Teakettles are for heating water. They are
covered and have handle and spout for pouring boiling water.
The example pictured at the left
is crafted out of cast iron.
"Tea kettles are used only
for boiling water. They usually have a wide base. However, a deep
pot-shaped style is sometimes
sold for use on a coal range, where the kettle may fit down into the stove
hole.
As they are usually rather heavy when full, the handle is in
the shape of a bail
which distributes the weight evenly. The bail is usually protected at its central
part where the hand comes, by a wooden cylindrical covering, since wood does
not conduct heat so rapidly as metal. Sometimes coiled wire is used for this
central section, as heat takes longer to pass through the coils than through
a straight piece of metal and thus becomes lost.
The spout is curved to prevent
the water from splashing when it is boiling and is placed at the bottom of
the kettle to insure easy pouring.
The covers are small, as no foods
are cooked in
these kettles, and the water can be poured in through a small opening.
Tea
kettles are made of aluminum, enameled ware, cast iron, nickel-plated
copper, and tinned
ware."
