Best Electric Kettles
Once upon a time, boiling water for your tea, soup, or instant oatmeal meant putting on the kettle then waiting for that high-pitched whistle to tell you it was time to come running. No more, my friends. Today’s kettles feature auto shut-off buttons, boil-dry protection, and even keep-warm features so you never arrive back to a pot of lukewarm water. And if you’ve always preferred the basic stove-top model because it’s cheap, easy to use, and doesn’t mean dealing with cumbersome cords and buttons, you’re going to be mighty impressed by the line-up we’ve selected. They offer all the bells and whistles you never knew you wanted, and at a price point that won’t break the bank. Best of all, you’ll never have to hear that annoying little whistle again. Intrigued? Let’s check out our top picks.
Our Favorite Electric Kettles
Mueller Electric 1.8-liter Glass Kettle: For the Distracted Multi-Tasker
Type: Electric
Capacity: 1.8 liter
Material: Borosilicate Glass
Wattage: 1500 watts
Warranty: 1-year
Before we even get to the many features offered by the Mueller Premium kettle, let’s talk about the presentation. The interior base of this borosilicate glass kettle is rimmed with blue LED lights that illuminate your water as it boils. While this techy feature does nothing more than alert you to the fact that your water is heating up, it looks super-cool and makes this unit a stand-out from the pack. Now, beyond that, this 1.8-liter electric kettle’s superior-quality heat-proof glass makes it easy to spot-check the boil status of your water without the worry of cracks or heat stress causing leaks. And perfect for the multi-tasker who gets distracted, they’ve included a handy auto shut-off valve that kicks in within 30 seconds of your water reaching a boil – so, feel free to wander off. What I love is that the electric power dock is separate and allows you to pick up the kettle and pour without having to unplug cords. Just bring the pot to the table and pour or refresh cups at your leisure. And for those who find a larger format pot a bit unwieldy, you’ll appreciate the heat-resistant, anti-slip handle that provides an always comfortable grip.
Pros:
- Large, 1.8-liter capacity
- Heat-resistant Borosilicate glass
- Auto shut-off feature
- Auto boil-dry feature
- Large, anti-slip, heat-resistant handle
Cons:
- Is not dishwasher safe
- Cannot brew tea in this pot
If busy mornings have you running around to get yourself up and out the door, then this electric kettle with auto shut-off and fun light-show, is the one for you.
Gourmia Electric 590-ml Collapsible Kettle: For Travelers
Type: Electric
Capacity: 590 ml
Material: Food-grade silicone
Wattage: 600 watts
Warranty: 1-year
For those who enjoy travel but find that many lodgings just don’t offer the same creature comforts you enjoy at home, you’re going to love this collapsible kettle. Yes, with this Gourmia travel kettle, your days of trying to brew a decent cuppa through the hotel’s coffee maker are over. It’s ultra-light and you can fold it down flat for easy packing into everything from luggage to a backpack and even a tote bag. You’ll love that this portable pot features 600 watts of power for a super quick boil that means weary travelers can enjoy their beverage of choice within minutes of plugging it in. In fact, you can enjoy up to 4 cups of your favorite brew with this one little kettle. And if you think small and affordable means inferior quality, you’d be wrong. This kettle is made of super-durable, food-grade silicone that’s built to last and stays cool to the touch. Best of all, it comes with all the perks you’d expect to find in a full-size, counter-top model including boil-dry protection, auto shut-off, and a locking lid that stays put when it’s time to pour. Just rinse, dry and get back on the road.
Pros:
- Collapses down for easy packing
- Quick-boils water for 2 large or 4 small servings
- Made with heavy-duty, food-grade silicone
- Auto shut-off and boil-dry features
- Lid-lock safety feature
Cons:
- Short, non-retractable power cord
If you’ve been looking for a lightweight, portable kettle that packs easily, but still has the power to reach a quick boil, we’ve just found it for you!
