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Electric kettles provide a swift and easy way to heat water without using a stove. And many models will even let you set a precise temperature—key for getting the best flavor from coffee and tea. Of all the models we’ve tested since 2013, the Cuisinart CPK-17 PerfecTemp Cordless Electric Kettle continues to be our favorite, thanks to its winning combination of speed, accuracy, and simple controls—and all at a better price than that of most competitors.
Our picks can boil up to 1.7 liters of water in seven minutes, but of course they’ll boil smaller quantities even faster.
Whether your kettle is for oolong tea or pour-over, you can set it to the ideal brewing temperature, and it’ll keep the temp there for 20 to 30 minutes.
Most kettles automatically shut off after boiling or keeping warm for a set amount of time. Some also have boil-dry protection.
Boiling water repeatedly is hard on electrical components, so failure rates can be high for electric kettles. Good warranties help.
This 1.7-liter kettle heats water quickly and accurately to the various temperatures needed to get optimum flavor from teas and coffee.
With promo codes EXTRA20 and GET10
The Cuisinart CPK-17 PerfecTemp Cordless Electric Kettle has been our top pick since 2013 because of its consistent performance and easy-to-use interface. In our tests, we found very little variation in the amount of time it took to bring a full kettle of water (1.7 L) to a boil—about 7 minutes on average. We were also impressed with this kettle’s accuracy in holding water at a set temperature. It has six preset temperature choices, each with a dedicated button, plus a “keep warm” function, which holds water at the set temperature for 30 minutes. The three-year warranty is also quite generous compared with those of similarly priced electric kettles we’ve looked at.
Despite the price bump, this intuitive, easy-to-use kettle probably won’t provide more longevity than you get with the Cuisinart, but this model is sleeker and slightly more ergonomic.
The Breville IQ Kettle looks great and works well, too. It has five temperature presets, each with a button on the base of the kettle, and a 20-minute “keep warm” function. And rather than being a closed loop, the handle is open at the bottom, making it just a little more accessible. We don’t think these features are worth the price jump over the Cuisinart CPK-17 (especially since the IQ has only a one-year warranty). But for someone who prioritizes a more streamlined look or an ergonomic handle, the price difference might be worth it.
We recommend this precise-aim gooseneck kettle for anyone preparing pour-over coffee or for tea lovers who will geek out over its spot-on temperature accuracy.
The Cuisinart GK-1 Digital Gooseneck Kettle is accurate and fast, and it’s more comfortable to use than other similarly priced gooseneck kettles. The willowy spout gives you the control necessary for executing the perfect pour-over, and the rounded handle is easy to grasp, resulting in a smoother, more precise pour. The controls are intuitive and allow you to adjust the water temperature in five-degree increments, and a “keep warm” function holds the temperature for 30 minutes before automatically shutting off. The kettle has an all-steel body and lid, which makes it a great option for the plastic-avoidant. Also, in matte black this kettle looks attractive when kept on the counter.
This no-frills kettle lacks the bells and whistles of the variable-temperature models we recommend, but it gets the job done on the cheap.
May be out of stock
We recommend the inexpensive Hamilton Beach 40880 Stainless Steel 1.7 Liter Kettle for anyone who’d prefer not to break the bank but wants a decent kettle for boiling water. This model is very straightforward to operate, with a simple on/off switch at the base of the handle. In our tests, it heated water just as quickly as the Cuisinart CPK-17, and it shuts off automatically as soon as it reaches a boil (this is a good safety feature, but you’ll need to stay close, since there’s no beep to alert you when it’s done). The large, heat-safe handle stays cool, and the spout doesn’t dribble when you’re pouring.
This 1.7-liter kettle heats water quickly and accurately to the various temperatures needed to get optimum flavor from teas and coffee.
With promo codes EXTRA20 and GET10
Despite the price bump, this intuitive, easy-to-use kettle probably won’t provide more longevity than you get with the Cuisinart, but this model is sleeker and slightly more ergonomic.
We recommend this precise-aim gooseneck kettle for anyone preparing pour-over coffee or for tea lovers who will geek out over its spot-on temperature accuracy.
This no-frills kettle lacks the bells and whistles of the variable-temperature models we recommend, but it gets the job done on the cheap.
May be out of stock
In researching this guide over the years, we’ve talked to a number of experts about what they look for in a kettle. They include Tony Gebely of Tea Epicure; Michelle Rabin, founder of T Ching; Peter F. Goggi, president of the Tea Association of the U.S.A. Inc.; and famed tea expert Bruce Richardson. We also looked at highly rated models on Amazon and Bed Bath & Beyond, as well as at reviews from Cook’s Illustrated (subscription required), Good Housekeeping, and Wired.
