Tea lovers for generations have enjoyed the beauty and fast-heating characteristics of copper teapots. While copper-made or handmade teapots have been produced in the United States for decades, most such cookware is now made in England, Portugal, India, and China. Due to the high cost of genuine copper, many kettles are now made of copper-plated stainless steel.

Solid Copper Tea Kettles

When selecting a new or used solid copper kettle, it is important that the inner lining of the kettle is in good condition to avoid a metallic taste that can occur if the copper is exposed inside the kettle. Most kettles made from real copper are lined on the inside with tin or nickel to prevent the metallic taste of copper. With use, the kettle will tarnish or develop an “antique” look. If you prefer to keep your kettle shiny on the outside, the outside of the kettle should be cleaned regularly with a high-quality, non-abrasive metal polish. To quickly clean up the most stubborn tarnish, Wenol Metal Polish does an excellent job of leaving a clean, polished surface appearance. Never clean the inside of a solid copper kettle with metal polish, metal scouring pads, metal utensils, bleach, vinegar, or strong cleaners, as this can seriously damage the kettle’s interior lining. Because copper cookware is a quick conductor of heat, solid copper kettles will typically work well on medium or low heat settings, saving time and energy. Great care must be taken never to allow a solid copper kettle to boil and dry out on the stove. While most kettles will be damaged by this, allowing a solid copper kettle to boil dry can severely damage the inner lining of the kettle. A solid copper kettle with a burned or damaged inner lining should not be used. Allowing a solid copper kettle to boil and dry out can also warp or damage the kettle.

copper plated teapots

Many of the newer generation copper kettles are made of copper-clad stainless steel and feature heavy-duty construction for everyday use. To eliminate the need for polishing, some (but not all) of the new generation of copper plated stainless steel kettles also feature a high temperature outer clear coat that seals the outer copper plating to minimize tarnishing. Because the kettle is made of stainless steel, the inside of the kettle is easy to clean and resistant to damage.