11 best kettles for your kitchen – Tried and tested by our team!

Create the perfect cuppa with the best kettle to suit your lifestyle.

woman pouring kettle

by Arabella Horspool |
Updated on

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

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 overall kettle

Russell Hobbs Quiet Boil KettleBecky Fuller/Yours.co.uk
Price: $29.99 (was £39.99)

www.robertdyas.co.uk

If you struggle to hear anything when your kettle is boiling, it's worth swapping to the Russell Hobbs Quiet Boil Kettle. Our Senior writer Becky Fuller tested this kettle and said that it is remarkably quiet. "Quiet as in I can hear people speaking in the kitchen while it's coming up to boil, which I never could; quiet as in I can't hear it in any other room in the house, whereas I could hear the old one when I was upstairs! I love it".

It's simple to use and "is easy to fill, with a push button to open the lid. When you put it on, the base lights up blue so you can tell it's on".

As for the boiling time, Becky notes that "it boils relatively quickly, though it's not a 'fast boil' kettle by any means".  She also mentions that "it looks nice and although I do get irritated with fingerprints on chrome, it wipes clean easily".

Pros

  • Quiet when boiling
  • Blue light to indicate that it's on
  • Easy to use

Cons

  • Chrome shows up finger marks
Water capacity:1.7L
Power:3000W

Best Alexa kettle

Kitchen appliances 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, which is what our tester, Digital Writer Emily Gilbert loved. "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".

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. "I found I used it most via the app on my phone but also used our Echo dot too", Emily shares.

You can also get notifications through the Alexa app "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!"

It makes 8-10 cups, and you can select the temperature between 60°C, 85°C, 90°C or 100°C.

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
Water capacity:1.5L 
Power:1800W
  • Quiet boil
  • Compatible with Alexa
  • LED touch panel control
  • Keep warm mode
  • Double-wall technology ensures the exterior stays cool 

Best colour changing kettle

GASTROBACK Colour Vision Pro Jug KettleNatalie Knowles / Yours.co.uk

Tea lovers will enjoy being able to select the precise temperature that brings out the best flavour and aroma from specialist teas with the GASTROBACK Colour Vision Pro.

Its main selling point is that it lights up in a cycle of colours as the water heats up - the light changes from green (up to 40°C) to cyan (40-50°C), blue (50-60°C), violet (60-70°C), purple (70-80°C), and red (85-100°C). Our tester, Home & Gardens product writer Natalie Knowles said that the colour-changing "is a lovely visual touch, and you may not initially be aware of it because there is a very convincing sticker over each window. Remove the sticker to see the full light show"!

With the 'Keep Warm' function, the water temperature can be maintained for up to 30 minutes, which Natalie liked as you can "simply by pressing the 'Temperature' button to activate this setting and choose a temperature at which the water will stay". However, it does turn off after half an hour, but the display shows the water temperature to the exact degree during this time.

To fill the kettle, a subtle lever is built into the lid which needs to be pulled to open it. Natalie's partner commented that "the lid opening mechanism could cause burns for people with larger hands because he had to curl his fingers under the lid lever and his knuckles were directly in the steam coming from the spout".

Pros

  • Colour-changing lights as the water temperature changes
  • Purify water with a three-minute extended boil
  • The display shows the exact temperature during 'Keep Warm'

Cons

  • The lid opening lever has the potential to cause burns
Water capacity:1.5L
Power:2400W
  • Variable temperature settings (50°C, 60°C, 70°C, 85°C, 100°C)
  • Removable fine mesh water filter to catch limescale
  • Automatic cut-off
  • 360° rotational base

Best kettle for hard water areas

Natalie Knowles/Yours.co.uk
Price: $30 (was £43.99)

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. Our tester, Home and Craft product writer Natalie Knowles, lives in a hard water area and said, "The filter works wonders to reduce limescale and chlorine and remove harmful elements like copper and lead from tap water, which made my drinks taste cleaner and purer.

It may take a little while to get used to how it works. "The BRITA filter itself was a new experience for me", says Natalie, "You need to submerge the filter in a bowl of water before inserting it into the kettle. However, after running two rounds of cold water through it, it's good to go!". The kettle also has a clever Brita timer on the lid, which shows four bars representing weeks. Each week, one bar disappears, so you're constantly reminded to replace the filter when needed.