Rosewill Electric 1500-Watt Stainless-Steel Kettle: Saves Energy and Steps
Type: Electric
Capacity: 1.7 liter
Material: Stainless-steel
Wattage: 1500 watts
Warranty: 1-year
When the perfect brew means settling in on your back deck with mug in hand and no need to get up again, this Rosewill Vacuum Insulated Kettle is your new best buddy. Before we talk about how well it keeps hot water piping hot for instant replenishment of your favorite bevvies, let’s talk about this kettle’s many hassle-eliminating features. For example, it’s stainless-steel construction and 1700 watts of power mean rapid boils with no waiting around. And while auto shut-off and boil-dry protection are fairly standard on kettles, this one also retains hot temperatures up to 176-degree Fahrenheit for 2 hours after boiling. It’s the double-walled vacuum carafe that prevents heat (or cold) loss and also means this kettle’s outer wall stays cooler and comfortable-to-the-touch. But its energy-saving too – boil an entire pot, then enjoy at leisure rather than having to re-boil later on. This kettle includes a 360-degree swivel base that allows you easy access to the handle from any angle. And because it’s cordless and includes an anti-spill, push-button spout that prevents boiling water from splashing up and through the tip, its ideal for transporting from your kitchen to anywhere in the house. Is that your deck calling?
Pros:
- Vacuum Insulated Carafe for Heat Retention
- Heat-resistant Borosilicate glass
- Auto shut-off feature
- Auto boil-dry feature
- 360-degree swivel power base for easy access
Cons:
- Is not dishwasher safe
- Smaller spout means pouring is slow
If you’re in need of an electric kettle than can not only boil water quickly and efficiently, but keep it super-hot as well, here’s one you’ll want to check out.
ASCOT Electric 1.6-Liter Stainless Steel Kettle: For Those Who Love Retro
Type: Electric
Capacity: 1.6 liter
Material: Stainless-steel
Wattage: 1500 watts
Warranty: 2-year
If you love the look of retro kitchen wares, this stainless-steel ASCOT kettle is going to be right up your alley. And while its bright colors and unique lines are sure to make it the funkiest appliance in your kitchen, this hard-working unit isn’t just another pretty face. For instance, the separate power base features a longer, 27-inch electrical cord for added reach and convenient hook up to any kitchen outlet. And because the cord wraps around this power base, storage is always neat and easy. No surprise that with 1500 watts of power, this kettle is quick to boil so no waiting around to fill a to-go cup with your favorite hot beverage. Better still, with auto shut-off and boil-dry protection features, you can just turn it on, then walk away without worry. Of course, with 1.6 liters of boiling water, you want to pick up and pour with confidence and that’s why the manufacturer introduced a generously sized, anti-scald handle. That and the 360-degree swivel power base mean you can comfortably grab the pot from any angle without fear of spills. Beautifully designed, this kettle is something you’ll be proud to set down in front of guests.
Pros:
- Lacquered stainless-steel for easy clean-ups
- Auto shut-off and boil-dry features
- Long, 27-inch power cord
- Anti-scald handle
- 360-degree swivel base with cord wrap
Cons:
- Outer sides of kettle will be hot
- No alert sound when boiling finished
If you’re looking for an electric kettle that doesn’t just boil water quickly and efficiently, but makes a big, bold statement, you’re going to love this one.
Bodum Bistro Electric 500-ml Kettle: For When Its Just You and a Brew
Type: Electric
Capacity: 500 ml
Material: BPA-free plastic
Wattage: 700 watts
Warranty: 2-year limited guarantee
You know those times when boiling just enough water for a single cup is all you really need? Well, this Bodum Bistro is just the ticket. Because of its small size, it’s the perfect kettle to pack for the trailer, boat, dorm, or to use when you just need enough water for a single brew or two. And in spite of its small size, it doesn’t scrimp on power. In fact, at 700 watts, it can boil an entire pot of water in just 4 minutes so you’ll be sitting down with your favorite brew in the blink of an eye. Even better is that it also includes many of the same safety features you would expect to find on larger, more expensive models. Features such as auto shut-off and boil-dry protection, as well as a push-button lid that keeps fingers away from hot steam and boiling water. It even includes a filter in the spout to prevent fine particles from entering your beverage. Because this kettle conveniently detaches from the electric power base, you don’t have to deal with cumbersome cords when pouring. And a clear water level indicator takes the guesswork out of boiling the perfect amount of water.
Pros:
- Small size perfect for RVs, boats, and more
- Quick-boils a full pot in 4 minutes
- Finger-tip controls for on/off and lid release
- Auto shut-off and boil-dry features
- Spout filter eliminates particles
- Can be plugged into a car power inverter
Cons:
- Lid does not detach for easy hand-washing
If you need a quick, efficient little kettle that is perfect for the RV, boat, or just a brew for you, you’re going to want to check out this handy little kettle from Bodum.
