The best kettles for your kitchen 2024

Variable-temperature models are a bonus for connoisseurs who don’t want their coffee to burn in boiling water, while some herbal teas also diffuse best in temperatures lower than 100 degrees.

A lot comes down to your sense of kitchen style – nostalgic, high-tech, functional or funky – with some choices accompanied by matching toasters and kitchen accessories for a coordinated countertop.

Handle type can be down to personal preference and dexterity, with the majority of kettles here featuring side handles for easy pouring. Consider a kettle’s weight when filled, too. Cheaper, plastic versions may not feel as robust as top-quality steel models, but they will usually feel lighter to carry from sink to plug point.

On the downside, we found that those models with plastic chambers rather than steel or glass tended to be noisier as they heated up.

Those in hard water areas should look for models with filters and consult our guide to descaling a kettle as they can quickly show limescale build-up in the interior and around the spout.

Remember, if you feel inspired by our choices and decide to splash out on a new kettle, read our notes on how to recycle your electricals and appliances before you say goodbye to your old model.

Best kettles to buy at a glance

• Best kettle for energy saving: Gastroback Design Cool Touch Kettle, £79.99
• Best retro kettle: Haden Highclere kettle, £45.99
• Best fast-boil kettle: Ninja Perfect Temperature kettle, £99.99
• Best kettle for tea lovers: Russell Hobbs Attentiv, £59
• Best variable-temperature kettle: KitchenAid Artisan 1.5 litre kettle, £159.20
• Best value kettle: Bosch Sky cordless kettle, £85.55
• Most stylish kettle: Swan Nordic jug kettle, £54.99
• Best colourful kettle: KitchenAid Variable Temperature kettle, £143.20
• Most fun kettle: Funky Home kettle, £59.95
• Best premium kettle: Aarke kettle, £200
• Best stainless-steel kettle: Bosch DesignLine kettle, £49.97
• Best traditional kettle: Tefal Loft kettle, £32.49
• Best kettle for looks: De’Longhi Eclettica Kettle, £49.99
• Best bargain fast-boiling kettle: Quest Fast Boil Glass Kettle, £24.99
• Best kettle in matching set: Salter Pebble Kettle, £44.99
• Best eco kettle: Breville Edge Still Hot kettle, £35
• Best lightweight kettle: Kenwood Elegancy kettle, £39.99

Best matching kettle and toaster sets at a glance

• Best retro kettle and toaster set: Haden Highclere kettle and toaster, £80
• Most versatile kettle and toaster set: Ninja kettle and toaster set, £229.99
• Best premium kettle and toaster set: KitchenAid Artisan breakfast set, £442.52
• Best kettle and toaster set for style and simplicity: Salter Pebble kettle and toaster set, £84.99

Jump to section:

• Best kettles to buy in 2024
• Best matching kettle and toaster sets
• Other kettles tried and tested
• How to choose the best kettle for your kitchen
• How we tested kettles
• How to descale a kettle

Best kettles to buy in 2024

Gastroback Design Cool Touch Kettle 62436

Available from Gastroback (£79.90), Freemans (£79.99)

Best kettle for energy saving

Pros

• Saves on energy bills
• Cool touch for safety
• Very quiet

Cons

• Water measurements on inside of kettle
• No limescale filter

Star rating: 5/5

Wattage: 2200W

Just watch that smart meter light up as you boil the kettle for one cuppa – it uses significant energy compared to other kitchen appliances. That being said, this model boils rapidly and has a ‘keep warm’ function to store water ready for your next drink in its double-walled chamber.

We went back to the Gastroback 20 minutes after first boiling and still had a steaming hot mug of tea. With energy prices rocketing, we’d say it’s a smart long-term investment.

The Gastroback Design Cool Touch is a good-looking kettle with a quality feel. It’s also very quiet, until it beeps a few times on boiling.

The minimalist, brushed stainless steel casing is easy to wipe down, with no obvious finger marks showing between cleans. We also liked the steel accent ring on the base, which set it apart from basic models in the style stakes.

