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Nov 07, 2023

Make Perfectly Hot Tea With One of These Top Electric Kettles

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If you’re a lover of coffee, tea, or both, you probably know that water temperature is the key to brewing a perfect cup. Boiling water on the stove is cumbersome, and sticking your mug in the microwave leaves you with a hot cup and warm water—that's where electric kettles shine. They boil water quickly and operate quietly, plus they use less energy and have auto shut-off features for safety.

We got our hands on several electric kettles to try out and compare in order to come up with a selection of the best in each category. Whether you’re looking for a basic, no-frills electric kettle or you want one a lineup of advanced features, our recommendations cover a range of needs and budgets.

For more tea and coffee appliances and accessories, check out our recommendations for the best coffee makers, coffee grinders, and temperature-controlled mugs.

Basic electric kettles that simply shut off when the water boils are the least expensive option and typically cost $25 or less. Premium models have features like variable temperature control or hold-temp and are usually about $75 and up.

If you’re someone who isn't fussy about coffee or tea preparation and uses hot water for other things, like making oatmeal or ramen, for example, a basic model should suffice.

Keep an eye out for "cordless" electric kettles—the water container itself may detach from the base for pouring, the heating element in the base needs power from an outlet. Some cords are retractable for storing your kettle when it isn't in use, which is handy if you have small or shallow counters

Wide-spout electric kettles like our top pick are ideal for general use, whereas gooseneck kettles are better for pour-over as the narrow spout allows for slower, more precise water flow over coffee grounds or tea leaves. There are also electric kettles designed like stovetop kettles, if you love the classic look and want the convenience of fast boiling.

Most full-size standard electric kettles with wide spouts offer 1.7 liters (57 ounces) of capacity and use 1500 watts of power. Most gooseneck electric kettles have less capacity, usually about 1 liter (33 ounces) or just under, operating on 1200 watts of power.

Electric kettles typically boil water in just a couple of minutes, but the timing depends on how much water you put in the kettle. If boiling a lot of water at once is most important to you, look for a 1.7-liter wide-spout kettle.

I’ve been using electric kettles for more than 20 years, so I used my personal experience with several of these models to inform my recommendations. While researching and trying out electric kettles to write this story, we assessed and compared models based on performance—things like how quickly they boil water and how comfortable they are to pour—general specs such as capacity and power, and aesthetics.

We also took into account features such as keep-warm settings, variable temperature controls, and scheduling, weighing all of these attributes against price point. Our final selections represent the best electric kettle in each category.

If you’re hunting for a wide-spout electric kettle with a lineup of top features, we recommend this Cuisinart model as the best all-purpose for most people. It has room for plenty of water, various preset heat settings, and a powerful 1500-watt heating element, plus there's a limited three-year warranty attached.

The preset heat settings are particularly handy for tea drinkers who like a variety of blends that should be steeped at different temperatures. For example, it has a 175-degree setting for green tea, 190 for oolong, and so on. It's also good for French press coffee drinkers, with a 200-degree preset button.

Other notable highlights include a 30-minute hold-temp feature for warm-ups and second cups, and blue backlit buttons and clear window to see the amount of water inside. All in all, it's a great electric kettle if you’re okay with a slightly bulky design.

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PerfecTemp Programmable Electric Kettle

$99.94

amazon.com

The first electric kettle I encountered was at a friend's apartment in Paris, where these countertop appliances are commonplace. Bodum's Bistro kettle boiled water astonishingly fast, so I bought one after getting home. That was more than 20 years ago, and an updated version of the same model is still on my kitchen counter. To my mind, it's the best-looking basic option, with clean lines and an iconic Scandi aesthetic.

It isn't terribly heavy, even at its full 1.7-liter capacity. It's also handy to have a see-through window that's graduated in ounces and cups. Plus, and perhaps most importantly, the water boils just as fast as pricier electric kettles we’ve tried.

Other highlights include the scale filter, which helps prevent build-up if you have hard water, and a mesh-screen spout to keep water fresh and free of sediment. While the cord is considerably short, I wish it were retractable, like some other models covered here. I’ve personally never had an issue with its power for the purposes of making tea and coffee, which is slightly lower than most at 1100 watts.

