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Our top picks feature automatic shut-off, temperature control, precise pours, and stylish functional design. 1 bbl pilot brewing system
Whether it’s a Japanese sencha blend, black tea from India’s Assam and Darjeeling regions, or a cuppa Earl Grey or English breakfast, different types of tea are best steeped at different temperatures. Dousing delicate tea leaves with water that’s too hot, referred to as burning tea, results in an overly tannic taste. Water that’s too cold results in a weak cup. When it comes to coffee, fresher beans should brew at a hotter temperature for proper extraction.
To achieve an accurate, precise water temperature, an electric kettle can’t be beat. With this in mind, we tested 16 popular electric kettles, noting factors like boiling time, heat retention, capacity, and how easily they pour. Read on for our full list of the best electric kettles on the market today.
It stays cool to the touch, and it looks sleek on the counter.
Its boil time was a bit longer than the average kettle's, at least in our testing.
We chose the German-engineered Zwilling Enfinigy as our top pick for being efficient, easy to use, and very accurate in temperature. It has six preset temperatures for different hot beverages, from coffee to tea to cocoa. In our tests, it took the kettle about six minutes to boil water. Its keep-warm feature ensures you'll have hot water for 30 minutes before shutting off. The exterior of this kettle didn't feel hot (as electric kettles do), thanks to its cool-touch design: dual-walled insulation and a brushed stainless steel outer layer.
Material: Stainless steel, plastic (exterior) | Capacity: 1.5 liters | Temperature control: 6 preset programs
It automatically shuts off when it’s dry, and its two-level lid prevents spills when pouring.
The material of the packs can rip and seems to collect dirt more easily than others.
Cosori, known for its gooseneck kettles, designed this classic kettle with a non-drip spout and two-level lid for easy pouring. The interior of this double-walled kettle consists of a single piece of stainless steel, which is easy to clean and helps to heat water quickly, while its outer shell protects from hot temperatures. A blue LED light signals that the kettle is on. It takes this kettle about four to six minutes to come to a rolling boil and automatically shuts off after 30 seconds of boiling. In addition, a sensor shuts off the machine when there’s no water left. Its lid opens to a 45-degree angle with the push of a button and then to 80 degrees for cleaning and filling. All in all, we found the Cosori easy to use and even easier to pour.
Material: Stainless steel, plastic (exterior) | Capacity: 1.5 liters | Temperature control: No
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It has five settings for teas and coffees as well as a keep-warm feature.
It’s relatively heavy, and its exterior shows fingerprints.
If you’re on a mission to make the perfect cup of tea — quickly and quietly, no less — this beautiful Breville smart kettle should top your list. We found it intuitive to use, and each of its preset temperatures was accurate. During testing, the kettle took only four minutes to reach a boil. It has temperature presets for black, green, white, and oolong teas as well as French press coffee. Its dual-sided water window allows you to easily heat an exact amount of water, while its automatic shut-off will kick in after the water has come to temp. You can also press a button to keep it warm for 20 minutes. Its soft-opening lid gently releases hot air, preventing any accidental steam facials. And to top it off, its power switch is illuminated for visibility.
Material: Stainless steel, BPA-free materials | Capacity: 1.7 liters | Temperature control: 5 preset programs
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Food & Wine / Fred Hardy
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Its temperatures were the most precise in our tests, and it comes with a Fahrenheit/Celsius toggle feature.
It doesn’t hold as much water as other kettles, and the Fahrenheit-Celsius toggle can be fickle.
Born on Kickstarter in 2013, Fellow responded to a need for innovation in coffee. The gooseneck design of its Stagg EKG kettle is ideal for pour-over coffee and loose-leaf tea, as it offers precise pouring and to-the-degree temperature control. In addition, the handle is reinforced for extra sturdiness, which means your pour can be as steady and slow as you’d like. Set a temperature between 135 and 212°F on its LCD, and use its built-in “brew stopwatch” to time the extraction. It can hold its temperature for as long as 60 minutes. Besides its precise functionality, you can't beat the look of this sleek, modern kettle.
"The Stagg Fellow is the only kitchen appliance I use every day, and multiple times a day. It helps that it's beautiful, too, because it's always on my counter," says Associate Commerce Editor Mary Claire Lagroue. "I’ve had it for two years, and I can’t imagine making tea and pour-over coffee without it. It's so much faster than the stove. I even use it to get a head start on boiling water for steel-cut oats or making stock. The gooseneck design is great for a controlled pour, but it’s not slow to pour, either." We have found that over time, calcium can build up inside the neck and slow down pouring. When this happens, rinse the kettle with a splash of vinegar then soapy water, and it'll be as good as new.
Material: Stainless steel, plastic (exterior) | Capacity: 0.9 liters | Temperature control: Yes
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Its blue LED lights let you know it’s on, and the kettle automatically shuts off when no water is detected.
It does not have any temperature control settings.