Wirecutter’s Haley Sprankle conducted the initial research and testing for our 2022 update. During her time with Wirecutter, Haley worked on dozens of kitchen-related guides and tested products ranging from dish racks to popsicle molds. Anna Shults Held also contributed research, testing, and writing for the 2022 update, and she has worked on updates and research for our coffee-gear coverage, among other guides.
For our 2022 update, we also performed review aggregation analysis on several of the more competitive kettles we’ve tested (with the exception of newer models, like the Cuisinart GK-1 Digital Gooseneck Kettle, that have not yet amassed enough user reviews for meaningful analysis). Using an AI-based review analysis tool, we scanned over 5,000 Amazon reviews across six popular kettles, paying attention to patterns among user comments regarding ease of use, speed, longevity, and more.
Previous updates also relied on research and testing by Sarah Zorn, a cookbook author and recipe developer and tester, and Wirecutter senior staff writer Michael Sullivan, who has covered everything from toaster ovens to air fryers. This guide also builds on work by Wirecutter’s Winnie Yang and Tim Barribeau.
Getting a variable-temperature electric kettle is the key to immediately improving your hot-drink game, whether you’re a tea connoisseur or a coffee nerd.
When preparing tea, most people just put a kettle on to boil and then pour the resulting hot water over the tea bag, regardless of type or temperature. But different varieties of tea are intended to be brewed at specific temperatures. Though exact temperatures are up for debate and come down to personal preference, the general rule is that more-delicate leaves require cooler water. So green tea, for example, should steep at a temperature that is markedly lower than the rolling boil black tea requires.
The ideal temperature for brewing a clean, balanced cup of coffee—whether with a pour-over dripper or a French press—is also below boiling: The Specialty Coffee Association recommends somewhere around 200 °F. If you’re mainly interested in brewing coffee, you might also consider purchasing an electric gooseneck kettle, specifically designed for pour-overs. The thin, angled spout aids in assuring a slow, controlled pour.
If you’re not a coffee or tea aficionado, you may want a no-frills basic model that simply boils water. We have a pick for that, too. In either case, an electric kettle also works for people who hate the alarming sound of whistling kettles and want a fast, more automatic path to their morning cup of caffeine. It’s also useful for those who don’t have easy access to a stove, such as students living in a dorm.
A great electric kettle should hit temperatures quickly and accurately, and it should preferably come with a few special features that make it pleasant and easy to use. Over our years of research and testing since first writing this guide, in 2013, we’ve settled on the following criteria:
Simple controls: Bringing water to a boil shouldn’t be rocket science. We looked for kettles with intuitive controls that were simple to start at the push of a button. Not all models we tested came with multiple temperature settings, but for those that did, we looked for clearly marked and easily adjustable settings. We’ve also found it especially helpful when guides—with ideal temperatures for various beverages—are printed on the machine, instead of hidden in the manual.
Accurate: For kettles with multiple temperature settings, reasonable accuracy is important because there’s no point in aiming for 200 °F and hitting 212 °F instead. That said, we realize not everyone is a coffee or tea aficionado, so we also looked at kettles that didn’t have variable-temperature settings and simply boiled water.
Fast: You don’t want to wait forever for your water to heat, and we’ve seen quite a range during tests, with kettles taking anywhere from under 3 minutes to a sleepy 7 minutes and counting to boil one liter of water. Ideally, we looked for models that brought a liter to a boil in 5 minutes or less.
Pours cleanly: Basic kettles should be able to pour into a mug without splashing or dribbling. With gooseneck kettles, which are primarily intended for making pour-over coffee, we looked for models that gave us a high level of control over the speed and direction of the stream.
Minimal plastic: We tested kettles made primarily from stainless steel, glass, or ceramic. Some people, including our experts, complain about plastic kettles imparting a funny taste or smell to the water. Plus, plastic kettles are more prone to warping over time, so we decided not to include them. Most models we've tested, however, contained some minor plastic elements, such as parts of the lid, a filter, or the water-level window. All of our picks’ manufacturers assured us that the plastic components in their kettles were made from heat-resistant plastics.
If you’re especially concerned about plastic components in your kettle, our pick for the best gooseneck kettle, the Cuisinart GK-1 Digital Gooseneck Kettle, has an all-steel body and lid. And three of the options in our Other good kettles section, the OXO Brew Gooseneck Electric Kettle, the Fellow Corvo EKG, and the Fellow Stagg EKG, have all-steel bodies with only a silicone gasket around the temperature probe on the bottom. Both Fellow kettles also have all-steel lids.
