Kettle

**Nishu** · 03-07-2009, 12:43 PM

I have a pfaltzgraff kettle that has a few rust spots on the bottom. Since I first noticed them I haven't used them but I can't bring myself to get rid of it. Is it safe to use? Is there a way to clean it?

**Grainlady** · 03-08-2009, 07:44 AM

If your kettle is enamel on steel, it sounds like the enamel has cracked or chipped exposing the metal underneath to oxidation, which = rust. Think of it as the enamel on your tooth and the rust as a cavity. It can eventually rust through. A little rust, such as on cast iron or on other metal baking pans usually isn't cause for concern for food safety. I'd be more concerned about consumption of chips of enamel than rust.

Enamelware is not intended to be used with high temperatures or the enamel can pop off. Unfortunately, that's probably exactly what has happened to your kettle.

Personally, I'd keep it for it's decorative effect if you love it, but I'd use an electric kettle for heating water, especially if you use a kettle frequently. Electric kettles use less energy than a metal kettle on a stovetop (gas or electric). Not only are you heating the air around the kettle (which is wasted energy), you are also heating the kettle, which in turns heats the water. With an electric kettle you are heating the water with a heating element which is in direct contact with the water. An electric kettle will heat water faster and more efficiently than a kettle on the stove or a microwave.