Even kettles that boil water without any extra features vary considerably in terms of size, speed and lid type. A kettle is something most of us use several times a day, so it’s worth thinking about whether you prefer a flip-up or pull-off lid, if you want the water scale to measure in cups or litres, and whether the weight of the kettle matters to you.
Capacity is also something to take into account – our samples ranged from 1.2-1.8 litres. A smaller kettle may be good for a single person or small household to avoid the temptation of overfilling.
All our kettles came with bases, and all switched off automatically when finished. Read on to discover the best kettles to buy.
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How to choose the best kettle for your kitchen
Unsure what to look for when choosing your kettle? We’ve summarised the main features you should consider:
Classic or multifunction
If you just want a kettle that boils water, you’re spoilt for choice. If you’re a lover of fine teas, some of which brew better at lower temperatures, you might want one which enables you to select the temperature. This option can also suit parents making hot drinks for children. Some kettles also have a ‘keep warm’ function, which is useful if you don’t all want your tea at the same time.
Style
Classic, old-fashioned, shaker, trendy, futuristic – there’s a kettle for you whatever type of kitchen you have. While most modern kettles are jug-style, taking up less space on the worktop, there are plenty of pyramid kettles on the market if you prefer one of those. All the kettles we tested sat on a base that plugged into the mains, and all had auto-switch off.
Lid
Flick up or pull off? If you like to operate your kettle with one hand, you might prefer one where you just press a button to lift the lid. Some people would rather have one where the lid comes off completely.
Speed
If you want a quick break from work, you might appreciate a kettle that is a minute or so quicker.
Noise
Some people want their kettle to be as unobtrusive as possible, and certainly not loud enough to drown out the radio or music. But if you like to flick on the kettle, then go off into a different room while it boils, you might like one that’s a bit louder, so you can hear when it clicks off.
Price
You might be surprised at how cheap – or expensive – a kettle can be. Our samples range from £22.99 to £149.
Best kettles for hard water
In areas of hard water, there’s usually a faster build-up of limescale inside kettles, particularly around the element. To avoid getting limescale in your tea, you want a kettle that has a robust and finely meshed filter inside the spout that’s also easy to remove.
Best kettles to buy at a glance
- Best multi-temp kettle: Cuisinart Multi-Temp Jug Kettle, £85
- Most innovative eco functions: Breville Edge Still Hot Kettle, £39.99
- Best lightweight kettle: Kenwood Elegancy, £39.99
- Best for parents: Zwilling Enfinigy, £79.95
- Best value mid-range kettle: Breville High Gloss, £39.99
- Best for small kitchens: Sage the Compact kettle pure, £72.95
- Best value multi-temperature: Bosch Styline electric kettle, £79.99
- Best for a single cup: Russell Hobbs Structure kettle, £39.99
- Most unusual lid: Morphy Richards Hive kettle, £31.99
- Best investment kettle: Dualit Classic Kettle, £129.99
- Best stainless steel kettle: Bosch Silicone, £79.99
- Best overall kettle: KitchenAid Artisan 1.5 litre variable temperature kettle, £149
- Best traditional kettle: Tefal Loft kettle, £28.98
- Best for tech lovers: iKettle, £129
- Most fun kettle: Russell Hobbs and Emma Bridgewater polka dot kettle, £79.95
- Best for water conservation: Stellar glass filter kettle, £20.87
- Best mid-range kettle: Morphy Richards Verve kettle, £32.99
- Best variable temperature kettle: Smeg KLF04 kettle, £159.95
- Best budget kettle: Tesco textured plastic back 1.7 litre kettle, £19
- Best value cordless kettle: Bosch cordless kettle, £79.99
- Most user-friendly kettle: Dualit Domus kettle, £90
- Most stylish kettle: Swan Nordic jug kettle, £47
The best kettles to buy in 2021
Cuisinart multi-temp jug kettle
Best multi-temp kettle
Pros:
- Very quick
- Sleek-looking kettle
Cons:
- Easy to press button by accident
Good looking, fast boiling and complete with different temperature options, this kettle ticks a lot of boxes. All the controls are in the handle, which is unusual for a multi-temperature kettle. This gives it a smaller footprint than others, which tend to sit on bases and consequently take up more space on the worktop. Adding to the streamlined look, you press the ‘on’ button in the handle, rather than flicking a switch.
