Purpose
The KT assesses cognitive functional performance.
Kettle Test
Developed in 2005 by Dr. Adina Hartman-Maeir, Nira Armon, and Dr. Noomi Katz
Later validated by Hartman-Maeir, Harel, & Katz (2009)
Developed in 2005
Validation study published in 2009 in The American Journal of Occupational Therapy
Standardized scoring
Performance-based assessment
Cost: Free to access and use in non-commercial clinical and academic settings
Source: Shirley Ryan AbilityLab – Rehabilitation Measures Database
Link to test info page: https://www.sralab.org/rehabilitation-measures/kettle-test
Population: Adults, particularly those with cognitive impairments following stroke, traumatic brain injury, or neurological conditions
Setting: Inpatient rehab, outpatient clinics, home health, and community-based rehab settings
The Kettle Test is designed to assess an individual’s functional cognition during a real-world task—making two cups of a hot beverage (one for the client, one for the clinician).
It evaluates a client’s ability to plan, problem-solve, sequence, and carry out a multistep task using judgment and executive functioning.
Key areas assessed:
Executive functioning
Working memory
Task initiation and completion
Attention and sequencing
Problem-solving and adaptation
Mental Health
Time Required: Approximately 10–20 minutes
Task Description: The client selects one hot drink to prepare for themselves, and the therapist selects a different one for them
Observation-Based: The therapist observes the client’s performance during each step of the task
Should be administered by clinicians trained in occupational therapy or similar health professions with experience in cognitive and functional assessments
Electric kettle and outlet
Cups/mugs
Water source (faucet)
Beverage ingredients (tea bags, coffee, milk, sugar, etc.)
Scoring form/checklist
The task is broken down into 13 essential steps
Each step is scored on a 3-point scale:
0 = Independent
1 = Verbal cue or gesture required
2 = Physical assistance required
Lower total scores = greater independence
The total score reflects the amount and type of assistance the individual required, helping identify cognitive or executive difficulties
Reliability: Strong interrater and test-retest reliability demonstrated in validation studies
Validity: Successfully differentiates between individuals with and without executive functioning impairments
Standardization: No formal normative database, but used in diverse international clinical and research settings
Strengths:
Ecologically valid: Simulates a realistic and meaningful daily task
Free and accessible: No cost or licensing needed for non-commercial use
Sensitive to mild impairments: Can detect subtle cognitive dysfunction post-stroke or brain injury
Functional focus: Integrates cognitive assessment within an everyday activity
Applicable across settings: Works in hospital, home, and outpatient environments
Weaknesses:
Requires a physical setup: Needs kitchen access and supplies, which may not always be available
Single-task limitation: Only assesses cognition in the context of beverage prep; may not generalize across all functional domains
Scoring subjectivity: Scoring may vary without training or interrater calibration
No age- or culture-specific norms: May limit cross-population comparison
Not suitable for individuals with motor impairments alone: Physical limitations may affect performance even if cognition is intact
Emerson, M. (2017). OT562 - The Kettle Test. Youtu.be. https://youtu.be/TkdWjcN9b20?si=8MVEkJCrlDTiHGkG
Hartman-Maeir, A., Harel, H., & Katz, N. (2009). Kettle test: A brief measure of cognitive functional performance. The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 63(5), 620–627. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.63.5.620
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. (2015, September 9). Kettle Test. Rehabilitation Measures Database. https://www.sralab.org/rehabilitation-measures/kettle-test
StrokEngine. (n.d.). Kettle Test (KT). Retrieved March 19, 2025, from https://strokengine.ca/en/assessments/kettle-test-kt/