Best kettles

Best kettles: Dualit Classic Kettle
(Image credit: Dualit)

Those who are frequent hot beverage drinkers will understand that buying an energy saving option, something that's durable AND also looks good on your kitchen worktop will make life a lot easier, cheaper and prettier.

Our top picks don't just include the latest in smart kettle technology: many come in a range of on-trend metallic finishes, and are part of a co-ordinating small appliance range, so you can buy a matching toaster to create a sleek look. 

Best kettle you can buy: AEG EWA7800-U 7 SERIES DIGITAL KETTLE

(Image credit: AEG/ Amazon)

AEG EWA7800-U 7 SERIES DIGITAL KETTLE

Best kettle you can buy: boil water to your preferred temperature with this luxury digital design, which includes energy saving features

Specifications

Capacity: 1.7ltrs
Finish: Stainless steel
Dimensions: H23.8cm x W21cm x D16cm

Reasons to buy

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One cup turbo function
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Variable temperature control
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Never boils dry
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Boils water to your preferred temperature
+
Is easy to use with digital control and LCD display
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Even has a coffee temperature pre-set

Reasons to avoid

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Some complain that the LCD display flickers on occasion
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Others say the lid can be hard to open

This AEG EWA7800-U 7 Series digital kettle is a fantastic all-rounder, as it gives you full control of your tea’s temperature. Perfect for a builder’s brew as well as more delicate herbal infusions. It has a real-time temperature indicator and will boil enough for one cuppa in less than a minute thanks to the nifty turbo feature; ideal for when you’re in a hurry. It also includes boil-dry protection and has a large capacity that can fill a pan of water for pasta or rice.

Adjustable temperature
There are eight settings, all programmable, so you can make tea or coffee just the way you want. Some brews taste better with a cooler temperature so with this digital kettle, you’re in control.

Pre-settings
Tea connoisseurs will love this kettle, as it also incorporates three different settings for tea. Oolong is set at 90ºC, white tea at 85ºC and green tea at 80ºC, all at the touch of a button.

Keep warm
And if you’re not quite ready for your brew just yet, this model comes with a Keep Warm function that will maintain the water’s temperature for 40 minutes. This not only saves time but also energy too, as the kettle won’t need to be turned on again to re-boil.

Best electric kettle: Dualit classic kettle

(Image credit: Dualit)

DUALIT CLASSIC KETTLE

Best electric kettle: this iconic design now comes in a gorgeous Evergreen colour

Specifications

Capacity: 1.7ltrs
Finish: Evergreen
Dimensions: H28.8cm x W15.4cm x D23.5cm

Reasons to buy

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Quiet, ideal for a late-night cuppa when everyone else is asleep
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A replaceable element lengthens its lifespan
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Comes in a selection of other finishes
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Boils water quickly
+
Has a large capacity
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Brings that luxe look to the kitchen

Reasons to avoid

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Pretty expensive
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A lot of money for the features it offers

This Dualit Classic kettle is a keeper. In one of four new colours launched this summer (also comes in Dessert, Eucalyptus and Limestone), the Evergreen version is part of the Naturals collection and is also available as a matching toaster. The dark, inky green shade was inspired by the need to fill our homes with greenery all year round. It has a superfast 3kW element for speedy boiling, which saves energy, and also boasts WhisperBoil™ to reduce noise while in use.

Quiet Mark
The quietest kettle that Dualit offers, it’s been awarded the Quiet Mark, which means that the Noise Abatement Society has recognised that it’s ultra quiet to use. This makes Dualit’s Classic design a must for those who like to get up for a cuppa late at night or very early in the morning, including new parents with night-time feeds.

Repairable element
Built to last, even though this kettle is quite costly, you know you’ll be getting quality. Its patented replaceable element keeps your kettle going for longer.

British made
We love Dualit as products are designed and engineered in the UK, which just adds to its appeal.

Best budget kettle: MORPHY RICHARDS ACCENTS KETTLE

(Image credit: Morphy Richards)

MORPHY RICHARDS ACCENTS KETTLE

Best budget kettle: this design blends classic styling with a modern edge

Specifications

Capacity: 1.5ltrs
Finish: Midnight Blue and Rose Gold
Dimensions: H27.5cm x W26.5cm x D26.5cm

Reasons to buy

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A traditional looking pyramid kettle with a contemporary twist
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360˚ cordless base
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Rapid boil
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Provides enough hot water for single or two-person households
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Saves energy thanks to its speedy boil feature
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Helps prevent limescale with a removable filter

Reasons to avoid

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Smaller capacity than other models
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No illumination in water gauge

We love the sleek design of this updated version of Morphy Richards’ Accents kettle, which now comes in an on-trend dark blue and rose gold mix. Perfect for classic or modern kitchen schemes, it’s smaller than other kettles so it may not be the best option for larger families.

Capacity
A better option for smaller households perhaps, this Morphy Richards pyramid kettle can make up to six cups at one time.

Cord storage
Keep the worktop neat and tidy at all times with cord storage while the 360˚ base is suitable for left or right handed use

Removable filter
Stop limescale getting into your cuppa with a removable filter that can be easily cleaned.

Best kettle for hard water areas: Russell Hobbs 20760-10 BRITA Filter Purity Glass Kettle

Russell Hobbs 20760-10 BRITA Filter Purity Glass Kettle

Best kettle for hard water areas: live in a hard-water area? This is the best kettle for you

Specifications

Capacity: 1.5ltrs
Finish: Glass, blue light when on
Dimensions: H15cm x W21.8cm

Reasons to buy

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BRITA water filter inside
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FREE BRITA MAXTRA+ filter included
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One cup feature for less water waste
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Cartridge replacement reminder
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Can be used by left handed people too
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Affordable

Reasons to avoid

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Some may not like the glass effect

On the hunt for a futuristic looking kettle? This glass Russell Hobbs 20760-10 BRITA Filter Purity Glass Kettle will do the trick. 

Looks
With 3KW of power behind it to deliver you a hot beverage as quickly as possible, this kettle lights up blue when boiling. 

Built-in filter
Inside, there's a BRITA water filter to reduce limescale and chlorine, prolonging the kettle's life and making your drinks taste better. The filter cartridge does need to be changed every so often, however, the kettle has a built-in indicator to remind you when it's time. 

Capacity
The boiling water capacity is one litre, plenty for four cups' worth, and it also an extremely handy one cup feature to help you be more energy efficient.

Hayley Gilbert

Hayley is an interiors journalist with 24 years experience who has contributed to a huge range of consumer magazines, trade titles, newspapers and blogs. She has seen so many trends come and go - and come back round again - and has spent the last few years doing up her house in Hampshire. She loves the industrial look and is still a fan of grey in all its many forms. Hayley specialises in writing about kitchens and appliances – although can cover all interiors subjects with ease. For Realhomes.com, Hayley writes about small appliances and health and beauty gadgets