Breville Edge still hot kettle
Most innovative eco functions
Pros:
- Eco-friendly reminder not to reboil
- Good value
- Quick
Cons:
- Lid a little fiddly on occasion
We all know that we don’t need to re-boil the kettle when a family member who initially turns down a cuppa decides five minutes later that they want one after all – but we tend to anyway.
This kettle’s USP is its visual reminder that the water is still hot enough. The water indicator starts to turn red as it boils and stays that way until the water falls below 80C. This will hopefully encourage users not to boil the kettle when they don’t need to, reducing the amount of power they use.
Kenwood Elegancy kettle
Best lightweight kettle
Pros:
Cons:
- The look and feel of the plastic isn’t for everyone
Not everyone wants the latest shiny, multi-function kettle – sometimes simple is best. This is a more traditional kettle in terms of features. It’s lightweight, making it ideal for anyone who would struggle to grip heavy kettles. It has a pull-off lid rather than a flip-up one, giving it a wide opening.
Zwilling Enfinigy kettle pro
Best for parents
Pros:
- Good functions
- Minimalist look
- Reassuring guarantee
Cons:
‘Unusual’ is the best word to describe this kettle. It has features that we didn’t find anywhere else, including a baby bottle heating function. The detailed instruction booklet even shows you how to sterilise a bottle in the kettle, which could be useful for parents who are going away and don’t want to lug a steriliser with them.
Breville high gloss electric kettle
Best value mid-range kettle
Pros:
Cons:
We scored this one highly in the mid-budget range as it has everything you could want in a non-variable temperature kettle. It’s noticeably sleek and modern looking, its grey exterior complemented by a stainless steel mesh effect trim near the bottom. The angled handle is in a contrasting black, and the ‘on’ switch is pleasingly chunky. We also liked the feel of the textured lid button, which sits in the handle, and the short, wide spout which makes for a smooth and easy pour.
Sage the compact kettle pure
Best for small kitchens
Pros:
- Unusual, stylish design
- Very light
Cons:
- Not ideal for those in hard water areas
- Slower than average
Smaller than the average kettle with a capacity of one litre, this is ideal for couples or single person households – or anyone who would prefer smaller, lighter kettle. It’s a real eye-catcher as the unusual glass jug means you can watch your kettle as it boils. Of course, being transparent means it’s also easy to see how much water you’re boiling – and if you need extra help, there’s also an indicator (in cups) on the side of the kettle. This can all help cut water usage.
Bosch Styline kettle
Best value multi-temperature kettle
Pros:
- Well-priced
- Fast
- Lots of features
Cons:
- Bigger and heavier than others
Multi-temperature kettles tend to be priced at the premium end of the market, so we thought this popular model was particularly well priced.
The Styline has all the bells and whistles – four temperature points (70, 80, 90 and 100C) as well as a keep-warm function, designed to keep the water hot for up to half an hour. The casing on it is designed to keep the kettle cool to the touch.
Russell Hobbs structure kettle
Best for a single cup
Pros:
Cons:
- Design won’t appeal to everyone
The striking kettle has a geometric design and is one of the funkier ones we tested. This model is made of a mix of plastic and stainless steel and the angular pull-off lid echoes the rest of the design.
The on switch is chunky, with the end lighting up in stylish blue. The base makes it equally suitable for both left and right handers.
Morphy Richards hive kettle
Pros:
Cons:
- Water markings hard to see
The striking kettle has a geometric design, making it one of the funkier ones we tested. This model is made of a mix of plastic and stainless steel, and the angular pull-off lid echoes the rest of the design.
