Best Electric Kettles

An essential kitchen item for anyone wanting to make a nice cuppa or pot of pasta, electric kettles don’t just boil water anymore, they come with a range of features and functions that you might not have heard of yet. As an item you'll probably use every day, it's worth considering your options and investing in one that suits your preferences and needs.

Should I get an electric kettle or a stovetop kettle?

Stovetop kettles are, as their name suggests, kettles that boil water using heat from a stovetop. Electric kettles heat water through electricity provided through a mains supply instead. There are pros to each style of kettle.

Stovetop kettles · See all

Electric kettles · See all

What to consider when choosing an electric kettle

Safety

The external casing of many kettles can get very hot. It's often the case that kettles with a brushed stainless steel exterior get hotter than other materials, which isn't ideal if you have young kids running around the kitchen.

Some kettles have an auto shut-off feature that automatically turns the kettle off when the water inside it starts to boil or when the kettle is lifted from the base. There are also double-walled models that are claimed to be cooler to the touch.

Temperature settings

Some kettles have variable temperature, which let you heat the water to different temperatures. This is a useful feature for those who prefer warm water to boiled water, or tea drinkers who want to heat their water to a specific temperature (for example, green tea is thought to be better tasting when steeped in 80° water).

Capacity

Make sure your future kettle suits your household size. For smaller households, a small electric kettle with a capacity of 1.2L or under should work, while larger households may want a capacity of up to 2L.

If you have a large family (and everyone's constantly making hot drinks) or you're buying for a corporate office, you might want to consider getting a hot water urn, which can range in capacity from 6 to 9L.

Features

There are plenty of features that an electric kettle may have that can make them easier and safer to use.

• Water gauge: This lets you see how much water you've got in you kettle, so you don't over or underfill it. Some kettles offer dual water windows or backlit options to improve visibility.
• 360° swivel base: A feature that lets you position your kettle in any position on the base, instead of in a locked position, making it easy to pick up and put down from any angle.
• Anti-scale filter: One of the most common problems kettle users encounter is a build-up of limescale, so using an anti-scale filter which can be removed and washed is a great way of ensuring that your kettle stays in working order for longer.
• Keep warm option: Do you often boil water and then forget about it or does it cool down by the time you need to use it? Fret no more, the ‘keep warm’ feature will keep your water hot for a fixed amount of time (usually 30 minutes) after it has finished boiling.
• BPA-free: BPA is a chemical used to make certain plastics that can be harmful to your body if released into the water you drink. Looking for a certified BPA-free kettle guarantees peace of mind.
• Smart kettles: Smart kettles can connect with smart devices in your home such as Alexa or Google Home. You can then control your kettle with your voice and tell it to start or stop boiling. Others offer an app function which can control the kettle.

Heating performance

You don't want to be glancing at your watch waiting for your water to boil, especially if it's for the first coffee of the morning. The wattage of an electric kettle can be a good indicator as to how quickly it will heat water. For instance, an 800W kettle may take longer to boil water than a 1500W model. The capacity of the kettle will also make a difference, as a larger capacity kettle may require more power to heat larger volumes of water quickly.

Construction material

The construction material of an electric kettle can vary, and many use a range of materials. Read into the features of the most common materials you'll find on the market.

Plastic kettles

• They're affordable and usually the cheapest of the materials.
• Lightweight and easy to carry.
• Make for easy cleaning.
• Have a cool exterior for comfortable handling.
• May contain BPA which can get into your water.

Glass kettles

• Can completely see the contents of the kettle.
• Glass electric kettles usually have a classy aesthetic.
• Glass keeps water pure and doesn't leech.
• Often heavier and more difficult to keep looking clean.
• Can be expensive.

Stainless steel kettles

• Most popular material for electric kettles.
• Extremely durable and safe to use at high temperatures.
• Often come double-walled for a cooler and safer exterior.
• Usually reasonably priced.
• Often have removable and cleanable scale filters.

Ceramic kettles

• Ceramic electric kettles are made of a stainless steel interior but provide a unique exterior to suit your kitchen.
• They can be twice the weight of stainless steel kettles so keep that in mind when choosing your material.

Noise level

Kettles can be pretty noisy, with many ranging anywhere from 50 decibels (which is relatively quiet) to around 65 decibels (which is the same noise level as a typical conversation). Some kettles are advertised as having a quiet boil feature, but kettles that don't have this feature can still be as quiet.

However, higher wattage kettles tend to be louder than lower wattage so you may have to sacrifice boil speed for sound. Your best bet is to see the advertised noise level of a kettle (keeping in mind that this isn't always the case) and read reviews to see whether reviewers found it to be a quiet kettle.

Ease of use

Consider the following points to help ensure you buy a kettle that's easy to use.

• You should feel comfortable holding your kettle even while it is full, so consider the weight of a kettle when you're shopping around. If you shop in person, get a feel for the handle of a kettle, checking whether it allows for a solid grip that can help you avoid potential spills.
• You might also want to look for light-up touch controls, which can be easier to use in low-light situations and are useful to indicate when the kettle is switched on.
• It’s also a good idea to have a cord long enough to maneuver the kettle to where you need it to rest. Neat cord storage under the base can also help maintain a clean, crisp look.
• A wide sprout will allow you to refill the kettle without opening the steam-filled lid and can be safer.
• A gooseneck kettle (which is a kettle with a long, thin, curved spout) is useful for making coffee since it allows for a more controlled and precise flow.
• Ensure that the lid opens easily - hinged lids are also less likely to go missing than ones that come off entirely.

Design

Kettles also come in a variety of styles and colours to suit any kitchen style, with plenty of options to suit different aesthetics. You might opt for a retro aesthetic, like that of the Smeg 50's Style Kettle or perhaps a sleeker design like that of the Morphy Richards Aspect Kettle.

Typically, more premium models offer more "attractive" design features, such as options for vivid colours or a matte finish.

Is it worth purchasing an expensive kettle?

With such a wide price range that can be anywhere from $10 to $800, how do you know how much money to spend on an electric kettle? When purchasing a kettle, you should look for something that boils quickly and quietly, is cost-efficient and will last a long time.

Many cheaper kettles will come in a plastic casing. They often have a low energy efficiency rating, longer boiling times and are less flattering visually. Cheaper kettles may not be as robust and are likely to break after a short period, making them not particularly cost-effective in the long run.

Electric kettles in the mid-price range will normally come in stainless steel or other metals such as aluminium or glass which are great conductors of heat and are efficient. Don’t expect any fancy functions such as smart-app compatibility or temperature control, though. Those in the mid-range tend to be long-lasting and many come with limescale filters which are easy to clean. If you don’t require precise temperatures or extra faff, these will serve the function and be durable enough to suit your needs.

Kettles get a lot of their expense from their design and aesthetic. Since they will be on open display in your kitchen, many people will invest in a kettle that is also aesthetically pleasing. Many glass, ceramic, copper tints and other sleek-looking designs will come with a price tag. In addition to this, having a ‘keep warm’ function or a gooseneck stem (handy for coffee fanatics) is something you’ll have to dish out for.