We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Food Kitchen Tools & Products The 12 Best Electric Kettles of 2024 No stovetop required. By Lesley Chen Lesley Chen Lesley Chen is a San Francisco-based freelance writer who covers shopping, home, tech, health, and general lifestyle topics for various websites.Highlights *Her work has appeared on SFGate, Well + Good, BuzzFeed, Byrdie, and PureWow. *She has a BA in economics and psychology from UC Berkeley and an MBA from UCLA Anderson. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on January 02, 2024 Fact checked by Emily Estep Fact checked by Emily Estep Emily Estep is a plant biologist and journalist who has worked for a variety of online news and media outlets, writing about and editing topics that range from film and beauty to science and the automobile industry. Her plant biology degree has a focus on sustainable agriculture, and she’s an expert on growing your own food, environmental sciences, and all topics relating to houseplants. Our Fact-Checking Process In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews Final Verdict How to Shop FAQs Take Our Word for It Real Simple / Eric Brockob For anyone who enjoys a nice cup of hot tea or coffee in the morning, waiting for water to boil can feel like an eternity—an electric kettle speeds up the process exponentially. Some even heat water to the precise degree best suited for specific beverages (e.g. green vs. black tea), letting you enjoy your drink of choice at its optimal temperature. This is an important factor when steeping the perfect cup of tea. We researched a variety of electric kettles, considering factors like material, capacity, and bonus features. We also spoke with Ashley Lim, certified tea sommelier and founder and CEO of Mansa Tea, who says that “unlike a traditional tea kettle, an electric kettle gives you the convenience of getting the right temperature with a press of a button.” Keep scrolling for our recommendations. Our Top Picks Best Overall Electric Kettle: Cuisinart PerfecTemp Electric Kettle at Amazon ($100) Jump to Review Best Budget Electric Kettle: Hamilton Beach Electric Kettle at Amazon ($37) Jump to Review Best Splurge Electric Kettle: Breville Smart Kettle Luxe at Amazon ($200) Jump to Review Best Gooseneck Electric Kettle: Fellow Stagg EKG Electric Pour-Over Kettle at Amazon ($165) Jump to Review Best Less Expensive Gooseneck Electric Kettle: Cosori Electric Gooseneck Kettle at Amazon ($70) Jump to Review Best Colorful Electric Kettle: KitchenAid KitchenAid Electric Kettle at Amazon ($100) Jump to Review Best Small Electric Kettle: Bodum Bistro Electric Kettle at Amazon ($21) Jump to Review Best Large Electric Kettle: TopWit 2-Liter Glass Electric Kettle at Amazon ($23) Jump to Review Best Electric Kettle with Temperature Control: OXO Brew Adjustable Temperature Kettle at Amazon ($97) Jump to Review Best Glass Electric Kettle: Mueller Premium Electric Kettle at Amazon ($35) Jump to Review Best Overall Electric Kettle Cuisinart PerfecTemp Electric Kettle Amazon View On Amazon $100 View On Wayfair $78 View On Walmart $74 What Stands Out This easy-to-use, versatile electric kettle includes a boil-dry protection feature. What Could Be Improved The pour spout can dribble, and it can be harder to pour when filled to capacity. Getting hot water is a breeze with this Cuisinart PerfecTemp electric kettle, which has six preset heat settings for your perfect cup of tea or coffee: delicate, green, white, oolong, French press, and black. The backlit water window conveniently shows when the kettle should be refilled and includes a boil-dry protection feature, so the kettle will turn itself off if there isn’t enough water. The kettle has other convenient features, including a 30-minute keep-warm function and a memory feature that lets you take the kettle off the base for two minutes without it shutting off or losing its place in the heating process. A thick, stay-cool handle allows for easy pouring. Capacity: 1.7 liters | Material: Stainless steel | Temperature Control: Preset | Temperature Range: 160°F-200°F | Wattage: 1,500 watts Real Simple / Eric Brockob Real Simple / Eric Brockob Real Simple / Eric Brockob Best Budget Electric Kettle Hamilton Beach Electric Kettle Amazon View On Amazon $37 View On Wayfair $37 View On Walmart $43 What Stands Out The no-frills kettle features a drip-free spout and automatic shut-off. What Could Be Improved It's difficult to see the water level through the frosted plastic side panel. With a 1.7-liter capacity, a drip-free spout, and just one button to press, this simple stainless steel Hamilton Beach electric tea kettle has just what you need to get hot or boiling water without hassle. There’s a frosted water-level window to indicate how much water is inside and the kettle automatically shuts off when the water level is low to prevent boiling dry—the bare necessities when it comes to electric kettles. Capacity: 1.7 liters | Material: Stainless steel | Temperature Control: None | Temperature Range: N/A | Wattage: 1,500 watts Real Simple / Eric Brockob Real Simple / Eric Brockob