[[Image:Kettle.jpg|thumb|right|300px|A kettle waiting to boil]]
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A '''kettle''' is a device used for boiling water, today mainly used for the making of hot drinks (tea or coffee), and some food items such as freeze-dried instant noodles, or powdered soup / sauce mixes.<br />
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Before homes had running hot water, kettles would be used to heat water for bathing.<br />
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There a two main types of kettle - those powered by mains electricity, and those powered by an external heat source (such as the top of a gas cooker, or an open camp fire). Kettles powered from a car's cigarette lighter socket also exist, as does a type known as a Kelly kettle, traditionally used by fishermen from the West of Ireland but becoming increasingly popular for outdoor use. The Kelly kettle is powered by its own self-contained fire inside the metal casing which fits over the top.<br />
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== Fish kettle ==
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A '''fish kettle''' is an elongated pan used for poaching [[fish]].
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== Alternative Uses of the word ==
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A "Kettle" is also a term used by Railway enthusiasts when referring to a [[Steam Locomotive]].