An electric kettle gets things right and takes the guessing game out of the temperature of the water.

If you don’t like coffee or tea imagine the simplicity of heating water for your other beverages. You can also use your heated water for oatmeal, instant noodles or baking needs.

If you’re annoyed by the alarming whistle of a stove top kettle that is one more reason for an electric kettle. A variable temperature kettle will boil the water to the perfect degree needed for each cup.

Having variable temperatures will take the guessing game out of heating up a baby’s bottle.

Safety is another reason for an electric kettle. Most kettles have automatic shut offs that not only protect you but save you money. That shut off also saves you from buying a new kettle that’s soarchedon the bottom from being on the heat.

What To Look For When Buying An Electric Kettle

How Fast Can The Kettle Boil Water

Depending on models but we found an average time of 4-4.5 minutes to boil 1.5 liters of water. That time still beats out the microwave.

I do not like to microwave water for anything.

The electric kettle can also warm water for baking. You can use the heated kettle watter to boil pasta, make noodles and homemade herbal products. It’s faster and better.

Variable Temperature

This is one of the best features of an electric kettle . Variable temperatures allow you to pick the temperature for your desired beverage. You won’t get that feature on the stove or in a microwave.

An electric kettle is an excellent choice for boiling water to an exact temperature.

Design

The design of the kettle is a factor you need to think about before choosing. The spout is important as well because it needs to look nice and function as well. No one likes hot water spilled all over the counter while pouring. Some models will have lids that need to be removed, or turned before pouring. Make sure the handles are a comfortable fit for you. Pick up your kettle and test how it feels in your hands.

Does The Water Taste Good

The biggest complaints are a strange aftertaste with certain electric kettle water.

Choosing a kettle with the right componotes for you is important. Using a good quality water is as important as the vessel and the beverage being brewed. All things come into play when brewing a beverage.

I have very hard water so I am careful not to use that water in my electric kettle. I have filtered water that I use. The water makes an amazing difference in taste as well as sediment building up inside my kettle.

Material

Stainless steel is the material most sought after in an electric kettle.

Electric kettles are made out of various materials. In all the questions I field about tea kettles people are looking for stainless steel.

It’s hard to find a 100% stainless steel kettle. Some of the parts connecting to the kettle are plastic. Those plastic parts do come in contact with the water. They do not seem to be causing many issues and people who are sensitive to a plastic taste do not seem to mind.

Is the Kettle Easy To Clean

There are products on the market you can use to clean your kettle. Yes, you will need to clean your kettle. You will want to wipe your kettle dry after cleaning so being able to reach deep inside is a plus. Boiling water will leave a mineral residue that you will need to clean from all kettles.

Residue can also be a problem in some electric tea kettles. You can also clean that residue periodically from your kettle. I will also share with you at the end of the review two very simple, inexpensive ways to clean your kettle.

Is the design thoughtful

It comes down to preference. In a lot of cases and as you will see in some categories the kettles are so close it’s hard to call an exact winner.

The winner for you may be the handle. Does the kettle come in a color I want. What design works best in my area of use. While all the mechanics in the world match up it may come down to aesthetics for you and your household.

PRODUCT REVIEWS

Best-Rated Electric Kettle

Miroco Electric Kettle

• 304 Stainless steel.
• 1.5L and comes to a boil in 5-6 minutes.
• The plastic contained is BPA free and does not touch the water.
• Double walled design to help keep your water warmer longer.
• Auto shut off is a great safety feature.
• The spout and opening is wider for easier filling and pouring.
• Does not have variable temperatures.
• No water to boil, that’s okay kettle will not turn on.
• Weight: 2.98 pounds
• Cord: 1.5 feet
• Warranty: 18 months
• Safe to touch when hot
• If you overfill the water will spill out
• The fact that this kettle topped the chart as best rated did surprise me. I love the sleek design, it will look great on your counter or office. Stainless steel with no plastic touching the hot water. That’s a major plus with so many concerns of silicone and plastic leaching toxins into the water.
• Double walled makes it safer to touch while hot and keeps your water warmer longer.
• Extra safe with a shut off feature as well as a no water/no boil function.
• The downsides of this kettle are the lack of variable temperature. The 1.5 foot cord is a real disadvantage for most people as well.

Best-rated (less expensive) Electric Tea Kettle

Hamilton Beach Electric Kettle

• 304 Stainless steel.
• 1.7L and comes to a boil in 4-5 minutes.
• The plastic contained is BPA free and plastic does touch the water.
• Single walled, gets hot to the touch.
• Auto shut off is a great safety feature.
• Easy pour spout.
• Does not have variable temperatures.
• No water to boil, that’s okay kettle will not turn on.
• Weight: 2 pounds
• Cord free serving (cord in base)
• Warranty: 12 months
• Mesh filter is removable
• Illuminated on/off switch
• When you need an inexpensive electric tea kettle consider this one. It boils water fast and looks nice on the counter. The cord is in the base to the kettle is free to move around.
• The spout is easy to port is always an advantage.
• There is a water level window that allows you to see what water is in the kettle. Safety features of an auto off and no water/no boil function are always welcome in an electric tea kettle.
• This kettle is lightweight. Even though it has a filter the filter is removable which can be a plus if you don’t want those parts touching your water.
• Downsides of this kettle are the very short cord, hot to touch and no variable temperatures.