Real Simple / Eric Brockob Best Splurge Electric Kettle Breville Smart Kettle Luxe Breville View On Amazon $200 View On Wayfair $200 View On QVC $200 What Stands Out Water-level indicators on both sides make it easier to see how much water is inside, and the removable mesh water filter prevents buildup. What Could Be Improved It's on the heavy side. With five temperature settings (green/white tea, oolong tea, French press, black/herbal tea, and boil) and a handle that stays cool, the stylish Breville Smart Kettle Luxe will heat water quickly so you don’t have to wait for your morning cup of tea or coffee. Water-level indicators on both sides of the kettle show how much water is inside, and a removable mesh water filter prevents buildup. The soft-opening lid stops any hot water from splashing back, and the kettle automatically shuts off to prevent boiling dry. Capacity: 1.7 liters | Material: Stainless steel | Temperature Control: Preset | Temperature Range: 175°F-212°F | Wattage: 1,500 watts Best Gooseneck Electric Kettle Fellow Stagg EKG Electric Pour-Over Kettle Amazon View On Amazon $165 View On Nordstrom $195 View On Sur La Table $165 What Stands Out It provides precise pouring and precise temperature control. What Could Be Improved It has a lower capacity than other picks. For anyone who uses their electric kettle daily, you might as well have one that complements your kitchen. The Fellow Stagg EKG Electric Kettle is sleek in design and comes in various colors with wooden accents—but more importantly, it will help you enjoy a great cup of pour-over coffee or tea. The gooseneck spout assists with precision pouring, and the base has an LCD display that allows you to adjust your preferred water temperature to the exact degree. Capacity: 0.9 liters | Material: Stainless steel | Temperature Control: Precise | Temperature Range: 135°F-212°F | Wattage: 1,200 watts Best Less Expensive Gooseneck Electric Kettle Cosori Electric Gooseneck Kettle Amazon View On Amazon $70 View On Walmart $97 View On Kohls.com $64 What Stands Out It’s a less expensive gooseneck kettle with five temperature presets. What Could Be Improved It doesn’t have precise temperature control. You can find a nice gooseneck kettle at a reasonable price in the form of the Cosori Electric Gooseneck Kettle. It has a matte black design to blend well with the rest of your appliances and five different temperature preset buttons that make it convenient to drink your favorite beverages (white, green, oolong, coffee and boil/black) with just a press of a button. The gooseneck design allows for controlled pouring, and it can hold the temperature for up to an hour. There are also built-in safety features, including automatic shut-off when the water is boiling or when the kettle is lifted and boil-dry protection. Capacity: 0.8 liters | Material: Stainless steel | Temperature Control: Preset | Temperature Range: 104°F-212°F | Wattage: 1,200 watts Best Colorful Electric Kettle KitchenAid KitchenAid Electric Kettle Amazon View On Amazon $100 View On Wayfair $100 View On Walmart $100 What Stands Out It boasts the speed and modern features of an electric kettle and the vintage aesthetic of a classic tea kettle. What Could Be Improved It lacks temperature control. There’s something comforting about seeing a classic tea kettle in your kitchen. This stainless steel KitchenAid electric kettle has a vintage aesthetic, but it comes with modern features like a simple on/off button and a power base that allows it to heat up faster than a traditional kettle. It also has a limescale filter and comes in multiple colors to match or complement the rest of your kitchen appliances. Capacity: 1.25 liters | Material: Stainless steel | Temperature Control: None | Temperature Range: N/A | Wattage: 1,500 watts Real Simple / Eric Brockob Real Simple / Eric Brockob Real Simple / Eric Brockob Best Small Electric Kettle Bodum Bistro Electric Kettle Amazon View On Amazon $21 View On Wayfair $31 View On Walmart $34 What Stands Out This lightweight and compact model comes with a water-level indicator and an automatic shut-off feature. What Could Be Improved The plastic makes it less durable, and it looks and feels cheap. For those with limited counter space or those who typically only heat a couple cups of water, this Bodum electric kettle is a great solution. Lightweight and compact, the kettle has a simple on/off button on the handle and can boil water in about four minutes. It holds 1 liter, although there’s a 0.5-liter version, as well. It’s available in three colors (black, red, and white) and comes with a water-level indicator and an automatic shut-off feature. Capacity: 0.5 or 1 liter | Material: Stainless steel, plastic, silicone | Temperature Control: None | Temperature Range: N/A | Wattage: 700 watts Best Large Electric Kettle TopWit 2-Liter Glass Electric Kettle Amazon View On Amazon $23 What Stands Out The kettle has a large capacity and large opening for filling. What Could Be Improved It doesn't boil water as quickly as other models. There are days when you want ample hot water but don’t want to deal with the hassle