Life Just Got Easier with an Electric Kettle
If you’re like me, you’ve probably avoided purchasing an electric kettle because it’s one more appliance you have to figure out how to use. I mean, what’s easier than turning on a burner and throwing on a regular kettle, right? Let me tell you what’s easier – an electric kettle. The modern electric kettles are a snap to use and better still, they offer you time saving conveniences you’ll never get with the stove-top version. Auto shut-off and boil-dry protection are two that come to mind. How often have you had to scramble because you forgot the kettle was on and that annoying whistle went off? Or left the house and returned because you couldn’t remember if you turned it off? They’re energy-saving, can reach a rolling boil faster than a stove-top version and can even keep your water hot while you’re busy doing other things. It’s time to swap out that old kettle for a new electric model.
You Don’t Need Extra Counter Space
You’re right to not want to sacrifice valuable counter space for a cumbersome kettle with dangling cords. And you don’t have to. Today’s designs are compact and streamlined with separate electrical power bases that take up minimal space and often include a cord-wrap option to keep clutter out of sight when not in use. And because they’re so efficiently designed with lightweight materials and all-in-one functionality, they take up minimal space when stored in cabinets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Look for in an Electric Kettle?
Electric kettles are an ideal alternative to the slower stove-top variety. They will typically already include an auto shut-off and boil-dry protection feature, so you need to consider what other factors are important to you. How quickly does it achieve a rolling boil? Does it let you know when your water has boiled (beep alert)? Do the sides of the kettle become hot – important if you have little ones around. What about keep warm option? Determine how important all these extra features are, then get shopping.
What Does Cord-Free Mean?
The old-style electric kettle had a cord that ran from the bottom of the unit to the wall plug. Today, most designs will have an electric power base with a cord that plugs into the wall outlet. The pot then sits atop this base, and you can lift it up to pour, without the cord impeding movement. Some even feature base cord storage so when not in use, the cord is neatly wrapped into the base rather than laying across a counter top.
What Size of Electric Kettle Is Best for My Family?
For the typical family of four, an arbitrary recommendation would be a kettle with at least a 1-liter capacity. This size would provide sufficient boiled water for 2 large cups of any hot beverage and the preparation of 2 bowls of hot oatmeal with some water lost to boil / steam. Anything less than 1-liter would likely require you to re-fill and boil again.
Can a Glass Kettle Shatter?
Glass kettles typically use a borosilicate glass which is crack-resistant and often found in laboratories where it is used above an open flame (beakers and test tubes). Because it has a very low CTE (Coefficient of Thermal Expansion) borosilicate glass is highly heat-resistant and safe to use.
Can I Brew Tea in My Kettle?
If you absolutely had to, but it wouldn’t be ideal. Kettles can pick up and retain flavors of any liquid other than water. Particularly because they can only be hand-washed versus tossed into a dishwasher. For brewing tea, check out a kettle with an infuser that is specifically designed for tea drinkers or look at an electric tea maker.
Is A Plastic Kettle as Good as a Stainless-Steel Kettle?
While stainless-steel and borosilicate glass are considered to be superior-grade materials, food-grade, durable plastic also has its benefits. For example, it’s lighter weight for travel, it doesn’t get as hot to the touch as glass or metal, and its typically less expensive. While it may not be as durable over the long-haul, it’s definitely worth considering if you want the conveniences it brings.
Conclusion
Once you’ve used an electric kettle, you’ll never want to go back to the stove-top version. They offer some pretty impressive time-saving features, they’re more energy efficient than the stove-top kettle and they can be used in virtually any space with an electrical outlet – you’re never bound to the kitchen. And they’ve evolved with the times. Today’s electric kettles have a savvier design aesthetic that makes them an appliance you’d be proud to display on your kitchen counter. They’re sleek, compact, and many even include a wrap base to eliminate the clutter of cords. Better still, they offer a wide range of special features to help make our lives a little easier. From small brews to thermal carafes to keep warm features, there is literally a kettle for every lifestyle. The 5 models we reviewed were chosen because they provide you with a better understanding of what’s available in today’s market and they offer all of the previously mentioned benefits, and even a few more.