Whistling kettles

You may not be familiar with this name, but especially in Latin America, whistling kettles are very popular. And since they also have their place in the coffee world, we will dedicate this page to explaining them to those who do not know them and offering some interesting options for those looking for a whistling kettle for their home.

What is a whistling kettle?

By the name of whistling kettle, we refer to kettles or containers for heating water over the fire. They can also be called whistling coffee pots or kettles for the cooker.

They generally have a capacity of around one litre (although there are larger models) and also have a very characteristic, stubby and flattened shape, with a long, narrow and winding spout in the shape of a swan’s neck and an upper handle that is wide enough to be able to hold it and place it safely on the fire.

They are mainly used to heat what is inside, warning with a characteristic whistle when this has happened. For this reason, they are also known as whistling turkeys.

We can refer to whistling kettles as opposed to electric kettles. The latter can heat up by themselves -plugging them into the electrical current- while the kettle needs to be placed on a gas cooker or a glass-ceramic hob. We can also talk about electric whistling kettles, but it is more normal to talk about whistling kettles only with those models that do not have any electric component. A classic whistling kettle, not electric, is usually cheaper and takes longer to heat the water/coffee.

A kettle or whistling kettle is also used as a service carafe to serve coffee directly from it once it has been brewed. The fact is that the name ” whistling kettle” is more in keeping with tradition and popular language than with technicality. Everyone knows what you mean when you talk about whistling kettle.

The Best whistling kettles – Our List

When we look to buy a classic whistling kettle, we will find several models that are very similar to each other. There may be some variations in design and colours, but generally – and as these are coffee makers without electrical components – they all behave similarly.

Here is a list with their updated prices of some of the best whistling kettle coffee machines you can find today:

Whistling kettle coffee machine brands – Where to start?

If you have seen the above list, you will have already concluded that the two reference manufacturers for whistling kettle coffee machines are Ibili and Lacor. Both firms offer stainless steel whistling kettle coffee machines, and they also have various sizes for each model. For example, we have Lacor’s whistling kettle coffee maker in 1.5 and 3.5 litres, and something similar occurs with those made by Ibili.

Types of whistling kettle coffee machines

There isn’t much mystery here because all coffee machines are very similar as they don’t have the technology. Still, it is important to know that there are whistling kettle coffee makers with filters (like, for example, the Italian coffee makers, which work similarly); otherwise, they would be kettles or containers for heating liquids. There is also induction whistling kettle coffee machines, such as the model whistling kettle Ibili Clásica, which is 18/10 stainless steel and works perfectly on an induction hob.

Apart from the aluminium or steel whistling kettle coffee machines (which are the most common materials and finishes), you can also find enamelled whistling kettle coffee machines. Enamelling helps the coffee machine look more cheerful and attractive, away from the cold metallic shine of traditional models.

How does a whistling kettle coffee Machine work?

Once the whistling kettle is full of water, you put the lid on (making sure it is properly closed) and close the lid with the spout (this detail is important). Then it is put to boil. When the water boils, it turns into steam, and steam, as we know, takes up more space than water. If the lid is hermetically sealed, the steam cannot escape from any other place than from the spout.

And, by the way, do you know why the spout of a whistling kettle has that narrow and elongated shape? Precisely so that the steam, when it has to come out, emits the characteristic whistle that we see in this video:

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