Brass kettle useable?
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My great grandmother passed away last year, and I got this kettle from her. I have no idea if I can actually use it to brew tea or not, and the only thing it says is “Made in Germany” on the bottom. Does anyone know if it’s usable?
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Clean it, cook water and try how you like the taste. Then try side by side making tea with a different kettle and see how you like that.Brassweasel wrote: ↑Sat Mar 09, 2024 2:47 pmMy great grandmother passed away last year, and I got this kettle from her. I have no idea if I can actually use it to brew tea or not, and the only thing it says is “Made in Germany” on the bottom. Does anyone know if it’s usable?
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My hunch is it won't fare well compared to other materials.
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Hard to tell, but it looks more like a hammered copper kettle than a brass one, but brass is mostly copper anyhow.
Regardless, tea is mildly acidic and thus shouldn't be used in a copper kettle or a brass vessel unless there is a tin or stainless steel or silver lining, and the lining is in good condition. Bare copper kettles can be used for boiling (non-acidic) water, though, which is what copper kettles were used for in Japan (in place of a tetsubin).
Regardless, tea is mildly acidic and thus shouldn't be used in a copper kettle or a brass vessel unless there is a tin or stainless steel or silver lining, and the lining is in good condition. Bare copper kettles can be used for boiling (non-acidic) water, though, which is what copper kettles were used for in Japan (in place of a tetsubin).
I would look to get it tinned on the inside for safety. Idk your location but there should be tinsmiths in Europe. I know of one in Chicago. They re-tin copper pans. I am thinking of having this done to a Japanese copper kettle I have since the tin has worn away over time.Brassweasel wrote: ↑Sat Mar 09, 2024 2:47 pmMy great grandmother passed away last year, and I got this kettle from her. I have no idea if I can actually use it to brew tea or not, and the only thing it says is “Made in Germany” on the bottom. Does anyone know if it’s usable?
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Fellow in Chicago: