All-Clad Stainless Steel 2-Quart Tea Kettle Review

We purchased the All-Clad Stainless Steel 2 Qt. Tea Kettle so our reviewer could put it to the test in her kitchen. Keep reading for our full product review.

No kitchen is complete without a reliable tea kettle, and the All-Clad Stainless Steel 2-Quart Tea Kettle is an option many customers may come across when looking, especially if it’s for a high-end model. I tested the item firsthand to gauge a variety of details, from how it looks on the stovetop to how quickly it boils water and more. Does it live up to the hefty price tag? Or are you better off with one of the countless, and possibly cheaper, kettles out there? Keep reading to find out if the All-Clad Stainless Steel Kettle is right for you.

Design: Classic silhouette meets large capacity

I unboxed the All-Clad Stainless Steel Kettle in my New York City apartment, which has a, well, New York City-sized kitchen, so my immediate worry was that the large, eye-catching item would dwarf its new surroundings. Upon placing the kettle on my stovetop, however, I was surprised by how sleek and inconspicuous it was. This alone prompts me to praise the kettle’s design: It has a generous capacity of 2 quarts, yet preserves a timeless and attractive appearance.

Naturally, the kettle will be slightly heavier than smaller stainless steel models, but it doesn’t feel overly heavy, even when full. It weighs 3.11 pounds when empty.

The only caveat I have with the design is that the handle is fixed in place. Considering that many cheaper kettles have adjustable handles to make filling easier, I would have expected this expensive model to follow suit.

The last design-related feature worth mentioning is the kettle’s smooth and measured pouring. Its spout is decently long, and it comes to a gently tapered point that allows the water to flow gracefully into your teacup, French press, bowl of oatmeal, and more.

Material: Durable, but not too heavy

All-Clad has long been known for its bonded metal cookware, and the company puts its signature care and craftsmanship into this kettle’s stainless steel. The material is sturdy, but fairly lightweight, and it’s compatible with all cooktops. All-Clad is so confident in the durability of the stainless steel that the kettle comes with a lifetime limited warranty, which offers owners peace of mind.

There are a couple tiny drawbacks to the material, though. First, the spout cap gets warm to the touch while boiling. It’s certainly not hot enough to cause any burns, but it would have been nice if the cap was covered in a heat-resistant material. Second, the kettle is only available in polished stainless steel, so it has a mirror-like reflection and may be off-putting to those who prefer the brushed stainless steel look.

Heating: Hot water in minutes

While the exact heating time varies based on the cooktop in your kitchen, the All-Clad Stainless Steel Kettle boils water quickly. I used a coil burner, and it took seven minutes to boil a full kettle of water and four minutes when it was half full (1 quart). I compared this to the heating time of another high-end kettle, which I cover more in-depth below, and found the All-Clad kettle to be faster.

I will note that before testing the item, I saw several online reviewers mention issues with the whistle being too quiet and the spout cap not latching properly. However, I did not come across these issues when testing it myself. The whistle was loud and noticeable, and the spout cap clasped securely into place.

Cleaning: Quick and easy by hand or dishwasher

Before my first use, I rinsed the kettle with warm, soapy water inside and out, as recommended by the brand, and was pleased with the large lid opening. Many of us have experienced the arched wrists and awkward angles that come from cleaning a kettle with a small opening, but the All-Clad kettle provided enough space for me to scrub every inch without discomfort. The only obstacle when cleaning by hand is that the handle cannot be adjusted. I don’t think this is too big of a concern, though, especially considering the kettle is dishwasher safe.

The exterior is prone to fingerprint smudges, so you may need to polish it with a soft cloth and appropriate cleaning product every now and then to keep it glistening. One last note on cleaning the kettle: I have not owned it long enough to see how it fares against burn marks or rust.

Price: Expensive, but built to last

Retailing for around $100, the high price is one of the few drawbacks to this otherwise stellar kettle. I think there are options of better value out there—it’s easy to find electric kettles at a fraction of the price, for example—but value truly depends on your personal budget. If the All-Clad Stainless Steel Kettle falls within your price range, I would not hesitate to buy it. Part of what you’re paying for, too, is the lifetime limited warranty—a bonus offered with few other kettles. Just keep in mind that the warranty does not cover damage from misuse.

All-Clad Stainless Steel Kettle vs. Le Creuset Classic Whistling Kettle

I compared the All-Clad Stainless Steel Kettle to the Le Creuset Classic Whistling Kettle because the two are similar in price, quality, and brand recognition. Our team wrote a full review of the Le Creuset kettle, too. The Le Creuset kettle received a slightly higher score than the All-Clad one, but I actually prefer the latter. It heats up more quickly and has a larger capacity. It’s dishwasher safe, while the Le Creuset is hand wash only. I found the All-Clad spout poured more smoothly, and it comes with a lifetime warranty as opposed to Le Creuset’s five-year warranty. While I personally like the matte stoneware style of the Le Creuset kettle better, the All-Clad outperformed it in several key areas.