Whether you're making your morning cuppa or boiling some water to assist with the cooking, the best kettles are, without a doubt, one of the most popular kitchen appliances. Whether you prefer to steep your tea in a pot or prefer the convenience of an instant cup, a good kettle is essential. But with so many options on the market, how do you know which one is the best kettle for your needs?
When it comes to kettles, the material is also an important aspect to consider. Most kettles are made of stainless steel, which is durable and easy to clean, but some may prefer a more traditional look with a ceramic or porcelain finish. Others may opt for a glass kettle, which allows you to see the water boiling and adds a touch of style to your kitchen.
Best kettles at a glance
• Best quiet kettle (Top pick): Russell Hobbs 20460 Quiet Boil Kettle - view on Amazon UK
• Best eco kettle: Philips Eco Conscious Edition Kettle - view on Amazon UK
• Best Alexa kettle: Swan Alexa Smart Kettle - view on Amazon UK
• Best kettle and toaster set: Morphy Richards Illumination Kettle and Toaster Set - view on Morphy Richards
Additionally, some kettles have special features such as a built-in filter to purify the water or a keep-warm function to maintain the temperature of the water for a longer period of time. No matter what your preferences are, there is undoubtedly a kettle out there that will fit your needs.
So, there is a lot to think about when it comes to seeking out the best kettle for your kitchen - from size to its speed, noise levels and, of course, its price. Some of the best smart kettles even offer different temperature levels so that you can boil your brew at the optimum temperature. It can be thirsty work deciding on the right kettle for your kitchen, but we've helped narrow down the best on the market for you to choose from.
Best kettles for your kitchen
Best Alexa kettle
On Sale
Kitchen appliances just keep on getting smarter, and with the Swan Alexa Smart Kettle, you can set it to work simply by using your voice, even from another room. Create personalised commands and routines unique to you, such as turning the kettle on, changing the temperature of the water or asking Alexa to keep the water warm. It makes 8-10 cups, and you can select the temperature between 60°C, 85°C, 90°C or 100°C.
Reviewed by Digital Writer Emily Gilbert: "Living in a three-story house, I was instantly drawn to the idea of being able to set this clever kettle to boil from my office on the top floor. As well as looking sleek and attractive, it was very straightforward to use and works really effectively. I found I used it most via the app on my phone but also used our Echo dot too. I was really impressed that the Alexa app lets me know when the water is running low and flags when I should descale it. Genius!"
Pros
- Can be activated remotely to boil water
- LED touch panel control
- Cordless base
- 4 temperature settings
- Sleek and stylish design
Cons
- Not available in a range of colour options
Best quiet kettle (Top pick)
On Sale
If you have an open living space, then a quiet kettle is a must. This one from Russell Hobbs has been designed with quiet technology, so it won't disrupt the peace. It also has dual water windows on each side, making it perfect for left or right-handed users.
Customer review: "This is a nice compact-looking kettle that is easy to use. I like the blue light that glows when the kettle is boiling and the double-sided water gauge. It is not too noisy and has useful markers showing one, two and three cups."
Pros
- Can boil one cup in 45 seconds
- Designed to boil quietly
- Stainless steel is easy to clean
Cons
- Stainless steel will get very hot to touch
Best eco kettle
This ultra modern-looking kettle from PHILIPS has been created from 100 per cent Bio-based plastics, reducing its CO2 footprint during its production process by 25 per cent. Its 2200W power also ensures a powerful boil quickly, while its water level indicator helps you use the required amount of water needed, contributing to a more sustainable environment.
One customer review said: "I've been using this kettle for about a fortnight now. The handle is super-comfortable and makes the kettle very easy to lift. It's also quiet, it doesn't make an intrusive amount of noise when it's coming to the boil."
Pros
- Stylish design
- Sustainably made
- Easy to read water level and cup indicator
- Automatic switch-off function
- Good size
Cons
- A little lower wattage than competitor kettles
Best smart kettle
On sale
If you love having the latest bit of tech, are a new parent or have mobility issues, this smart kettle from WeeKett is perfect. Although it's a little pricey, it does everything you'd expect from a smart kettle. You can control its temperature and turn it on at certain times straight from your mobile phone. It even connects with Alexa and Google devices, so you can command your kettle turns on without even having to lift a finger.