Safety features: Kettles should have handles and lids that stay cool to the touch and keep your hands well away from any scalding surfaces. An automatic shut-off is another important safety feature—most kettles these days come with one, but it’s important that the feature works properly.
Our research has shown that electric kettles have a high failure rate across the board—spending more may buy you nicer features or a better build, but it won’t ensure that your kettle lasts longer.
Easy to clean: All kettles will need to be descaled from time to time, since lime deposits build up inside. To make that process easier, we looked for kettles with wide openings that are easy to reach into for cleaning. A scale filter in the spout also helps to keep bits of the deposits (which are harmless) out of your cup.
Solid warranties: Our research has shown that electric kettles have a high failure rate across the board—spending more may get you nicer features or a sturdier housing, but it won’t ensure that your kettle lasts longer. Boiling water is hard on appliances, especially those with finicky moving parts or complex settings. Even high-quality kettles have a somewhat short lifespan, so it’s best to find a model with a good warranty. A year is standard; two or more is excellent. (The Cuisinart PerfecTemp, our top pick, offers three.)
Nice extras: Waiting is a pain, particularly when a kettle doesn’t have audible cues to let you know that it’s reached the desired temperature. That said, it’s preferable when a kettle is otherwise quiet—without rattling while heating, shrieking while boiling, or setting off prolonged beeps when you’ve let it sit. Other extra-credit additions include timers, real-time temperature indicators, and toggles that let you switch from Fahrenheit to Celsius.
We started our original testing by timing how long it took each kettle to bring a liter of water to a boil. With the variable-temperature kettles, we also measured how accurate their internal thermometer was for various non-boiling temperatures. (We did this by using a ThermoWorks Thermapen Mk4, our former upgrade pick for instant-read thermometer, which is now replaced by the very similar Thermapen One.) We performed both tests multiple times on each kettle.
Some models we tested had a warming feature that could hold set temperatures, so we checked their accuracy after letting them sit on hold for a period of time. We tested automatic shut-off features and took note of any excessive or annoying beeps while using each kettle. We tasted the water from each model after boiling to see whether it had any off flavors caused by plastic components. Finally, we made pour-over coffee with each of the gooseneck kettles to see how slowly and precisely they distributed water.
For our 2022 update, we repeated the boil speed tests (also checking boil speed at the max fill line in each kettle), as well as the temperature accuracy tests. When testing gooseneck kettles, we placed dry paper towels on sheet pans and traced specific patterns to assess how much control the kettle’s spout and handle provided.
We also used an AI-powered tool to analyze over 5,000 Amazon user reviews across six popular electric kettle models. This included our top pick, the Cuisinart PerfecTemp CPK-17; our budget pick, the Hamilton Beach kettle; and our also-great pick, the Breville IQ, as well as other contenders like the Fellow Stagg, the OXO Brew gooseneck kettle, and the Chefman Electric Kettle with Temperature Control. (Our gooseneck pick, the Cuisinart GK-1, is too new to have aggregated enough reviews for this type of analysis.)
Although review aggregation can’t cover every model we’re interested in, we did see some interesting patterns across the data collected. For instance, it’s clear users appreciate both speed and variable-temperature controls, since those were often the two most-mentioned topics in reviews. It’s also clear that longevity is an issue across all the kettles we analyzed. Unfortunately, we also saw patterns that more-sophisticated controls (like variable-temperature settings) may be at odds with longevity (meaning kettles with temperature controls generally got more complaints about failure than simple on/off kettles).
This 1.7-liter kettle heats water quickly and accurately to the various temperatures needed to get optimum flavor from teas and coffee.
With promo codes EXTRA20 and GET10
The Cuisinart CPK-17 PerfecTemp Cordless Electric Kettle has been our top pick since 2013, thanks to its ease of use, speed, and accuracy. It has an intuitive interface with six temperature settings, and it defaults to a keep-warm option that conveniently holds water at the designated temperature (or just below, if set to boil) for 30 minutes. The wide handle is comfortable to hold, and the spout doesn’t dribble when pouring. Unlike many of the other non-gooseneck kettles we tested, this model has a high capacity (1⅔ liters) yet still boasts a simple, streamlined design. So it won’t be an eyesore if it’s stored on your kitchen counter.
