Tea Kettle that is a piece of art?

I'm really into owning a very small number of things, but each piece that I carefully select to carry with me though my life, I want to be special. That could mean vintage or newly designed. Something that looks exquisite in my home and functions smoothly. I'm a designer myself, so nuances of user experience are important as the aesthetic.

The staub pot is too heavy and chunky. I like it but it's not "the one". The barista is not my style. I prefer stove top. Wondering if anyone has had this epic issue too? LOL

Sarah Finucane
  • 4936 views
  • 9 Comments

9 Comments

creamtea August 11, 2016
I have the same issue. Particular about looks and especially the shape of the spout--the right spout makes for a good pour. Haven't found "the one." So I keep my old rickety one, which has a spout with a slight point.
 
Amanda S. August 11, 2016
I agree with so many suggestions here! A cheeky Michael Graves for Alessi or a glass piece from the MoMA design shop (like this cutey: https://store.moma.org/museum/moma/ProductDisplay_Glass-Water-Kettle_10451_10001_208779_-1_26715_11497) would both be keepsake-worthy. I'd also add in a vintage enamelware kettle, if you're looking for something less clunky.
 
Sarah F. August 11, 2016
I have been looking at vintage enamel cause I love the pop of color in the kitchen. But I also very much love the simplicity of the moma glass kettle. a beauty!
 
pierino August 11, 2016
An overlooked source for this type of utilitarian object are, believe it or not, museum shops. If you happen to be in New York, or Los Angeles, or San Francisco then drop into the Museum of Modern Art or Contemporary Art. Otherwise visit their shops on line. I've found wonderful kitchen related objects in these places.
 
Sarah F. August 11, 2016
Great suggestion! I hope Sydney catches this suggestion!
 
Maedl August 11, 2016
I bought a Hario coffee pot--I make filtered coffee. I love its looks and it is very easy to care for. It has a thin, long, curved spout that makes it easy to target coffee in a filter. I also like to use it for watering plants--it has cut down on spills considerably.
 
Nancy August 11, 2016
Wildly indulgent, true art.
If you like this sort of thing
two tone (brushed aluminum and blue thermo plastic handle), hot bertaa hob top kettle, 1990 by Phillipe Stark for Alessi
triangular shape stainless steel one with bird on the whistle spout by Michael Graves, also for Alessi
 
sydney August 11, 2016
Ouch! Your question just touched a nerve. I had a gorgeous Bodum kettle I LOVED for several years, and it just broke and I can't afford to replace it. Bodum used to make this fabulous stove-top glass kettle (I have a gas stove) at a totally affordable price (I think I paid $30) and then they stopped production. It was glass, after all, and I'll bet people were breaking them and complaining. You can find a knock-off type online, but I'm not sure if I trust it if it's not made by a really reputable glassmaking company. But glass kettles are fabulous and beautiful. I miss my kettle!! Good luck on your search.
 
Sarah F. August 11, 2016
I'm so sorry for your loss!

It sounds lovely. I found a few that are interesting on a recent google search, check them out

I was thinking glass, Food 52 had one on their shop last year. The maker.... Something with an "M" I think, it has totally slipped my mind.
 
Recommended by Food52