Glass Tea Kettle

A glass tea kettle isn't just functional; it is also fun to look at. It's see-through, unlike stainless steel. It's classy, unlike plastic. Glass kettles are available in both stove top and electric versions.

Quite possibly the best thing about the glass kettle is its stylish appearance. You can see what's going on inside...

Photo credit: stephen bowler

...because some people LIKE to watch water boil! And nothing shows off boiling water better than a clear glass kettle.

Advantages of Glass Tea Kettles

Doesn't rust. A common complaint of metal kettles is that they can rust. Not a problem with a glass kettle!
It's clear so you can see everything (the water level, whether or not it's boiling, if it's clean). If you steep tea inside the kettle, you can watch it brew.
Cleans easily due to the smooth glass surfaces.
Doesn't impart tastes or odors that some people complain about with other materials.

Disadvantages of Glass Tea Kettles

Heavier than stainless steel or plastice.
Breakable. Care must be taken to avoid dropping or chipping. Glass kettles are subject to breaking if heated too quickly.

Look for: Borosilicate Glass

Borosilicate glass is very sturdy. It is more resistant to thermal shock than other types of glass and therefore less likely to break when heated.

The chemical properties of borosilicate glass make it remarkably strong and able to handle temperature extremes. If it does break, it is more likely to crack rather than shatter. American-made Pyrex used to use borosilicate glass for kitchenware, but has since switched to tempered soda-lime glass.