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The Spruce / Chloe Jeong
While there is something timeless to the hiss and whistle of a traditional stovetop kettle, today’s electric alternatives are faster, easier to use, and include a variety of handy features. Some can be set to a specific temperature, others are designed to stay hot for hours. The added convenience makes electric kettles especially suitable for avid tea drinkers, but quick-and-easy hot water can also be used for oatmeal, pour-over coffee, and more.
Our experts awarded the Hamilton Beach 1.7 Liter Glass Variable Temperature Kettle the top spot. This kettle is durable, has a fast boiling time, and is easy to use and clean. For a true bargain option, consider the Mueller Premium Electric Kettle which showed above-average performance and has an automatic shutoff.
This list details a number of our favorite options, breaking down what we like (and dislike) so buyers can get value for their money and find a product that fits their specific needs.
Fill it up, flip the switch, and relax. Here are the best electric kettles to buy.
Best Overall: Hamilton Beach 1.7 Liter Glass Variable Temperature Kettle
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Courtesy of Costco
Affordable
Built-in filter
Easy to see water level
Automatic shutoff is unreliable
No thumb latch to open lid
This electric kettle boils water fast and can be set to six specific temperatures, each one suited for a different variety of tea. Made of durable glass, it holds 1.7 liters of liquid and has an auto-shut-off function for safety. You can serve hot tea or other beverages directly at the table; the kettle lifts off of the base easily, and you won’t have to worry about it being attached to the cord. There’s also a mesh filter built into the spout, a wide opening for easy cleaning, and a handle that won’t get hot. You'll always know when the kettle is running, too, as it illuminates a soft blue light when on.
Customers love how quickly it boils the water, giving the kettle high marks in temperature control, as well as ease of use and easiness to clean. The item is extremely durable despite its glass body, as very few users had issues with chipping or shattering. One of the only drawbacks, according to reviews, is that the kettle doesn't have a push-to-open button on the handle.
Capacity: 1.7 liters | Dimensions: 6.2 x 8.5 x 9.8 inches | Temperature Control: Yes | Wattage: 1,500 | Voltage: 120 | Warranty: 1-year limited
"This kettle is a great value buy. Even though it can't be set to a specific temperature—a popular feature among pricier kettles—it's quick, simple, and reliable." — Derek Rose, Coffee and Tea Expert for The Spruce Eats.
Runner-Up, Best Overall: Cosori Glass Electric Kettle
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Courtesy of Amazon
Affordable
Automatic shutoff
Sleek design
Weak lid, doesn't fully open
Possible leaking from base
Fairly loud
A fit for most kitchens, this model is a great value buy. The Cosori Glass Electric Kettle has a 1.7-liter capacity, which is comparable to standard stovetop kettles, so you can fill your teapot or French press completely. It's also equipped with a reliable automatic shutoff to safely prevent dry boiling.
There are some cons to consider before purchasing, however. First, the item is fairly loud when boiling; this may not be an issue to many, but it is worth noting nonetheless. The lid also doesn't open all the way, which can make it a little difficult to clean.
Other pros to the Cosori kettle include the pleasing blue light that glows while the item is in use, as well as the fact that both sides of the carafe are clearly labeled for easy measuring. Customers also say the water boils fast, so you won't have to wait long for a delicious cup of tea.
Capacity: 1.7 liters | Dimensions: 7.9 x 6.1 x 9.5 inches | Temperature Control: No | Wattage: 1,500 | Voltage: 120 | Warranty: 1-year limited
Best Budget: Mueller Premium Electric Kettle
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Courtesy of Amazon
Automatic Shutoff
Fast boiling
Pleasant blue light
On the heavier side
Base feels cheap
Many electric kettles are reasonably priced, but the Mueller Premium Electric Kettle offers especially great bang for your buck. The item will bring your water to a boil just as well as the next kettle (and faster than your microwave can) for an even more affordable price.
The sleek glass design will look eye-catching in any kitchen, and there's even a blue light that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional as it lets you know the item is in use. It's equipped with an automatic shutoff feature to make it even safer, and many customers say it boils quickly. At 1.8 liters, the size of this kettle is right in line with the majority of other options on the market.
Some customers say the kettle is on the heavier side, so consider if that will be an issue before buying. Apart from that, the only other downside is that the base is a little on the flimsy side. But, for the price, this kettle can’t be beat.
