This guide covers both teapots and kettles. Some products include an English manual and some do not, so these are the general instructions that apply across the range.
A kettle is built to sit over heat and hold water only. A teapot is for brewing tea with water boiled elsewhere — putting one on a cooktop will destroy it.
Using and Caring for a Teapot
- Never heat a teapot on any cooktop.
- Rinse before first use: add hot water, then pour it away.
- Wash after use and dry thoroughly. Not dishwasher safe, and not for long soaking.
- Do not scrub a coloured exterior finish — scrubbing causes discolouration.
- The pot becomes very hot in use. Always set it down on a stable surface.
- Do not attempt to repair loose knobs or parts yourself.
- Keep it out of reach of children.
How Much Water to Put In
Japanese kettles are rated two ways. Full capacity is the maximum the kettle physically holds; boiling capacity is the amount that is safe to boil. Most kettles have a mark inside showing the safe level.
No mark inside your kettle? Fill it to at least half, and no higher than the base of the spout hole.
Using a Kettle
Kettles work on most cooktops, including gas, electric, and ceramic. Some models are also induction compatible — check the product description before use.
- Rinse before first use: boil a full kettle of water and pour it away.
- Use kettles to boil water only, and never heat one without water in it.
- Keep the flame within the base of the kettle. Kettles are usually smaller than the burner, so do not use the maximum heat setting.
- Wait at least 20 seconds after the water boils before pouring — hot water splatters easily.
- Keep the handle or knob upright to avoid burns.
- Keep it out of reach of children.
Kettle Care
- Not dishwasher safe, and not for long soaking.
- White deposits inside are harmless. They come from minerals in the water — boil half a lemon with water to remove them.
- Do not scrub a coloured exterior finish — scrubbing causes discolouration.
- Do not attempt to repair loose knobs or parts yourself.
Japanese kettles — stovetop kettles, including induction compatible models.
Japanese teapots — teapots, strainers and accessories.
Mugs and glassware — cups to drink it from.
