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The 3 best electric kettles, tested and reviewed
Boil water in mere minutes — with these top picks from Breville, Beautiful and Fellow, you never need to worry about a live flame.
Electric kettles heat water in a matter of minutes, making them an essential tool for anyone who drinks tea — or French press or pour-over coffee — and wants their brew served up stat. That's not to mention how convenient they are for whipping up oatmeal, ramen or hot chocolate, particularly appealing when you're in a rush or it's cold out.
Best overall electric kettle
Breville The IQ Kettle
Best value electric kettle
Beautiful by Drew Barrymore Electric Kettle
Best gooseneck electric kettle
Fellow Stagg EKG Electric Kettle
The best electric kettles for 2024 are not only quicker than a microwave, but more cost-efficient. They're also generally safer than turning on your stovetop: With electric kettles, you can heat water out of children's reach, while automatic shutoff and dry-boil protection mean you don't have to watch over your kettle or worry about forgetting to take it off the flame.
Ready to add an electric kettle to your kitchen, or perhaps you or someone you love is due for an upgrade? Keep reading to learn about our top kettle picks, all of which feature customizable settings and warming plates for getting and keeping the temperature just right. If you scroll down, you'll find info on our testing protocols and tips for choosing the right kettle for you (we've wrangled the best drip coffee makers and iced coffee makers, too).
A quick note before you dive in: All of the electric kettles we tested reach a maximum temperature of 212°F. When referencing heat-up times, we mean the estimated time it took to reach that max, from a baseline of around 70°F, at maximum capacity. The kettle bases plug into an outlet, but the kettles themselves are cordless, so you can easily transport them to the breakfast table or your home office. Last time we checked, many of these electric kettles were on sale, solidifying now as the perfect time to purchase a kettle for yourself or as a gift.
Table of contents:
Best electric kettles for 2024
Size: 9.8"L x 7.2" W x 9.1"H | Capacity: 1.8 liters | Automatic shutoff? Yes | Max temp: 212°F
Breville's The IQ Kettle tops our list for striking the perfect balance between form and function — and if you have other stainless steel appliances on your countertop, it will fit right in.
How it works: You fill the reservoir to your desired water level (this body holds up to 7.5 cups, tying for largest capacity of those we tested) and plug in the cord. You then select one of five preset temperature buttons — which correlate to drinks like black tea (212°F) and French press (200°F) — and press the power button to get things going. When the water reaches the desired temperature, the kettle beeps and then automatically kicks into "Keep Warm" mode.
Why it's great: This sleek kettle is made mostly of durable brushed stainless steel, with rulered glass panels along the sides for measuring. The base and handle stay cool to the touch and a "soft top lid" gently releases steam. We like how the five preset buttons allow you to select a drink type and temperature without having to put much thought into things, especially helpful for groggy mornings — plus they light up, so you know what's happening.
"The IQ" reached its maximum temp in about four-and-a-half minutes and the warming function kept it steady for another 20 minutes. Despite the warmer then shutting off, the water still hovered in the 160°F range about an hour later, speaking to the kettle's impressive insulation.
Because The IQ kettle is cordless, it pours just like a regular pitcher. It also has an automatic shutoff function and boil-dry protection, meaning that, unlike with a stovetop, you don't need to worry about leaving it on and it staying heated without water.
- Large capacity
- Auto-shutoff and dry-boil protection
- Custom temperature settings, plus warmer function
- Pricey
- Have to choose from presets (vs. dial precision)
- Kettle gets hot, though the handle and base remain cool
Size: 9.21"L x 6.39"W x 10.51"H | Capacity: 1.7 liters | Automatic shutoff? Yes | Max temp: 212°F
For a budget-friendly option, this beautiful pick from Drew Barrymore's home collection gives other electric kettles a run for their money.
How it works: With the base cord plugged in, you fill 'er up (the max line cuts off at 7 cups) and hit the power button. The kettle will glow with a digital read of the current water temperature and eight touchscreen buttons. Press the power button and then select your desired preset, or choose a temperature manually, to turn on the heat.
Why it's great: This digital kettle gets high scores for its large capacity and unmatched visibility (you can see the temperature read from even a room away). We like how it not only has presets for different drink types, but "+" and "-" buttons for selecting a desired temperature manually. When kicked into "Warm" mode, the kettle holds that temperature for up to 30 minutes, and there are automatic shutoff and dry-boil features for added protection.