Of all of the variable-temperature models we tested, the Cuisinart CPK-17 is one of the simplest to operate. Each of the six temperature settings has its own button right on the handle, and each is labeled with the temperature and beverage it’s best for (such as Oolong and French press). If you don’t innately know the ideal water temperatures for making specific types of tea, this is very helpful (though the kettle’s settings for white and black tea vary a bit from the recommendations of our experts). All you need to do is add water, select the temperature you want, hit start, and wait for the kettle to beep when it’s done. Then it kicks into an automated keep-warm cycle (there’s also a Keep Warm button, if you’d like to select this option manually); this maintains the temperature for up to 30 minutes. Another button on the handle lets you easily open the lid with one hand, and the spout pours in an even stream.
In addition to the Cuisinart CPK-17’s straightforward, easy-to-use design, we found this kettle had an extremely consistent boil time. On average, it brought 1 liter of water to a boil in around 4 minutes. Of the kettles we tested, this wasn’t the fastest boil time, but it was speedier than most. Additionally, the Cuisinart CPK-17 proved to be impressively accurate in our tests: Water measured just 2 degrees over the set temperature of 185 °F after 30 minutes on the keep-warm setting.
The Cuisinart CPK-17 beeps once when you press a button on the control panel, as well as several times when it reaches a temperature setting. We found this much less annoying than the excessive beeps from the KitchenAid KEK1722 kettle. And we appreciated the temperature alert—which was surprisingly lacking in many of the models we tried—since it means you don’t need to hover over the kettle in eager anticipation. Be mindful, however, that a raucous beeping will occur if the kettle is on and you return it to the base empty. This is the boil-dry protection warning, intended to prevent damage to the kettle. It’s easy to avoid this situation, though, since the water-level window lets you see when water is getting low.
The Cuisinart CPK-17 is easy to clean, with a removable scale filter in the spout and a lid opening large enough for you to get a hand inside. Just avoid splashing water on the control buttons located on the handle, and be sure to clean them only with a damp cloth and a mild dish soap (if necessary). Harsher cleaners, like Lysol wipes, may cause the labels on the buttons to fade or disappear.
Another standout feature of the Cuisinart CPK-17 is its limited three-year warranty, which is substantially better than what you get with all of the other models we tested in this price range. (Most come with only a year of coverage.) Considering that constantly boiling water can be rough on a gadget, having triple the warranty coverage of the rest of the pack is impressive.
We used the Cuisinart CPK-17 kettle in our high-traffic office kitchen for about a year before the office closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. And in that time we had no complaints. The labels remained as good as new, and the lid always opened smoothly. Since returning to the office in 2022, the Cuisinart CPK-17 has resumed regular use and continues to perform well, with no wear on the labels.
Alex Vaughn, a Wirecutter product manager, has used the Cuisinart CPK-17 at home for 6 years and counting: “We love it. It is used daily, often multiple times per day. Most often we use the boil option but the other temps do see some use. It’s an absolute workhorse. We have really hard water in our current home and the descaler works well with it too.”
The Cuisinart CPK-17 did have better accuracy than most of the other kettles we tested (some measured more than 10 degrees off their temperature settings). But we found the CPK-17 wasn’t as accurate at hitting lower temperatures, measuring 8 degrees over when we set it to 160 °F. On temperatures of 175 °F and up, however, it measured only 3 to 4 degrees off, which is pretty accurate. Since this model has a slew of other noteworthy features and has been consistently reliable over years of long-term testing, we’re willing to forgive its minor temperature variances at the lowest setting.
We have received feedback from some of our readers and have seen other reports of this Cuisinart model breaking down after about a year, or of the lid breaking off at the hinge, but those things should be covered by the warranty. In our analysis of online reviews, we also found that the percentage of complaints about the CPK-17 breaking was very similar to the percentage of complaints about the same issue in other kettles. It seems that across brands, a certain small percentage of kettles will just break within a year or two. Though anecdotally, the ones we’ve long-term tested have lasted years.
We’ve also seen a number of Amazon reviews complaining that the labels on the buttons wear off over time. We haven’t experienced this issue with the kettle we’ve been long-term testing, even with regular use, or with the ones we use in the staff kitchen in Wirecutter’s offices. But a couple Wirecutter staffers have encountered the problem with this model. A representative from Cuisinart suggested it may have to do with how people clean their kettles, and they advised us: “The only cleaning solution that should be used is a damp cloth and a mild dishwashing soap. Any other cleaners (Windex, Fantastik, Lysol) have harsh chemicals and may remove the paint/printing.” That said, some folks told us they experienced this issue with their kettle even if they hadn’t used any harsh cleaners (or, as some proclaim, had not cleaned their kettle handle at all). We’re unsure why there are inconsistent experiences with this issue, and based on our analysis of Amazon reviews, we don’t think it’s a widespread problem. But note that you might come across this.