of reboiling pot after pot. This electric kettle holds 2 liters of water and is made of glass, so you’ll know when you’re running low. The top opening is wide, making it easy to fill and clean after use. The base has an LED indicator to let you know when the water is being heated, and the kettle will shut off when the water is boiled or when it’s empty. Just note that it’s not the most powerful kettle at only 1,000 watts, so it won’t boil as quickly as other options, especially when it’s at full capacity. Capacity: 2 liters | Material: Borosilicate glass, stainless steel | Temperature Control: None | Temperature Range: N/A | Wattage: 1,000 watts Best Electric Kettle with Temperature Control OXO Brew Adjustable Temperature Kettle Amazon View On Amazon $97 View On Wayfair $105 View On Perigold.com What Stands Out This kettle offers precise heating and adjustable temperature control, as well as a 360-degree swiveling base. What Could Be Improved The opening is small, and the kettle is not insulated. If you’re a tea or coffee aficionado and are particular about having precisely heated water for your beverages, this glass kettle is for you. It has a digital display and adjustable temperature control ranging from 170°F to 212°F (you can also choose Celsius) for every type of drink you want, and it can keep your water warm for up to 30 minutes. Inside, there’s a stainless steel filter to strain water, and the base swivels 360 degrees so you can quickly put the kettle on or off the base. Capacity: 1.75 liters | Material: Borosilicate glass, stainless steel | Temperature Control: Precise | Temperature Range: 170°F–212°F | Wattage: 1,500 watts Best Glass Electric Kettle Mueller Premium Electric Kettle Amazon View On Amazon $35 View On Walmart $35 View On Muellerdirect.com What Stands Out This glass kettle lets you easily see when water is boiling or running low. What Could Be Improved The kettle is not insulated, so it may not retain heat for as long as others. Glass kettles make an attractive addition to the kitchen, and this Mueller Ultra Glass Kettle fits the bill. Made from borosilicate glass and stainless steel, the kettle has an LED light inside to let you know when it’s heating and shuts off when the water is ready. There are no complicated controls either—just a simple on/off button—and the kettle automatically senses when the water reaches boiling (212°F) and shuts off. The kettle can rotate 360 degrees on its base, allowing you to grab and place it back quickly. Note the lid flips up but doesn’t not come off completely, which may make cleaning a little more difficult. Capacity: 1.8 liters | Material: Borosilicate glass, stainless steel | Temperature Control: N/A | Temperature Range: Up to 212°F | Wattage: 1,500 watts Best Modern Electric Kettle Zwilling Enfinigy Electric Kettle Pro Amazon View On Amazon $150 View On Nordstrom $120 View On Wayfair $130 What Stands Out This kettle is sleek, with no obtrusive buttons and a hideable cord. What Could Be Improved The spout for pouring is small. For a more modern aesthetic, the Zwilling Enfinigy Cool Touch Pro Electric Kettle has clean lines and a streamlined silhouette that doesn’t take much horizontal space. The base has a cord winder so you can hide the cord when not in use, and the digital display on the base has six temperature presets and is subtle and sleek. It has a keep-warm function and double walls, which allows the water to stay hot inside and the outside cool to the touch—no accidental scalded fingers. Capacity: 1.5 liters | Material: Stainless steel | Temperature Control: Preset | Temperature Range: 140°F-212°F | Wattage: 1,500 watts Best Copper Electric Kettle Smeg Electric Kettle Amazon View On Amazon $190 View On Nordstrom $190 View On Wayfair $190 What Stands Out This metallic kettle is high in design, and the metallic finish is scratch-, stain-, and corrosion-resistant. What Could Be Improved It’s a heavier kettle with fewer features. The SMEG Electric Kettle is a blend of retro design with modern technology. It has a simple on/off button, a swivel base, a built-in cord wrap, and an automatic shut-off feature when water comes to boil or when you lift the kettle. The kettle is stainless steel with a sleek copper (or gold) enamel finish that’s not only stain- and scratch-resistant, but will also stand out on your kitchen counter. Capacity: 1.7 liters | Material: Stainless steel with enamel finish | Temperature Control: N/A | Temperature Range: N/A | Wattage: 1,500 watts Final Verdict Our top choice is the Cuisinart PerfecTemp Cordless Electric Kettle, which has features to make daily use more convenient, including preset temperature buttons, a water-level window, keep-warm functionality, and boil-dry protection. If you’re looking for a basic electric kettle that won’t cost you very much but still gets the job done, go with the Hamilton Beach Electric Kettle. How to Shop for Electric Kettles Like a Pro Material Electric kettles are usually made of stainless steel, glass, or plastic. Choosing between materials will depend on your style, weight preference, and budget. Plastic is generally