Capacity: 1.8 liters | Dimensions: 8.9 x 7.4 x 10.2 inches | Temperature Control: No | Wattage: 1,500 | Voltage: 120 | Warranty: 1 year
Best High-End: Cuisinart PerfecTemp Cordless Electric Kettle
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Six temperature settings
Maintains temperature for 30 minutes
Boil-dry protection
On the heavier side
Mineral buildup if not cleaned
Americans might not be as enamored with tea kettles as our friends across the pond, but they’re certainly handy to have. This elegant stainless steel electric kettle holds 1.7 liters and has six preset heat setting for steeping different types of tea at the proper temperature, even if you can’t remember which tea needs which temperature. A blue LED indicates when the water is ready and the 30-minute keep-warm feature holds the temperature in case you’re not quite ready to brew.
The cord is attached to the base so the kettle is free to move and pour anywhere, and the base swivels 360 degrees so you can keep the cord out of the way, no matter where you keep the kettle. It has a 1,500 watts of power that heats the water quickly.
The kettle can be removed from the base for up to two minutes so you can pour water and return it to the base to continue keeping warm; after two minutes, the base shuts off automatically. The water window is backlit with an attractive blue light, so it’s easy to see how much water is in the kettle. The scale filter is removable and washable, so you’ll always have clean water. Boil-dry protection turns the kettle off if it runs dry.
Capacity: 1.7 liters | Dimensions: 8.8 x 6.1 x 9.75 inches | Temperature Control: Yes | Wattage: 1,500 | Voltage: 110 | Warranty: 3-year limited
"Highly versatile yet easy to use. Tea drinkers love the various temperature settings, which can be set for green tea, black tea, and more." — Derek Rose, Coffee and Tea Expert for The Spruce Eats.
Runner Up, Best High-End: Breville Variable-Temperature 1.8-Liter Kettle
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Courtesy of Amazon
Five temperature settings
Maintains temperature for 20 minutes
Boil-dry protection
Occasionally turns off before reaching temperature
On the heavier side
This stylish kettle holds 1.8 liters of water and comes equipped with water level indicators on both sides, automatic shut-off when the water is ready, and a hold-temperature setting for up to 20 minutes long. The most impressive feature is its five preset brewing temperatures for different tea varieties. You can easily brew green tea, white tea, oolong, black tea, and water for French press coffee at their optimal temperature. And all of it is just at the touch of a button. Customers give the item sparkling praise, with especially high marks for ease of use, temperature control (as its name suggests), and, above all, that it consistently produces delicious tea.
Capacity: 1.8 liters | Dimensions: 7.2 x 7.3 x 9.7 inches | Temperature Control: Yes | Wattage: 1,500 | Voltage: 110 to 120 | Warranty: 1 year
Best Personal Size: Bodum Bistro Electric Water Kettle
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Affordable
Multiple colorways
Lightweight
Lid makes it hard to fill and clean
Durability concerns
Great for personal use or travel, this kettle heats just over two cups of water in about four minutes. There’s a see-through water level indicator so it’s easy to fill with the correct amount, and measurements translate to standard cups used for making coffee or tea.
This kettle is available in black, red, green, or white and has a push button for easy on-off control and an LED power indicator. It powers off automatically when the water reaches a boil, and a mesh insert in the spout is designed to catch any sediment in the water.
Capacity: 1 liter | Dimensions: 4.9 x 8.1 x 8.8 inches | Temperature Control: No | Wattage: 1,100 | Voltage: 120 | Warranty: 2-year limited
Best Design: OXO Brew Cordless Glass Electric Kettle
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Removable steel filter
Glass is durable
Easy to see water level
Cord storage
Expensive
Rim prevents kettle from completely emptying
If you have a bit more to spend and are concerned with both form and function, the OXO Cordless Glass Electric Kettle might just be the choice for you. The sleek kettle is made mostly of borosilicate glass, with stainless steel and black accents. It’s a sure fit for any modern kitchen.