Despite the price bump, this intuitive, easy-to-use kettle probably won’t provide more longevity than you get with the Cuisinart, but this model is sleeker and slightly more ergonomic.
The Breville IQ Kettle is a great-looking kettle that works just as well as the Cuisinart CPK-17 PerfecTemp, if not better in a few small ways. The catch? The IQ normally costs at least $30 more, and it comes with only a one-year warranty, compared with the Cuisinart’s three.
With a streamlined body, the Breville IQ is unobtrusive on the counter, and the design is more ergonomic and intuitive than that of other kettles. In our tests, it boiled water just a little faster than the Cuisinart and consistently hit the desired temperature. The IQ has five presets, as well as a temperature alert, a 20 minute keep-warm hold, and boil-dry protection. This kettle’s open handle makes it more accessible than closed-handle kettles, and in our tests we found pouring with it was comfortable.
Like the buttons on the Cuisinart CPK-17, each preset button on the Breville IQ is marked with both the temperature and the beverage it’s used for (French press or black tea, for example). But again, not all of the ranges are consistent with our experts’ recommendations. The buttons are on the base of the kettle rather than on the handle, and the text is printed above and below the buttons. (On the Cuisinart kettle, the text is on the buttons themselves, and some users report the labels rubbing off over time.) The Breville IQ also has a soft-open lid that releases steam more slowly and can be operated with one hand at the press of a button.
Overall, the Breville IQ has most of the features we liked from the Cuisinart CPK-17, plus a few others that are a little better, like the open handle and buttons on the base. This is a well-designed, well-functioning kettle. But we didn’t find those additional features to be worth the price hike, especially since review analysis suggests there’s no significant increase in longevity (and the IQ offers only a one-year warranty, versus the Cuisinart CPK-17’s three years). However, we do think the IQ could be a great option for someone who prefers the more streamlined look or who values the more ergonomic design and isn’t bothered by the extra cost.
We recommend this precise-aim gooseneck kettle for anyone preparing pour-over coffee or for tea lovers who will geek out over its spot-on temperature accuracy.
The Cuisinart GK-1 Digital Gooseneck Kettle is ideal for coffee aficionados who value control and precision in their brewing routine. The kettle’s temperature control is adjustable by five-degree increments, and this kettle was the most accurate one we tested. Its slim and angled spout allows for the controlled, precision pouring necessary for making pour-over coffee. And the rounded handle makes the kettle comfortable to maneuver, resulting in a smoother pour. We also like the attractive matte black finish, which doesn’t pick up fingerprints the way reflective stainless steel does. (It does, however, pick up other scuffs and lint in a way that stainless steel does not. Which is to say: Pick based on what you like!) Target also exclusively carries a matte white version, though we haven’t tested to see how that finish holds up.
The Cuisinart Gooseneck’s controls are simple, with touchpad controls and real-time temperature display, allowing you to monitor the water as it heats. The temperature is adjustable in five-degree increments between 140 and 212 degrees Fahrenheit. Although the temperature adjustment is less precise than that of our previous pick, the OXO Brew Adjustable Temperature Pour-Over Kettle (which you can set to the degree), it’s still precise enough to brew a perfect cup of coffee or tea. And when you turn it off, the Cuisinart Gooseneck remembers the last temperature you set it to, so you don’t have to reset it every time you use it.
We appreciated that the Cuisinart Gooseneck’s screen displays the temperature of the water as it heats, as well as the final temperature (alternating between the two). This can be helpful if you’re using the kettle for both tea and coffee and you change settings frequently, or if you just like to double-check the temperature. The kettle beeps when the water’s ready and holds the temperature for 30 minutes before turning off. The Cuisinart Gooseneck also has boil-dry protection. If there’s no water left in the kettle, it will beep loudly and repetitively, and the buttons will blink before turning off. All of the alerts are particularly loud compared with those of other kettles, and they cannot be turned off—something to consider if you’re an early riser and you live with people who are sensitive to noise.
As far as the design is concerned, the Cuisinart Gooseneck is made of powder-coated stainless steel with a plastic-covered lid and handle. The matte black shows fewer smudges than unpainted alternatives, and the digital display goes dark while off (except for the power button), so it looks unobtrusive on the countertop. The handle is rounded and comfortable to hold, which facilitates a smoother, more controlled pour. As with most gooseneck kettles we’ve tested, with this model the lid doesn’t open at the push of a button—you have to pull it off manually, which can be tricky when the kettle is hot. Also like most gooseneck kettles we’ve tested, the Cuisinart Gooseneck lacks a water-level window.
