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8 best electric kettles
If you prioritise speed with your cup of tea, opt for an electric kettle - the fastest way to get you to that steaming cup
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Your support makes all the difference.If you’re a serious tea or coffee drinker there’s probably no other kitchen appliance you rely on more than an electric kettle. And if you haven’t discovered the joy these countertop essentials can bring, then consider this your chance to be introduced.
They boil water nearly twice as fast (and quietly) as conventional kettles, the nifty automatic shut-off controls are saviors for those who get distracted easily and forget to turn off the stove, and many come with temperature controls that allow you to fine-tune the right temperature perfectly suited for your brew of choice.
With so many options on the market, it’s worth doing your research before splashing out. From identifying variable temperatures you need to brew your perfect beverage, to choosing design aesthetics such as non-slip grip and the shape of the spout, to considering the finish and look of your kettle - all while keeping your budget in mind. It’s a tough choice and we are here to help. Keying in factors like speed, ease of use and accuracy, we round-up eight of the very best options on the market.
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While this tiny kettle can only heat up to 0.5 liters of water at one go, it’s most definitely the mightiest kettle on the list. It brings water to a boiling point within minutes and if you need water heated at a relatively lower temperature just lift the kettle off its base and it stops heating at once. The lid comes with a button that prevents any nasty splashes or unnecessary steam coming your way, while the glass window lets your gauge just how hot the water is getting. It’s simple yet effective design and ergonomic handle that allows for easy pours, makes this an absolute winner. Especially given the sweet price point. It also comes in eye-catching shades of red and white.
Love a kitchen gadget that makes a major style statement? Smeg’s range of products might be just the right choice for you. Their electric kettle specifically stays true to the brand’s mid-century aesthetics and there’s something to be said about the stunning chrome detailing and luscious variety of colors you get to choose from. The 1.7-liter beauty comes with a removable limescale filter, built-in cord wrap, a 360-degree swivel base, and a soft opening lid that prevents the sudden release of steam.
For those looking for a basic, fuss-free kettle this budget-friendly option from AmazonBasics is definitely one worth considering. While it takes a few minutes to come to a boil, it ensures you get a very hot cup of water every single time. It’s also equipped with an auto shut-off upon reaching a boil and the glass water window is convenient for those who appreciate preciseness in their gadgets. The look is clean and simple, and the handle allows for easy pouring. While the size of the kettle is on the smaller end, for the price there’s a lot to love and appreciate. We promise you won’t find a better kettle under $20.
If your sole purpose for investing in an electric kettle is brewing a solid cup of morning coffee, then a gooseneck kettle is ideal for you. The unique shape of the spout isn’t just aesthetically pleasing, it also allows you to control the flow of water to extract the very best taste and aroma from your coffee beans. What we loved about the Melior Gooseneck kettle beside the chic, stainless-steel finish, was the ergonomic handle that makes gripping easy, nice pouring action and a sturdy base that comes with a nifty indicator light and automatic switch-off button. The formidable capacity of this kettle also allows you to heat almost a liter of water at one go. Perfect for a busy household.
If you have little children or constantly find yourself rushing in the morning, then you’ll definitely appreciate this kettle’s specialized lid that gently releases steam while eliminating any kind of splashes. The dual water windows are another great feature and the 1500-watt heating element brings your water to a boil reasonably quickly. Like many of the other kettles on the list, it comes with an automatic shut-off option and an ergonomically designed non-slip handle that makes gripping rather easy. A solid contender for your brewing needs.
We can see how this kettle might seem intimidating to use, what with all those flashy buttons. But it’s probably one of the easiest kettles to use on the list. We love that the kettle is cordless and comes with six preset temperatures, plus a 30-minute keep-warm function that eliminates the need to constantly reheat your water. While the temperature options are great for tea lovers, there’s also a French press preset to appease the most critical coffee lover. The non-slip grip and backlit buttons are features you’ll definitely appreciate.
This classic stainless steel beauty with an elegant gooseneck comes with three unique flow rate settings that allow you to control the flow during every pour session. So whether you’re pairing this with your French Press, Aeropress or Chemex; it makes the experience of sipping pour over coffee all the more sublime. The kettle also heats water the fastest of all the listed options and greets you with a pleasant chime once done. The only drawback would be a lack of programmable temperature setting that requires you to constantly monitor the brew-range thermometer if you are looking for a specific temperature for your beverage.
If you’re in need of a budget-friendly option with preset temperature features and a handy French Press function, then this kettle from Hamilton Beach is a good bet. In addition to a keep-warm option that keeps your water piping hot for almost 30 minutes, the kettle also has a large water window illuminated by a soft LED blue light that looks rather swanky sitting atop your counter.
The verdict: Best electric kettles
If you’re in the market for a simple, inexpensive kettle that heats water quickly and quietly, then the Bodum Bistro Kettle is a great buy.
For a kettle that comes with more specific features that serve all your brewing needs, we recommend the Cuisinart PerfectTemp Cordless Electric Kettle. The 30-minute keep warm function will save you the stress of constantly reheating your water.