The heating base allows the carafe itself to be cord-free, and the soft-open lid prevents too much steam from escaping or hot water from splashing making it easier to pour. The kettle holds 1.75 liters of water, and has easy-to-read measurement markings on the glass carafe. The auto shutoff feature means you won’t have to worry about it boiling dry. The easy-to-grip handle stays cool to the touch, so you’ll be able to easily carry it from heating dock to table without worry. The only feature missing from this kettle is the ability to choose different water temperatures.
If you have hard water, you might have to occasionally clean it with vinegar or a descaling solution to prevent mineral buildup. But that’s good advice for all of the electric kettles featured here.
Capacity: 1.75 liters | Dimensions: 9 x 6.2 x 11.2 inches | Temperature Control: No | Wattage: 1,500 | Voltage: 120 | Warranty: 2 years
Best Gooseneck: Fellow Stagg EKG Electric Pour-Over Kettle
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Courtesy of Amazon
Stylish
Unique features
Precise pouring
Expensive
Occasional leaking from lid
The Fellow Stagg EKG is not only one of the best gooseneck kettles on the market but one of the best kettles, period. With the turn of a dial it can be programmed to heat up anywhere from 135 to 212 degrees, and there’s a setting to maintain water temperature for up to one hour. This offers the flexibility to heat water for specific types of tea—hotter for black and herbal teas, cooler for green and white teas.
The item’s design stands out compared to other electric kettles thanks to its tapered body, sleek matte colorways, and elegant gooseneck spout. Customers add that the spout provides a precise and even pour, ideal for those with a French press, Chemex, or other non-electric coffee maker.
Two drawbacks to consider are that the Stagg EKG is slightly on the smaller side (holding up to .9 liters of water) and it's quite expensive. However, the item earns especially high praise from customers for its versatility, durability, and ease of use.
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The Spruce / Cheyenne Elwell
Capacity: 0.6 and 0.9 liters | Dimensions: 6.75 x 11.5 x 8 inches (0.9-liter model) | Temperature Control: Yes | Wattage: 1,200 | Voltage: 120 | Warranty: 1-year limited
"The gooseneck, in particular, is one of its best features. This is hands down the most precise pour spout I’ve ever used. It was incredible how well I was able to control the water flow rate and direction of the water with this pour spout." — Cheyenne Elwell, Product Tester
Best for Dorms: Zeppoli Electric Kettle
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Courtesy of Walmart
Heats up quickly
Removable filter
Push button to open
No heating element necessary
Short power cord
Lid opens forcefully
The Zeppoli Electric Kettle is an excellent choice for those who want to make tea or hot meals but live in a college dorm or small space without a stove. This electric kettle stands out because of how quickly it comes to a boil—in about 5 to 6 minutes when filled to full capacity—and how convenient it is to use, making it great for multitaskers often in a rush in the mornings.
The Zeppoli has a 1.7-liter capacity and is budget-friendly, especially considering the features it comes with: a lid that opens with a button press, a simple tab that lights up to turn the kettle on, and an auto-shutoff after 30 seconds. It also has a removable filter and a wide opening for easy cleaning. A bonus: the kettle's glass body, BPA-free plastic base and handle, and stainless steel accents give the unit a sleek look. It's lightweight, too.
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The Spruce Eats / Rebekah Joan
Capacity: 1.7 liters | Dimensions: 9.5 x 10 x 7.5 inches | Temperature Control: No | Wattage: 1,500 | Voltage: 120 | Warranty: 1-year limited
"When I filled the kettle up to just above the minimum capacity, it only took two or three minutes to reach a boil." — Rebekah Joan, Product Tester
Best Stainless Steel: Willow & Everett Electric Gooseneck Kettle
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Courtesy of Amazon
Precise pouring
Convenient presets
Lightweight
Almost too quiet
The Willow & Everett stainless steel electric kettle features a 1-liter capacity that's well-suited for individuals and smaller kitchens and a classic gooseneck design that offers precise pours. If you're a tea and coffee person, this is a great choice as the five convenient presets allow you to quickly boil water for pour-over coffee with a touch of the button or make a variety of teas at precise temperatures (180 degrees for green and white tea, 195 degrees for oolong tea, 200 degrees for black tea, and 205 degrees for herbal tea).
Senior Editor Mary Kate Hoban received a sample to test and liked how quick (around 60 seconds!) and easy it was to make a cup of tea. It's whisper-quiet, which made it a little difficult to know when the water was boiling, but she liked the fact that it has an auto shut-off that activates the second the water reaches the optimal temperature. It's an affordable stainless steel option, but the mirror finish looks elegant and high-end.