the lightest (and cheapest) but doesn’t last very long. Another consideration is that “plastic can leach chemicals at a higher rate when heated,” says Lim. “When you are boiling water in plastic, you are constantly adding more microplastics into your water.” Glass kettles are the heaviest, though weight also depends on the size and shape of the kettle. Glass kettles tend to be easier to clean since they don’t rust and tend to attract less residue like limescale, says Lim. They can add a modern and clean aesthetic to your kitchen, but they also are more prone to breakage relative to plastic or stainless steel. If you’re looking for something that will hold heat very well, stainless steel has impressive insulation. Lim says that stainless steel is her personal favorite due to the functionality: It’s durable, lightweight, and goes well with other stainless steel appliances. However, it can get hot on the exterior and needs regular descaling to keep it clean, she adds. Capacity The capacity of your electric kettle depends on how much hot water you need or the number of people in your house. Lim says that if you have one to two tea drinkers in your house, then a 1-liter kettle should be enough. She also notes that you don’t have to fill the kettle to the maximum line unless you need every last ounce. Boiling large amounts of water will take unnecessary time if you just want a cup or two of tea or coffee. Features At a minimum, all electric kettles should have an on/off switch. Lim recommends looking for a temperature-control feature that allows you to tailor the specific temperature and retain the water's temperature for up to an hour. She says she personally loves the keep-warm mode, as not having to constantly re-boil water is a huge time saver. If you tend to be forgetful in the kitchen or just don’t want to double check you’ve turned off the kettle, look for safety features like an automatic shut-off function. Questions You Might Ask What are the pros and cons of an electric kettle? Electric kettles are convenient and easy to use: You only need an outlet and not an entire stove to use one, and they boil water much faster than a stovetop kettle. Kettles with a temperature control feature allow you to achieve an ideal temperature without watching over your kettle to estimate the water temperature, says Lim. Temperature control features also allow you to set the temperature for particular beverages, like coffee, white tea, and French press coffee. Most electric kettles also have safety features built-in, like automatic shut-off. Potential cons of an electric kettle are that some plastic options may contain BPA chemicals, so we recommend checking the manufacturer label to ensure the kettle you select is BPA-free. Electric kettles also tend to be more expensive than stovetop versions, and aren’t as indestructible. How do you prevent limescale in an electric kettle? Limescale is a buildup of minerals such as calcium carbonate left behind by boiling water. It will build up faster depending on the water you use (e.g., hard water will cause more limescale). “To prevent limescale, always use filtered water and rinse and dry the kettle thoroughly after each use,” says Lim. How do you clean an electric kettle? Cleaning an electric kettle is relatively simple and only requires basic household items. Lim recommends filling the kettle with 50% water and 50% distilled white vinegar and then boiling the solution. Let the solution sit for at least an hour, pour it out, then boil water twice and empty the kettle. If you live in a place with hard water, you may have to clean/descale your kettle every month, says Lim. Otherwise, you should descale your kettle at least every three months. What is the lifespan of an electric kettle? Most electric kettles come with a warranty, but Lim says the lifespan of a stainless steel kettle should be at least five years if maintained well with regular descaling. Is an expensive electric kettle worth it? Do some research ahead of time if you’re looking to invest in a more expensive electric kettle because they vary based on brand and features, and whether it’s worth it depends on your budget and preferences. “There are electric kettles priced over $100, and for most of them you are paying for the aesthetics and branding. So if design is important for you, it could be worth it,” says Lim. “Personally, I purchased a $150 kettle from a well-known brand, primarily for its design as it did not have a temperature control function, and it stopped working after two years. And the stainless kettle I purchased on Amazon for $25 is the one that’s still working to this day!” Take Our Word for It This article was written by Lesley Chen, a contributing writer for Real Simple who covers commerce, home, and lifestyle stories. To compile this list she thoroughly researched electric kettles and rounded up the best options based on material, capacity, and features. For expert advice, Lesley spoke to Ashley Lim, certified tea sommelier and founder and CEO of Mansa Tea, a handcrafted aged tea company. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit