• Before purchasing a tea kettle, it is important to determine which type will work best for you.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
  
  Many people enjoy drinking a cup or two of tea every day. Tea kettles are available in many different sizes, colors, materials and shapes. With so many types of tea kettles available for purchase, it is easy to become confused as to which type most suits your needs. When deciding which is the best tea kettle for you, there are several options to consider. Some of these include the size of the tea kettle, the material it is made from, whether it is made for electric or stove-top use and the design of the handle and the spout.
  
  

Size

• Tea kettles are available in a wide range of sizes.kettle and red tea-pot image by Maria Brzostowska from Fotolia.com
  
  When shopping for a tea kettle, it is important to have an idea of the size that would most suit your needs. According to consumersearch.com, the most common sizes of tea kettles range from 2 to 3 quarts. If you intend on making only a small amount of tea for yourself, consider a smaller tea kettle. Contrastingly, if you would enjoy making larger amounts of tea for visiting friends or family, a larger tea kettle may be better for you.
  
  

Material

• The type of material a tea kettle is made from is important when considering purchasing one. These materials can impact the functioning of a tea kettle, by affecting its boiling time and sometimes altering the taste of the tea. Although tea kettles made from heavier materials, such as cast iron, are long lasting, they often take longer to boil water than lighter materials, such as copper. According to consumersearch.com, some customers report a plastic taste in tea made in plastic tea kettles. Others fear the health dangers associated with the possible leaching of the chemicals of the plastic into their tea.
  
  

Electric or Stove Top

• Traditional tea kettles are placed over direct heat on the stove to boil the water. While these types of tea kettles continue to be popular among tea drinkers today, electric tea kettles are also widely used. Many electric tea kettles are equipped with such safety features as auto shut-offs, which help prevent them from overheating. Stove-top tea kettles must be watched carefully, to prevent the water from boiling over. Also, tea kettles designed for stove-top use can be damaged if left over the heat while empty. It should be noted, however, that because of their more complex design, electric tea kettles are more likely than the stove-top variety to become damaged or stop working.
  
  

Handle and Spout Design

• Tea kettles with handles that are ergonomically designed may be helpful for those who experience arthritis or other types of pain in the hand and wrist area. Since you will be working with boiling water, a handle that can be easily grasped and held on to is essential for safety. Tea kettles with buttons that must be pressed before you can pour the tea are helpful to prevent spills, but the rising steam may burn your hand if the liquid is very hot.