To start, here is a list of the eight models we tested in this latest round to find the best electric kettle:
Chefman Simple Fill Electric Kettle:
Priced around $34, it offers excellent value. A pour-through lid makes it quick and easy to fill. However, it lacks temperature control and won’t keep water hot after boiling. It was also slower, taking 6 minutes to reach a boil. If you just need to boil water without extra features, this is a great choice.
Hamilton Beach Cool Touch Kettle:
With five preset temperature settings, a cool-touch exterior, quick boil time, and a reasonable price, this is ideal for tea drinkers. It holds your set temperature for up to 30 minutes.
Beautiful by Drew Barrymore One-Touch Kettle:
This overall winner is a fantastic value with numerous features, bringing water to a boil as quickly as any kettle we’ve tested. It has four preset temperatures, adjustable in five-degree increments. Additionally, it maintains your chosen temperature for 60 minutes, and the cool-touch exterior enhances safety.
KitchenAid 1.25 Liter Electric Kettle:
Designed to look like a traditional kettle, this compact and attractive model comes in various colors. You can match it with other KitchenAid appliances, like a stand mixer. It includes a mesh filter to trap scale for cleaner water but lacks additional advanced features.
Aromaster Electric Gooseneck Kettle (out of stock):
The gooseneck spout and built-in analog thermometer are key features here. The gooseneck spout is essential for pour-over coffee, and knowing the exact temperature is crucial for brewing. It doesn’t allow temperature settings or holds but displays the current temperature.
Bodum Melior Gooseneck Electric Kettle:
Priced around $40, this is the most affordable gooseneck kettle we tested. If a gooseneck spout is your main requirement, the price is attractive. However, it lacks distinguishing features and is slower to boil compared to other, higher-wattage options.
Cosori Electric Gooseneck Kettle:
For a gooseneck kettle with five temperature presets, a 60-minute temperature hold, and reasonable pricing around $70, this model is ideal. Clearly marked buttons on the base make it user-friendly.
Stagg EKG Electric Kettle:
If you’re aiming to impress with the best pour-over coffee, this kettle ranges from $165 to $195, depending on the finish. Although pricey, it has top features for coffee enthusiasts. The gooseneck spout enables controlled pouring, and the temperature can be set precisely and held for 60 minutes. Additionally, it’s a beautiful addition to any kitchen.
For comparison, here’s a more detailed review of each model’s key specs:
Electrical kettle specs
| Chefman Simple Fill Electrical Kettle | Hamilton Seashore Cool Contact Kettle | Stunning by Drew Barrymore One-Contact Kettle | KitchenAid KEK1222 Electrical Kettle | Aromaster Electrical Gooseneck Kettle | Bodum Melior Gooseneck Electrical Kettle | Cosori Electrical Gooseneck Kettle | Stagg EKG Electrical Kettle | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mannequin quantity | RJ11-17-GM-EF | 41033 | 19135 | KEK1222 | YK-139T | 11883-259US | CO108-NK | EEO1AA1A |
| Coloration | Matte Black, Clear | Black | Black, Cornflower Blue, Merlot, Oyster Gray, Sage Inexperienced, White Icing | Black Matte, Onyx Black, Brushed Stainless Metal, Empire Purple, Pistachio | Black | Matte Black | Stainless Metal | Matte Black, Matte White, Polished Metal, Polished Copper, Stone Blue, Heat Pink (a number of wooden accents obtainable) |
| Capability | 57.48 oz. (1.7 L) | 57.48 oz. (1.7 L) | 57.48 oz. (1.7 L) | 42.27 oz. (1.25 L) | 27 oz. (0.8 L) | 27 oz. (0.8 L) | 27 oz. (0.8 L) | 30.43 oz. (0.9 L) |
| Dimensions (HxWxD, in inches) | 9.5 x 6.1 x 8.3 | 9.5 x 6.0 x 8.4 | 10.5 x 6.4 x 9.2 | 10.3 x 7.0 x 8.9 | 7.1 x 6.5 x 11.6 | 6.3 x 8.3 x 11.8 | 9.0 x 7.7 x 11.6 | 8.0 x 6.8 x 11.5 |