The ‘on’ switch is chunky, with the end lighting up in stylish blue. The 360 degree base makes it equally suitable for both left and right handers.
Dualit classic kettle
Best investment kettle
Pros:
Cons:
- Expensive
- Might be too heavy for some
This big, solid kettle makes a real statement on your worktop. The polished stainless steel kettle comes in a choice of trims including brass, copper and evergreen, to complement your kitchen. It’s thoughtfully designed, with two water level windows – one in cups and one in litres. We also liked that the red ‘on’ light is on the kettle itself, rather than the switch, making it easier to see at a glance.
Bosch silicone kettle
Best stainless steel kettle
Pros:
Cons:
Perched on an unusual square base, and with a silicone coat, this eye-catching kettle would look great in contemporary kitchens. The base, main body and lid are stainless steel, and the kettle has a grey ribbed covering, a black handle and a contrasting red ‘on’ switch.
KitchenAid Artisan 1.5 litre variable temperature kettle – Star Buy
Best overall kettle
Pros:
Cons:
Star rating: 5/5
This is a chunky, statement kettle that looks great and does everything. There’s a choice of temperatures for your water, between 50-100C. As well as being suitable for people who enjoy teas that requires a different temperature, it’s ideal for parents making drinks that aren’t dangerously hot for children, or those using warm water for other purposes, like cooking. Read our full KitchenAid Artisan kettle review.
Tefal Loft kettle
Best traditional kettle
Pros:
- Wide opening lid
- Quick to boil
Cons:
Star rating: 4.5/5
This lightweight Tefal Loft (KO250840) is a good mid-range option. We particularly like the wide pull-off lid, which comes off easily and gives a good space for filling. It’s pleasingly speedy, boiling at an average of 2 minutes 14 seconds, though it is a little on the noisy side. Read our full Tefal Loft kettle review.
iKettle
Best for tech lovers
Pros:
Cons:
Star rating: 4/5
The iKettle works via an app, and you can set it to come on from wherever you are. Perhaps surprisingly, this is one of the least-flashy kettles we tested. The kettle itself is rather minimalist in looks. The kettle has an ergonomic handle, with only the top attached to the kettle. It’s comfortable to lift and easy to open, and has a wide opening for easy filling and a small spout for precision pouring. The iKettle was one of the speediest we tested too, boiling water in an average of 2 minutes 14 seconds. Read our full iKettle review.
Russell Hobbs and Emma Bridgewater polka dot kettle
Most fun kettle
Pros:
Cons:
Star rating: 4.5/5
This kettle is a traditional pyramid shape with a bright, modern polka dot pattern (it’s also available in a pink heart design). It’s eye-catching, cheerful and stylish, and one that visitors are bound to comment on. As well as scoring highly in looks, the kettle oozes quality. In terms of performance, the kettle is no slouch either, boiling a litre of water in 2 minutes 16 seconds. Read our full Russell Hobbs Emma Bridgewater kettle review.
Stellar glass filter kettle
Best for water conservation
Pros:
- Attractive
- Will make you think about the quantity of water you’re using
Cons:
Star rating: 3.5/5
If you’re trying to conserve water and energy, this kettle will help. The glass jug is completely transparent. Clear cup markings on the body of the kettle mean you can easily see exactly how much water you’re putting in. The kettle has a neat shape, which means it won’t take up too much space – it has one of the smallest footprints of our sample. There’s a removable water filter for easy cleaning, plus it’s one of the most unobtrusive kettles we tested in terms of appearance, with a simple, unflashy design. Read our full Stellar glass filter kettle review.
Morphy Richards Verve kettle
Best mid-range kettle
Pros:
Cons:
- Not the most stylish kettle
Star rating: 4.5 /5
The Verve kettle is no-nonsense and effective. It’s quiet, efficient and well-priced. It’s a solid-feeling model with a chunky, robust handle and ‘on’ switch. The Verve is averagely speedy, boiling at around 2 minutes 23 seconds for a litre – and it isn’t one of the noisier models either. Holding 1.7 litres of water, it’s ideal for a bigger family, and there’s a matching toaster available, too. Read our full Morphy Richards Verve kettle review.
