ALESSI UK: Italian Design Home Accessories, Kitchenware & Gifts

Pito vs Cha: Which Alessi Tea Infuser Is Right for You?

Pito vs Cha: Which Alessi Tea Infuser Is Right for You?

By ALESSI UK: Italian Design Home Accessories, Kitchenware & Gifts | Published: 2026-10-24

Category: Comparisons

Compare the sculptural Pito kettle and the versatile Cha teapot to find the perfect Italian-designed tea accessory for your home.

Quick answer

Choose the Pito if you want a sculptural, conversation-piece kettle with a whale-song whistle; choose the Cha if you need a practical, induction-ready kettle-teapot that works on modern cooktops.

Design philosophy: art versus function

The Pito, designed by Frank Gehry, is a stainless steel kettle with a mahogany handle and cap shaped like darting fish. Its melodic whistle mimics a whale’s song, turning tea preparation into a poetic ritual. The Cha takes a more utilitarian approach: a kettle-teapot hybrid in stainless steel and thermoplastic resin, with a magnetic steel bottom for induction cooking. Your choice depends on whether you value expressive design or everyday practicality.

Stovetop compatibility matters

The Pito is made of 18/10 stainless steel, which works on gas, electric, and ceramic hobs but not induction. If your kitchen has an induction cooktop, the Pito simply won’t heat. The Cha’s magnetic steel bottom makes it induction-ready, plus it works on all other stovetops. This single spec often decides the purchase for modern kitchens.

Trade-offs to consider

  • Aesthetic impact: The Pito is a Frank Gehry sculpture that doubles as a kettle. Its fish-shaped silhouette and whale-song whistle will spark conversation every time you use it. The Cha is clean and modern but does not make the same design statement.
  • Stovetop compatibility: The Pito works on gas, electric, and ceramic hobs only. The Cha works on all stovetops, including induction. If you have an induction cooktop, the Cha is your only option. Check your cooktop type before deciding.
  • Versatility: The Cha functions as both a kettle and a teapot, so you can boil water and steep tea in one vessel. The Pito is a dedicated kettle with a whistle; you will need a separate teapot for brewing.

Product facts at a glance

  • Pito: Pito is a stainless steel kettle designed by Frank Gehry with a mahogany handle and a melodic whistle that sounds like a whale's song. Its artistic design and unique sound make it a centerpiece for tea lovers who appreciate sculpture, but it is not induction-compatible.
    Pito
    Pito
  • Cha: Cha is a kettle/teapot in 18/10 stainless steel and thermoplastic resin with a magnetic steel bottom for induction cooking. The induction-ready base means you can use it on modern cooktops, and the hybrid design works for both boiling water and steeping tea.
    Cha
    Cha

Which one fits you?

Best for

  • Design enthusiasts who want a sculptural, artistic kettle that doubles as a home décor piece
  • Tea lovers with gas or electric stovetops who enjoy a unique, melodic whistle

Not for

  • Anyone with an induction cooktop (choose the Cha instead)
  • Those who prefer a single vessel that both boils and brews

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