More Good Kettles
We’ve tested several kettles, but not every model deserves a top spot above. Here are a few others that work well, but aren’t standouts.
Art and Cook Electric Glass Kettle for $43: When I first unboxed Art and Cook’s electric glass kettle, there was one red flag: Typos on both the box and the instruction manual. That made me a little hesitant, but my experience over the past six months has been perfectly fine. There’s no LED light as on the Cosori to indicate when it’s boiling, but it holds slightly more water (1.8 liters as opposed to 1.7). It has an automatic shutoff feature, but overall, I found it a little slower to boil.
Bonavita Digital for $130: This kettle is similar to the Stagg EKG I tested but slightly less expensive. It has a gooseneck spout for precise pouring, a temperature dial, a display, and a 0.9-liter capacity. You’ll have the option to program up to five presets for your most-used temps.
The Bistro Tile x Haden 1.7 Liter Electric Kettle for $128: This kettle is gorgeous, with two options of tile-style exterior that makes it feel like you’re in a Parisian coffee shop. There’s a single power switch and a temperature gauge on the front to let you know how hot the water is. You can’t control it as much as other electric kettles, and it doesn’t retain heat as well as double-walled options, but it’s very design-forward. —Nena Farrell
Try These Tea Accessories
You can find more recommendations in our Best Tea Accessories guide.
Oxo Brew Tea Infuser Basket for $15: This is our go-to accessory for brewing loose-leaf tea. The stainless steel is durable and doesn’t impart any flavor to the brewing process, and the hole pattern does a solid job of keeping most of the tiny particles out of the hot water. We particularly love that the lid not only retains heat but also doubles as a drip tray.
Kotubuki Matcha Tea Whisk for $24: If you’re a fan of matcha, this is a great whisk to have on hand. Equipped with 80 bamboo bristles, it’ll help to create a nice froth that brings out all the bright, grassy notes for a delicious cup of matcha.
East Fork the Mug for $44: These mugs are expensive, but they’re consciously crafted. WIRED product reviewer Jaina Grey says they “feel sturdy, with a gently sloping grip that’s big enough for most hands and feels smooth and balanced when you pick it up.” They also come in various fun colors (seasonal options included). You can buy a single mug or a four-pack for $150.
Hydro Flask 32-Ounce Wide Mouth Vacuum Flask for $50: WIRED senior editor Michael Calore uses this to keep freshly brewed tea hot throughout the afternoon. Even after four or five hours, the tea remains piping hot. He considers it an essential item for those who drink their tea on the go. For more options, be sure to check out our guide to the Best Travel Mugs.
The Tea Spot Sipping Cup Tea Subscription for $20 (Monthly): This is a great subscription for new tea drinkers. Each box includes whole leaf teas harvested from tea estates around the world.