Kettle
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A kettle, sometimes called tea kettle, teakettle or tea pot, is a small kitchen appliance used for boiling water in preparation for making tea or other beverages requiring hot water. Kettles often resemble teapots, but are used to boil water, not to brew tea.
Kettles can be heated either by placing on a stove, or by their own heating element.
Stovetop kettles
A stovetop kettle is a roughly pitcher shaped metal (or ceramic) vessel used to heat water on a stovetop or hob. Kettles usually have a handle on top, a spout, and a lid. Sometimes stove-mounted kettles also have a steam whistle that indicates when the water has reached boiling point.
Electric kettles
Electric kettles are normally constructed of durable plastic or steel (with a plastic handle) and powered by mains electricity. In modern designs, once the water has reached boiling, the kettle automatically deactivates to prevent the water boiling away and damaging the heating element.
History
The word kettle originates from Latin catillus, which in various contexts is translated as bowl, deep dish, or funnel. A kettle is probably the most ancient kind of metal cooking utensil.[citation needed] Common materials were wrought iron and pressed steel plate.
Similar devices
- A cauldron is a large kettle hung over an open fire, usually on an arc-shaped hanger called a bail.
- A fish kettle is a long slim metal cooking vessel with a tight fitting lid to enable cooking of whole large fish such as salmon.
- A kettle grill is a dome shaped grill with a rounded lid, resembling a cauldron.
- A kettle drum is a kettle (cauldron) shaped drum.
See also
References
- Stevenson, Seth (Nov. 8, 2005). "A Watched Pot". Slate.
- "Engineering Studies the definitive guide" By Paul L. Copeland, © Anno Domini 2000 Pty Ltd (publisher)