One customer review said: "I am very impressed with our new kettle. It's very handy to have the access in your app, and also having a newborn using that setting to boil and keep water at 70 degrees is brilliant. Great purchase!"
Pros
- Ideal for those with mobility issues, new parents and brew lovers
- Extra safe with the dry-boiling protection programme
- App and voice control gives you the freedom to continue doing other things
- Water indicator on both sides, ideal for left and right-hand users
Cons
- Can take some time getting used to
Best energy-efficient kettle
On Sale
This clever kettle from Breville saves you time and energy and will prevent you from constantly reboiling water. The water level indicator changes from white to red when the kettle reaches boiling, and it will stay red until the temperature falls below 80 degrees Celcius, so you'll know if the water is hot enough for another cuppa.
**One customer review said: "**I like the idea of saving energy, it shows you when the water is still hot enough to drink without having to reboil. We're using it in our office, so it's a really good feature. The non-slip base is a really good thing. I like stainless steel finish as it's easy to keep clean. We have a great amount of drinks in the office, so the built-in limescale filter is great too."
Pros
- Still hot illumination light prevents unnecessary reboiling
- Non-fussy, modern design
Cons
- No cup indicator level
Best kettle for hard water areas
On Sale
This Russell Hobbs kettle with BRITA Filtration built-in is one of the best kettles for hard water areas and will ensure you get the best-tasting brew with zero limescale. The filter cartridge reduces limescale, metals, and chlorine, filtering your water slowly to remove impurities. On top of that, it also has a built-in indicator that lets you know when the cartridge needs changing and a rapid boil function too.
Customer review: "We had the same before, lasted us 5 years. On the hunt for a new one and ended up with the same again; just had to. Looks great in the kitchen, with blue light. Boils to high heat, love the Brita filter use. Beverages taste awesome. We have used other filter brands, and they've fitted, I.E., Sainsburys. Decent kettle would buy again."
Pros
- Filters and boils simultaneously
- Quiet
- Delivers great-tasting water
- Attractive blue light to indicate when boiling
Cons
- Can take a while to filter water through
Best kettle and toaster set
www.morphyrichards.com
If you're keen on a matching kettle and toaster set to revamp your kitchen, then this duo from Morphy Richards will do nicely. It offers style and efficiency with its powerful 3000W and quick boil feature, while the toaster has four bread slots, making it ideal for larger households.
One customer review said: "I bought the kettle a month ago, and it works brilliantly. Just what you need to help make the perfect cuppa!"
Pros
- Powerful and quick to boil
- Sleek design
- Soothing illuminating blue light around the rim when boiling
Cons
- A little noisy
Best for a speedy boil
If you like your brew sharpish, then look no further, as this kettle from De'Longhi can boil one cup in just 45 seconds. It's lightweight, too, weighing 850g when emptied; is pretty quiet when boiling and has a sleek design that will look suit many kitchen interiors.
One customer review said: "Love this product. It boils quickly and fairly quietly, it's lightweight and is so easy to handle. It switches itself off as soon as you take it off the base.
Pros
- Good size
- Available in a range of colours
- Three-level safety protection (turns off when water has finished its boil when lifted off base and has a thermal cut-off)
Cons
- No cup indicator level
Best budget kettle
On Sale
You don't have to spend a fortune on a decent working (and looking) kettle, as one of the best Russell Hobbs kettles proves. Not only does it look trendy with its honeycomb exterior, but it holds a decent amount of water, too, seamlessly pours water and even has rapid boil zone markers for when you need to make a super quick brew.
Customer review: "Really nice addition to the kitchen. Lightweight with great shaped pouring spout. Easy to fill/empty with a very clear gauge. Quick to boil — very pleased with this kettle."
Pros
- Available in a range of colours
- Stylish honeycomb design
- Can boil one cup of tea in 43 seconds
Cons
- A little noisy
Best mini kettle
www.sageappliances.com
Mini kettles are ideal for smaller households or for those struggling with mobility in their joints and need a lighter kettle. This one from Sage may be small, but it's mighty too. A powerful 2400W boils water in no time, and with its one-litre capacity, it can make up to four brews at a time — a good option if you're looking to be a little more eco-conscious too. This kettle also automatically turns off if there is no water in the kettle or once boiled to ensure extra safety.
