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The top picks for 2020

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5 years ago

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Your kettle is going to be put through a lot of work, so you should invest in something that can cope with the demand.

By Team Commerce

Making the perfect cup of tea is something that takes years of practise. It’s not as simple as boiling some water, adding a tea bag, and then dropping some milk into the mix. No, it’s a delicate process that must be refined over time.

We’re not here to tell you how to master the art, because everyone follows a slightly different routine. What we will say is that anyone who puts the milk in first should take a long hard look at themselves. Seriously, do you not have any standards?

Now that’s out of the way, we can focus on what you’ll need to make the perfect brew. Good quality mugs and tea bags are essential, but the kettle is probably the most important element to consider. The thing device is going to be put through a lot of work, so you should invest in something that can cope with the demand.

What to watch out for in an electric kettle

Many electric kettles boil in plastic, which you could probably guess is unsafe. When plastic is boiled, the chemicals held within it can seep into whatever you’re preparing.

Plastic kettles are cheaper and the options are bountiful, but in all honesty, it isn’t worth it unless you can find one that’s totally BPA-free or made from silicone. We generally recommend going for either a glass or stainless steel electric kettle. 

What factors make a good electric kettle?

Factors and buzzwords you’ll want to focus in on are built-in indicator lights, removable filters, temperature settings, water capacity, and the included interface. It’s also good to think about how tall each kettle stands for storage purposes, how fast it can bring water to a boil, and how much heat it can withstand.

Once you’ve given careful consideration to all of these factors, you can actually buy something. We have tried to make the process a little easier by lining up a selection of the best electric kettles from top brands like Sage, Smeg, and Black & Decker. All you need to do is pick your favourite.

These are some of the best electric kettles in 2020.


Boils water quickly • Convenient preset temperature settings • Easy-to-use interface

Some feel alert sound is not loud enough

You’ll get great flavour from your tea and coffee with this consistently high-performing, easy-to-use machine.

Cuisinart CPK17BPU

An effective, all-around electric kettle that quickly and conveniently brings water to optimum temperature.

  • Capacity:
    1.7 litres
  • Weight:
    1.98 kilograms
  • Variable Temperature Control:
    Yes
The Cuisinart CPK17BPU electric kettle offer functionality, accuracy, and ease of use, with preset temperature controls optimised for a variety of teas or beverages
The kettle, which features a 360-degree swivel power base for cord-free use, quickly brings water to the exact heat in a matter of minutes. The handy LCD screen even allows you to see the temperature of the water at all times so you’ll know if you need to re-boil. 
The lime scale filter helps maintain the taste and flavour of your drink and is fully removable for easy cleaning, and the hinged lid can be opened at the touch of a button for easy refilling. The illuminated water windows also let you easily see the fill level.

Handsome design • To-the-degree temperature control • Precision pour

It’s pricier than many models, but premium features such as precision pour spout, temperature control, and modern design should woo coffee lovers.

Fellow Stagg EKG

For precise pouring and barista-level functionality, this kettle is a high-end option.

  • Capacity:
    0.9 litres
  • Weight:
    0.65 kilograms
  • Variable Temperature Control:
    Yes
Serious about coffee? Then you probably know a gooseneck, pour-over kettle is the way to go to achieve perfect, manually-brewed, handcrafted coffee. 
A gooseneck kettle lets you control the pour — exactly how much water comes out of the spout and hits your coffee grounds, where, and for how long. Ever had that jarring, deluge rush from a kettle spout? You won’t have that with a gooseneck kettle like the Fellow Stagg EKG.
With its modern, matte black design, this kettle will be your standout piece of kitchenware. It’s more than just eye candy, though. The Fellow Stagg EKG’s barista-level functionality matches its gorgeous form. 1200 watts provide fast heat-up and variable temperature controls let you set your desired temperature to the degree.
The spout is designed for the optimal pour-over flow rate. The fluted tip gives the Stagg EKG a to-the-drop precision, with no drip back. The counterbalanced handle also makes for a more comfortable, slower pour. 

Inexpensive • Boils water quickly • Compact design

No variable temperature controls

This ultra-reliable kettle is easy to use and boils water fast, making it a great choice for tea and coffee drinkers who don’t want to fork over a lot of cash.

Black & Decker 24240

The kettle packs rapid-boil technology and convenient features into an affordable package.

  • Capacity:
    1.6 litres
  • Weight:
    1.08 kilograms
  • Variable Temperature Control:
    No
Looking to upgrade, but don’t want all the bells and whistles that come with a high-end product? The Black & Decker 24240 kettle is the machine for you.
This electric kettle features everything you need for quickly, conveniently, and safely boiling your water. There are no fancy features like preset temperature controls or a “Keep Warm” option. That’s OK, because this kettle still boasts useful features such as small-batch boiling, a clear-view, water-level window, and boil dry protection, which turns off the kettle when water comes to a boil or when there’s no water remaining in the kettle.
And of course, it heats water really, really fast.  

Attractive design • Soft-open lid prevents splatter • Stay-cool handle

Taller and bigger than many models • No variable temperature control

Looking for clean, stylish design and straightforward features? This glass electric kettle can help up your water-boiling game.

Oxo On

See what’s going on with your water with this super-sleek kettle.

  • Capacity:
    1.75 litres
  • Weight:
    1.29 kilograms
  • Variable Temperature Control:
    No
Is the glass half-full or half-empty? Whichever you choose, we know you’ll see what’s going on with your water with the super-sleek, see-through OXO On electric kettle. 
It’s made with durable, borosilicate glass that provides thermal shock protection and a pure, clean taste. But we’ll admit it: we also love this kettle because it just looks so pretty on the kitchen counter.
Aside from the design, we love this electric kettle for its reliable, fast boiling capabilities, and convenient features. It boasts an illuminated LED power switch automatically turns off when water reaches a rolling boil, and a perforated stainless steel filter that strains water while you pour. 

Travel-friendly collapsible design • Dual voltage • Overheat protection

Can be a bit tricky to collapse

If you want a reliable, compact electric kettle to bring with you when you travel, the Gournia travel kettle fits the bill

Gourmia GK360

This portable kettle boasts a lightweight and collapsible design, made of food-grade silicone.

  • Capacity:
    0.5 litres
  • Weight:
    0.54 kilograms
  • Variable Temperature Control:
    No
When you can’t start (or end) the day without a piping hot cup of coffee or tea, even when you’re away from home, a travel electric kettle is the answer. 
The Gourmia GK360 electric kettle boasts a lightweight, collapsible design, made of food-grade silicone. It’s completely foldable so you can fit it into your suitcase or backpack (or store it away in your office desk). It also features dual voltage so you can heat water wherever your travels take you.
It’s also packed with other convenient features. It has boil dry and overheat protection, automatically shutting your electric tea kettle off if it senses that there is no more water left, and an automatic open lid and an integrated spout filter to ensure you only pour pure water. 

Chic retro design • Durable construction • Comes in a variety of colours

No variable temperature control • Expensive

Although pricey, the Smeg electric kettle delivers thanks to its stylish design and sturdy construction.

Smeg KLF03RDUK

This retro kettle packs in a lot of the modern features you want from a kitchen appliance.

  • Capacity:
    1.7 litres
  • Weight:
    2.3 kilograms
  • Variable Temperature Control:
    No
Admit it: there’s just something about a retro-style kettle. The Smeg KLF03RDUK electric kettle screams “retro,” while packing in a lot of the modern features you want from a kitchen appliance. 
This stylish wonder features a stainless steel spout, soft-opening lid, ergonomic chrome handle, and a stainless steel ball lever. The stainless steel, powder-coated body hides a removable limescale filter that keeps your water pure and clean, so your coffee or tea tastes like it should every time you pour a cup.
Safety features? You’ve got them. This electric kettle has an automatic shutoff at peak temperature, and an automatic shutoff when water is not detected. Anti-slip feet keep it in place, while the built-in cord wrap makes it easy to store away or keep on your kitchen counter.  

Large capacity • One-touch electric dispensing system • Four temperature settings • Energy-saving timer function

Bulky • Exterior can feel a little warm to the touch

You can keep the perfectly heated water flowing all day with this large-capacity, feature-packed electric water boiler and warmer.

Zojirushi Micom

This high-capacity kettle can keep the whole family satisfied.

  • Capacity:
    3 litres
  • Weight:
    2.5 kilograms
  • Variable Temperature Control:
    Yes
If you have a big family, have guests coming over, or just drink lots and lots of coffee, you might find yourself spending a considerable amount of time heating water. Don’t fret, the giant Zojirushi Micom electric kettle is here to help.
With a capacity of three liters, you can keep the coffee or tea flowing for a long time with one touch of a button. This powerhouse of an electric kettle has heating water down to a science with a micro computerised temperature control system. It even features four preset temperature settings. How convenient is that?
Its automatic shutoff safety function also goes above and beyond. This kettle’s heater automatically shuts off when the boiler is plugged in without filling the inner container with water; when the water level is lower than the refill line and when boiling has been attempted; when the unit is empty or the upper lid is left open; and when hot water is poured in immediately after unit was plugged in.
And the features don’t stop there. The kettle has an easy-to-clean nonstick interior, a wide-window water level gauge, and a café drip dispensing mode for slower dispensing. 

Lots of options on the device’s base • Lid fights possible splashing • Keep-warm function

Might turn off those who want a more simple appliance • Time measurements can be hard to see

Sage’s take on the electric kettle is all about providing you with plenty of opportunities.

Sage BKE735BSS

Sage’s electric kettle interface allows you to easily choose between specific tea types.

  • Capacity:
    1.7 litres
  • Weight:
    1.6 kilograms
  • Variable Temperature Control:
    Yes
If choice is at the top of your list for what you want in your kitchen appliances, the Sage BKE735BSS electric kettle brings plenty of that to the table.
The kettle’s interface is the strongest selling point here — it has six separate buttons (plus on/off button), each one dedicated to a unique temperature setting. It even lists specific drinks on each button choice, including green and white tea, oolong tea, french press coffee, plus black and herbal tea. In addition to that, there’s even a “keep warm” option for when you’re not using all of your water at once. These temperature levels are said to provide each beverage with its optimal taste and quality every time.
Other highlights include its extremely fast boiling time, a soft opening lid that protects against splashing, and an auto-shutoff function (like most electric kettles do — and should).  

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