The best electric kettle can do so much more than make tea and coffee. Capable of boiling water in minutes, they can speed up your cooking time for pasta or potatoes significantly, and even save you energy in the process.
While they do quite a simple job, electric kettles can be incredibly high-tech if you want a smarter option. For a start, there's the choice between traditional or gooseneck models, which are ideal for pour-over coffee. Several electric kettles come with a selection of temperature pre-sets for making coffee, green tea, or black tea, all of which require different temperatures, and many even have the technology to keep your water at the perfect temperature for those days when you've got no time to waste between your cups of coffee.
When testing the best electric kettles, we rolled up our sleeves and got technical. Our rankings included safety considerations such as tracking the external temperature of the kettle after boiling, as well as a test 30 minutes after boiling to see how well the kettle insulated and maintained heat. Another key consideration was speed. We boiled one liter of water in each kettle and timed how long this took, and when pouring, we looked for ease of use and tactile features, and marked down models that dripped and spilled. Our overall winner is the Ninja Precision Electric Kettle, although if you want a gooseneck option for coffee, the Fellow Stagg is our top recommendation.
The quick list
Here’s the best electric kettles you can buy right now based on our comprehensive online research. Scroll on for our full in-depth reviews.
Say hello to ultimate control with the Ninja Precision. Its rare that we test a product entirely without fault, but this gadget scored a perfect 10 when we put it to the test in our review lab.
This Cuisinart kettle comes with 6 temperature settings ranging from 160°F up to boiling. Each is labeled to guide you on its best use, including green, white and oolong tea, as well as French press for coffee. With a handy keep warm setting, it couldn’t offer much more.
For pour-over coffee, this Fellow kettle is the best. With its thin, long spout, you can control the pour speed and accuracy with ease. Plus, you can be exact in terms of temperature, with settings visible via an LCD screen, ranging from 135 – 212°F in one degree increments.
Available in a huge range of colors, this Smeg kettle is a stylish choice that will suit a range of interiors. In terms of its features, you pay for the brand and looks with this kettle, but if you're happy to spend a little more for a chic option, it does the job well.
The Fellow Corvo is expensive, but it's one of the smartest kettles you can buy. It even comes with a neat little LED screen, and it'll maintain temperature up to 1 hour.
This Breville kettle has its own control panel which offers 5 temperature settings ranging from 175°F up to boiling and descriptions for each, similar to our winner. There’s a 20-minute keep warm setting, and premium features include a soft-open lid and steel exterior.
The best electric kettles you can buy today
This is it: the best electric kettle overall. Not only is it a fantastic companion for specialty tea and coffee, it’s also a great general kitchen assistant. The spacious 60 ounce capacity means you can quickly boil water for cooking, huge pots of teas, or even cleaning purposes.
What makes the Ninja Precision Temperature kettle so great is its versatility. In testing, we found this boiled water quicker than other premium specialty tea and coffee kettles, and that’s without adjustment for its larger capacity.
While it isn’t specifically designed solely for specialty drinks, there’s nothing stopping the Ninja Precision Temperature from being a phenomenal barista aide. You can choose your water temperature to the degree using the tactile buttons on the easy-to-master kettle base. You might need 150°F for some blends of niche Japanese green teas, or your specialty pour-over coffee might call for 199°F on the dot. With the Precision Temperature, this specificity is welcome. The clue’s in the name: you get precision temperature and more.
In testing, we found where the Ninja kettle truly excels is its stellar performance as an all-rounder. Making ceremonial-quality matcha blends in the morning, but need to prep a pasta dish to serve 12 in the afternoon? With the Ninja kettle, that’s no problem. And in the evening, are you craving a cup soup? You can boil one cup of water in fifty seconds, so you’ll be eating in no time.
There’s nothing wrong with this kettle. It does its job exceptionally well; there’s nothing more to say on the topic. Do you want the best all rounder electric kettle? Well, it’s the Ninja Precision Temperature kettle. We’re sure of it.
