A teakettle is a metal container with a lid, spout, and handle, designed to boil water on a stovetop. When the water inside gets hot enough, steam rushes out through the spout, often making a high-pitched whistling sound that lets you know the water is ready for tea, hot chocolate, or instant soup.

Traditional teakettles are made of copper, stainless steel, or cast iron, and they sit directly on the stove burner. The handle stays cool enough to touch (or has a grip that protects your hand) so you can pour safely. Many teakettles have a small whistle built into the spout that sounds when the water boils, which is helpful when you're in another room and might not notice otherwise.

People sometimes confuse teakettles with teapots, but they're different. A teakettle heats the water. A teapot is where you steep the tea leaves in hot water that's already been boiled. You fill the teakettle, boil the water, then pour that boiling water into the teapot with the tea.

The familiar whistle of a teakettle has made it a cozy symbol of home and hospitality.