| Weight (in kilos, together with base) |
2.0 |
2.4 |
3.1 |
2.6 |
2.3 |
1.9 | 2.7 | 2.8 |
| Cool-touch exterior | No | Sure | Sure | _ | _ | _ | _ | _ |
| Set temperature function | _ | Sure (5 choices) | Sure (4 choices) | _ | _ | _ | Sure (5 choices) | Sure (to the precise diploma) |
| Maintain temperature | _ |
Sure (robotically holds for half-hour) |
Yes (robotically holds for 60 minutes) |
_ |
_ |
_ | Sure (for 60 minutes) | Sure (for 60 minutes) |
| Thermometer | _ | Sure (digital) | Sure (digital) | _ | Sure (analog) | _ | _ | Sure (digital) |
| Wattage | 1,100W | 1,500W | 1,500W | 1,500W | 1,200W | 1,000W | 1,200W | 1,200W |
| Boil time | 6:00 | 4:12 | 4:10 | 4:13 | 4:59 | 6:42 | 4:34 | 4:34 |
| Retail worth | $28 | $45 | $40 | $100 | $60 | $40 | $100 | $165 |
Lastly, listed here are the testing notes from earlier years’ checks.
Zwilling Enfinigy: Stylish and Functional
The Zwilling Enfinigy impressed right out of the box due to its aesthetic appeal. Additionally, it performed at a high level in our tests. Its build is solid, and the minimalist one-button design is intuitive. At just over 2 pounds, it’s lightweight, and the cool-touch exterior ensures safe handling. Plus, there is now a similar, equally-sized Pro model available.
Oxo Brew Adjustable Gooseneck Kettle: Ideal for Coffee Lovers
For those who love manual coffee-making, the Oxo Brew Adjustable Gooseneck Kettle is a top choice. Its gooseneck spout is ideal for pour-over and other setups requiring a controlled pour. It’s still a great pick, but the Cosori gooseneck kettle offers similar features and performance at a slightly lower cost.
Oxo Brew Cordless Glass Kettle: Fast and Consistent
Among the options tested, the Oxo Brew Cordless Glass Kettle was the fastest and most consistent in 2021. Its sleek, sturdy build would fit nicely in any kitchen. Particularly, this model appeals to those who prefer an electric kettle with a glass carafe.
Smarter iKettle: A Modern, App-Controlled Option
The Smarter iKettle, currently unavailable in the U.S., performed well and featured a sturdy stainless steel build. Uniquely, this model is the only app-controlled kettle we tested, both a benefit and a drawback. Controlled through the app, it boiled water fully, but using the side button caused it to shut off early. For tech-savvy users, it’s convenient to check water levels and start boiling remotely. Whether this feature is worth the extra cost depends on your preference.
Expensive Smeg Electrical Kettle: High-Octane with Retro Appeal
The expensive Smeg Electrical Kettle has a solid build and a lot of retro appeal. However, it gets extremely hot to the touch, which is a major downside. Additionally, it is quite costly and lacks special features beyond simply boiling water. If you enjoy the look, you may still find it satisfying, though the value is debatable.
Cuisinart PerfectTemp: Testing Performance and Cost Concerns
The Cuisinart PerfectTemp performed well in testing, yet its $100 list price feels high. Fortunately, it sometimes goes on sale for as low as $81. If you prefer a Cuisinart model but find the PerfectTemp too costly, a simpler $70 option with fewer presets is available. As my (now former) colleague Megan Wollerton reported during initial CNET testing, customer feedback on Amazon suggests the PerfectTemp’s auto shut-off feature may be flawed and could pose a fire risk. Notably, Cuisinart did not respond to a request for comment.
Ovente Electrical Kettles: Affordable Options with Quick Boiling
The $26 Ovente Illumination and the $50 Ovente Victoria Series offer budget-friendly options for quick water boiling. These kettles are simple to use, but neither stood out during testing, and they felt somewhat cheaply made. Furthermore, both models have detachable lids, which may lead to misplacement issues. Given my tendency to misplace items, this could easily be an issue.
