Surprisingly Americans tend to use stovetop kettles while Europeans (and Canadians) use more efficient electric kettles, according to Slate Magazine. If you elected a propane stove, go with the stovetop kettle in keeping with a goal of minimizing electrical loads. If you chose an electric stovetop, go for an electric kettle for energy efficiency. But pack a stovetop kettle as an emergency back up. Tea is mandatory in an emergency.