Food Manufacture reported that tea and coffee combined account for 88 per cent of volume and 91 per cent of value in the UK hot drinks market. So, as a nation of tea drinkers, we're all in need of a kettle we can rely on, whether that’s for a quick brew, a round for guests or to get dinner going with freshly boiled water.
But a good kettle needs to do more than just boil – it should suit your kitchen too, from compact designs to statement finishes that match your other appliances.
We’ve tested almost 80 kettles over the years, from budget basics to feature-packed models with temperature settings for green tea, coffee and even warming baby bottles.
If you live in a hard water area, it’s worth choosing one with a filter and keeping on top of descaling a kettle. And, when you upgrade, don’t forget to check how to recycle your appliances properly.
The latest additions were tested and reviewed by Gabrielle Sander.
Best kettles compared at a glance
Jump to section:
- Best kettles to buy in 2026
- How to choose the best kettle for your kitchen
- How to descale a kettle
- What's the best kettle for tea and coffee
- Are temperature control kettles worth it?
How we tested kettles
We've tested 78 kettles across the last eight years, meaning we've boiled approximately 215 litres of water – enough for 1,430 mugs of tea – in pursuit of the best kettle. But don't worry, that water doesn't go to waste; we use it for myriad things after testing, from cleaning to cooking pasta, and of course a few cups of tea to get us through testing.
To put each kettle through its paces, we boil the minimum and maximum capacities, as well as a litre of water, timing how long it takes for each of these quantities to boil. All kettles are scored against 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 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 from, with a good grip and clear, easy-to-read water levels.
- Value: We awarded extra points for those kettles that were great value for money.
Best kettles to buy in 2026
Ninja Perfect Temperature Kettle Rapid Boil
Available from Ninja (£79.99), Very (£99)
Best variable temperature kettle
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
Capacity: 1.7L
Matching toaster: Yes
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 the 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 it is the loudest part of the kettle, which I found boiled relatively quietly. For the price, you get a lot for your money from this kettle. Ninja also sells a matching toaster.
Tefal Subito kettle
Available from Currys (£34.99), Amazon (£37.45)
Best kettle under £50
Pros:
- One cup indicator
- Good looking budget kettle
- Removable anti-limescale filter
- Quick to boil
- Ergonomic
Cons:
- Measurements aren't 100% accurate
Star rating: 4.5/5
Wattage: 2400W
Capacity: 1.7L
Matching toaster: Yes (not tested)
The sleek, smooth, charcoal-coloured stainless steel of this Tefal Subito elevates it beyond what is an otherwise basic electric kettle. Sturdy and well made, with a 1700ml maximum capacity, it would suit large households after a good-looking budget option.
With a handy, energy-saving indicator that boils up enough for a cuppa in 45 seconds, plus accessible features such as the one-hand opening, easy-on switch, 360-degree base placement, a precise pouring spout that works well even at full capacity and a cord tidy underneath to adjust the cable length to suit, it is also an excellent choice for people with accessibility to consider.
I felt the removable, easy to clean and replace anti-limescale filter was an additional perk, helping to extend the life of the kettle in hard water areas.
Available from:
Sage the Soft Top Luxe
Available from Sage (£109.95), Harts of Stur (£118.95)
Best stainless steel kettle
Pros:
- Compact
- Sturdy, ergonomic handle
- Cordless base/fits into base nicely
- Quiet boil (compared to other models)
Cons:
- Wide mouth/pour – might catch some users out
Star rating: 4.5/5
Wattage: 2400W
Capacity: 1.7L
Matching toaster: No
A seriously professional-looking (and functioning) kettle from Sage. It has one of the quietest boils of the kettles I tested, and it’s a well-thought-out model with an ergonomic handle and nice wide pour.
As well as two glass displays, handily denoting max cup level (seven) on one side and max water level (1.7L) on the other, it also has a clear top, although this does get steamed up when the kettle boils. It’s not the fastest boil we tested, though also not the longest – but everything else about it, from the feel to the look to the materials, is exquisite.