One customer review said: "Was looking for a smaller kettle because I had difficulty judging how much water I boiling each time. Since all the experts keep telling us it's a waste of energy. The Sage kettle is good looking sturdy and excellent quality would recommend."
Pros
- Elegant glass exterior, which will suit all kitchen interiors
- Lightweight at 1kg
- Powerful and boils fast
- Easy to keep clean
Cons
- Smaller than others
Best for style
Get all the benefits of an electric kettle but in the style of a traditional kettle with this one from Russel Hobbs. It can make up to seven brews at a time, and its spout has a limescale filter to ensure water always tastes. Its 360-degree base makes it suitable for right-handed and left-handed people, and it can boil one cup in as little as 45 seconds.
One customer review said: "We have had this kettle for a number of years, and I love its modern take on traditional styling! It looks great on the worktop and is super efficient. The handle is large and easy to grip. It has a great capacity, and it is easy to pour. Definitely recommend."
Pros
- Large, easy-to-grip handle
- Affordable
- Attractive, traditional design
- Saves up to 66 per cent energy when boiling one cup
Cons
- Slightly more difficult to see how much water is inside
How to choose the best kettle
Here are several things to think about before beginning the hunt for your new kettle:
Size: Think about who you are buying the kettle for. Is it for yourself? An office space? And if it is for your home, do you have a large family? The average kettle size in the UK is between 1.5 litres and 1.7 litres. However, if you need to accommodate more people, then you can get a 2-litre kettle.
Finish: Kettles come in a stainless steel or plastic finish. Stainless steel can look sleek and stylish but will be hotter to the touch than plastic. If your household consists of smaller children, then you may want to think about this.
Noise: Lots of well-known brands have created quiet boil kettles. This can be an important feature for those who have open-plan kitchens or if you simply don't want to listen to the sound of water bubbling away.
Easy pour spout: There's nothing worse than having to constantly wipe up spluttering water every time you make a hot drink. An easy pour spout will give you an even pour, therefore preventing water from going everywhere.
Water gauge: As well as showing you how much water you've filled your kettle with, some kettles will show how many cups it can cater to. This can help you boil the exact water you actually need, saving both energy and water.
Style: Are you after a regular electric kettle or a stovetop-style electric kettle? Think about what type of kettle you actually want and what will look best in your kitchen. Also, remember that a stovetop electric kettle will most likely have a pull-off lid, while a regular electric kettle has the option of a spring lid. You might also want your kettle to match your toaster for a coordinated look.
Energy efficiency and eco-conscious: As well as the cost of living rising, many of us are trying to be more eco-conscious to help the planet. You may therefore want to seek out a kettle that has been made sustainably or has a quick boil option to save you energy.
FAQs
What is the best descaler for kettles?
While you can buy descaling products for your kettle to keep it clean and limescale-free, you can actually descale your kettle using just vinegar and water. Here's a full tutorial on how to descale a kettle. Alternatively, boiling water taps are also becoming more popular as they come with built-in filter technology. With one of these, you can always count on your water being clean and clear.
What's the best kettle for hard water areas?
Filtration is key if you live in a hard water area. There are two filtration methods available; reusable mesh filters — which sit in/or near the kettle's spout and can be removed and washed — or cartridge filter technology. This is more advanced and works to eliminate the build-up of limescale in the kettle, boiling and filtering at the same time.
However, it is important to note that filtering cartridges will come with a higher cost for replacement, and the built-in filtration system will reduce the water capacity of your kettle. We've rounded up the best kettles for hard water areas so you can have a clean cuppa.
What's the best kettle to save electricity?
There are some kettles that have been designed to be more eco-conscious than others (such as the Philips Eco Conscious Kettle we've listed above). Others have a 'fast boil' option and can boil small amounts of water in as little as 45 seconds to help save energy.
In general, look for a kettle that has cup markers on the water gauge and good watt power. Filling a kettle up with the amount of water that you actually need, rather than filling it all the way to the top, will use less energy and save water too.