With a soft-action pop-up lid activated by a recessed button, and glossy sensor-touch panel, it was functional, too, with the digital readout changing in 5C increments till we chose the perfect temperature for our needs from 35C to boiling point.

Haden Highclere kettle

Best retro kettle

Pros:

• Ergonomic handle for easy lifting
• Stylish retro design
• All packaging could be recycled
• Boil-dry protection

Cons:

• Metal on handle gets hot during use

Star rating: 5/5

Wattage: 3000W

Ideal for kitchens with a vintage aesthetic, this 1.5-litre kettle strikes a nice balance between sturdiness and style.

It's available in both blue and cream, and the ergonomic handle across the top is a thoughtful feature that aids with pouring and filling. Be aware, though, that some parts of the handle are metal, which means they get very hot as the kettle boils.

The water-level indicator is easy to read and located above the switch, with three markings for 500ml, 1 litre and 1.5 litres, plus the number of cups (from two to six). The switch illuminates in blue when the kettle is turned on, so we could clearly see when it had finished boiling too.

While the Highclere isn't the fastest kettle we've tested, it's still relatively speedy and boiled 1.5 litres of water in 3 minutes and 9 seconds. It's also built with boil-dry protection, which means it will switch off if the power is on but no water is detected. You can also buy a matching toaster, which was awarded 4.5/5 stars by our expert reviews team.

Cost to boil for 2 minutes: 1.6p

Ninja Perfect Temperature Kettle Rapid Boil

Best for pre-set temperature settings

Pros:

• Six pre-set temperatures
• Rapid boil mode for a single cup in under 60 seconds
• Unique audible alert for end-boil
• Clear temperature climb

Cons:

• Audible end-boil alert can't be turned off

Score: 5/5

Wattage: 3000W

Ninja's kettle has a lot to offer for the price-point. The selectable variety of temperatures on offer spans 60-100 degrees C; a feature perfect for getting the most out of speciality teas and coffee and will be popular if your household drinks a variety of hot beverages.

It's also an efficient tactic for such a high-wattage appliance, meaning you don't have to reach a full-boil for every mug.

The temperature is tracked on the digital display while the water heats and there's an audible tone as a notification of kettle finishing that's the same as other Ninja appliances.

This isn't possible to turn off which is tricky if you're making late-night cuppas, but is the loudest part of the kettle, which boils relatively quietly. For the price, you get a lot for your money from this kettle. Ninja also sells a matching toaster.

Russell Hobbs Attentiv

Available from Amazon (£59), Wayfair (£59), Very (£59), Argos (£70)

Best kettle for tea lovers

Pros

• Great for making tea to your taste
• Very good quality
• Variable temperatures

Cons

• Base has a large footprint on counter tops
• Control’s electronic beeps may annoy

Star rating: 5/5

Wattage: 3000W

This is a kettle with a difference as it has a removable basket for loose leaves if you’re not a fan of tea bags or love herbal infusions. Once infused, use the handle to remove the insert and it will keep tea at your desired temperature for up to 30 minutes. It’s perfect for refills after that first delicious cup of the day. The ‘Steep Timer’ function can also be programmed to remember a particular setting for your preferred brew.

The Attentiv’s touchscreen controls let you choose anything between 40-100C and it has a speedy, quiet boil. Use the chunky dial on the control base to wind the temperature reading up or down, press start and the digital reading will increase as the kettle does its thing. There’s a toaster and coffee maker in the high-tech Attentiv range, too.

KitchenAid Artisan 1.5-litre variable-temperature kettle

Best variable-temperature kettle

Pros:

• Attractive
• Versatile

Cons:

• Heavy
• Expensive

Star rating: 5/5

Wattage: 3000W

This is a chunky statement kettle that looks great and does everything. There's a choice of temperatures for your water, between 50-100C.

As well as being suitable for people who enjoy teas that requires a different temperature, it’s ideal for parents making drinks that aren't dangerously hot for children, or those using warm water for other purposes, like cooking. A matching toaster is also available and was rated 4.5/5 by the Good Food reviews team.

Read our full KitchenAid Artisan kettle review.

