15 of the best kettles for your kitchen 2023

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Best kettles to buy at a glance

• Best retro kettle: Haden Highclere kettle, £39.99
• Best variable-temperature kettle: KitchenAid Artisan 1.5 litre kettle, £169.15
• Best fast-boil kettle: Ninja Perfect Temperature kettle, £79.99
• Best budget kettle: Tesco textured 1.7 litre kettle, £19
• Best value kettle: Bosch Sky cordless kettle, £104.99
• Most stylish kettle: Swan Nordic jug kettle, £53.99
• Best premium kettle: Aarke kettle, £198.99
• Most fun kettle: Funky kettle, £64.95
• Best stainless steel kettle: Bosch DesignLine kettle, £50
• Best quiet kettle: Russell Hobbs and Emma Bridgewater polka-dot kettle, £69.99
• Best traditional kettle: Tefal Loft kettle, £35.99
• Best smart kettle: iKettle, £129
• Best eco kettle: Breville Edge Still Hot kettle, £35.99
• Best lightweight kettle: Kenwood Elegancy kettle, £39.99
• Best kettle for small kitchens: Sage the Compact kettle, £69.95

The best kettles to buy in 2023

Haden Highclere kettle

Best retro kettle

Pros:

• Ergonomic handle for easy lifting
• Stylish retro design
• All packaging could be recycled
• Boil-dry protection

Cons:

• Metal on handle gets hot during use

Star rating: 5/5

Wattage: 3000W

Ideal for kitchens with a vintage aesthetic, this 1.5-litre kettle strikes a nice balance between sturdiness and style.

It's available in both blue and cream, and the ergonomic handle across the top is a thoughtful feature that aids with pouring and filling. Be aware, though, that some parts of the handle are metal, which means they get very hot as the kettle boils.

The water-level indicator is easy to read and located above the switch, with three markings for 500ml, 1 litre and 1.5 litres, plus the number of cups (from two to six). The switch illuminates in blue when the kettle is turned on, so we could clearly see when it had finished boiling too.

While the Highclere isn't the fastest kettle we've tested, it's still relatively speedy and boiled 1.5 litres of water in 3 minutes and 9 seconds. It's also built with boil-dry protection, which means it will switch off if the power is on but no water is detected.

Cost to boil for 2 minutes: 1.6p

Ninja Perfect Temperature Kettle Rapid Boil

Best for pre-set temperature settings

Pros:

• Six pre-set temperatures
• Rapid boil mode for a single cup in under 60 seconds
• Unique audible alert for end-boil
• Clear temperature climb

Cons:

• Audible end-boil alert can't be turned off

Score: 5/5

Wattage: 3000W

Ninja's kettle has a lot to offer for the price-point. The selectable variety of temperatures on offer spans 60-100 degrees C; a feature perfect for getting the most out of speciality teas and coffee and will be popular if your household drinks a variety of hot beverages.

It's also an efficient tactic for such a high-wattage appliance, meaning you don't have to reach a full-boil for every mug.

The temperature is tracked on the digital display while the water heats and there's an audible tone as a notification of kettle finishing that's the same as other Ninja appliances.

This isn't possible to turn off which is tricky if you're making late-night cuppas, but is the loudest part of the kettle, which boils relatively quietly. For the price, you get a lot for your money from this Ninja Kettle.

KitchenAid Artisan 1.5 litre variable temperature kettle

Best variable-temperature kettle

Pros:

• Attractive
• Versatile

Cons:

• Heavy
• Expensive

Star rating: 5/5

Wattage: 3000W

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.

Tesco textured plastic black 1.7 litre kettle

• Available from Tesco (£19)

Best budget kettle

Pros:

• Quick
• Well-priced

Cons:

• Flimsy 'on' switch

Star rating: 5/5

Wattage: 3000W

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 from:

• Tesco (£19)

Bosch cordless kettle

Best value cordless kettle

Pros:

• Sleek
• Fast

Cons:

• Larger than average base

Star rating: 5/5

Wattage: 3000W

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.

Swan Nordic jug kettle

Most stylish kettle

Pros:

• Attractive design
• Fast

Cons:

• Limescale filler hard to remove

Star rating: 5/5

Wattage: 3000W

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.

Aarke kettle

Best premium kettle

Pros:

• Multiple heat settings
• Quiet boil function
• Stylish stainless-steel design
• Double-walled to keep water hotter for longer

Cons:

• Hefty to lift
• Leaves visible fingerprint marks
• Difficult to see measurement markings
• Expensive

Star rating: 4.5/5

Wattage: 1850-2200W

A great pick for speciality tea drinkers, this sleek kettle comes with a range of temperature settings (40C, 85C, 95C and 100C) and looks attractive on the counter. It's heavy to lift even without any water in it, but it's otherwise easy to use and has a robust, quality design.