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Bistro Electric Kettle

$26.94

amazon.com

There are plenty of look-alikes out there, but Fellow's original Stagg gooseneck kettle is unmatched when it comes to performance and design. It's a game changer for pour-overs and a genuine pleasure to use. The elegant spout allows water to flow at the optimal rate for brewing, while the counterbalanced handle helps you maintain a controlled pour.

In addition to its iconic style, it delivers spot-on accurate, customizable temperature control. The Stagg automatically holds temp, and I appreciate how quietly it operates from start to finish. Another big plus is that the heating element is immediately cool to the touch after shut-off.

The Pro model is Wi-Fi connected and has a scheduling feature, as well as preset temps for coffee brewing styles and tea varieties. You can also opt to hear a chime when water is ready and even make adjustments to account for altitude.

All in all, it's tough to find fault with this electric kettle, which comes with a three-year warranty attached if you register it online. While its one-liter capacity is in line with most other gooseneck kettles, some may expect more capacity considering the price.

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Stagg EKG Pro Electric Gooseneck Kettle

$225.00

amazon.com

If you don't want to give up the classic look of a stovetop kettle, we recommend this electric model from KitchenAid. It looks great on the countertop—especially in this retro pistachio green—and features and great alternative.

The 1.25-liter stainless steel electric kettle has 1500 watts of power and basic safety features, along with an LED on/off switch, removable filter, and power cord storage in the base. While it has great style and a few nice extras, it lacks features other basic electric kettles have that are also a quarter of the price.

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1.25-Liter Electric Kettle

$89.99

amazon.com

This reasonably priced electric kettle is made of BPA-free plastic, stainless steel, and borosilicate glass, which won't crack under extreme temperature changes like regular glass.

The 1.7-liter electric kettle has 1,500 watts of power to boil water in about three to seven minutes, with a blue LED light that lets you know when it's ready, plus a 30-second auto-shutoff and boil-dry protection. Its design also makes it easy to clean.

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Speed-Boil Electric Kettle

$39.99

amazon.com

This best-selling electric kettle gets rave reviews, with more than 1,000 customers giving it an average 4.8 stars. Highlights include five temperature settings for coffee and tea, a 60-minute keep-warm function, and 1,200 watts of power to boil water in roughly 3 to 5 minutes.

The kettle is made of food-grade stainless steel, with a handle that counterbalances the spout so you get pour-over flow rate. It also boasts auto-shutoff and boil-dry safety features and is available in matte black or silver.

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Electric Gooseneck Kettle

$69.99

amazon.com

There's a lot to like about this gooseneck kettle from Paris Rhône. It has several similar features to Fellow's Stagg, including a two-hour keep warm function and the ability to customize the temperature in one-degree increments. There's also a digital display that shows the real-time and target temperatures, plus a handy button that automatically sets the kettle at 212 degrees, a.k.a. the boiling point for water.

While this electric kettle boiled water almost as fast as the Stagg, my experience using it wasn't quite as seamless. It didn't feel the same in hand, and I couldn't silence the beep that went off every time I pressed a button.

Still, the Paris Rhône kettle is a solid choice if those sorts of details don't bother you and you’re seeking a significantly less expensive gooseneck.

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Gooseneck Electric Kettle

$69.99

amazon.com

If you want a budget-friendly, no-frills electric kettle, this model is worth a look. It's reliable and efficient, with 1500 watts of power and essential safety features like auto-shut-off and boil-dry protection in case you forget to add water.

Design is basic, though we appreciate the slim, curved handle and water level window, along with details such as a push-button lid for one-handed filling and an illuminated on-off switch.

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Stainless Steel Electric Kettle

$24.99

amazon.com

Glass kettles are often less durable than stainless steel, yet the Breville Crystal Clear promises to not only look good on your countertop but also hold up to everyday use. It boasts a large 1.7-liter capacity, a lid release button with soft opening, and an illuminated on/off button. Plus, its base includes cord storage if you like to keep your counters looking neat when it's not in use.