Bosch cordless kettle

Best value cordless kettle

Pros:

• Sleek
• Fast

Cons:

• Larger than average base

Star rating: 5/5

Wattage: 3000W

This Bosch cordless kettle offers great features for tea aficionados. The kettle sits on a black base with touchscreen-like controls. From here, you can turn it on and off, or select the best temperature for your brew between 70-100C.

There’s also a 'keep warm' button to maintain the water at the same temperature for 30 minutes. Although it's not the smallest or quietest model we tested, the Bosch is the quickest, boiling water in just 2 minutes and 6 seconds.

Read our full Bosch cordless kettle review.

Swan Nordic jug kettle

Most stylish kettle

Pros:

• Attractive design
• Fast

Cons:

• Limescale filter hard to remove

Star rating: 5/5

Wattage: 3000W

If you want a kettle that's striking and different, this Scandinavian-style Swan kettle could be the answer – it's an elegant and streamlined appliance that also comes in a cordless model. The wood-effect handle is made of rubber and easy to grip, but obstructs the water level gauge behind it.

However, the upright design of this kettle means that despite its 1.7 litre-capacity, it doesn't take up that much space on the worktop. It's also fairly efficient, taking 2 minutes and 24 seconds to boil a litre of water. Swan also sells a matching toaster.

Read our Swan Nordic kettle review.

KitchenAid Digital Variable Temperature Kettle

Best colourful kettle

Pros:

• Attractive design
• Intuitive controls
• Range of temperature controls

Cons:

• Expensive

Star rating: 4.5/5

Wattage: 2400W

This is an elegant, compact kettle that comes in a range of KitchenAid's bright colours to add an eye-catching feature to your kitchen. There's a choice of temperatures between 50C and 100C with an easy-to-move lever and light up display to help indicate your choice.

While the price is certainly a premium one the look and feel of the kettle reflects it, with a sleek finish on the body and matte handle. The water boiled fairly quickly, and we like how the safety features prevent you from boiling less than the minimum level. You can also buy a matching toaster with this kettle, which our reviews team rated 4.5/5.

Aarke kettle

Best premium kettle

Pros:

• Multiple heat settings
• Quiet boil function
• Stylish stainless-steel design
• Double-walled to keep water hotter for longer

Cons:

• Hefty to lift
• Leaves visible fingerprint marks
• Difficult to see measurement markings
• Expensive

Star rating: 4.5/5

Wattage: 1850-2200W

A great pick for speciality tea drinkers, this sleek kettle comes with a range of temperature settings (40C, 85C, 95C and 100C) and looks attractive on the counter. It's heavy to lift even without any water in it, but it's otherwise easy to use and has a robust, quality design.

One of the things we loved most about the Aarke is how quiet it is, and we could hold a conversation easily while it got to work. In terms of speed, it fared about average versus other models we've tested, boiling the maximum amount (1.2 litres) to 100C in three minutes. Thanks to the double-walled design, it also retains heat well.

The minimum and maximum markings are located inside the kettle, which proved difficult to read, especially in low light. Its stainless-steel exterior is impressively shiny but susceptible to fingerprints, so will need wiping occasionally.

Cost to boil for 2 minutes: 1.1p

Bosch DesignLine kettle

Best stainless steel kettle

Pros:

• Sleek design
• Water-level window on both sides
• 1.7-litre capacity

Cons:

• Lid doesn't open fully
• Difficult to read water level

Star rating: 4.5/5

Wattage: 3000W

If simplicity and reliability are what you're looking for in a kettle, this Bosch model is a solid choice that looks great on the counter too. It has a stylish stainless steel and brushed plastic design that slots nicely into a modern kitchen aesthetic. The big, chunky handle also helps with easy lifting and pouring, and there's an extra filter included too.

The lid flips up but doesn't open as fully as needed, so we had to manually pull it open further before filling the kettle with water. The water-level indicator also doesn't light up so can be difficult to read, but there are windows on both sides with measurement markings for cups and millilitres.

It was relatively noisy during use but we could still hold a conversation. The time it took to boil was about average versus the other models we tested, too, taking 3 minutes and 35 seconds to boil 1.7 litres of water. A matching toaster is also available, which our reviews team awarded 5/5 stars.

