The singing sound of the kettle whistling on top of the stove might make a tea lover's heart beat a little faster, but the time that it takes for water to boil on top of the range can feel like a lifetime. Electric kettles cut down on that wait, taking you from tap temperature to boiling in a matter of minutes, so that you can enjoy your cup of your favorite beverage much sooner.
Perfect for use in the morning when you're running late for work and for teatime in the afternoon, electric kettles boil water more efficiently and can give you better results from steeping. They're not just for tea either. You can use an electric kettle to heat water for pour over coffee, french press coffee, cocoa mix, instant coffee, preparing oatmeal, dried soups and other tasty fare.
The popularity of electric kettles has exploded in recent years, giving you more options to pick from than ever before. So how can you possibly decide which one to buy?
I did the research and put together this guide to make selecting the best kettle for your needs easy.
Best Electric Kettles At A Glance
Product Name | Image | Rating | Price | Price Check | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cuisinart Electric Kettle | 
| $$ | |||
Hamilton Beach 40880 Kettle | 
| $ | |||
OXO On Glass Electric Kettle | 
| $$ | |||
Bonavita Bona Voyage Small Kettle | 
| $ | |||
Bella Electric Tea Kettle | 
| $ | |||
LiBa 1.7L Stainless Steel Electric Kettle | 
| $ | |||
Bonavita Gooseneck Electric Kettle | 
| $$ | |||
T-fal Balanced Living Kettle | 
| $ | |||
KitchenAid Electric Water Kettle | 
| $$ | |||
Stariver Electric Water Kettle | 
| $ | |||
Page Contents
Important Features to Look For in Best Electric Kettle
Kettle Size
Kettles vary in size. The smallest ones generally hold about .5 Liters of water, which is about 16 ounces of water or enough for two, 8-ounce cups. On the large end of the scale are kettles that can boil 2 Liters of water or more, giving you about 68 ounces of water for more than eight, 8-ounce cups.
Size is a matter of preference. If you entertain frequently or have a large family, a larger kettle may be preferable. Just want to heat water for one travel tumbler full at a time or travel with your kettle? A more compact model will be a better option for you.
Kettle Wattage
The wattage of a kettle tells you basically how powerful its heating element is. Generally, higher wattage kettles are able to boil water faster than ones with lower wattage ratings; however, there are other factors that can affect boiling time, including the size of the kettle, how well insulated it is and how efficient its heating element is.
Kettle Materials
Most electric tea kettles on the market are made out of one of the four following types of materials:
Plastic kettles tend to be the least expensive options and will not shatter or crack if bumped or dropped. While they can be durable, they can become discolored over time and may not last as long as more expensive kettles made from other materials. The biggest downside to plastic tea kettles is that some can diminish the taste of water, adding a chemical note that is unappealing.
Glass kettles preserve the taste of water and have a beautiful appearance. They are available in entry-level and more expensive versions. The biggest downside to glass is that it can shatter or break if you drop it.
Ceramic kettles heat up quickly and evenly to help water reach a boil faster. Like glass kettles, they do not affect the taste of water, and they are usually more resistant to breakage than glass. Still, they can shatter if they are dropped. Many ceramic kettles come with beautiful colored finishes that add to their appeal.
Stainless steel kettles are rugged and able to withstand wear and tear that glass and ceramic kettles can't. They do not affect the taste of water and have a sleek, modern look. The biggest drawback is that most stainless steel kettles that are completely free of plastic parts are pricey.
Kettle Purpose
How you will use your kettle will help to determine what kind is right for you. Are you just planning to heat up water for a quick cup of tea made with a bag on an occasional basis or are you a tea connoisseur who will be boiling water frequently and hoping to get the best possible results steeping your latest loose leaf finds? Will you be using the kettle for cooking? For coffee? Take some time to figure out where, when, how often and for what purpose you'll be using your new kettle before you shop.
Kettle Controls (Programmable?)
Some electric kettles have advanced controls that let you do more than just heat water until it boils. Variable temperature kettles make it possible to get water to a precise temperature to get best results when brewing different types of coffee or steeping certain varieties of tea. Ones with Keep Warm functions maintain water at a safe temperature level for a set period of time after boiling, so you can come back and refill your cup without having to start over.