Find our more in our full Ninja Precision Temperature Kettle review
Best budget kettle
With six different temperature settings, the Cuisinart PerfecTemp Cordless Electric Kettle lets tea lovers heat water to the optimal temperature for a variety of teas, choosing between delicate, green, white, oolong and black settings. And if you’re not content with just tea, you’ll love the French press setting which delivers the perfect water temperature to brew coffee in your French press.
If you engage the 30-minute keep warm function, when it’s time for your second cup the water will still be at the perfect temperature, great for refilling your mug during a zoom call. It’s not the cheapest kettle in our list but the features and large capacity make it a versatile choice and tea geeks will love the variety of temperature options.
Considering that this is a more budget-friendly option, we think the Cuisinart PerfecTemp offers a lot of smart features for the money. It also looks the part, coming in a range of colors including classic stainless steel.
Best gooseneck kettle
The Stagg EKG kettle is the gooseneck kettle. If you’re serious about pour-over coffee, there is no gooseneck kettle that’ll do it better than the Stagg.
The precise gooseneck spout is ideal for pour-over coffee. In testing, we were able to control the flow rate to just 1.5g/s — that’s painstakingly precise. The Stagg makes it incredibly easy to master pour-over flow, which means it’s ideal for beginners as well as experienced users.
Not only is the Stagg a treat to use, it’s also a treat for the eyes. While we tested the matte black version, there’s a huge range of colorways, some with maple or walnut embellishments. Fellow truly has raised the bar with the Stagg’s design — no other kettle comes close to this level of beauty.
It’s worth noting that the Stagg’s maximum capacity is 30 ounces (just 0.9 liters), which will only fill a 6-cup Chemex. If you’re preparing coffee for a large group, you’ll either want a different kettle, or will have to wait out the five-minute boiling time for the second round of coffee.
However, this is the only main downside to this kettle — every other aspect of the Stagg blew us away in testing. For pour-over fanatics, there’s no way around it: the Fellow Stagg is the ultimate gooseneck kettle.
Find out more in our full Fellow Stagg Gooseneck Kettle review
The best looking kettle
With its retro shape, this 50s inspired Smeg kettle is definitely a showstopper and with eleven amazing colors to choose from, there’s definitely an option that will suit most kitchens.
The colors include standard safe options like black, white and cream as well as pastel green, pink and blue and even gold or rose gold — for the more adventurous, there’s even a Dolce & Gabbana patterned version of this kettle. While we love the style and shape of this kettle, but there’s no denying that it’s expensive for an appliance that just boils water.
The 57-ounce/ 1.7 liter capacity means you’ll be able to boil enough water for several hot drinks or a large French press all with a flick of the cute ball switch. There’s a handy water gauge behind the handle that lets you check how much water is inside. The stainless-steel construction gives this kettle a reassuringly durable quality, but the outside does get hot to the touch, which is an important safety consideration.
The most precise electric kettle
If you’re a fastidious brewer of varying blends of specialty tea and coffee, you’ll need to ensure you’re using one of the most accurate and meticulous kettles available. That’s why we recommend Fellow’s Corvo EKG electric kettle for those brews you just have to get right.
With the tactile dial on the kettle’s base, you can customize your water temperature to the degree. So if you’re steeping delicate tea that commands a temperature of 140°F — like matcha or white tea — you’ll be able to brew water correctly without having to get a secondary thermometer involved.
Besides heating water to precise temperatures, the Corvo also looks excellent while doing it. We know looks aren’t everything, but it doesn’t hurt to have an attractive piece of kit in your kitchen. The matte black finish almost justifies this kettle’s $200 price tag, and the gorgeous slim base has a bright LED screen that makes using this kettle a breeze. The precision spout also eradicates the possibility of spills, drips, and leaks. In testing, we were also impressed by the range of flow rate — you’re not restricted to around 5g/s as with a gooseneck kettle. It’s possible to get the flow rate up to around 80g/s and all the way down to 2.5g/s. The Corvo is much more versatile than its sibling the Stagg, and we would recommend the Corvo as a better all-rounder.
