The stovetop kettle: a kitchen helper with a history
Few people know that the kettle has a long tradition. It originated, of course, in the land of tea – China. As early as 900 years ago, the Chinese used the first cast-iron examples as tea kettles. In Europe, the kettle made its big entrance in the 17th century. With the invention of the whistling kettle, it was possible for the first time to heat water quickly on the stove and keep it warm for longer.
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How does a stovetop kettle work?
Stovetop kettles sit on the hob. They have a thinner base than saucepans, for example, so that heat gets into the kettle more quickly. When the water boils, the steam flows through a narrow opening in the spout, creating a whistling sound. In the past, there were only models that were filled through the spout. This prevented the steam from escaping anywhere other than the whistle. Thanks to better seals, openings at the top of the kettle are possible today. The principle is similar to that of a pressure cooker. An average kettle usually holds 1.5 to two litres – for example, the retro-style KitchenAid kettle with a capacity of 1.9 litres.
Alessi reinvents the whistling kettle
1982: designer Richard Sapper is annoyed. The whistle of his kettle is too monotonous and ordinary for him. He wants to create a sound that is melodious. At his request, a craftsman in the Black Forest in Germany develops whistles that play a little tune: as soon as the water boils, the notes E and B sound. Sapper also changes the basic shape of the whistling kettle. He does away with the lid, which often falls off. The water is filled through the spout, which can be opened with one hand using a mechanism on the handle. Richard Sapper was one of the first designers to increase the value of an everyday object by adding another sensory experience. Today, more than 40 years after his idea, Sapper's kettle, model 9091, is still sold by the long-established brand Alessi.
One for all – the kettle for every type of hob
There is a suitable kettle for every hob – ceramic, electric plate or gas. Kettles are usually made of stainless steel. Most of them are suitable for induction hobs, such as the 9093 kettle by Alessi. Even so, you should check specifically for induction compatibility when buying. On an induction hob, a stovetop kettle is just as fast as an electric kettle.
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