Maybe it's because Japanese brand Muji just established a San Francisco outpost, but we've been lurking on their site lately. Our latest discovery? A well-priced alterative to the iconic Sori Yanagi tea kettle. We'd be happy with either.
Above: The Sori Yanagi Tea Kettle is $150 from Canoe in Portland, OR. According to Canoe proprietor Craig Olson, "Yanagi is one of Japan's most prolific designers—his 1954 Butterfly Stool is considered an icon of Japanese design. Here, the designer focuses on an everyday object, imbuing this tea kettle with a sensibility that is at once modern and organic. Stainless steel construction allows the kettle to be used on both gas and electric burners, while the wide base provides stability and greater heating efficiency. The ergonomic handle is durable and echoes the subtle curves of the kettle body. This tea kettle is Yanagi's best-selling design in Japan, with half a million kettles sold every year."
Above: The Stainless Kettle L is $62.50 at Muji.
We admit it: we have a thing for tea kettles (since they live on top of the stove, they need to look good). See our top picks at 10 Easy Pieces: Favorite Tea Kettles.