When we moved to our new home, I needed to adjust to a different stovetop. Our previous stovetop was an induction-type of electric stove. Our new home came with a unique gas stovetop and the open flame was an interesting and potentially dangerous change. Our family had to adjust some of our cooking methods, and it made me wonder how different types of stoves and hobs work with whistling kettles. Here’s what I found out.
Whistling Kettles can be used on electric, gas, and ceramic hobs. There are benefits and risks to each type of hob. Only good-quality kettles should be used in order to prevent fires and injury. In addition, induction stovetops require kettles designed to work with an induction process, and gas hobs work best with copper- or steel-bottomed kettles.
It takes longer for the water to reach the ideal temperature for brewing in higher grated hobs, but with accommodation for heating time, whistling kettles work on all types of hobs.
However, there are some specific tips and warnings you will want to be aware of. Let’s cover what you need to know.
In addition, let’s define a hob:
A hob is a surface on top of a stove or set into a work surface, which can be heated in order to cook things.
Now that we’re clear on a few basics, let’s cover each type of hob along with tips and the risks of each option.
Can You Use a Whistling Kettle on an Electric Hob?
Electric hobs are getting more difficult to find on the market, but there are still some options available. They are the less expensive option, and you can use a variety of whistling kettle types on them.
Tips for Using a Whistling Kettle on an Electric Hob
- Place the kettle in the center nearest the heat source for faster heating
- Double check to make sure the whistling mechanism is in working order
- Remove the whistling kettle from the hob soon after whistling so you don’t forget it on the hob
- Turn the heat down on the electric hob when allowing the water to stay warm
The Risks of Using a Whistling Kettle on an Electric Hob
- Electric hobs are subject to electrical fire in the event of a short in the wiring. This is fairly rare, but it can happen
- Another cause of fire with an electric hob is when the kettle is forgotten and left to boil dry. In most cases, you can smell it overheating and turn off the heat, but if it is left on while you’re away or asleep, it poses a significant risk.
- The handle can become hot enough to burn your hand, so care is required when removing it from the hob. Some kettles come with a small mitt for use with the handle.
Can You Use a Whistling Kettle on a Gas Hob?
Gas hobs are more economical ways to heat water. Some whistling kettles are made for use on a gas hob, but not all types are recommended. Since an open flame is present in most gas hobs, the materials used to make the kettle must be durable and resistant to melting at high temperatures.
Tips for Using a Whistling Kettle on a Gas Hob
- Avoid whistling kettles with cheap plastic components for the lid and handle
- Look for materials such as steel, and copper for the base component of the kettle and the lid
- Select a whistling kettle with a heat-resistant handle that stays cool when exposed to heat
- Use care when removing the kettle from heat. Use a hot pad if the handle feels hot to a quick touch to avoid burns
The Risks of Using a Whistling Kettle on a Gas Hob
- There is a risk of cheaper plastics melting and causing a fire hazard in less expensive or cheap whistling kettles
- The handles tend to heat up and present a burn hazard
- If the whistling mechanism fails, there is a risk of the kettle boiling dry and catching fire
“The leaves in tea bags are edible and safe, although they may not be of the highest quality.”
TEA CROSSING
Can You Use a Whistling Kettle on a Ceramic Hob?
There are certain types of whistling kettles that you can use with a ceramic type hub. It’s important to know that this is usually an electric type of hob. As such, the heat is transferred to the cooking surface from beneath the ceramic/glass material. These cooking zones are where the most concentrated areas of heat come from, and they generally glow in a red color when turned on.
It’s important to choose a kettle that is rated for safe use with a ceramic/glass surface.
Tips for Using a Whistling Kettle on a Ceramic Hob
- Water tends to heat more slowly on a ceramic hob so a kettle with a copper bottom will help to heat faster
- Most ceramic hobs are electric powered so be on the lookout for shorts in the cord
- The ceramic finish is considered glass, although durable, take extra care not to damage the surface
The Risks of Using a Whistling Kettle on a Ceramic Hob
- There is always a risk of damaging the surface with heavy metal whistling kettles
- The electrical power supply presents the risk of electrical fire
- If the ceramic hob is also an induction hob, only whistling kettles designed for use with induction may be used. Your whistling kettle may not work on this type hob if it is not made specifically for this type.
Can You Use a Whistling Kettle on an Induction Hob?
Only certain kinds of whistling kettles can be used on an induction hob.
This type of hob is becoming more common and popular because of its rapid heat time and low energy consumption. An induction element transfers the energy to the base of the whistling kettle to heat the contents rapidly. This is a relatively safe option because the surface cools quickly, resulting in fewer accidental burns.
The best advantage of an induction hob is that it heats water as quickly as an electric kettle.