Kettle Base
Most of the top tea kettles on the market today either have a removable power cord are are wireless. The latter type comes with a base that plugs into the wall. This is convenient because the heating element of the kettle remains safely on the counter to reduce the risk of burns. Bases with a 360-degree swivel functionality tend to be the easiest to use, especially if you're a lefty.
Kettle Appearance
Last but not least, the appearance of the kettle may matter to you, especially if you plan to keep yours on the countertop 24/7.
Best Electric Kettle Reviews
Cuisinart Electric Kettle Review - Best Programmable Kettle
If you want to make sure you steep your green tea at the optimal 175 degrees Fahrenheit or get the water to that optimal 200 degrees Fahrenheit for your French press, the Cuisinart CPK-17 PerfecTemp 1.7-Liter Stainless Steel Cordless Electric Kettle is the perfect pick. Its advanced features give you more control over heating, yet the kettle is still priced lower than most other well-featured options on the market.
Features
Some notable features of the Cuisinart CPK-17 PerfecTemp Stainless Steel Cordless Electric Kettle:
- 7 preset temperature setting options
- Base with 360 degree swivel
- 30-minute Keep Warm mode
- Only two small plastic pieces in the stainless interior
- Remembers settings for up to 2 minutes when removed from the base
- Reverts to energy-saving sleep mode after 5 minutes and resumes normal function when you touch a button
Hamilton Beach 40880 - Fastest Boiling Electric Water Kettle
With its powerful 1500-watt heating element, the Hamilton Beach 40880 Stainless Steel Electric Kettle gets water to a rolling boil in a matter of minutes. It's faster than a microwave, making it the perfect choice for those who always seem to be running late but hate to leave the house without their coffee or tea. Even though it comes in first for rapid heating, the price of this model is very economical.
Features
Some notable features of the Hamilton Beach 40880 Stainless Steel Electric Kettle:
- Stainless steel with only a few plastic components
- Round heating base for cord-free serving
- Easy-to-read dual water level indicators
- Drip-less spout
- Push button lid for easy filling
OXO Electric Kettle - Best Glass Water Kettle
If you love the gleaming look of a glass kettle, the OXO Cordless Glass Electric Kettle is a best buy. Its borosilicate glass construction makes it more durable than other glass models on the market, and its 1.75-Liter capacity lets you boil a little or a lot of water at once.
Additional Resource: Oxo On Barista Brain System Review
Features
Some notable features of the OXO Cordless Glass Electric Kettle:
- Soft open lid reduces the risk of burns to steam and splashing water
- Oz. and mL markings printed on glass for easy measuring
- LED light lets you know it's heating and turns off when water boils
- 360-degree swivel base
- Stainless steel filter removes impurities
- Cool touch handle is comfortable to hold
Bonavita Bona Voyage - Best Small Travel Water Kettle
Looking for a handy kettle to use in a hotel room or at your desk at work? The Bonavita Bona Voyage 0.5-Liter Electric Travel Kettle is a great choice, as it's got a compact footprint, is made from durable stainless steel and still boils quickly despite its small size.
Features
Some notable features of the Bonavita Bona Voyage 0.5-Liter Electric Travel Kettle:
- 900-watt heating element is more powerful than what's in most small kettles
- All stainless steel with no plastic parts
- Lid can be stored inside of the kettle for easy packing
- Push button lid is simple to use
- Indicator light allows you to monitor performance
- UL certified to ensure safety
Bella Electric Tea Kettle - Best Electric Ceramic Kettle
The BELLA 1.2L Electric Ceramic Tea Kettle is inspired by the look of the classic dainty teapot with a gooseneck spout, a large handle, a lid with a loop and numerous beautiful patterned finishes. Not just a pretty piece to place on the table when you entertain, the kettle boils water rapidly with its 1200-watt heating element.
