My grandfather used to put tea bags in a metal kettle and keep it on the stove on a low boil all day until it was the consistency of tar. I presume it went back to his time as a sailor where they could have a warm drink ready at any time but also be able to repair the boat too.
There are kettles out there with steeping baskets like you'd put in a mug for loose leaf, but those probably get stained/dirty quickly. I wouldn't use one.
I can verify that this has happened. In my defense, Americans mostly learn fuck all about tea. And the difference between a tea kettle and a teapot is something which isn't common knowledge throughout the States.
Microwaving your water is just wrong, partly because a kettle is more efficient and doesn't make the water go all foamy and weird, but mainly because it's WRONG!