The only thing holding the Corvo back is its small capacity. If you need to boil large amounts of water, you’d be better off somewhere else. Its max capacity is 30 ounces. However, if you’re brewing a range of specialty teas or preparing water for just a few people, the small size won’t be an issue.
Find out more in our full Fellow Corvo EKG review
Best premium kettle
Premium appliance brand Breville has a reputation for making high quality kitchen appliances with a sleek stainless-steel finish and this kettle is no exception. It’s the most expensive kettle on our list, but it has plenty of features and reviewers praise the sturdy build quality. The large capacity is ample for making hot drinks for the whole family and the 20-minute keep warm function means the water will still be hot when it’s time for a top-up.
Tea lovers can choose the perfect brewing temperature at the touch of a button, with options for green tea, white tea, oolong and black tea. There’s also a coffee button, so you can heat water to the perfect temperature for pour-over coffee. With all these hot drink options, the kettle is sure to keep everyone in the house happy.
We'd be lying if we didn't admit that the branding is a major part of the appeal for this kettle. After all, electric kettles only really have two jobs: to heat up water, and to look good while doing it. And if you've got other Breville appliances, the Smart Kettle Luxe will look right at home on your kitchen counters.
Most insulated kettle
We love the Zwilling Enfinigy Cool Touch Electric Kettle Pro's streamlined, uncluttered appearance and its sleek stainless steel finish doesn't mark easily with greasy fingerprints. We loved that there’s no plastic inside the kettle, as well as the fact that the outside stays cool to the touch. This is due to the double wall construction that not only keeps the outside cool, but insulates the kettle, keeping the water inside hotter for longer.
It doesn’t have a water gauge, so you can’t check how much water is inside, but the flip top lid opens easily and there are markings inside to indicate different fill levels, including the maximum. In testing we found that it’s easy to use and has a smart control panel that allows you to choose a range of pre-set temperatures depending on your preferred drink. The kettle could've used an external water gauge to make it easier to tell how much water we've added, but that's our only downside.
Best classic style kettle
KitchenAid is one of those trusted American brands that you can rely on to produce excellent quality appliances. There’s always a great selection of colors to choose from as well and this kettle is no exception — it comes in five colors that you can coordinate with other KitchenAid appliances. The 50 ounce/ 1.5 liter capacity is big enough for most people’s needs, but it’s not the largest capacity kettle available.
We enjoyed the traditional style of the kettle and the sturdy metal construction, but noted that the outside of the kettle gets hot to the touch. However, you can rest assured that despite the metal construction, the handle stays cool.
If you’re just looking for a bog-standard electric kettle, you may not make full use of variable temperature control, but the KitchenAid Pro Line Series Electric Kettle is ideal for those who drink tea, coffee and matcha with its range of settings to suit different beverages.
Most durable kettle
The Dualit Classic Kettle is a top pick in the UK, so you know it's approved by tea-lovers. Recently launched in US retailers such as Macy's and Williams Sonoma, the luxe and high-quality electric kettle can be paired with their iconic toaster for a timeless look.
In testing, we did find that the handle on this kettle sticks a little bit, so it's a good thing it has a ring pull to make it easier to open without having to touch hot metal when refilling after boiling. Temperature retention was impressive, although it does get noticeably hot to touch due to the metal construction of this kettle. The carefully-crafted spout doesn't drip when pouring and the plastic-coated handle feels secure and stays cool for easy pouring.
How we tested
I'm British, so you know I take electric kettles seriously. We use our kettles for everything here: making endless cups of tea, pour-over coffee, hot water for boiling pasta and potatoes. They're probably the hardest-working appliance in any British home. Every product in this guide has either been tested by me or our expert Homes reviewer Erin, who loves kettles just as much as me.
I work on Tom's Guide's review team, testing everything from coffee makers to drones, including the occasional electric kettle. In terms of criteria, it's true that kettles are a lot more straightforward than some of the tech I test, but there's also a lot to look for. I evaluate everything from external temperature, to speed, to insulation, and of course, value for money.