Best Gooseneck Electric Kettle

Fellow Stagg EKG

• Premium Stainless steel.
• 1 L and comes to a boil in 4-5 minutes.
• Silicone that does have parts that touch water..
• Single walled design.
• Auto shut off is a great safety feature.
• Hold button for 60 minutes.
• Variable temperatures.
• No water to boil, that’s okay kettle will not turn on.
• Weight: 4.52 pounds
• Cord: 2 feet heavy duty
• Warranty: 12 months
• Illuminated LCD screen
• If you overfill the water will spill out.
• Some great features surround this sleek designed kettle. If I had a luxury category the Fellow EKG would be in it.
• It’s got that interesting 60 minute hold feature which will keep your water at a certain temp for an hour. The auto off feature is a safety function all electronic appliances should have.
• This kettle has an illuminated LCD screen that allows you to see the water temperature. It also shows the water temperature.
• Downfalls are the silicone ring touching the water. The power cord is heavy duty and not as elegant as the kettle itself. The cord can hide from view.

Best Stainless-Steel Electric Kettle

Secura Original Stainless Kettle

 

• High quality 18/10 Stainless steel.
• 1.7L and comes to a boil in 6-7 minutes.
• No plastic comes in contact with the water.
• Double walled design to help keep your water warmer longer.
• Auto shut off is a great safety feature.
• Large opening for easier filling and cleaning.
• Does not have variable temperatures.
• No water to boil, that’s okay kettle will not turn on.
• Weight: 3.25 pounds
• Cord: 3 feet
• Warranty: 24 months
• Locked lid for safety
• No indicator or warming function
• There was great care to make sure no plastic comes in contact with the water. There is a plastic tip on the spout. That plastic tip coated in stainless steel to protect it from coming in contact with water.
• The boil time is a bit longer on this kettle.
• Same amazing safety features we all want: auto turn off, no water/no boil and cool to the touch. They’ve added a locking lid feature for added safety in spilled hot water.
• A small hole in the back of the kettle used as a vent. The vent could cause some concerns if water remained there for longer periods of time.
• Downfalls: No indicator light and no variable temps.

Larger Stainless-Steel Electric Kettle

Zojirushi CD-WCC30 Micom

• Stainless steel coated with polyglot from daikon.
• 3.0 L and comes to a boil in 10-15 minutes.
• The plastic contained is BPA free.
• Dechlorinate and descaling mode.
• Auto shut off is a great safety feature.
• Auto dispense lock.
• Precise temperatures of 160, 175, 195 , 208.
• Sound indicator.
• Weight: 5 pounds
• Cord: magnetic
• Warranty: 12 months
• Safe to touch when hot
• Swivel base
• This holds almost double the water of most electric kettles. Takes longer to boil but that is because it’s holding twice as much water.
• There is a window gauge that is wider and a sound indicator that can be set to: melody, five beeps or silent.
• Longer energy saving feature of 6-10 hours.
• Great kettle for parties, large gatherngs, picnics or camping (w/electric). This kettle holds plenty of water. Keeps warm for extended periods of time, travel handle that folds down and easy to clean.

Best Glass Electric Kettle

There are actually two kettles in this category. Both were of great quality in their unique ways and I could not separate them to make one better than the other.

Corsori Electric Kettle

• Quality borosilicate glass
• 1.7L and comes to a boil in 3-7 minutes.
• The plastic contained is BPA free.
• Blue LED light when kettle is boiling water
• Auto shut off is a great safety feature.
• Wide Mouth for easy cleaning.
• Does not have variable temperatures.
• No water to boil, that’s okay kettle will not turn on.
• Weight: 3.3 pounds
• Cord: 36 inches
• Warranty: 24 months
• Hot to touch (glass)
• No variable settings
• I like the idea of a glass tea kettle and watching your water boil. Corsori has added an LED light located inside the glass so it is safe and secure from any water. The LED light gives this kettle a bit of a modern look.
• The base will rotate all the way around (360 degrees).
• This kettle is glass and stainless steel with a filter made of stainless steel ad BPA free plastic. The plastic in the filter appears to be the only plastic in the whole kettle.
• Downfalls are that Corsori says no plastic comes in contact with the water. The stainless and plastic filter is not removable and will come in contact with the water.
• No variable temperatures.

Breville BTM800XL

 

• German-made Schott glass
• Brushed Stainless steel base.
• 1.5L and comes to a boil in 5-6 minutes.
• The plastic contained is BPA free and does touch the water.
• Pre-programed settings for tea.
• Auto shut off and keep warm feature.
• Tea basket auto lowers and lifts.
• Has variable temperatures.
• LCD timer to keep track of your brewing.
• Weight: 6.65 pounds
• Cord: 4 feet
• Warranty: 12 months
• I had to include two in the best glass category because of the filter options in the Breville BTM800XL.
• The drop down filter that allows you to brew your tea inside the kettle is unique to electric tea kettles.
• Glass is fun and I enjoy watching my tea brew, easily done with this model.
• An LCD timer along with variable temperatures make this tea kettle special to tea lovers.
• Downfalls are when brewing tea, your tea does not boil and scorch. That water will remain the temperature needed to create an amazing cup.
• Tea drinkers can be finicky people. Tea drinkers play with the settings to get the right variable temperature they need for their special cuppa.

Best Ceramic Electric Kettle

Bella 14522

• Lead free glaze ceramic 100% ceramic.
• Bottom is Stainless.
• 1.2L and comes to a boil in 5-6 minutes.
• Rubber gasket and plastic lid that does not come in contact with water..
• Lever that turns red while heating, shuts off when at boiling
• Auto shut off is a great safety feature.
• Long gooseneck spout for easy pouring
• Does not have variable temperatures.
• No water to boil, that’s okay kettle will not turn on.
• Weight: 4.63 pounds
• Cord: 32 inches
• Warranty: Limited two year
• Safe to touch when hot.
• I had to include a ceramic tea kettle and the winner was this beautiful Bella Kettle. Swivel base with the kettle separate from the heating element.
• The on light illuminates and lets you know the kettle is on.
• The heating element is concealed and this kettle does auto shut off.
• Kettle is quiet while bringing to boil
• Downfalls are the fact there are no temperature settings.
• The Kettle is fragile as it’s made of ceramic.
• 1.2 Liters is on the smaller side for an electric kettle.

Best Retro-Style Electric Tea Kettle

Russell Hobbs Electric

• Premium Stainless steel.
• 1.7L and comes to a boil in 5-6 minutes.
• The plastic contained is BPA free and does not touch the water.
• Does not percolate.
• Auto shut off and keep warm 20-30 minute feature.
• Rear facing water temperature gauge.
• Removable water filter.
• Spouts design for drip free pouring via a single stream of water.
• Weight: 2 pounds
• Cord: 27 inches connected to base
• Warranty: 24 months
• Hot to touch
• This kettle is adorable, look at it. While it is lacking a few features the main reason for this kettle is it’s looks.
• The lid knob looks very much like a glass percolator but the kettle does not percolate.
• Removable and washable water filter.
• There are markings on the inside of the kettle that are visible on the outside so you can view the water levels.
• Less water? No problem use the fast heat option for one or two cups.
• Downfalls are the plastic water level marker. Also the gauge that are in contact with the water and cannot be removed.

Some Cautions for Electric Tea Kettles

• Do not boil milk in them
• Do not brew tea unless specified that you can
• No, you cannot make oatmeal or ramen noodles in them
• Do not place in dishwasher
• Do not submerge
• If you overfill them they can overflow while heating and be harder to pour
• Hard water will leave residue
• Don’t let water stand too long, it’s bad to use and not so good for the kettle

Care and Maintenance

• You will have to clean your kettle. Yes, it’s only water brewing. That water contains minerals and those minerals after time collect inside your kettle. Don’t let the water sit inside your kettle for extended periods of time as well. Leaving water setting in your kettle will leave mineral residue. It’s so easy to rinse your kettle and dry it out. Follow the directions below when you do need to clean your kettle.

How to Clean Electric Kettles

• You can always buy a cleaner such as Bar Keepers Friend to clean your kettle. I have found using the baking soda or vinegar methods below to work as well.

Baking Soda Method

• Add one cup of baking soda into your kettle
• Fill with water
• Heat the water until it boils
• Turn off and allow to cool for 15 minutes
• Now scrub the inside using a long handled brush so you do not burn yourself.
• You can add more baking soda if you need too.
• Once clean, remove the contents and clean with soap.
• Rinse clean.
• Dry with a towel.

Vinegar Method

• Fill the kettle with vinegar and water (half and half)
• Bring to a boil
• Remove and allow to cool.
• Dump the contents
• Wipe with a towel
• Rinse a few times to remove vinegar left over
• Dry with a towel

Using a cloth to clean your kettles. Never use metal or abrasive scrubs or scrubbers as these will scratch your kettle. Plastic or Nylon works but a cloth is so much better.

Conclusion

How do you want your kettle to look: Stainless, glass or ceramic? The size, speed, temperature, it all matters and it’s all a matter of preference.

The kettles average at 1.5 liters. It’s rare to find a 100% safe stainless steel kettle with no BPA free plastic that touches the water. However…

I found one, Secura Original Stainless Kettle. With an impressive larger water capacity at 1.7 liters.

Great effort went into making this kettle 100% high quality 18/10 Stainless. Even when they do use some plastic (spout tip) they make sure to cover it in Stainless steel.

The Secura Original Stainless Kettle includes all the safety features. Including cool touch, auto shut off and boil dry hazard that saves energy and make this kettle safe to use. Included is an encouraging 2 year warranty that says this kettle lasts.

While we can name the best tea kettle ever it will always come down to preferences.

Those preferences will be  yours.