altoncaspp , 40

History proves that mankind has found a tea kettle to be an important ware to possess, having been intended for boiling water to make teas, herbal tinctures, medications, sterilizing, heating water with wash basins, cooking and more. Although copper tea kettles were found from the 16th century era in England, at the same time metal and copper tea kettles were found in Japan and China from the same time frame.
tea kettle

Yet, it is believed that the use of the tea kettle dates back even farther. Archeologists were excavating ruins where the Mayans were known to live and discovered what they considered to be a two-thousand year old tea kettle. Extra diggings uncovered several clay pots which were constructed with many whistle spouts.


Further investigating revealed that water appeared to be poured out one hole, while the other holes produced light whistling noises. Although archeologists were sure these clay pots were representative of the first tea kettles, this fact continues to be an unproven theory. History does claim that John Block, a retired professional from the cookware industry, advocated this very idea when he was touring a tea kettle factory in Germany.
tea kettle

In 1922, a year after Block produced and unveiled 36 whistling kettles in Germany, the Wanamaker's department shop in New York were selling the identical designed model as just one dollar novelty goods. The success of the ingenuous notion was so well-received via the store's customers, that Block's company started providing 35,000 whistling kettles a month across the country.


Various materials such as copper, pewter and porcelain was in fact used over the decades, with copper and silver becoming the more popular ones. A 16th century silver design is proudly showcased in a Scottish museum. England, Japan, China and Taiwan also exhibit beautiful, old examples.


With the creation of electricity came the electric kettle and for some time, it was quite the fad to possess an electric tea kettle. Nevertheless, as with all fads, reality and usefulness overrides fashion and it has been proven that with the increase of storms and blackouts, an effective standard tea kettle is invaluable in power outages.


Models today are varied, yet solid, long-lasting kettles that may be used on a barbeque or open flame in the case of blackouts are accessible, for those who have forward thinking and prepare yourself for emergencies. There are a multitude of models, materials and colors for sale in today's market, that finding one that suits both your decor and your needs is easy.


From lightweight, modern kettles in various rainbow colors, together with black and white to copper and copper heavy gauge, made of 100% pure copper, with stainless steel coating inside, on handles and spout. Heavy gauge stainless steel styles are being constructed with plastic, wood or steel handles. The variables found in each model and style are outstanding.


Among the all-time favorites still appears to be the cast iron ones. Some are skillfully designed to be both kettle and cooking pot in 1. Whether plain or designed, much like the Japanese Hobnail design, the cast iron tea kettle is reasonably priced and fashionable, not to mention long-lasting and trustworthy in any emergency situation.