When testing electric kettles in our test kitchen we took into account how sturdy they felt, how long they took to boil five cups of water, and how well they retained the heat of the water once boiled.
We used an extra-sensitive thermometer to track the temperature of the water once first boiled, as well as how hot this stayed after 30 minutes in order to evaluate the insulation. We also touched the exterior of each kettle after testing to see if they felt safe to touch, and consider whether that could be a health concern.
Other factors such as value for money, range of settings, and ease of use were considered when we ranked these electric kettles. Ultimately, every model that made our roundup comes highly recommended, but the right kettle for you will depend on what your budget is, and what your most-used feature will be.
How to choose
It's no surprise if you need help with choosing an electric kettle. In fact, I test appliances for a living and I’m surprised electric kettles aren’t more popular in the U.S. So, these appliances are a learning curve for most.
When choosing your electric kettle, you’ll need to consider a few factors before you buy. The overall aesthetics shouldn’t be dismissed when you’re looking at an appliance that will be visible on your kitchen counter. Also, think about how much you’re willing to spend — prices vary drastically and there’s a kettle for every budget. You should also consider:
- Capacity — The majority of kettles range from 30 ounces/ 0.9 liter to 61 ounces/ 1.8 liters. This difference in size impacts how many hot drinks you can make at once. So if you’ve got a larger household, it’s worth considering a kettle with a large capacity.
- Temperature settings — If you just want to boil water, then a simple no-frills kettle will do the job, but tea geeks and coffee aficionados will appreciate a kettle that can heat water to a range of temperatures for optimum brewing. Some also have a keep warm function, so the water temperature is maintained and ready for when you need a top up.
- Safety — Most electric kettles automatically shut off when the water boils, making them safer than stovetop options. But, for added peace of mind, some also have boil dry protection, which means they’ll shut off if there’s no water remaining. And if you want a kettle that doesn’t get too hot on the outside, look for one with a double wall or plastic construction.
Kettle FAQs
How much should you spend on an electric kettle?
Electric kettles can vary greatly in price, with basic entry level models starting from $20, ranging up to $300 for the most premium brands. If you want a kettle with a quality feel to it, such as a soft grip handle or soft open lid, you need to be prepared to pay for it — entry level models tend to feature a basic plastic or stainless steel exterior which will get the job done, but lacks aesthetic appeal. If you want a variable temperature kettle, so you can better control the temperature for herbal teas, this will likely cost you more for the added technology as well. Variable temperature kettles tend to start from $45 for guidance.
You should only pay for what you need when it comes to electric kettles. So don’t be driven to spend more on special features if you’re unlikely to use them, such as a keep warm setting or smart connectivity. Do take the time to check if it comes with energy claims though — a kettle with a good energy rating will cost less to run over time. How much you ultimately spend will be down to your needs and preferences. We recommend coming up with a budget before you start browsing, and then considering the features you require so you don’t spend more than necessary.
Are electric kettles worth it?
The answer to this question depends on how often you’re likely to use an electric kettle. If you’re often heating up water to boiling point via the stove or the microwave, then an electric kettle can save you both time and effort. Plus, it will use less energy in the process too, meaning it will save you money. In addition, the convenience of heating the water at the flick of a switch can't be emphasized enough.
If you’re a fan of herbal teas, then a variable temperature electric kettle is definitely worth considering. With one of these you’ve got greater control over the final temperature, so you can heat the water to the ideal level for brewing different beverages. For instance, green tea requires a brewing temperature of 175 to 185°F, while black tea brews best in water at 200 to 205°F. However, this will add to the price tag, so you should only opt for it if you intend to use it.
Some electric kettles are naturally better than others, so their worth can also vary from model to model. Some perform more efficiently, heating water both quickly and quietly. If you want some guidance on which electric kettle to choose, check out our shortlist above. We’ve scoured the marketplace to find the best electric kettles.