Since it’s a new pick and a relatively new model, we haven’t long-term tested this kettle to see how it fares over regular use at home, and there weren’t enough Amazon reviews for us to analyze. But we’ll continue to use this kettle and collect notes from other users. Given the patterns we’ve seen in reviews of other kettles, there’s a small chance that this model, like any other electric kettle, could fail within a couple years. But like our top pick, this kettle does come with Cuisinart’s three-year warranty, which covers typical household use.
This no-frills kettle lacks the bells and whistles of the variable-temperature models we recommend, but it gets the job done on the cheap.
May be out of stock
We recommend the Hamilton Beach 40880 Stainless Steel 1.7 Liter Kettle for anyone who wants an affordable basic model that quickly brings water to a boil. This kettle lacks the bells and whistles of our other picks—it doesn’t have preset temperature controls or a keep-warm setting—but it does have all the other features we look for in a decent kettle. Most importantly, perhaps, its handle is easy to hold, and the spout doesn’t drip when pouring.
We were impressed with this kettle’s speed, which was on a par with that of the Cuisinart CPK-17 in boiling time (it took about 4 minutes to heat a liter of water). This Hamilton Beach model is simple to operate: You flick the tab on the base of the handle up, and the kettle begins heating the water. A red light on the base illuminates once the boiling cycle begins, so you always know that it’s on. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, the kettle automatically shuts off, so you don’t have to worry about turning it off manually. That said, since the Hamilton Beach 40880 doesn’t have an audible alert, it’s possible the water will start to cool before you’ve even realized it boiled, especially if you’re not in the room when it does so.
When we analyzed the Amazon reviews, we saw a lower percentage of complaints about this kettle failing than we did for any of the other variable-temp kettles we looked at (which might just mean there’s less that can break due to the kettle’s simpler electronics).
In our tests, the spout on the Hamilton Beach 40880 didn’t dribble water when pouring, and the wide handle was comfortable to hold. Unlike some models that require you to open the lid manually, the 40880 conveniently opens with a push of a button located at the top of the handle. This is a valuable safety feature when you’re attempting to empty a kettle that’s still hot. This model also boasts two water-level windows, allowing you to see how full the kettle is, regardless of which way you place it on the base.
The plastic hinges on the Hamilton Beach 40880’s lid are one of its biggest drawbacks. Other models, including our top pick, the Cuisinart CPK-17, have metal hinges that seem more durable. The Hamilton Beach 40880 is covered by a one-year warranty.
To minimize the amount of mineral-deposit buildup in your kettle, always empty it after you use it. You’ll still need to decalcify your kettle from time to time, though the frequency depends on the hardness of your water. Check the manual for the manufacturer’s specific instructions on descaling. Otherwise, we’ve found it’s effective to fill the kettle with 1 cup of white vinegar and 3 cups of water, heat it to a boil, turn it off, and allow it to stand overnight. Alternatively, using half a teaspoon of cream of tartar with half a kettle of water should work. No matter what method you choose, after you empty the kettle, refill it with water only, bring it to a boil, and drain; repeat with water twice more.
Some kettles come with a mesh filter for trapping calcium deposits, and you’ll need to clean the filter periodically—more often if you have hard water. Follow the instructions in the manual for removing the filter, and clean it with a cloth or brush under hot water. For hard-to-remove calcium deposits, let the filter sit overnight in a solution of one part water to three parts white vinegar; rinse thoroughly before returning it to the kettle.
As with a lot of small kitchen appliances, many variables—from materials to energy usage—could potentially contribute to the environmental impact of an electric kettle. But those variables don’t always compare in a clear-cut way. For instance, we know that using electricity to boil water is much more efficient than using a fossil fuel like natural gas. But a sturdy stovetop kettle with zero electrical parts can also last a lifetime and therefore stay out of a landfill.
If you’re set on the convenience or speed of an electric kettle, the main question becomes: How long will it last? Unfortunately, the longevity of electric kettles can be unreliable across the board. We sent kettles to the Ohio State University metallurgy department, and researchers took them apart to study their components. Based on their initial observations, as well as information from an OXO representative, we suspect that nearly all of the kettles we’ve tested use the same circuitry and temperature controls—most likely produced by a company called Strix. Pricier kettles don’t necessarily have more-durable electronics—you’re paying for looks, construction, and fancier features.