What's more, the kettle heats up fast (under six minutes for the max capacity/temp) and the kettle body has a matte plastic coating that remains warm, though not hot, to the touch (as compared to stainless steel and glass). At less than $40, frequently on sale for less, it's the lowest-priced kettle on our list. And the color choices are endless: Last time we checked, there were nine finishes!
- High capacity
- Auto-shutoff and dry-boil protection
- Custom temperature settings, plus warmer function
- The tea button labels don't include temperatures
- Matte finishes, especially in lighter colors, can be harder to wipe clean
Size: 11.5″L x 6.75″W x 8″H | Capacity: 0.9 liters | Automatic shutoff? Yes | Max temp: 212°F
When it comes to goosenecks, Fellow's are some of the best in the biz, with the Stagg EKG dialing up the standards of what good (make that great) design is.
How it works: The Fellow Stagg EKG is like most gooseneck electric kettles in that it's compact, has a long, narrow spout (hence the "gooseneck") and is incredibly easy to operate: Just plug it in, fill it with water and turn the dial to initiate.
Why it's great: What sets this gooseneck apart from others we evaluated is that it allows you to choose a precise temperature based on your needs, thanks to the dial (vs. a lever or tab). Additionally, it has an LCD display window with a temperature readout so you know when the kettle should be reheated.
The Fellow Stagg EKG is quick to boil (under four-and-a-half minutes to reach 212°F) and retains its heat — at 30 minutes, the water had dropped only a few degrees. Bonus: This kettle is durable (constructed of stainless steel), comfortable (the handle was cool to the touch and easy to hold) and stylish, with several color and finish options. Go with the classic solids for more of a polished look or the wooden accents for more of a cozy cabin vibe.
- Precision dial and spout
- LCD screen with temperature read
- Pricey
- Kettle gets hot, though the handle and base remain cool
Factors to consider when choosing an electric kettle
Size: Larger kettles take up more counter and storage space — and are typically heavier to maneuver — the upside being that they generally equate to higher water capacities. We suggest two to four cups for occasional needs and one- or two-person households and four to eight cups for avid tea/coffee drinkers and bigger groups or families. A longer cord can also be helpful. All of the kettles we tested had cords that extended from the bases, rendering the kettles themselves cordless. Look for bases that allow you to wrap and stow the cord underneath for added convenience.
Materials: Shatter-proof stainless steel electric kettles offer great insulation but, when uncoated, exteriors remain hot to the touch (they can, over time, also rust). Though breakable, glass elements — especially panels equipped with measurement markers — make it easy to gauge how much water is in your kettle but, like uncoated steel, remain very hot. Plastic coatings are generally durable and don't get as hot as the other materials, remaining warm to the touch (but not scalding), making them an appealing alternative to stovetop kettles that pose a burn risk.
Style: Gooseneck kettles tend to be most compact and straightforward, powered with the tap of a button or lever (or, in the case of the Stagg EKG, a temperature dial) and equipped with a long, narrow spout (hence the "gooseneck") for added precision when pouring. Those we tested are made of stainless steel and, aside from the handles, remained pretty hot to the touch. The pitcher-style kettles we tested were mixed material and, in the case of plastic-coated options, more touch-friendly. They also boast greater capacities and more bells and whistles (such as regular and touchscreen buttons and custom settings); the cons are that they require more countertop space and a few extra steps for programming.
Temperature range: All of the electric kettles we tested reached 212°F (aka the boiling point), as confirmed with thermometers. Temperature control presets allow you to quickly select optimal temperatures for various teas or French press coffee. Electric kettles with digital displays and light-up buttons allow for more visibility — in general and so you can tell if your water is ready from a few feet away. Electric kettles with a warmer setting will keep your water at your desired temp for a longer period (the standard is 20 to 30 minutes). As a general safety rule, we suggest looking for kettles with auto-shutoff features and dry-boil protection.
How we tested these electric kettles
We tested these electric kettles by … reaching our boiling points! In all seriousness, we measured water and filled the kettles to their max line to confirm capacity, then allowed them to do their thing. In addition to the "things to look for" listed above, we took into consideration the following:
Design:
Ease of use: How intuitive they were to set up and operate
Comfort: How comfortable (and safe) they felt to maneuver
Maintenance: How convenient they were to store and clean
Performance:
Speed: How quickly they were able to reach peak temperature
Precision: How accurate the presets were, and how versatile the range
Retention: How long they were able to maintain water temperatures
Other electric kettles we tested
So many kettles, so little time! We were impressed by a lot of these models, even if they didn't make it to our top picks.
OXO Brew Adjustable Temperature Kettle ($105): This popular glass electric kettle from OXO is tied with Breville The IQ Kettle's capacity at 7.5 cups. It's made of stainless steel and BPA-free borosilicate glass for thermal-shock protection and water visibility (the measurement lines are also convenient). There isn't a digital display or any preset buttons, but you can use the dial to choose your desired temp (there are suggestions for teas and coffee on the kettle base for reference) and, as indicated by our testing, the kettle will keep that temp for 30 minutes.
Hamilton Beach Cool Touch Electric Kettle ($45): Hamilton Beach's take on the touchscreen electric kettle is similar to Beautiful's (including a bright digital display, 30-minute warmer and touch-safe body), with a few distinctions. We like how, with the Hamilton Beach version, you select the preset first, then press the power button to operate, and that the tea preset labels have respective temperatures — plus there's one for coffee! The downsides (other than the $5 price increase) are that you're confined to those presets (whereas Beautiful allows you to also choose a temperature manually) and that, while sleek, there's only one color option.
Hamilton Beach Electric Gooseneck Kettle ($30): This gooseneck holds 2.5 cups of water and operation is a breeze: You just press down the lever along the side and leave it be. It has auto-shutoff and dry-boil protection for added safety. Like with other uncoated stainless-steel exteriors, the body gets hot to the touch (though the handle remains cool) and, unlike Fellow's EKG offering, it doesn't have a digital display or dial for temperature customization.
Beautiful Gooseneck Electric Kettle ($30): Beautiful's interpretation of the gooseneck doesn't have the bells and whistles of the Fellow Stagg EKG (read: precision dial or display screen). The lid was a bit finicky (and thanks to the matte coating, a bit scratch-prone when we tinkered with it), but it heated up quickly (in about 5 minutes) and is equipped with both auto-shutoff and dry-boil protection. At 5 cups, it also has the largest capacity of the goosenecks we evaluated.
Breville The Smart Kettle Luxe ($200): This luxury kettle is akin to the Breville The IQ Kettle, with comparable functionality and preset options. It's slightly narrower and faster (reaching its boiling point within 4.5 minutes). We found the handle to be somewhat sleeker, but it's significantly more expensive.
Fellow Clyde Electric Kettle ($125): Clyde functions similar to most simple goosenecks in that it's made of stainless steel and is incredibly straightforward: You just fill it up to the water line and press down the lever on the side, to start heating. It's slightly bigger than the Fellow Stagg EKG, but doesn't have a dial or digital screen, and took about a minute longer to heat up (there's also a shorter, mesh-covered spout).
Electric kettle FAQs
What is the best kettle for health?
Stainless steel and glass are generally considered some of the safest materials for cookware. PFAS are chemicals used in some plastics, which food safety advocates caution can latch onto food and water, especially when exposed to a heating element, with potentially harmful health effects. While some of the kettles we tested contain plastic components, none of those components appear to be in contact with the water itself (see this explainer from the EPA for more information on PFAS and their potential threats).
Is a stainless steel kettle better than plastic?
Stainless steel is considered purer and typically stands up to higher temperatures than plastic (it also offers more insulation), making it a popular material for kettle interiors. Because stainless — and glass — remain hot to the touch, it is not uncommon for manufacturers to coat them with other materials, such as plastic, to render their bodies, or at least their handles, touch-friendly.
How long should a kettle last?
A well-made appliance should last you years and, depending on the hardware, potentially a lifetime. We suggest reading instruction manuals closely for how to care for your kettle specifically, and replacing appliances at the sign of rusting, sparking or other (especially cord) damage.
Our reviews focus on products we purchase and others that are provided as complimentary samples. We use the same standards, and criteria within a given testing segment, for all.
