KitchenAid Variable Temperature Kettle review: Is this kitchen gadget style over substance?

If your house is anything like mine, the kettle is always on. Whether it's for a quick morning cup of tea, filling up a hot water bottle, or boiling water for cooking, it's a kitchen staple that gets used multiple times a day. That's why it's essential to have the best kettle for the job - one that’s reliable, efficient and fits seamlessly into your daily routine. And the KitchenAid Variable Temperature Kettle has quickly become my go-to.

Combining precise temperature control with a sleek, modern design, the KitchenAid Variable Temperature Kettle offers the versatility needed for everything from tea brewing to cooking. I've been using this stainless steel kettle every day for the past three months to put it through its paces and see how efficient it is.

This review examines the KitchenAid Variable Temperature Kettle, exploring its design, functionality, and performance in everyday use. I'll discuss the seven precise temperature settings and how they can help you brew the perfect tea, coffee, or other hot beverage.

KitchenAid Variable Temperature Kettle review

Build

Since my kettle stays on my countertop all day, every day, it’s important that it looks as good as it performs. Fortunately, the KitchenAid Variable Temperature Kettle doesn’t disappoint. As soon as I got it out of the box I was impressed with its sleek, stainless steel construction. It's available in different colours, but I love this beautiful cream version as it has a timeless, modern look that adds a touch of elegance to my kitchen.

It has a large 1.7L capacity, which is more than enough to fill a large saucepan or multiple mugs with hot water. Plus, there's a water window on the side so you can see exactly how much water is in there, although this is by the handle, which may be tricky to check if you have issues with your vision.

Performance

I can't fault the performance of the KitchenAid Variable Temperature Kettle, as it boils water quickly and efficiently. It lets out a brief but loud chime to let you know when it starts and finishes boiling, which is surprisingly handy. It’s just enough to catch your attention without being annoying, especially if you’re in another room or multitasking in the kitchen.

As for kettle descaling and general maintenance, KitchenAid makes things surprisingly easy. It comes with a removable limescale filter, which is a great feature if you live in a hard water area like I do, as it removes the need for a specific kettle for hard water.

The filter catches mineral build-up before it ends up in your cup, and when it’s time to clean it, it pops out easily for a quick rinse or scrub. Reattaching it is just as simple - no fiddling or frustration required. It’s a thoughtful touch that helps keep the kettle performing at its best and extends its lifespan with minimal effort.

Usability

The temperature control scale is super intuitive - there’s a knob you can slide to select your desired temperature - and it lights up clearly so you always know exactly where it’s set before pressing the start button. It’s simple, precise and doesn’t rely on WIFI or Bluetooth connectivity like a smart kettle does, which I honestly appreciate as it means less apps on my phone.

Plus, it’s comfortable to lift and pour thanks to the ergonomic handle, and the 360-degree rotating base makes it easy to place the kettle back from any angle.

There are seven temperature settings in total, ranging from 50° C to 100° C, meaning I can make the perfect cuppa no matter what teabags I use.

For example, green tea and matcha tea have an ideal water temperature of 80° C. Any hotter and the leaves will scorch and leave you with a bitter-tasting brew, any hotter, and the leaves can scorch, leaving you with a bitter-tasting brew. With this kettle, I can hit that sweet spot every time, and it really does make a noticeable difference in flavour.

However, since using this KitchenAid kettle regularly, I’ve noticed one minor quirk: the push-button lid doesn’t always pop open on the first try. It’s a small thing and to be fair, it could just be me being a bit heavy-handed, since the rest of my family hasn’t had any issues. The opening itself is also on the smaller side, which isn’t a deal breaker, but it does make it a bit trickier to clean or fill under certain taps. Still, it’s a small trade-off for an otherwise well-designed kettle.

Final verdict

The KitchenAid Variable Temperature Kettle is an excellent choice for those who want style and substance. It’s perfect for tea connoisseurs, coffee lovers, or anyone looking to upgrade their morning routine with precision and class. While it’s a bit of an investment, the quality and performance justify the price.

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, scrapbooking, playing board games and going on walks with her three dogs.