Cost to boil for 2 minutes: 1.6p

Funky Home kettle

Most fun kettle

Pros:

• Bold, playful design
• Wide ergonomic handle
• 1.7-litre capacity
• Flip-up lid

Cons:

• Water-level indicator is hidden behind handle
• Slower than other models

Star rating: 4.5/5

Wattage: 3000W

Funky Appliances is synonymous with uniquely shaped gadgets, and its chunky statement kettle is no exception. Available in six colours, it has a generous 1.7-litre capacity, a wide spout, and a user-friendly flip-up lid. It's also easy to lift as it's built with a large, smooth handle.

The window is positioned behind the handle, which makes it more difficult to read, but on the plus side it lights up brightly when the kettle is switched on. It was slower than other models we tested, boiling water at an average of 2 minutes 43 seconds, but was relatively quiet during use. There's also a matching toaster, which our team awarded 4.5/5 stars.

Cost to boil for 2 minutes: 1.6p

Tefal Loft kettle

Best traditional kettle

Pros:

• Wide opening lid
• Quick to boil

Cons:

• Subtle 'on' light

Star rating: 4.5/5

Wattage: 3000W

This lightweight Tefal Loft (KO250840) is a good mid-range option. We particularly like the wide pull-off lid, which comes off easily and gives a good space for filling. It's pleasingly speedy, boiling at an average of 2 minutes 14 seconds, though it is a little on the noisy side. Read our full Tefal Loft kettle review.

De’Longhi Eclettica Kettle

Available from Currys (£49.99), Amazon (£56), AO (£56), John Lewis and Partners (£59), De’Longhi (£69.99)

Best kettle for looks

Pros

Quirky design and colour

Well-constructed

Easy-to-clean, removable scale filter

Cons

Heavier than cheaper kettles

Noisier than glass or steel models

Star rating: 4/5

Wattage: 3000W

We loved the look of this quirky number, with its wavy ‘saucer’ that attaches to the base for standout style in the crowded kettle market.

Rather than a flip switch, this model has a traditional pull-off lid, and the handle feels solid and built to last years of sink refilling. Likewise, the silver ‘on’ lever was top quality and went down with a satisfying click.

Although we found it fiddly to remove at first, the slide-out scale filter on the spout is a cinch to keep clean, as was the smooth, glossy casing and matt handle.

We tested a Playful Pink version which even featured a tasteful light grey power cord and plug, but if Barbie brew-ups are not your bag, take a look at the white, beige and black alternatives in the Eclettica range.

Quest Fast Boil Glass Kettle

Available from Amazon (£24.99), Quest (£24.99)

Best bargain fast boiling kettle

Pros

• Great price for a stylish kettle
• Rapid boil
• Wide opening for refills

Cons

• Hard water area? Interior limescale will soon become visible
• Too much plastic packaging

Star rating: 4/5

Wattage: 3000W

The Quest Fast Boil kettle lived up to its name, with a full 1.7-litre capacity coming to the boil in an impressive 3 minutes 44 seconds, which shaved a whole two minutes off the times of some more expensive rivals.

This is a basic model to look at, without many bells or whistles. The fanciest thing about it is the illuminated LED ‘on’ switch, which glows blue as it comes to the boil.

See-through kettles need regular descaling, of course, and it was a let-down to see that the stainless steel filter on the spout of this model wasn’t removable, which would have made those nooks and crannies easier to descale.

At under £25, though, the glass jug construction is solid and it all feels more high-end than the bargain price tag might suggest. We’d have appreciated less plastic in the protective packaging at delivery, however.

Salter Pebble Kettle

Available from Amazon (£33.99), Currys (£33.99), Salter (£37.99)

Best kettle in matching set

Pros

• Matching toaster and accessories available
• Boil-dry sensor for safety first
• Great price

Cons

• Scale filter tricky to remove
• Some leaking from the lid at full capacity pouring

Star rating: 4/5

Wattage: 3000W

With open-plan living, it’s nice to have coordinating appliances on show. This cream kettle and toaster set would look stylish on any worktop with its brass-coloured accents. Salter also has a range of storage canisters for tea, coffee and sugar in the Pebble range, so if matching is your thing, this is a great choice.