One of the things we loved most about the Aarke is how quiet it is, and we could hold a conversation easily while it got to work. In terms of speed, it fared about average versus other models we've tested, boiling the maximum amount (1.2 litres) to 100C in three minutes. Thanks to the double-walled design, it also retains heat well.

The minimum and maximum markings are located inside the kettle, which proved difficult to read, especially in low light. Its stainless-steel exterior is impressively shiny but susceptible to fingerprints, so will need wiping occasionally.

Cost to boil for 2 minutes: 1.1p

Funky kettle

Most fun kettle

Pros:

• Bold, playful design
• Wide ergonomic handle
• 1.7-litre capacity
• Flip-up lid

Cons:

• Water-level indicator is hidden behind the handle
• Slower than other models

Star rating: 4.5/5

Wattage: 3000W

Funky Appliances is synonymous with uniquely shaped gadgets, and its chunky statement kettle is no exception. Available in six colours, it has a generous 1.7-litre capacity, a wide spout, and a user-friendly flip-up lid. It's also easy to lift as it's built with a large, smooth handle.

The window is positioned behind the handle, which makes it more difficult to read, but on the plus side it lights up brightly when the kettle is switched on. It was slower than other models we tested, boiling water at an average of 2 minutes 43 seconds, but was relatively quiet during use.

Cost to boil for 2 minutes: 1.6p

Bosch DesignLine kettle

Best stainless steel kettle

Pros:

• Sleek design
• Water-level window on both sides
• 1.7-litre capacity

Cons:

• Lid doesn't open fully
• Difficult to read water level

Star rating: 4.5/5

Wattage: 3000W

If simplicity and reliability are what you're looking for in a kettle, this Bosch model is a solid choice that looks great on the counter too. It has a stylish stainless steel and brushed plastic design that slots nicely into a modern kitchen aesthetic. The big, chunky handle also helps with easy lifting and pouring, and there's an extra filter included too.

The lid flips up but doesn't open as fully as needed, so we had to manually pull it open further before filling the kettle with water. The water-level indicator also doesn't light up so can be difficult to read, but there are windows on both sides with measurement markings for cups and millilitres.

It was relatively noisy during use but we could still hold a conversation. The time it took to boil was about average versus the other models we tested, too, taking 3 minutes and 35 seconds to boil 1.7 litres of water.

Cost to boil for 2 minutes: 1.6p

Russell Hobbs and Emma Bridgewater polka dot kettle

Best quiet kettle

Pros:

• Quiet
• Speedy

Cons:

• Large footprint
• Pricey

Star rating: 4.5/5

Wattage: 3000W

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.

Tefal Loft kettle

Best traditional kettle

Pros:

• Wide opening lid
• Quick to boil

Cons:

• Subtle 'on' light

Star rating: 4.5/5

Wattage: 3000W

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 smart kettle

Pros:

• Controlled from anywhere

Cons:

• Simple design

Star rating: 4/5

Wattage: 3000W

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.

Breville Edge Still Hot kettle

Best eco kettle

Pros:

• Eco-friendly reminder not to reboil
• Good value
• Quick

Cons:

• Lid a little fiddly on occasion

Wattage: 3000W

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. Read our full Breville Edge still hot kettle review.

Kenwood Elegancy kettle

• Available from Kenwood (£39.99), Currys (£39.99)

Best lightweight kettle

Pros:

• Light and quick

Cons:

• The look and feel of the plastic isn't for everyone

Wattage: 3000W

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.

This comes in a choice of colours, with matching toasters available. The wide spout makes pouring quick and smooth and the kettle boiled quietly. It’s pretty speedy too, averaging around 2 minutes, 7 seconds for a litre.

Read our full Kenwood elegancy kettle review.

Available from:

• Kenwood (£39.99)
• Currys (£39.99)

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

Wattage: 2400W

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.

Read our full Sage the Compact Kettle pure review.

Other kettles tried and tested

• Bosch Styline kettle, £64
• Dualit Domus kettle, £82.96
• Cuisinart multi-temp jug kettle, £100
• Zwilling Enfinigy, £89.95
• Breville high gloss electric kettle, £44.99
• Russell Hobbs Structure kettle, £39.99
• Dualit Classic Kettle, £129.99
• Bosch Silicone kettle, £49.99
• Morphy Richards Verve kettle, £23.49
• Smeg KLF04 kettle, £179
• Morphy Richards Hive kettle, £32

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 multifunctional
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 that 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.

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 feels 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 descale 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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