A stove and a kettle are both used for heating and boiling water or other liquids, but they are different in their design, function, and use:
Stove:
- A stove is a general term used to refer to a cooking appliance that generates heat for cooking purposes. It typically consists of one or more heating elements, burners, or electric coils on the top surface, where you can place pots, pans, or kettles for cooking or boiling.
- Stoves can be fueled by electricity, gas (natural gas or propane), or other combustible materials like wood or coal.
- In addition to boiling water or liquids, stoves are versatile and used for a wide range of cooking tasks, such as frying, sautéing, baking, and simmering food.
Kettle:
- A kettle is a specific type of vessel or container designed for boiling water or other liquids. It is usually made of metal (e.g., stainless steel or copper) or heat-resistant materials like glass or ceramic.
- Kettles have a spout for easy pouring and a handle for safe handling. They often come with a lid to trap heat and speed up boiling.
- Kettles are primarily used for boiling water to make hot beverages like tea, coffee, or for other culinary purposes where hot water is required, such as preparing instant noodles or rehydrating dried food.
In summary, a stove is a broader cooking appliance with various heating elements used for cooking a wide range of food items, while a kettle is a specialized vessel designed specifically for boiling water and other liquids. When it comes to boiling water, you can use either a kettle on a stove (gas or electric) or an electric kettle, which is a separate appliance dedicated solely to boiling water and is not part of a stove.