Capacity: 1 liter | Dimensions: 11.69 x 8.82 x 7.17 inches | Temperature Control: Yes | Wattage: 1,000 | Voltage: 120 | Warranty: 1 year
"I love how stylish this looks in my tiny kitchen, but it feels high-tech with how easy (and quick!) it is to boil water for whatever I happen to be in the mood for—whether that's coffee, green tea, or herbal tea." — Mary Kate Hoban, Product Tester
The Hamilton Beach Variable Temperature Kettle tops our list thanks to its fast boiling time, sleek design, and value for money. At a similar price, the Cosori Glass Electric Kettle is another worthwhile option. Neither have the features of a high-end kettle, like specific drink settings or temperature holding, but they can reliably deliver hot water for years to come.
What to Look for in an Electric Kettle
Features
Many electric kettles are simple: hit the switch, wait for the water to boil. But you can also find kettles with a number of convenient features, including preset drink options, temperature holding, and automatic shutoff. Figuring out what features you want will also provide a clearer idea of your price point.
Size
If you typically make one cup of tea at a time or own a small French press, you might not want a large kettle taking up counter space. But if you're an avid tea or coffee drinker, or if you need to brew beverages for multiple people, it's worth purchasing a bigger (and likely heavier) kettle.
Material
Electric kettles are primarily made from three materials: plastic, glass, or steel. Each one brings a different aesthetic to your kitchen and also affects the weight of the kettle. If you're worried about a kettle being too heavy, it's probably best to go the plastic route, though there are some great lightweight options in the glass and steel department.
FAQs
How do you clean an electric kettle?
Electric kettles need to be regularly cleaned inside and out to keep them looking nice and working properly. You can easily remove smudges and stains from a kettle’s exterior by wiping it with a soft cloth and cleaning product of your choice. A combination of vinegar and baking soda is great for removing tougher stains, but dish soap works, too. This should be done every week or so to keep your kettle shining.
Electric kettles also need to be descaled—a more rigorous process intended to remove the mineral buildup, commonly called scale, inside a kettle. The task should be performed at least four times a year. One method of descaling goes as follows: fill your kettle halfway with equal parts water and white vinegar, bring the solution to a boil, and let it sit for 20 minutes before rinsing inside with water. Lemon juice or citric acid is a reliable substitute for white vinegar. If your kettle has a water filter, it can be soaked in a combination of water and white vinegar for five minutes and scrubbed with a bottle brush to keep clean. Once finished with all these steps, it’s worth running a cycle of water through your kettle to make sure it’s entirely clean.
What water temperature is best for tea?
The best brewing temperature depends on the type of tea you are making. Each variety has its own temperature or range of temperatures that bring out the strongest flavor. White tea should be brewed around 160 degrees. Green tea ranges from 150 to 180 degrees. Moving onto the stronger teas, oolong is best between 190 and 200 degrees. Black tea ranges from 180 to 212 degrees, but the majority are best with water above 200 degrees. Pu-erh is brewed around 205 degrees. Finally, herbal teas should be brewed at a full boil of 212 degrees. Many electric kettles have preset options for specific tea varieties, so all you have to do is hit a button and the device will bring water to the ideal temperature for you.
Can you heat milk in an electric kettle?
Users are not advised to heat milk in a kettle, whether it’s a stovetop or an electric model. Milk often leaves residue inside kettles that is difficult to clean and prone to an unpleasant smell. It can also damage the heating elements of an electric kettle and, in some cases, void the warranty. Heating milk in the microwave or in a pot on the stove are better options than using your kettle.
Why Trust The Spruce Eats?
Anthony Irizarry is a New York City-based freelancer who writes about home and kitchen products for The Spruce. He previously worked as an appliance reviews editor covering new releases, reviews, and roundups. He earned his bachelor's degree from Austin Peay State University.
This piece was updated by Derek Rose, the coffee and tea expert for The Spruce Eats. He researches a variety of coffee products, from measuring scoops to commercial espresso machines, and interviews field experts for their insight. He typically uses non-electric coffee makers at home, alternating between the Bialetti Moka Express and the Bodum Brazil French Press.
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