Which is the best electric kettle to buy 2022? We review models from Russell Hobbs, Dualit, Kenwood, Philips
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For a nation that’s as pernickety about tea preferences as we Brits tend to be (Yorkshire only. In a chunky mug with a handle that fits all four fingers. Milk absolutely comes last), we appear not to pay much mind to the kettle within which we boil our brew water when, not to be dramatic, but it could make or break our morning cuppas.
Best kettles at a glance
- Best for maintaining water temperature: Bosch Styline TWK8633GB Variable Temperature Cordless Kettle, 1.5 Litres, 3000W
- Best for design: Funky Kettle
- Best eco-conscious kettle: 5000 Series Kettle
- Best value for money: Russell Hobbs 20460 Quiet Boil Kettle
- Best lightweight, large capacity kettle: Kenwood Elegancy Kettle
- Best decorative kettle: DeLonghi Ballerina Kettle
- Best for variable temperature: Variable Temperature Artisan 5KEK1522 Kettle
- Best all-rounder: Dualit Domus Kettle
There are a million and one kettles on the market – it’s no surprise many of us aren’t up for the tedious task of sifting through them all to find the top contenders. Fortunately for you, if you’re in the market for a new kettle, we did the hard work for you by collating 8 of the best kettles available to buy right now.
How to shop for the best kettle
A key thing to consider when shopping for the best kettle is water capacity. Kettles typically hold between 1.5L and 1.7L of water so, should a standard tea run involve the making of 6-odd cuppas in your home or office, then a kettle with a larger water capacity is going to be much more efficient. That said, the more water added to a kettle, the heavier it’s going to be – something to bear in mind if you have difficulty lifting heavy objects.
Most kettles have boil dry protection, which prevents the kettle from boiling if there isn’t enough water, and a removable filter in the spout which collects limescale particles. On the subject of safety, though, it’s important to consider the kettle exterior before buying. Stainless steel designs feel hotter to the touch than those made from some other materials, which could be a potential hazard.
Finally, think about kettle design preferences, yes (any colours or shapes that take your fancy, or whether or not you can snag a matching toaster, too), but also consider whether you might like a kettle that offers variable temperature, so you can pour the perfect cup of herbal tea, smart features, so you can pop the kettle on using your phone, or one that has energy efficiency settings, such as quick boil mode.
Now you’re clued up on how to shop a new kettle, browse our roundup of the 8 best kettles.
Interested in kitting out your kitchen further? We have detailed guides to the best non-stick woks, best rice cookers, or consider a multi-cooker for a great hands-off kitchen tool.
Love cooking? Check out our guide to the best charcoal BBQs UK 2022, or brilliant ice cream makers for conjuring perfect gelato.
If hot drinks are your poison, the Hotel Chocolat velvetiser is revoltuionary.