In our analysis of electric kettle product reviews, most variable-temperature kettles showed similar percentages of reviews complaining about the kettle breaking prematurely—within one to two years. However, the percentages of complaints about premature breaking for the simple boiling models tended to be noticeably lower—and this was true for brands on the lower (Hamilton Beach) and higher (Breville) ends of the price spectrum. This leads us to believe that non-variable-temperature kettles truly break down less than their fancier variable-temperature counterparts. Perhaps fewer things can go wrong when all you have is an on/off switch. So if you’re really concerned about not having to get rid of your kettle prematurely, you might opt for a kettle that simply boils. Going even further, you could also consider a stovetop kettle—especially if you use an electric or induction range.
If you’re looking for a more modern, minimalist kettle: The Zwilling Enfinigy Cool Touch Kettle Pro is sleek and performs well overall. It’s perfect for someone who values a cleaner look but doesn’t want to compromise on function. It boiled quickly and was pretty accurate in our tests. It also boasts a Cool Touch design, which means you can touch both the body and the handle of the kettle safely and use both hands to pour. But its controls are touchscreen buttons that are visible only when on and illuminated, with the set temperature lit only slightly brighter. We found this difference in lighting difficult to see, so it wasn’t always clear just what temperature setting we were on. It’s also more expensive than most of our other picks (apart from the Breville, at writing time). If you’re not concerned about the visibility issues, though, it’s an attractive kettle that heats and maintains temperature just as well as our other picks.
If our gooseneck pick is out of stock, or you want a stainless steel finish instead: The OXO Brew Adjustable Temperature Pour-Over Kettle, our former gooseneck pick, has a flatter handle and a squatter body than our pick, the Cuisinart GK-1 gooseneck. Both of those factors made it just a little harder for us to pour precisely with the OXO kettle in comparison with the Cuisinart model. However, the OXO kettle comes in a stainless steel finish (if you’re not a fan of matte black), and it’s still a fast, precise kettle. It also offers a bit more precision, allowing temperature adjustments in 1-degree increments from 140 to 212 degrees Fahrenheit (or 40 to 100 degrees Celsius), whereas the Cuisinart model allows changes in 5-degree increments.
If you like a modern aesthetic, and you don’t mind paying more for smaller capacity: The Fellow Corvo EKG Electric Kettle is attractive, and it performed very well, but it’s incredibly small. Due to its 0.9-liter capacity, you’re hardly getting two full cups of tea. The variable-temperature control was very accurate, the settings were intuitive, and the base was nice. We didn’t make it a pick because we don’t find it to be a very practical option, especially for the price. That being said, if you’re regularly making single servings, and you’re drawn to the Corvo’s good looks, you likely won’t be disappointed in its performance.
If you like the Corvo, but you want a gooseneck spout: As is true of the Corvo, the Fellow Stagg EKG Electric Gooseneck Kettle performs well, but we found its small size and high price impractical for most users. Both Fellow kettles boast an Easter egg in the shape of a Wormy game, which pops up when you remove the kettle from the base and switch the Fahrenheit/Celsius toggle back and forth. If you frequently make single-serving pour-over, and you find the Stagg’s silhouette worth the price, you will likely be happy with this kettle. (We think the Cuisinart GK-1 Gooseneck functions just as well, and it’s pretty close looks-wise, for much less.)
If you’d like a budget kettle with adjustable temperatures: The Chefman Glass Electric Kettle has one of the lowest prices we’ve seen on a variable-temperature electric kettle. It’s not as accurate as our other variable-temperature picks, but it gets temperatures close enough that you should still be able to make a good cup of tea or coffee. However, its body is made of glass, whereas our budget pick, the Hamilton Beach kettle, is made of sturdier metal. And, based on an analysis of Amazon reviews, owners of this kettle are more likely to report failure than are Hamilton Beach owners. The Chefman kettle also glows in different colors, based on the temperature setting, which could be a pro or a con depending on your taste (we didn’t care for it).
Although the OXO Brew Adjustable Temperature Electric Kettle was very accurate in our tests, it had trouble staying closed; as water came to a boil, the lid frequently popped open.
The Tribest Glass Raw Tea Kettle GKD-450-B lacks a button on the handle to open the lid. Its blue light constantly turns on and off until it reaches the desired temperature, something we found annoying.
The KitchenAid KEK1722 Electric Kettle was a runner-up pick previously, but after long-term testing, we were beyond irritated by its excessive beeping. Also, the kettle always defaults to Celsius; for Fahrenheit temperatures, you have to change the settings every time you use it.
In our tests, the 1.7-liter Capresso H20 Steel Plus heated water nearly 10 degrees over the preset temperature. But the biggest problem was that after boiling, the water had a slight plastic taste and smell.