Tips for Using a Whistling Kettle on an Induction Hob
- Choose a whistling kettle that is made for use with induction cook tops. No other types will work
- Water heats rapidly, and it’s wise to remove the kettle from the heat source soon after it whistles to avoid evaporation
- Wait for a few seconds to allow the water to cool before opening the spout. The super heated steam can scald your skin
The Risks of Using a Whistling Kettle on an Induction Hob
- Risk of scalding from very hot water
- Rapid heating can heat the handle of cheaper whistling kettles, resulting in burns to the hands
- There is a danger for persons with pacemakers as the induction energy can interfere with its functioning
Can You Use a Whistling Kettle on a Glass Top Stove?
There are several types of whistling kettles that are designed for use on glass top stoves. This is a surface that is limited in its durability though. It’s important to take care when using any kettle, because the surface is easier to damage or crack than a metal surface. If the glass top stove is an induction type, only kettles made specifically for this type will work. Glass stove tops are preferred because they’re easier to clean and sanitize.
Tips for Using a Whistling Kettle on a Glass Top Stove
- Purchase whistling tea kettles that are rated as being safe for use with glass top stoves
- Keep an eye on the kettle because the contents will heat quickly. Remove from heat after whistling to avoid evaporation
- Take extra care of the surface and avoid rough contact with heavy metal kettles which can damage the surface
The Risks of Using a Whistling Kettle on a Glass Top Stove
- There is a risk of breakage because the glass top is less durable than metals
- There is a risk of scalding from the hot steam that heats rapidly. It’s recommended to wait a few seconds before opening the spout.
Can You Use a Glass Teapot on a Glass Top Stove?
There are some glass teapots that you can use on a glass top stove, and some that you cannot. If the teapot is made of durable glass material such as Pyrex or other types that are rated for stovetop use, it will work out well. It takes longer for the glass to heat than it does for metal.
However, if your glass top stove is an induction type, the glass teapot won’t work.
Tips for Using a Glass Teapot on a Glass Top Stove
- Glass is fragile, so extra care must be taken to protect the stove top as well as the glass teapot
- Use only glass teapots that are rated to withstand the heat of a cooking surface
- Glass teapots do not work with induction stoves
The Risks of Using a Glass Teapot on a Glass Top Stove
- The teapot can crack more easily because glass is less durable than metal
- The glass stovetop is more fragile than metal and may break more easily
- Using a glass teapot that is not rated for cooktop use can shatter and cause severe injury
“The leaves in tea bags are edible and safe, although they may not be of the highest quality.”
TEA CROSSING
How to Use a Whistling Kettle
After choosing the best whistling kettle for the heating surface you plan to use, it’s best to be aware of the safety tips to avoid accidental burns or other injury, and you can refer to the owner’s manual that comes with the kettle for specifics.
There are a few things to keep in mind when using a whistling kettle to keep you safe and provide you with the best results.
8 Steps for Safely Using a Whistling Kettle
Step 1: Hand wash new kettles
All new kettles should be washed when you take them out of the package. Use mild detergent, and rinse in hot water, allowing it to air dry to properly clean and sanitize the kettle. It’s now ready for use.
Step 2: Add the water
You should only fill your whistling kettle half full of water before you put it on the stove. Overfilling can cause it to boil over.
Step 3: Choose the right burner
It’s important to choose the burner that is the appropriate size for the bottom of the kettle that you use. It should be as close to the same size as possible, but not larger.
Step 4: Choose the heat setting
Choose the desired heat setting and allow the water to heat and wait for the whistle. Medium-high to high heat is recommended.
Step 5: Remove the kettle from heat
It’s important to take the whistling kettle from the heat source soon after it whistles. If you leave it there too long, it can boil dry and became a danger, damaging the kettle, as well as being a burn hazard to you. If the handle is hot, use a hot pad to lift it from the heat source.
Step 6: Allow to stand
It’s best to allow the kettle to sit for a few seconds to allow the hot steam to dissipate before you open the spout.
Step 7: Pouring
There is always a risk of injury when pouring hot water from a kettle. It must be handled carefully while pouring into a cup. Pour slowly and at an angle to avoid backsplash.
Step 8: Set the kettle down
Place the kettle back on the stove on a burner that is not turned on, preferably at the back of the stove. You can also set the kettle on a heat-resistant mat or large sized trivet in a safe area.
5 Tips for Using a Whistling Kettle
- Make safety a priority and observe all of the recommended safety tips to avoid injury
- Never leave a whistling kettle unattended because it could boil dry
- Be careful not to drop the kettle on glass stovetops because it could crack the surface
- Wash the kettle periodically with warm mild detergent, rinse, and allow to air dry for proper maintenance
- Inspect the kettle every now and then to make sure that all of the plastic parts, and the whistling mechanism are in good working order without signs of wear or damage.