Best kettles: I’ve tested top models to find the quickest and quietest – here’s the tea on my top eight

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The perfect tea starts with a superb kettle; it can be the traditional press-the-button-and-boil, or a modern choose-your-temperature one. The average Brit drinks 62,046 cups of tea in their lifetime, so choosing well is important.

However, with endless models on the market, this is becoming increasingly difficult, especially when most kettles look near identical. And while buying a kettle isn’t as big of an investment as a coffee machine, it still pays to do your research. 

That’s where I come in. I have a decade of experience in product testing from supermarket staples to white goods.

Plus I love a good cuppa, but in the past I have ‘cheaped out’ on a model, only for it to end up at a waste tip within a year – I should have listened to my dad: “Buy cheap, buy twice!”

Picking between variable kettles, which let you choose a precise temperature for any hot drink and a non-variable one that simply brings water to a boil, need not be hard when you know what you want.

So whether you’re a diehard Russell Hobbs fan or are just trying to decide if you need a rapid-boil model, help is here. 

I’ve put every kettle on this list through the same tests, so there’s no guesswork involved – read on to see why these kettles made the cut.

Best kettle: Quick list

How we test

I tested eight kettles for a week, marking each one based on speed to boil and temperature accuracy. Where possible, I assessed variable heat and their ability to keep warm. 

As well as evaluating performance, I also looked at the product materials and capacity to get a true measure of their capabilities for regular use.

As taste is crucial when unwinding with your favourite warm beverage, all kettles were rigorously tested for any grainy aftertaste and their ability to withstand pesky limescale.

Finally, value for money and build quality were considered – is this kettle going to stand the test of time? Does it have easily replaceable parts? 

I compiled my top picks from an array of global brands and outlined who they are best suited for – and why.

Read more about how we test kitchen appliances at the Daily Mail. 

The best kettles to buy right now

1. Best overall kettle: Ninja Perfect Temperature Kettle

 

There’s a reason Ninja has a reputation for being the leading manufacturer of kitchen appliances.

This kettle was clearly designed with customer needs at the forefront, from simple operating buttons on the control panel display to rapid boil (approximately three minutes at full capacity).

My personal favourite feature is the lid release button, as it makes life just a little easier. But the real star of the show is its keep warm function. I tested at 100°C immediately after boiling and then 15 minutes later, and was impressed to find it maintained the temperature, which it does by occasionally reboiling the kettle.

I also appreciated the ability to change between celsius and fahrenheit and liked that the variable options are achievable with just a simple tap of a button.

The one downside is that the exterior of the kettle does get quite hot, so you need to be careful not to brush it with your hand or arm.

2. Best large kettle: Breville Selecta Temperature Select Kettle 

 

This is a stylish kettle with sturdy lid, handle and non-slip stand. It’s ideal for making an array of hot beverages with five variable temperatures ranging from 80°C to 100°C and included is a handy guide for the different drink categories.

The kettle can boil at full capacity in approximately three minutes, making it ideal for larger families who are keen to make a brew fast.

It was true to temperature, even after I retested with a thermometer following a 15 minute wait. Meanwhile, the smooth touch screen makes for easy use, and the spout is big enough to fill with water if you can’t be bothered to take off the lid. 

It wasn’t without its faults, though. The loud boil is noisy enough that it will interrupt your favourite TV show and the weight of this kettle may be too heavy for some.

Nonetheless, the kettle leaves no weird aftertaste and the cute melody is great for alerting those of us who prefer to step away from the kettle while it boils.

One of the prettiest kettles I have ever tried. Not only is it an essential kitchen appliance but its unmistakingly beautiful and adds a touch of glamour to any space.

The kettle’s six-changing lights provide a relaxing glow and the five optional-melodies are ultra soothing. What’s more, the volume for the soft tunes can be adjusted from 1 to 5, or turned off completely using the modern touchscreen control panel.

If switched on, the kettle’s tune will continue to play until you lift it, which is brilliant for those who are forgetful but might be annoying for others. 

Unfortunately, there is no function to switch the white light off and the product is a little bulky. Families with children might also be wary about the durability of the kettle due to it being made from glass, but I personally found it to be very sturdy in testing.

Above all though, I like that the temperature can be changed in 5°C increments from 40°C to 100°C, as it means I can make a drink just right for me. The boil is super quiet – it sounds more like light bubbles. 

4. Best value kettle: Lakeland Digital Double-Walled Kettle

 

What I love about Lakeland’s Digital Double-Walled Kettle is that I never had to guess the temperature of the water, as the large LED screen displays the exact celsius.

While you can’t see inside the kettle, I think the variable temperature option makes up for this as the temperatures are accurate, even after 15 minutes.

Once the boil is complete a loud beep rings, which is good if you prefer to step away from the kettle while it does its thing. I was pleasantly surprised with how quickly the kettle came to a boil, it took approximately three minutes at capacity.

Additionally, I liked the ease of the flip-top lid release button. There was also no chalky or chemically flavour in the hot water.

5. Best traditional kettle: Zwilling Enfinigy Kettle

If you’re looking for a straightforward, no frills kettle that delivers on performance, Zwilling Enfinigy is for you.

It’s a traditional kettle in every sense of the word, with a button that lights up when the boil is in process and switches off once complete.

What stood out to me though was the sleek design, as the product could easily sit on any kitchen counter and blend in with its seamless stainless steel exterior.

Unlike other options on this list, the Zwilling kettle doesn’t have a variable or keep warm option. I was also not the biggest fan of the measurement guide only being visible on the interior. However for the style-conscious, this might be a pro, as it keeps the exterior polished.

The cool-to-touch surface was most welcome, as most kettles I’ve used are extremely hot on the outside.

6. Prestige pick: Dualit Classic Kettle

 

Unlike most kettles on the market, the Dualit Classic comes in 10 incredible colours, making it a superb choice for those who like to match their kettle to their space.

The stainless steel model, which I tested, has a polished finish and a non-drip spout, with cup measurements on one side and milliliters on the other.

For £159.99, it is an expensive purchase, however, I can see the value because it feels like it is built to last and will stand the test of time.  From the grip handle and the cord tidy to its hinged lid, everything has been well thought out.

The boil is soft due to the kettle’s ‘whisper boil function’, which significantly reduces the unwanted noise normally associated with boiling water but I still found it to be on the noisy side.

There is a matching toaster for those who want a collection and spare parts such as the heating element, which can extend the lifespan of the kettle, can be re purchased and replaced.

 

What this kettle lacks in style, it really makes up for in performance and features. Its child lock feature is perfect for safeguarding and the descaling alert that occurs after 180 to 200 cycles is wonderful for forgetful users – not to mention it helps extends the lifespan of the product. The adjustable cup and variable temperature functions are also a nice touch and brilliant for a household with multiple needs.

However, when I tested temperatures 90°C, 95°C and 100°C they all fell short by a few celsius, so it’s worth keeping this in mind if you’re particular about your teas. 

After boiling, the kettle also almost instantly switches off. This could be inconvenient for some but I presume this is due to the child lock setting – plus on the positive side, it will save energy.

The 2L capacity is unbeatable for large households and spare parts can be easily replaced for as little as £2.70.

8. Best variable temperature kettle: Bosch Kettle Styline 

 

An elegant-looking kettle with must-have features like keep warm, a wide push-button lid, and an accurate spout.

I also enjoyed the ability to set the heat to 70°C, 80°C, 90°C, and 100°C as it allowed me to make my drinks at the right temperature and not over boil, which will also save on energy in the long run.

Where it falls short is with the high-pitched beep that goes off both when you switch the kettle on and once it boils. It’s not particularly pleasant, especially compared to other models I’ve tested.

Despite this, the product does not take up much room and holds a decent amount of water. Additionally, the kettle remains cool to the touch, even after boiling several times in a row.

Verdict

If value is your main priority, the Lakeland Digital Double-Walled Kettle is a good choice that delivers on performance without breaking the bank. The product looks modern, is variable and leaves behind no powdery flavour.

For families, the Breville Selecta Temperature Select Kettle is recommended for its 1.7L capacity, easy-to-use touchscreen and five temperature settings.

Now, if style and comfort are important to you, Russell Hobbs Calm Kettle is the one to pick as it makes boiling water more enjoyable thanks to its colour-changing illumination, sounds and quiet boiling.

FAQ

What’s the healthiest kettle?

Kettles made from stainless steel, borosilicate glass or pure ceramic are considered the safest as these don’t leach chemicals. If your priority is health, generally you will want to avoid plastic and toxic coatings.

How long do kettles last?

Stainless steel kettles can last between 5-10 years, while glass kettles typically last 3-5 years. Ceramic kettles have an expected lifespan of 4-7 years, but budget-friendly plastic kettles tend to have a shorter lifespan, approximately 2-4 years.

What happens if you don’t descale your kettle?

Failure to descale your kettle can affect taste, performance, safety and lifespan. Problems with a lack of descaling include:

• Slow boiling: Build-up lines the heating element
• Bad taste: Mineral deposits trap impurities and can affect the flavour of hot drinks
• Overheating: Thicker limescale means the kettle must operate at higher temperatures
• Reduced lifespan: Limescale is one of the leading causes of kettles breaking early. More energy use: A scaled kettle uses more electricity