Unfortunately, glass kettles like this one will often have a higher price tag than stainless steel models that offer significantly more presets and other desirable features.

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Crystal Clear Electric Kettle

$89.99

amazon.com

Smeg's appealing line of retro-inspired products includes this eye-catching kettle, which comes in several vintage-inspired soft pastels and neutrals. It's made of powder-coated stainless steel with a glossy finish and attractive enough to go from kitchen to table.

Top features include 1,500 watts of power and a removable limescale water filter, plus a soft-closing lid, chrome handle, and an adorable ball knob to switch it on. There's also a swivel base with a handy built-in cord wrap.

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Electric Kettle

$189.95

amazon.com

This sleek electric kettle from German brand Zwilling is designed in Milan, Italy and features six preset program settings and double-walled stainless steel construction, which provides better insulation to keep water hot.

It has clean lines, thanks to a hidden control panel on its swivel docking base, plus 1,500 watts of power, a lid that opens at an angle to prevent steam burns, and a 30-minute keep-warm function.

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Enfinigy Cool Touch Pro Electric Kettle

$139.99

amazon.com

This Willow & Everett kettle is an excellent choice for anyone looking for the precise pouring of a gooseneck kettle. The 1000W power base will heat your water to boiling temperatures in minutes.

Once the water has boiled, the auto-shutoff function will immediately power down the kettle. This one-liter, high-quality stainless steel kettle also has a cool-touch handle to protect you from the heat.

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Electric Gooseneck Kettle

$42.65

amazon.com

Here's another highly rated glass kettle at an affordable price. It won't take up too much room on your countertop at under 10 inches high and less than 8 inches wide, yet it still manages to hold an impressive 1.8 liters of water.

The kettle has 1,500 watts of power and is made of borosilicate glass and stainless steel, with a handle that stays cool to the touch. It also has an anti-slip grip, 30-second auto-shutoff and boil-dry safety features, plus a blue LED light that switches on when the water reaches its maximum temperature.

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Electric Kettle with SpeedBoil

$29.97

amazon.com

While this model doesn't offer the same temperature control as others on this list, it may fit the bill aesthetically if you enjoy the classic look of a ceramic kettle. It has a large 1.5-liter capacity on a 360-degree base with cord storage.

It also boasts an automatic shutoff, but no keep-warm feature, though its thick ceramic walls should be able to retain heat for a while. If matching the style of your kitchen is your biggest concern when it comes to selecting a kettle, you can choose from several ceramic designs, including blue Aztec, black floral, or silver tile.

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Ceramic Electric Tea Kettle

$39.29

amazon.com

Generally speaking, tea infuses best when you pour water over your loose leaves, but it can be annoying to have both a kettle and a tea pot infuser on your counter. Breville's premium stainless steel kettle solves that problem with a tea basket that automatically lowers into the water after it's heated to your ideal temperature.

You can set a timer for it to automatically brew at your favorite time for a cup of tea, and it can keep water hot for up to an hour. There's even a strength button to tune your tea to the desired potency, so to speak. If you're a true tea connoisseur, this may be the perfect model for you.

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Brushed Stainless Steel Electric Kettle

$299.92

amazon.com

Having smart technology in every kitchen appliance, including a tea kettle, may seem excessive. But the Cosori Electric Gooseneck adds even more convenience to your ritual coffee or tea time with the help of the VeSync smart app, through which you can adjust its temperature, change the hold temperature time, and schedule time for it to boil, all without having to venture to the kitchen. The boil-dry protection feature ensures that it won't turn on if it senses there's no water inside.

In addition to its smart capabilities, this gooseneck kettle offers fast boiling (between 3 and 5 minutes) and can hold your desired water temperature for up to an hour. There are also four temperature presets and you can customize your own ideal brewing temperature between 104-212 degrees Fahrenheit.

Though its capacity is only 0.8 liters, its smart tech features make it a great value.

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Bluetooth Gooseneck Electric Kettle

$77.99

amazon.com

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