I liked how easily the kettle sits and locks into the base, and everything about it feels solid and well made. It’s also BPA-free.
KitchenAid Digital Variable Temperature Kettle
Available from KitchenAid (£179)
Best kettle for green tea
Pros:
- Attractive design
- Intuitive controls
- Range of temperature controls
Cons:
- Expensive
Star rating: 4.5/5
Wattage: 2400W
Capacity: 1.7L
Matching toaster: Yes
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.
Bosch Styline Kettle
Available from Amazon (£59.99), Bosch (£59.99)
Best kettle for busy households
Pros:
- Four temp settings (70, 80, 90, 100, plus keep-warm)
- Sturdy handle and base
- Good quality materials
Cons:
- Cup/water level slightly obscured by handle
Star rating: 4.5/5
Wattage: 3000W
Capacity: 1.5L
Matching toaster: Yes
This sleek and stylish kettle is helpfully intuitive. With four different temperature settings (70℃, 80℃, 90℃ and 100℃) plus a handy ‘keep-warm’ setting, it’s an ideal kettle for those with different beverage needs, from herbal tea drinkers to coffee aficionados.
You can tell it’s made from good materials, and the sturdy handle feels ergonomic to hold. From a safety perspective, helpfully there’s an off/on button for added security and the kettle beeps when it has boiled. Boiling is swift – just three minutes for maximum capacity (six cups/1.5 litres) at 100℃ and a mere thirty seconds for one cup.
In terms of drawbacks, the cup/litre measurements are slightly obscured by the handle, but the display is nice and wide to see the water level nonetheless. But you just can’t beat the boil speed.
Zwilling Enfinigy Electric Pro Kettle
Available from Zwilling (£139)
Best small kettle for one person
Pros:
- Dedicated setting for boiling baby bottles
Cons:
- Unsure if boiling (temp flashes when boiling)
- Tall kettle – we struggled to fill it to max in our sink
- Can't see water level from the outside
- Struggled to use it without manual
Star rating: 4.5/5
Wattage: 1850W
Capacity: 1L
Matching toaster: Yes
One of the many benefits of an electric kettle is the faster boiling times and variable settings, and this sophisticated model can heat water to 40℃, 60℃, 70℃, 80℃ and over 90℃ for coffee.
It’s a sleek and functional model with a secure lid and an overall modern and impressive look. It has an easy-to-use interface with the different temperatures clearly marked. Given its range of functionalities, it would suit busy households/large families with different tastes in hot drinks, or those with growing families as it has a dedicated setting for boiling babies’ bottles.
I did find it hard to notice when the kettle was boiling – besides a small flashing icon – and the measurement levels are on the inside of the kettle, which can make it hard to determine the water level. The kettle is also surprisingly tall and we struggled to fit it under our tap to fill it to the top.
Overall, I was impressed with its quiet boil and multitude of functions. While not the quickest, it can still boil 10 cups in five minutes, so it would be great for an office or busy workspace, too.
Available from:
Aarke kettle
Available from Lakeland (£199.99), Amazon (£200)
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
Capacity: 1.2L
Matching toaster: No
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 I loved most about the Aarke is how quiet it is, and I 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
Available from Hughes (£39), Currys (£39.99), John Lewis & Partners (£39.99)
Best kettle for a large family
Pros:
- Sleek design
- Water-level window on both sides
Cons:
- Lid doesn't open fully
- Difficult to read water level
Star rating: 4.5/5
Wattage: 3000W
Capacity: 1.7L
Matching toaster: Yes
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 I 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 I could still hold a conversation. The time it took to boil was about average versus the other models I 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
ProCook Kettle
Available from ProCook (£69)
Best lightweight kettle
Pros:
- Very lightweight
- Compact
- Blue light on lever when boiling (which is helpful as it's quite quiet to begin with)
Cons:
- Only displays litre level, not cups
Star rating: 4/5
Wattage: 2520-3000W
Capacity: 1.5L
Matching toaster: Yes
One of the more compact and slim kettles I tested, this model still has a 1.5L capacity, although it’s worth noting I found it to be quite noisy compared to other models.