Easy to fill and use, we liked the chunky feel of this kettle, which is a straightforward model without complicated temperature variances or a keep-warm hotplate. We liked the fact its boil-dry sensor would activate if the kettle was accidentally turned on when empty.

To keep check on levels, there’s a transparent water gauge. We also appreciated the interior limescale filter, though it was difficult to pull out, with no instructions in the manual.

This model also comes in a charcoal colourway and can be bought as part of a matching set with the Salter Pebble toaster.

Breville Edge Still Hot kettle

Best eco kettle

Pros:

• Eco-friendly reminder not to reboil
• Good value
• Quick

Cons:

• Lid a little fiddly on occasion

Wattage: 3000W

We all know that we don’t need to re-boil the kettle when a family member who initially turns down a cuppa decides five minutes later that they want one after all – but we tend to anyway.

This kettle’s USP is its visual reminder that the water is still hot enough. The water indicator starts to turn red as it boils and stays that way until the water falls below 80C. This will hopefully encourage users not to boil the kettle when they don’t need to, reducing the amount of power they use. Read our full Breville Edge still hot kettle review.

Kenwood Elegancy kettle

Best lightweight kettle

Pros:

• Light and quick

Cons:

• The look and feel of the plastic isn't for everyone

Wattage: 3000W

Not everyone wants the latest shiny, multi-function kettle – sometimes simple is best. This is a more traditional kettle in terms of features. It’s lightweight, making it ideal for anyone who would struggle to grip heavy kettles. It has a pull-off lid rather than a flip-up one, giving it a wide opening.

This comes in a choice of colours, and the wide spout makes pouring quick and smooth and the kettle boiled quietly. It’s pretty speedy too, averaging around 2 minutes, 7 seconds for a litre.

Read our full Kenwood elegancy kettle review.

Best matching kettle and toaster sets

As gadgets that you probably use most days, a kettle and toaster tend to be the staples of the kitchen countertop – and choosing models that match can really smarten up your space. That said, these appliances need to do more than just look good. Here's our pick of the best-performing matching sets available to buy now, as rated by Good Food experts.

Haden Highclere kettle and toaster

Best retro kettle and toaster set

Available in two colours – blue or cream – this stainless-steel kettle and toaster set from Haden has shiny silver accents and a smooth matte finish. We found the toaster was particularly good at toasting smaller items like teacakes, hot cross buns or crumpets, as its slots are quite shallow.

Ninja kettle and toaster set

Available from Ninja (£199.99)

Most versatile kettle and toaster set

Combining innovation with style, this matching toaster and kettle set would fit perfectly in a sleek, modern kitchen. The sets are available in either black or stainless steel, and both are versatile and efficient. The 3-in-1 toaster comes with seven shade settings and seven cooking functions, including bagel, panini, bake and defrost.

Available from:

• Ninja (£199.99)

KitchenAid Artisan breakfast set

Best premium kettle and toaster set

This bold breakfast set from KitchenAid makes a real statement. The toaster and kettle are sold as a pair in candy apple red, or you can purchase them separately in medallion silver. The toaster comes in just two colours, but you can also mix and match your set if you fancy buying the kettle in a different shade – there are nine colours to choose from. Both appliances come with a hefty price tag and take up a fair chunk of the countertop, but if you have the budget and space, they're certainly a reliable and attractive choice.

Salter Pebble Kettle and Toaster set

Available from Salter (£84.99), Amazon (£84.99)

Best kettle and toaster set for style and simplicity

This kettle and toaster set from Salter’s Pebble range combines style with ease of use, making it a top choice for those looking to keep things uncomplicated. The cream appliances with brass-coloured accents look elegant on any countertop, with matching canisters and a bread bin available for a cohesive kitchen look. The kettle is satisfyingly straightforward, without advanced temperature settings, but it still includes essential features like a boil-dry sensor and a water gauge to keep track of levels. Meanwhile, the four-slice toaster impresses with a high-lift eject that makes it easier to grab smaller slices without risking burnt fingers. And self-centring slots ensure evenly toasted results every time.