For an affordable kettle that performs consistently well, look no further than the Mueller Ultra Kettle. Made of heavy-duty borosilicate glass, stainless steel, and heat-resistant plastic, it allows you to see exactly how much water you have and when it comes to a boil. The kettle has a boil-dry security sensor to turn itself off if it’s empty, and its thermostat control automatically kicks in after 30 seconds of boiling. We found this kettle very easy to use, with glowing blue LED lights to indicate that it’s on and working. Water boiled quickly at just under four minutes, and the kettle is cordless when removed from the base. The heat-resistant handle was also easy to hold and pour.
Material: Borosilicate glass, stainless steel, plastic (exterior) | Capacity: 1.8 liters | Temperature control: No
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It’s compact for storing, but you’ll likely want to display this retro-inspired kettle on the counter at all times.
Top lid of the kettle becomes warm when the water is boiling.
The classic design of the KitchenAid Electric Kettle, like the brand's beloved stand mixer, will never get old. Made of durable stainless steel and available in both modern and retro colors, from matte black to pistachio green, this is a compact electric version of the whistling kettle with a few added upgrades. We loved its removable limescale filter in the pouring spout, its rotating base, and its removable lid. It boils water in just about four minutes and has an automatic shut-off system.
Material: Stainless steel, plastic (exterior), BPA-free plastic filter (removable) | Capacity: 1.25 liters | Temperature control: No
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Its nostalgic design will turn heads, and it works efficiently.
It’s on the larger side, so counter space is a consideration.
The Smeg Electric Kettle channels 1950s design with the modern perks you want in a small appliance. It boils water quietly and quickly at well under four minutes to the perfect temperature, while its auto shut-off feature kicks in at 212°F or when there’s no more water. We really liked how easily it pours, with its soft-opening lid allowing steam to escape before pouring. In addition, a removable limescale filter makes all the difference in taste and cleanup. For added convenience, its base has non-slip feet and can swivel a full 360 degrees. The Smeg is the kind of kettle you want people to notice, and we give it top marks for aesthetics.
Material: Stainless steel, plastic (exterior) | Capacity: 1.7 liters | Temperature control: No
Food & Wine / Fred Hardy
Food & Wine / Fred Hardy
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We love the Zwilling Enfinigy Cool Touch Stainless Steel Electric Kettle Pro for its programmed temperature settings, large capacity, and sleek design. For a gooseneck kettle with excellent precision control, the Fellow Stagg EKG Electric Gooseneck Kettle is a worthy investment in your coffee or tea routine.
In order to find the best electric kettles, we tested 18 different models in a series of side-by-side tests. We looked for kettles that heated up quickly and accurately, had a comfortable design that allowed for easy, precise pouring, didn't pose any safety issues, and looked nice sitting on our countertops.
Our first test looked at timing. We filled each tea kettle with 1 liter of 50°F water. We noted if we needed to portion out water before adding or if there were indicators on the tea kettle. We then turned the kettle on high, recording how long it took for the water to boil (and if there was a whistle or another indicator). We recorded the temperature of the water in the kettle and touched the outside of the carafe to see if it was hot to the touch. We did the same with the handle. After 10- and 30-minute increments, we recorded the water temperature in the kettle to see how well it retained its heat.
Next, we tested accuracy by filling each kettle with 1 liter of 50°F water. We heated water to four different temperatures (the presets most models have in common) — 175, 185, 190, and 200°F. We recorded the temperature of the water at each level and noted variability.
To test warming functionality, we then heated water to 200°F and set the kettle to “keep warm.” We recorded the temperature of the water after 15 minutes and 30 minutes. Next was the pour test. To do this, we boiled a full capacity’s worth of water in each kettle. After the kettle finished boiling, we poured water into a mug, evaluating how comfortable or easy it was to pour from the kettle and if the spout directed water well into the mug. We looked for splashing, top popping too suddenly, concerns about steam burns, or having to tip the kettle very far to pour out.
After pouring, we performed a taste test where we tasted the boiled water (once it’s cooled down to an acceptable temperature) from each kettle, noting if there was any chemical taste or unwanted flavors. Finally, we evaluated the ease of cleanup. We washed each kettle according to manufacturer instructions, noting whether the carafe and base were both easy to clean or if any design flaws made any spots particularly awkward or difficult. We also looked for stains inside and outside of the kettle as well as any buildup of deposits in the carafe or on the spout.
Our favorite kettles scored high in performance, ease of use, ease of cleanup, and overall design,
Are you boiling water for one or multiple people? Even in a large kettle, a smaller amount of water will heat faster. Every model has a slightly different hold time, between 15 to 60 minutes, which can be a game changer when it comes to a fresh, hot cup. That said, capacity ranges between 1 and 1.5 liters typically. Slightly less than a single liter may have you refilling more than once if you are heating water for more than one serving.
The choice between a stainless steel and glass kettle comes down to preference, mostly in terms of whether you want to see the water boiling as well as how much water is in the kettle. Kettles tend to contain some plastic parts, such as the spout and lid. Kettles, in general, are intuitive to use, but they will take up counter space. Deciding what you want to see gracing your counter every day is one of the most important parts.
By the time you’re ready to pour water into your mug, it’s likely piping hot, so clean pours are essential when it comes to a good kettle. Look for a kettle with a beak that can control the speed and flow of the water. If you enjoy pour-over coffee and are looking for a more precise pour, we recommend a gooseneck kettle for total control.
Some electric kettles come equipped with temperature control, while others do not. If precise temperature control is important to you, look for one that has preset temperature controls or to-the-degree controls. In addition, if you are someone who forgets to turn off your appliances when you leave the house, an automatic shut-off feature should be something you prioritize.
Electric kettles require hand washing whenever necessary, but limescale is an ever-present hazard of boiled water and can build up over time. Some models come with removable filters, but all will need to be descaled at some point.
“Electric kettles are perfect for making a variety of teas, hot chocolate, or any other infusion beverage that you are passionate about. They can also help prepare instant foods such as soups, oatmeal, and noodles. Simply boil the water and mix it with a packet of an instant food or beverage,” says Christian Boscherini, Smeg’s marketing manager.
“Electric tea kettles are such a versatile appliance to have on hand,” says Matt Davis of Breville. “Every tea needs a different brewing temperature, and being able to lower the temp for drinks like americanos is really handy.”
Electric kettles are safe as long as you pay attention to safety features and follow the instructions that come with the appliance, according to Boscherini. “For example, the Smeg Electric Kettle offers an auto-shutoff when water reaches a boil and when the kettle is lifted from its base. The soft-opening lid also prevents the sudden release of steam. Another safety feature that’s very important is checking to see if a kettle is cool to the touch even while in operation,” he says.
“Newer kettles all include a safety mechanism to prevent dry boiling – essentially cutting off the kettle if the water runs dry due to overheating or evaporation,” Davis says. “Look for solid stainless steel or glass carafes for the best outcomes.”
Finally, most units will have a shorter cord to prevent the unit from getting snagged and tipped over while in use. Never leave a kettle unattended while in use, and keep away from the edge of counters where it can be a tipping hazard, especially if you have pets or kids.
“Cleaning a kettle should be simple because you should only use water inside the reservoir,” Davis says. “You’ll notice some white powdery build-up over time, which is totally normal. Those are the minerals that naturally exist in your water, and through the heating process, will be left behind due to evaporation. To break it up, simply use a descale solution — sometimes you can get away with a vinegar rinse.”
You can boil one part white vinegar and one part water directly inside of the kettle to clean it, according to Boscherini. “Pour it out, then boil plain water in the kettle and pour it out. At that point, you can use the kettle normally again.”
Aarke Stainless Steel Electric Kettle ($259 at Aarke) "I've owned the Aarke Stainless Steel Electric Kettle for about four months and have used it pretty much every morning since it arrived," says commerce editor Danielle St. Pierre. "It's sleek, it's stealthily quiet, and it looks great sitting on my countertop. The temperature settings are simple and clear, and I can easily set the temperature of my water from 104 to 212°F with one touch. It makes my morning coffee routine a lot more streamlined." Because it's comparable to others we tested but costs more, the Aarke didn't make our Top Picks. Still, we'd recommend it as a splurge.
Fellow Corvo EKG Electric Tea Kettle ($165 at Amazon) We have minimal complaints about this stylish kettle. It's fast, accurate, and looks great on a countertop. If you prefer a larger kettle, pass on this one.
KitchenAid Pro Line Electric Kettle ($213 at Amazon) We liked this kettle, and while it performed well, we wished it also displayed temperature in Fahrenheit, not just Celsius.
OXO Brew Cordless Glass Electric Kettle ($84 at Amazon) This kettle has a nice, straightforward design and functions properly, but it was a bit too large for our liking. If you have the counter space, this is a good option.
Amazon Basics Electric Glass and Steel Hot Tea Water Kettle ($35 at Amazon) Like the OXO, it's a bit bulky for our taste. That said, we liked its lights and straightforward design.
Cuisinart PerfecTemp Cordless Electric Kettle ($74 at Amazon) Our main gripe was that, despite its name, this kettle is not exactly cordless. It works well, and we like its small base for kitchens that require kettles with a smaller footprint.
two vessel brewing system A few electric kettles didn't make our list of recommendations, including the Zojirushi VE Hybrid Water Boiler and Warmer ($195 at Amazon), the Amazon Basics Stainless Steel Portable Electric Hot Water Kettle ($29 at Amazon), and the Hamilton Beach Electric Tea Kettle ($51 at Amazon). We found that they took too long to heat, were too difficult to use, too hot to the touch, or clunky and awkward.