Its stainless steel finish is sleek and shiny, and it feels nice and lightweight to pick up. It’s straightforward to operate, and the water measurements are clear, although it would have been helpful to have cup measurements too. Handily, there’s a bright blue light that activates when the on/off lever is pressed, which is a helpful and thoughtful consideration, as the boil is quiet to begin with.
Overall, it’s a robust model made with quality materials that feels reliable and is easy to use – I could see this lasting for a long time.
Available in a range of other colours, too.
Kenwood Dusk Collection Kettle
Available from Kenwood (£39.99), Very (£54)
Best kettle for a luxe look on a budget
Pros:
- Funky design
- Compact
- Attractive colourways
- Wide spout for easy pouring
- Clear water level and markings
Cons:
- A little plasticky looking
Star rating: 4/5
Wattage: 3000W
Capacity: 1.7L
Matching toaster: Yes
This compact, colourful kettle (with matching toaster available) would make a fun addition to any kitchen. With an impressive 1.7L capacity – which equates to seven cups – it boils fairly rapidly at maximum capacity in just four minutes, so is suitable for those who like to regularly make a cuppa or host a crowd.
It has a wide spout for easy pouring, an easy-to-click lever, and is straightforward to operate without the need to consult the manual. Overall, it’s a functional kettle for its price point, although aesthetically it runs the risk of looking slightly lower in quality than some other models on the market due to its plastic coating and glossy finish.
Other kettles tried and tested
- Gastroback Design Cool Touch Kettle 62436, £79.99
- Bosch Styline kettle review, £85
- Zwilling Enfinigy review, £89.95
- Breville high gloss electric kettle review, £44
- Russell Hobbs Structure kettle review, £31.58
- Dualit Classic Kettle review, £150
- Bosch Silicone kettle review, £79.99
- Morphy Richards Verve kettle review, £42.06
- Smeg KLF04 kettle review, £170
- Morphy Richards Hive kettle review, £34.99
- Sage the Compact Kettle review, £69.95
- KitchenAid Artisan kettle review, £199
- Kenwood elegancy kettle review, £39.99
- Russell Hobbs Calm Kettle, £99.99
- Haden Highclere kettle, £55
- Swan Nordic jug kettle, £29.99
- Russell Hobbs Attentiv, £70
- De’Longhi Eclettica Kettle, £49
- Salter Pebble Kettle, £34.99
- Tower Renaissance Kettle, £59.99
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 (1.1L or below) may be good for a single person or small household to avoid the temptation of overfilling. If you're a household of three or more, any kettle above 1.5L will be the one to choose. 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 £200.
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 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. Read our guide on how to descale a kettle for more guidance.
What's the best kettle for tea and coffee
"If you're not looking to buy a coffee machine, then a kettle with some kind of temperature control is great for things like pour-over coffee and herbal teas", says Lydia Anderson, Good Food's Reviews Editor and Appliances expert. "For your bog-standard builder's or if you use your kettle to get your pasta water going, then I'd stick to a classic on/off or rapid-boil kettle that suits your kitchen".
Are temperature control kettles worth it?
"I have the KitchenAid Digital Variable temperature kettle and I adore it", says Anderson. "I drink a lot of fresh mint tea throughout the day, so it's ideal when making a pot of that". Temperature control kettles also allow you to keep a better eye on your energy consumption. "If you, like me, drink a lot of drinks that don't need to be heated to 100C, a temperature control kettle will mean that drinks are only heated to the temperature you set." Depending on how much you're willing to spend, temperature control kettles come in a variety of different styles, some, like the Bosch Styline come with pre-set temperatures, the KitchenAid model has a sliding lever allowing you to set your desired temperature, whereas others, like the Ninja Perfect Temperature can be set to a temperaure in 5C incriments, so ultimate control.
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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.
source https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/review/best-kettles
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