Other kettles tried and tested

• Russell Hobbs & Emma Bridgewater polka-dot kettle review, £100
• Bosch Styline kettle review, £60
• Dualit Domus kettle review, £80.99
• Cuisinart multi-temp jug kettle review, £100
• Zwilling Enfinigy review, £89.95
• Breville high gloss electric kettle review, £39.99
• Russell Hobbs Structure kettle review, £35.26
• Dualit Classic Kettle review, £149.99
• Bosch Silicone kettle review, £49.99
• Morphy Richards Verve kettle review, £21.95
• Smeg KLF04 kettle review, £179
• Morphy Richards Hive kettle review, £34.99
• Sage the Compact Kettle review, £69.95

How to choose the best kettle for your kitchen

Unsure what to look for when choosing your kettle? We've summarised the main features you should consider:

Classic or multifunctional
If you just want a kettle that boils water, you’re spoilt for choice. If you’re a lover of fine teas, some of which brew better at lower temperatures, you might want one that enables you to select the temperature. This option can also suit parents making hot drinks for children. Some kettles also have a 'keep warm' function, which is useful if you don’t all want your tea at the same time.

Capacity
A smaller kettle may be good for a single person or small household to avoid the temptation of overfilling. Each of the models we tested also came with bases, which can widen the footprint of the appliance on your countertop too.

Style
Classic, old-fashioned, shaker, trendy, futuristic – there’s a kettle for you whatever type of kitchen you have. While most modern kettles are jug-style, taking up less space on the worktop, there are plenty of pyramid kettles on the market if you prefer one of those. All the kettles we tested sat on a base that plugged into the mains, and all had auto-switch off.

Lid
Flick up or pull off? If you like to operate your kettle with one hand, you might prefer one where you just press a button to lift the lid. Some people would rather have one where the lid comes off completely.

Speed
If you want a quick break from work, you might appreciate a kettle that is a minute or so quicker.

Noise
Some people want their kettle to be as unobtrusive as possible, and certainly not loud enough to drown out the radio or music. But if you like to flick on the kettle, then go off into a different room while it boils, you might like one that’s a bit louder, so you can hear when it clicks off.

Price
You might be surprised at how cheap – or expensive – a kettle can be. Our samples range from £22.99 to £149.

Best kettles for hard water
In areas of hard water, there's usually a faster build-up of limescale inside kettles, particularly around the element. To avoid getting limescale in your tea, you want a kettle that has a robust and finely meshed filter inside the spout that's also easy to remove.

How we tested kettles

We tested a representative sample of kettles and scored them on the following criteria:

Good looks: Kettles live on worktops, so the one you buy might come down to the one you like the look of, and whether it will fit in with the style of your kitchen.

Quality: Well-fitting lids, quality on switches and filters – we were looking for a kettle that feels like it would last.

Speed: While speed might not be the deciding factor when choosing a kettle, for most of us, the quicker, the better. We poured a litre of water into each of the kettles – enough for four mugs – and got the stopwatch out.

Ease of use: There’s no point having a beautiful kettle if it’s awkward to use. We looked for kettles that were simple to fill and pour, with a good grip and easy-to-read water levels.

Value: We awarded extra points for those kettles that were great value for money.

How to descale a kettle

It's the age-old question of kettle maintenance – how do you get rid of a build-up of limescale? We recommend using vinegar, which is a common household ingredient that works as a gentle acid to break down deposits inside your kettle.

Add half a cup of neat white vinegar to a kettle filled with water and leave it to sit overnight – this should remove any surface scale. Try to do this regularly to avoid heavy build-up that becomes impossible to remove.

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All costs-to-run calculations were done against the variable tariff at the time of testing, which has since changed – read more on the current energy price guarantee rates.

If you have any questions, suggestions for future reviews or spot anything that has changed in price or availability, please get in touch at goodfoodwebsite@immediate.co.uk.