Smeg KLF04 kettle
Best variable temperature kettle
Pros:
Cons:
Star rating: 4/5
If any kettle could cheer you on a cold winter’s morning, it would be this one. You can set the temperature for between 50-100C, and lights along the base will show you how it is progressing towards its target. There’s a sizeable button in the middle of the lid to press and lift the lid. The handle is notably comfortable, and doesn’t attach at the bottom. One point to note is that the kettle is heavier than most. Read our full Smeg KLF04 kettle review.
Tesco textured plastic back 1.7 litre kettle – Star Buy
Best budget kettle
Pros:
Cons:
Star rating: 5/5
This great-value kettle is an ideal for students heading to university. It’s a good size at 1.7 litres and a decent price too (so you won’t need to worry too much about the hammering it will undoubtedly get), and it’s surprisingly speedy for a budget model. It boiled a litre of water in an average of 2 minutes 14 seconds. Read our full Tesco kettle review.
Available in-store from Tesco (£18)
Bosch cordless kettle – Star Buy
Best value cordless kettle
Pros:
Cons:
Star rating: 5/5 stars
This Bosch cordless kettle offers great features for tea aficionados. The kettle sits on a black base with touchscreen-like controls. From here, you can turn it on and off, or select the best temperature for your brew between 70-100C. There’s also a ‘keep warm’ button to maintain the water at the same temperature for 30 minutes. Although it’s not the smallest or quietest model we tested, the Bosch is the quickest, boiling water in just 2 minutes and 6 seconds. Read our full Bosch cordless kettle review.
Dualit Domus kettle
Most user-friendly kettle
Pros:
Cons:
Star rating: 4/5
The shiny stainless steel Dualit Domus kettle doesn’t come cheap, but it’s brilliantly designed. Smaller than most of the kettles we tested, it has a maximum capacity of only 1.5 litres, but this is still enough for six cups of tea, and its footprint is smaller as a result, giving it a compact feel. Boiling in an average 2 minutes and 26 seconds for a litre, it’s a great little kettle for households. Read our full Dualit Domus kettle review.
Swan Nordic jug kettle – Star Buy
Most stylish kettle
Pros:
Cons:
- Limescale filler hard to remove
Star rating: 5/5 stars
If you want a kettle that’s striking and different, this Scandinavian-style Swan kettle could be the answer – it’s an elegant and streamlined appliance that also comes in a cordless model. The wood-effect handle is made of rubber and easy to grip, but obstructs the water level gauge behind it. However, the upright design of this kettle means that despite its 1.7 litre-capacity, it doesn’t take up that much space on the worktop. It’s also fairly efficient, taking 2 minutes and 24 seconds to boil a litre of water. Read our Swan Nordic kettle review.
How we tested kettles
We tested a representative sample of kettles and scored them on the following criteria:
Good looks Kettles live on worktops, so the one you buy might come down to the one you like the look of, and whether it will fit in with the style of your kitchen.
Quality Well-fitting lids, quality on switches and filters – we were looking for a kettle that felt like it would last.
Speed While speed might not be the deciding factor when choosing a kettle, for most of us, the quicker, the better. We poured a litre of water into each of the kettles – enough for four mugs – and got the stopwatch out.
Ease of use There’s no point having a beautiful kettle if it’s awkward to use. We looked for kettles that were simple to fill and pour, with a good grip and easy-to-read water levels.
Value We awarded extra points for those kettles that were great value for money.
How to clean a kettle
It’s the age-old question of kettle maintenance – how do you get rid of a build-up of limescale? We recommend using vinegar, which is a common household ingredient that works as a gentle acid to break down deposits inside your kettle. Add half a cup of neat white vinegar to a kettle filled with water and leave it to sit overnight – this should remove any surface scale. Try to do this regularly to avoid heavy build-up that becomes impossible to remove.
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