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We Tested the Best Electric Kettles for Hot Water in a Flash

Simply plug in and you'll have boiling water in just a few minutes

OXO Brew Cordless Glass Electric Kettle on a counter next to a glass cup with tea

The Spruce Eats / Jennifer Causey

While there is something timeless to the hiss and whistle of a traditional stovetop kettle, today’s electric alternatives are faster, easier to use, and include a variety of handy features. Some can be set to a specific temperature, others are designed to stay hot for hours. The added convenience makes electric kettles especially suitable for avid tea drinkers, but quick-and-easy hot water can also be used for oatmeal, pour-over coffee, and more. We tested almost two dozen of these to find the most efficient and valuable options out there.

What We Like
  • Six temperature settings

  • Accurate temperature

  • Cordless kettle

What We Don't Like
  • Not well-insulated

  • Somewhat slow

This kettle could not be easier to use: All the buttons make it very clear what they're for, and they're located right in the handle. It nonetheless offers an impressive set of functions, with six temperature options calibrated to different types of tea—from extra-delicate infusions at 160 degrees Fahrenheit to black tea (or instant noodles) at 212. The convenient cordless feature lets you lift the kettle off the base to pour water anywhere (but you do have to return the kettle to the base within 2 minutes or it shuts off).

The PerfecTemp took just over 5 minutes to bring a full pot to the boil in our testing, which made it slower than average, if only by a few seconds. It was also accurate in three of our four temperature tests and in holding heat for over 30 minutes on keep-warm, though it strangely ran hotter when set to 175 than when set to 185. The pot itself doesn't have great insulation, as it dropped in temperature more than other models as it sat for 30 minutes with the heat shut off.

None of these negatives, however, are enough to outweigh the excellent performance, features, and convenience the PerfecTemp delivers, especially when you consider that it's almost exactly average in price.

Capacity: 57.5 ounces | Dimensions: 8.8 x 6.1 x 9.7 inches | Weight: 2 pounds | Temperature Settings: 6 | Power: 1,500 watts

What We Like
  • Smooth pouring

  • Accurate temperature control

  • Sleek design

What We Don't Like
  • Small capacity

  • Kettle body gets hot

This kettle's heat settings are absolutely dead-on: Among all four of our tests, it was off by only a single degree, only once. The Cosori is good for anybody who likes variety in their caffeinated beverages, as its five settings correspond to the optimal temperatures for brewing white tea, green tea, oolong tea, coffee, and black tea. It also has a "hold temp" button that keeps the water at the set point for up to 60 minutes so you can pour a second mug. This worked perfectly in testing, staying at exactly 202 degrees Fahrenheit the whole time.

Considering its middle-of-the-road price, the Cosori's features are both extensive and effective. Unfortunately, it can't brew very much coffee or tea at a time. It holds just 0.8 liters, making it the smallest machine on this list. It's probably a better choice for a solo sipper or an office desk rather than a crowded kitchen. Also, like most non-insulated kettles, it gets quite hot in use. The handle is still heatproof, but the body of this model seemed especially scorching for errant fingers.

Capacity: 27.1 ounces | Dimensions: 11.6 x 9 x 7.7 inches | Weight: 3.5 pounds | Temperature Settings: 5 | Power: 1,200 watts

What We Like
  • Inexpensive

  • Fast heating

  • Compact

What We Don't Like
  • Small capacity

  • No temperature options

This is indeed a basic electric kettle, but it's impressively speedy. It boiled its contents in 3 minutes and 50 seconds, making it the single fastest in our testing. It manages to pack 1,500 watts of power into a compact and lightweight frame, with a lift-off cordless carafe you can carry anywhere.

The kettle is just small, holding only a liter of water at a time, so you might find yourself refilling it multiple times a day. It also doesn't have any functions beyond boil—there's no temperature control or keep-warm mode. But at this low of a price, you really wouldn't expect a very versatile appliance. The Amazon Basics model could be great for a dorm room, desk, camper van, or anywhere else you need reliable hot water without a lot of fuss.

Capacity: 33.8 ounces | Dimensions: 8 x 5.5 x 7.9 inches | Weight: 1.7 pounds | Temperature Settings: 1 | Power: 1,500 watts

What We Like
  • Accurate temperature control

  • Precise pouring

  • Stylish color options

What We Don't Like
  • Takes a bit longer to reach a boil

  • Small capacity

The long, narrow spout of a gooseneck kettle is designed to create a smooth and even flow perfect for pour-over coffee, but we found that the style makes an excellent all-purpose appliance, too. Fellow's Stagg EKG model gives you pinpoint control, not only of where the water goes but also its temperature. You can set the machine to anywhere between 135 and 212, right down to the individual degree. And in testing, its heat was completely accurate, matching the target exactly at all four temperatures.

The Stagg EKG did take a little longer than comparable models to get all the way to boil, at 7.5 minutes. That's not terribly behind the average, but it's disappointing considering that this model holds about half as much as many competitors. The steel kettle body isn't insulated and gets very hot, though we had no trouble using the heatproof handle to carry it.

