kjele

Kjele is the Norwegian word for a kettle or pot, a container used for heating liquids. In everyday use, kjeler are common kitchenware found in homes, cabins, and camps, and may be used on stoves, open fires, or in electric heating devices. They are typically employed for boiling water, preparing soups or stocks, and other cooking tasks that require heated liquids.

Construction and design vary. Kjeler are commonly made from metal such as stainless steel, aluminum, or cast iron, and may be enamel-coated or ceramic on the interior or exterior. They come in a range of sizes, from small personal kettles to large pots for family meals. Most designs feature a handle for lifting and carrying, and many include a lid; a spout for pouring is common but not universal.

Usage and variants. In households with traditional stoves, kjeler are used directly on the hob. Electric versions, often called vannkokere or similar terms in Norwegian, are widely used for quick boiling of water. Outdoor or camping kjeler are designed to withstand heat from open flames or portable stoves and may have thicker walls for durability.

Etymology and cognates. The Norwegian term kjel e is related to similar words in other Germanic languages, such as Danish kedel and Swedish kittel, and to the English word kettle. All derive from a common Proto-Germanic root referring to a cauldron or vessel used for boiling.

See also. Kettle, cooking pot, kettle in various languages.