If you’re not a frequent tea drinker, the terms tea kettle and teapot may be synonymous with you. Sometimes they are used interchangeably, but these two things are not the same. They have different functions and should not be used in place of another.
When making tea, there are two steps. The first one is heating the water, and the second is brewing the tea. To heat tea water, we use a pot on a stove or an electrical outlet. Then we pour that water into another one to steep the tea.
These two items are different, and it’s wise not to mess them up because heating the wrong pot can lead to accidents like cracking or shattering. If you want to know the art of tea making, understanding this fundamental difference will help you immensely.
Difference Between a Tea Kettle and a Teapot
Tea kettles and teapots have different functions. When making tea, the container you use to boil the tea water is called a tea kettle, while the container used for steeping tea is called a teapot. Both are necessary when making tea.
As they serve different purposes, they cannot be interchanged. They have different designs too. Teapots aren’t made for direct heat unless specified so. While some people use the kettle to steep tea, it can leave behind an aftertaste as kettles are intended for boiling water for many reasons.
You need to heat the water in a tea kettle and get it to the required temperature. Then put your teabag or tea leaves in the teapot and pour the heated water in. Tea kettles and teapots look different too. Kettles have a more functional look, while teapots have more intricate designs.
Tea Kettle and its Uses
We use a tea kettle to heat the water for the tea. Boiling tea water is done on direct heat. Because they are placed on a stove or have a power connection, they are made of aluminum, stainless steel, or glass. These materials can withstand heat without damage.
There are different kinds of tea kettles. The classic one is the stovetop kettle. They are placed right on top of a gas or electric stove to heat the water. While they are cheaper, they take a while to warm the water. But many prefer it because stove-heated water steeps tea better.
The other type is an electric tea kettle. Electrical ones have a cord and need to be connected to electricity to work. These kettles have a more modern and sleeker look. They can boil water within minutes and be used for any boiling activity. Another great feature is that it turns off automatically when the water has reached boiling point.
Related Article: Whistling Tea Kettle for Gas Stove
Tea Pot and its Uses
You put the tea in the pot and pour warm water over it to make your tea. Usually, teapots are used to steep tea. The pots cannot be placed over a direct heat source. High temperatures will damage the materials.
These pots have more vintage and colorful designs than kettles. They are generally made of ceramic, porcelain, steel, cast iron, or stone. You can only use a teapot for brewing your tea, not heating it. Sometimes teapots come with strainers or infusers because it makes tea leaves easier to steep.
Teapots are one of the favorite things of a tea lover. They have a spout and a handle to ensure the residual heat doesn’t harm when pouring. People collect teapots based on their preferences and use them for aesthetics. While it is used for only steeping the tea, many feel that teapots add flavor.
How to Make the Right Cup of Tea
Have you ever wanted to sip on some steaming hot tea? Getting started with tea can feel overwhelming for someone who isn’t a connoisseur. The temperature of the water and the amount of time needed to brew tea differ depending on the type of tea. It’s important to handle things correctly at home.
You can use either tea leaves or tea bags to make your tea. Most tea lovers will tell you that no teabag can compare to the flavor of loose leaves. Make sure your pot has a strainer or infuser if you have loose leaves.
Not all teas need to be steeped at boiling temperature. For maximum flavor, brew green tea in 1600 F, white tea between 180-1900 F, and black tea between 205-2120 F. Using hotter water will result in bitter tea that carries no taste. You can check the tea box to see the required temperature.
The basics of making tea: a guide.
- Heat water in the tea kettle and take it off once it is necessary.
- Put your tea leaves or bag inside the teapot and pour the hot water inside.
- Close the pot lid and let the tea brew. Black tea usually needs 4-5 minutes, while green tea can be made in under 3 minutes.
- Remove tea bags or strain tea leaves
- If you’d like to sweeten your black tea, you can add milk, honey, or sugar.
- Give the tea a bright flavor by adding lemon, ginger, or mint. To make iced tea, chill the tea.
To Know More About Tea: Earl Grey Tea
How to Take Care of Tea Kettle and Teapot
Some people choose to use a tea kettle only or put their tea in a cup to steep it. However, most people find it better to use tea kettles and teapots. If you use both, you need to maintain them for long-lasting use.
It is generally suggested that you don’t leave water inside either one of them. Teapots may start to rust, and reheating the same water in a kettle isn’t safe after a while. This practice will lead to both of them being damaged. It is keeping them dry when not in use that is the crucial step.
Teapots need to be cleaned after every use. Some are made of sensitive materials, so it’s best to hand wash them with soap. Once the tea kettle cools down, discard the extra water and wipe it down. After washing, you need to wipe it or dry it in the air.
Wrap Up
It is now clear what a tea kettle and a teapot are. However, even though we may use the words themselves similarly, these two items are made for different steps of tea making and should be treated accordingly. Using the wrong pot can sometimes lead to accidents, so it’s better to be aware.