It's only 1.1kg, which Natalie found easy to manoeuvre. "Right from the start, I was impressed with how lightweight the kettle was. Glass kettles can often be quite heavy, but this one is surprisingly manageable".

Pros

  • Filters and boils simultaneously
  • Quiet
  • Delivers great-tasting water
  • Attractive blue light to indicate when boiling

Cons

  • Have to submerge the filter in water before use
Water capacity:1.5 litres
Power:3000W
  • Rapid boil
  • Cartridge change indicator
  • Concealed heating element
  • 360-degree base with cord storage
  • Pull-back lid

Kettles we're currently testing:

Best eco kettle

Best eco kettle

PHILIPS eco kettle
Price: $49.99

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
Water capacity:1.7 litres
Colours available:Matte white
Matching toaster available: Yes
Power:2200W
  • 360-degree base
  • Anti-limescale filter
  • Water level indicator
  • Auto shut-off
  • Lift-off lid
  • Pilot light to see when the kettle is switched on

Best smart kettle

Best smart kettle

Smart Kettle by WEEKETT
Price: $86.34 (was £94.99)

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
Water capacity:1.7 litres
Colours available:Stainless steel
Matching toaster available:No
Power:2200W
  • Connects to smart app, Alexa and Google Home
  • Pop-open lid
  • Variable temperature options
  • Dry-boil protection programme
  • Removable limescale filter
  • Water indicator
  • 360-degree base with cord storage

Best energy-efficient kettle

Best energy-efficient kettle

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
Water capacity:1.7 litres
Colours available:Brushed stainless steel
Matching toaster available:Yes
Power:3000W
  • Lift-off lid
  • 36-degree base
  • Removable, washable filter
  • Extra wide spout
  • Still hot illumination light

Best kettle and toaster set

Best kettle and toaster set

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
Water capacity:1.7 litres
Colours available:White, black, titanium
Matching toaster available:Yes
Power:3000W
  • Rapid boil
  • Calming light display
  • Lift-off lid
  • Removable and washable limescale filter
  • 360-degree base

Best for a speedy boil

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
Water capacity:1.7 litres
Colours available:White, black, red
Matching toaster available:Yes
Power:3000W
  • 360-degree base
  • Removable, washable limescale filter
  • Push-button lid
  • Water level indicator

Best budget kettle

Best budget kettle

Russell Hobbs Cordless Electric Kettle
Price: $25.19 (was £26)
https://redirect.viglink.com?key=d0dbd0c339565e753f633a021d364c3d&prodOvrd=PCR&opt=false&u=DEQQEhcKTBxETkIYQgRbWFIUQh1QDl0dWBQcAxkgfDZ1SScQWAZBXVxBG3YEVVlWSwcDHgdEH30LXVEZIFIQHVJPJ18OQ0ZNUEQYLFlBVhRYVkdMYFNFB1sbdwxBAB0sCwNYTmBDXFBSGDJec1pLZHkHVB1UXhYecVUOWgpXSSsKVAxcQRR6Q0EBWFpBS2NAVkx1ZhxVA3BgTnEoZUtTUQJWAAUJAA8HUA%3D%3D&x=v1&prdId=11312476168&barcode=VAVUUVwAVQICCQAFAFY%3D

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
Water capacity:1.7 litres
Colours available:White, black, grey, cream
Matching toaster available:Yes
Power:3000W
  • 360-degree base with cord storage
  • Perfect pour spout
  • Rapid boil zone markers
  • Water level indicator
  • Push-button lid

Best mini kettle

Best mini kettle

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
Water capacity:1 litre
Colours available:Just glass
Matching toaster available:No
Power:2400W
  • 360-degree cordless base
  • Auto shut-off
  • Boil protection
  • Pop-open lid

Best for style

Best for style

Russell hobbs traditional kettle
Price: $36.94

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
Water capacity:1.7 litres
Colours available:Grey, black
Matching toaster available:No
Power:3000W
  • 360-degree base
  • Boil dry protection
  • Removable and washable limescale filter
  • Perfect pour spout
  • Water gauge reader

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.

Woman using kettle
©Getty Images

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.

Arabella Horspool is a Commercial Content Writer for Yours at Bauer Media. She's a bookworm who is passionate about TV, film and theatre. She enjoys cooking, cinema trips, playing board games and walking her dogs.

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