[Brockness (OP)]

I have a kettle that makes a 'ticking' sound every few seconds or so, on and off, at room temperature. The bottom has indented ridges, likely as a heat dispersion mechanism, and the whistle top on or off does not seem to be involved. Any idea how this sound is being created? I have been using this kettle for a few years, and this mystery continues.

[evan_au]

Is the kettle cooling down after being used?

Is the kettle still sitting on a heating element that got quite hot while boiling the kettle?

Ticking can be caused by different materials, which have different rates of thermal expansion.
- As they cool down, they shrink at different rates
- Stress build up, until it overcomes friction, and then jumps to a new position
- The sudden jump can produce some sound energy, which you hear as an occasional "tick"

But if you can confirm that the kettle (and its remaining contents) are at room temperature,
- As is the heating element (for an electric kettle)
- as are thermal insulation components like the handle,
- as is the surface on which it is sitting,
...then it must be something else.

[Brockness (OP)]

I have not used the kettle in a few months, and it continues to tick.

100% stainless steel stovetop kettle, with what may be an alloy heat dispersion disc on the bottom. The ridges are minute, and on the inside bottom layer.

I have hung it on a shower curtain rod, when it was bothering me in the kitchen, and it continued to tick there. Its like a clock, sometimes I have had to get up at night and put it in another room, so I could sleep.

Ambient heat seems to activate the sound.
The kettle seemingly amplifies the different sounds that form as water starts to simmer, unlike other kettles I have used, and thus I find it very challenging to gage when the water is at my preferred temp.

I have had this kettle for a little over 2 years now, and it is an amusing mystery

[wolfekeeper]

If there's an enclosed space which is sealed by the water, any slight pressure difference can slightly change the volume and cause air to bubble in, or out, and cause a ticking sound. Like if you turn a cup upside down and wet the rim to seal it, it will often tick for hours. It could well be that's what's happening here.

[Zer0]

Climatic Temperature differences.

Put it in the Refrigerator...& Then place it under the Sun...

P.S. - Voila!
👍

[Brockness (OP)]

It ticks even with the lid off and spout cover up.
It has been fully washed and dried a few times

[Zer0]

🙄

Hmmmmm!

🤔

@Brockness

A ' Kettle ' is designed for a specific purpose or operation...But they do come in various shapes n sizes n colors n designs.

May We request for a simple image of it Please?
(hope that won't be too much to ask for)
🙏

P.S. - A picture says a Thousand Words!
📸