Features
Some notable features of the BELLA 1.2L Electric Ceramic Tea Kettle:
- Gooseneck spout allows for a controlled pour
- Blue LED light indicates that the kettle is on
- Round base for cordless serving
- Easy-to-use one-touch operation
- Cord stores inside of the base when not in use
- Minimum and maximum lines printed inside for easy reference
Best Stainless Steel Electric Kettle - By LiBa
The LiBa 1.7L Stainless Steel Electric Kettle is proof that a well-made stainless steel electric kettle doesn't have to cost a fortune. Durably crafted and packed with smart features, this kettle only features food-grade brushed stainless steel in the areas that come in contact with your water to preserve the taste.
Features
Some notable features of the 1.7L Stainless Steel Electric Kettle By LiBa:
- Powerful 1500-watt heating element
- Drip free pour spout
- Round base for cordless serving
- Shuts off when water boils so you don't forget
- Easy-to-read water level indicator on side
- Comfortable stay-cool handle
The Bonavita BV382510V 1L Electric Kettle is a coffee lover's dream come true. It has a true gooseneck spout that allows you to pour coffee in circles to ensure even heating of ground coffee beans that maximizes flavor. This kettle is actually used by professional baristas at World and US Championships, so you can be sure of its quality.
Additional Resource: A Beginner Guide to Perfect Pour Over Coffee Brewing
Features
Some notable features of the Bonavita BV382510V 1L Electric Kettle:
- Almost entirely stainless steel inside
- Digital controls allow you to set water temperature to the exact degree you desire or to six presets
- Count-up timer tracks how long your coffee has been brewing or your tea has been steeping
- Keep Warm function holds water at temperature for up to an hour
- Pistol grip allows you to easily pour even when the kettle is full
T-fal Balanced Living Kettle - Best Samll Electric Water Kettle
The T-fal BF6138 Balanced Living 4-Cup 1750-Watt Electric Kettle is bigger than a travel kettle but small enough to conserve space on the counter. Powerful at 1750 watts despite its small size, the kettle is simple to use and has some advanced features that you wouldn't expect in a model sold at its price point.
Features
Some notable features of the T-fal BF6138 Balanced Living 4-Cup 1750-Watt Electric Kettle:
- Twist knob for adjusting the temperature to suit what you're brewing or steeping
- Stylish black exterior with lime green accents
- 360-degree swivel base
- Locking lid with push button to prevent spills
- Water level indicator on side
- Anti-scale filter keeps water pure
KitchenAid Electric Water Kettle - Best Stylish Colored Kettle
Want a kettle that makes a pretty style statement? The KitchenAid KEK1222PT 1.25-Liter Electric Kettle will bring a pop of color to your kitchen and make your tea time a more stylish affair. It comes in six beautiful shades: Pistachio green, Twilight blue, Onyx black, Hot Sauce red, Empire red and Silver brushed stainless steel.
Features
Some notable features of the KitchenAid KEK1222PT 1.25-Liter Electric Kettle:
- Interior is BPA free for health benefits
- On-off switch is LED illuminated to let you know it's on
- Top handle makes for easy pouring and filling
- Lime scale filter keeps water purer
- Powerful 1500-watt heating element
- 360-degree swivel base
Stariver Cool Touch Electric Kettle - Best Budget Friendly Water Kettle
If you want a kettle that offers value for the money, the Stariver Cool Touch Electric Water Kettle is an excellent choice. Its Rapid Boil Technology gets water heated to its boiling point in a flash, and all of the parts that come in contact with the water are constructed out of stainless steel.
Features
Some notable features of the Stariver Electric Water Kettle:
- Extra large 2-Liter capacity for entertaining
- Shuts off automatically when water boils for safety
- Round base for cordless serving
- Cord storage area in base
- Filtered spout keeps particles out of your drink
- Heat-resistant handle
Verdict
Out of all the electric kettles available, these ten are some of the best. While all ten are excellent water kettles, there is one that stands out against the rest.
The Cuisinart CPK PerfecTemp/Programmable Kettle is the perfect electric tea kettle. It is easy to use, looks great on any kitchen counter, and the versatility gives you great options. You can use it for either coffee, hot cereal or tea.
If you have the choice to use it in different areas, you'll have a better water boiling experience. The kettle is very durable and looks great as well. It is a great product to purchase for the whole family to use.
