25 years now, which means it even outlasted my marriage.

I keep seeing these little kettles that are specifically for pourover coffee. The weight and balance seem nice, but they seem to be pretty expensive. Worth it? Or just a passing fad? I've seen recent tutorials all about how to do pourover, and they're all obsessive about the water temperature and the speed of the pour. Um, that's not me. I don't use a fancy glass or SS or ceramic cone. I've been using clunky big kettles to make my pourover since the early 90s, and I think it's been coming out just fine. I'm a grumpy old man when it comes to my pourover. Should I reconsider?

And then I see some truly beautiful kettles but either the ergonomics are wrong for me (like the classic English ones with the horizontal handles), or I can't find one in a store to check out (like the Le Creuset models with curvy handles). Weight, balance, and comfortable handle are all important to me. Aesthetics are a plus but should not trump comfort. I love the flame orange or azure blues that I see on some models. But color won't make or break the decision.

Recommendations and insights appreciated!

[cosmowife]

I had no idea that there was so much to think about for a kettle! I fill a mug and put it in the microwave for 3 minutes to make tea, so sorry I’m no help.

[freezorburn]

I’m sure I’m overthinking what should be a simple decision. I should just find a cheap SS kettle and call it done.

But the fancy ones just are so fun to look at. But when I start to think about spending more money, it becomes a harder decision.

[waverly]

I've got nothing either. I have an electric one that goes on the counter. I think I would go for durable (reviews) and pop of fun color.

[mommyatty]

I have this one. www.amazon.com/KitchenAid-KTEN20CBER-2-0-Quart-Kettle-Handle/dp/B00J48MMQ4/ref=zg_bs_289833_8?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=45ZYRRJPGT060YFS0PX9

Don’t waste your money on it. DH bought it. It drips when it pours. It’s very good looking but not very functional.

If the link doesn’t work, it’s the Kitchen Aid with the C shaped handle.

[freezorburn]

Mar 18, 2018 20:07:17 GMT -5 mommyatty said:

I have this one. www.amazon.com/KitchenAid-KTEN20CBER-2-0-Quart-Kettle-Handle/dp/B00J48MMQ4/ref=zg_bs_289833_8?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=45ZYRRJPGT060YFS0PX9

Don’t waste your money on it. DH bought it. It drips when it pours. It’s very good looking but not very functional.

If the link doesn’t work, it’s the Kitchen Aid with the C shaped handle.

Thanks! This is exactly the kind of thing I need to know.