Some other models we encountered, such as the Breville BTM800XL One-Touch Tea Maker, were exorbitantly priced. More than $200 is too much to spend on a kettle, especially if it has only a one-year warranty. Even the KitchenAid KEK1522 Pro Line Series Electric Kettle doesn’t have any more to offer than the Cuisinart CPK-17 kettle, which usually costs about half the price.
The Bonavita BV382510V 1.0L Digital Variable Temperature Gooseneck, our former budget pick, is a small, 1-liter gooseneck kettle that’s lightweight and easy to hold. As with the OXO pour-over kettle discussed above, you can set the Bonavita to any temperature between 140 and 212 °F. It can also hold a set temperature for up to an hour—30 minutes longer than both the OXO and the Cuisinart GK-1 gooseneck kettles. However, the Bonavita takes longer to come to a boil than either of those kettles, and it lacks audible cues to let you know when your water is ready. We removed this kettle as a pick after noticing too many complaints about rust and other durability issues.
The KitchenAid Precision Gooseneck Electric Kettle proved less than intuitive to use. Yes, you can adjust the flow rate on the spout for better pour-over control. But it requires lots of fumbling inside the lip of the machine, so you better make sure you’re operating with a cold, empty kettle. And even though you can set the temperature in 1-degree increments, a thermometer built into the lid is a lot harder to read than an LCD screen attached to the base.
We appreciated the reasonable price, intuitive controls, and clearly labeled temperature settings of the Willow & Everett Electric Gooseneck Kettle. Still, it was somewhat heavy and unwieldy, and the top was tough to remove, which could present a safety issue if still hot. Finally, this kettle’s boiling speed wasn’t great—5 minutes 40 seconds for a liter of water.
The Mueller Premium 1500W Electric Kettle with SpeedBoil Tech had a fairly average boil time (not too different from that of our top pick, the Cuisinart CPK-17). But the base felt flimsy, and there were more plastic elements than we’d prefer. If you get this kettle, it’s fine but nothing special, and ultimately it just boils water. For a little more, you can get the Chefman with variable-temperature control.
The Cosori Electric Kettle with Upgraded Stainless Steel Filter and Inner Lid was almost identical to the Mueller. It had a similar boil time range, a simple on/off switch, and a very similar design. Right out of the box, it had a small discoloration on the top, and throughout testing the lid was finicky to open.
The AmazonBasics Stainless Steel Electric Kettle is one of the most inexpensive options we looked at. To boil a liter of water, it took this kettle the same amount of time as the Hamilton Beach 40880. But the design is clunky, and we found it less comfortable to hold and to pour from.
The Chef’sChoice Cordless Electric Kettle 681, a previous budget pick, had one of the fastest boiling times of all the models we tested, but Amazon ratings for this model have dipped considerably due to leaks or auto-off function failures.
The Secura 1.8 Quart Stainless Steel Cordless Electric Kettle did very well in our tests, and it is currently around the same price as our budget pick, but the Secura lacks a water-level window. According to a Secura representative, the small hole on the interior allows steam to reach the bottom interior of the unit, where the temperature control is located. We found, however, that cleaning in between the walls of the kettle would be impossible, so we dismissed this model.
The KitchenAid 1.25-Liter Electric Kettle is cute to look at, with a very retro style à la SMEG, but at $100 currently, it doesn’t do enough to justify the price. It has an on/off switch only, with no variable-temperature control. The kettle itself has a sturdy build, very similar to any stovetop kettle, but the base felt flimsy. It doesn’t compete with other kettles in this price range.
The OXO Brew Cordless Glass Electric Kettle costs a lot for a basic kettle that lacks variable-temperature controls and whose glass body is less durable than stainless steel options.
This article was edited by Marilyn Ong and Marguerite Preston.
Adjustable Electric Kettles (subscription required), Cook's Illustrated
The Best Electric Tea Kettles for Your Tea Time, Good Housekeeping, December 23, 2016
Tony Gebely, founder of Tea Epicure, interview
Michelle Rabin, founder of T Ching, interview
Peter F. Goggi, president of the Tea Association of the U.S.A., interview
Bruce Richardson, tea expert and owner of Elmwood Inn Fine Teas, interview
Anna Held is a writer and editor based in San Francisco. Her writing has appeared in Vox, The Cut, Buzzfeed, and Runner’s World, among other publications. Despite her expertise as a barista and a coffee editor, her husband is the one who brews their morning cups.
Michael Sullivan has been a staff writer on the kitchen team at Wirecutter since 2016. Previously, he was an editor at the International Culinary Center in New York. He has worked in various facets of the food and restaurant industry for over a decade.
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