This kettle is quite expensive, and part of that is down to its advanced temperature controls, but some of that is because of its lovely minimalist design. The low-profile base seems to disappear when you're not using its simple dial control, and there are lots of options for kettle color and handle material to catch the eye or match your decor. (If you're not into the gooseneck style, we also like Fellow's Corvo EKG, essentially the same machine with a standard kettle shape.)

Capacity: 30.4 ounces | Dimensions: 11.5 x 6.7 x 8 inches | Weight: 4.3 pounds | Temperature Settings: 79 | Power: 1,200 watts

What We Like
  • Powerful

  • Cordless

  • Large capacity

What We Don't Like
  • Kettle body gets hot

  • No temperature options

They say a watched pot never boils, but OXO's glass kettle proves them wrong. The sleek appliance is a sure fit for any modern kitchen, made of super-strong borosilicate glass with an effectively heatproof handle, plus easy-to-read measurement markings in imperial and metric. There's not a terribly wide capacity range in the kettles we tested, but this one is on the larger end, and it was still able to boil water faster than average—in well under 5 minutes. It also comes off its base for convenient cordless pouring.

The downside of that lovely transparent kettle is that it isn't insulated and gets quite hot, so you'll have to make sure to keep your fingers on the handle only. On top of that, there are no temperature settings beyond boil—we'd expect a machine that's above the budget price level to have a few more bells and whistles.

Capacity: 59.2 ounces | Dimensions: 9 x 6.3 x 11.2 inches | Weight: 4.3 pounds | Temperature Settings: 1 | Power: 1,500 watts

What We Like
  • Large capacity

  • Push-button dispensing

  • Accurate temperature

What We Don't Like
  • Slow initial heating

  • Complicated to use

Zojirushi might be known best for its high-end rice cookers, but the brand also makes a variety of small appliances, including coffee makers, bread machines, and this water boiler. It's quite different in design than other electric kettles: The self-contained vacuum-insulated cylinder heats water to the temperature you select, then holds it there and dispenses however much you want at the push of a button.

This thing has a capacity of a little over a gallon, making it a good choice for an office or large family. The push-to-pour function is also a good way to fill anything from a single mug to a full-size French press with little risk of splashing or spilling scalding water. (There's also a "cafe drip" mode that slows the speed of the water flow so you can make pour-over directly from the machine.) It has a timer, too, so you can set it to turn on ahead of time and wake up ready to brew.

The Ve Hybrid was very accurate in our tests, hitting its temperature targets exactly. The initial heating is quite slow—it needed 13 minutes to get to the boil—but after that, you have a lot of hot water on demand. This model has a lot of bells and whistles, though you'll definitely need to hold onto the manual to figure them out. It's not exactly user-friendly. It's also pretty expensive, though that's made up for by how much water it can hold.

Capacity: 135.3 ounces | Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.8 x 13.9 inches | Weight: 7 pounds | Temperature Settings: 4 | Power: 840 watts

Final Verdict

The Cuisinart PerfecTemp tops our list thanks to its ease of use and range of settings at a mid-range price. For a budget alternative, the Amazon Basics Stainless Steel Electric Hot Water Kettle gives you speed and power in a compact machine, at a very low price.

How We Tested Electric Kettles

We tested electric kettles as part of our overall testing of tea kettles. Based on the results of previous rounds of testing as well as extensive additional research, we chose a total of 25 kettles to purchase and test, 18 of them electric models. We put those 18 electric kettles through identical sets of tests.

We Observed

  • Power: We added 1 liter of water at exactly 50 degrees Fahrenheit and timed how long it took to reach a full boil. (For models with capacities less than a liter, we used the maximum amount of water.) Overall capacity still comes into play, however, as the machine has to heat the entire kettle whether or not it's completely full.
  • Accuracy: Starting with the same liter of water at 50 degrees Fahrenheit, we set the machines to different temperatures and measured whether they heated the water to the correct level. We ran this same test at 175, 185, 190, and 200 degrees Fahrenheit, which are the most common settings available. (We tested all the settings available on models with fewer than four options.)
  • Insulation: After the boiling test, we shut the machines off, left the kettle lids on, and checked the temperature after 10 minutes and 30 minutes to see how well they kept the water hot. We also felt the outsides of the kettles and their handles to determine how well both can protect fingers from the heat.

We Rated

  • Ease of use: As we performed our tests, we noted whether we ran into trouble getting everything put together and set up correctly, and if the controls were confusing or straightforward. We also looked at design aspects like how smoothly the spouts poured, if we could fill the kettles without splashing, and if any cords got in the way.
  • Flavor: After boiling water in each kettle (after letting the water cool, of course), we gave it a taste. Most of the tested models did not affect the flavor of the water, but a few left behind metallic or plasticky notes that lost them points.
  • Value: We performed all our other evaluations without knowing the kettles' costs, but our last step was to reveal and compare retail prices. The 18 electric kettles we tested ranged in price from $25 to $230, with an average of $99.
Closeup of a hand pressing on the temperature setting button on the Aarke Tea Kettle

The Spruce Eats / Derek Rose

Others We Tested

  • KitchenAid Electric Kettle: This model marries the classic look of a stovetop kettle with the convenience of an electric base, but its basic features don't live up to its moderate price. There's only one temperature setting, and it was one of the slowest to boil in testing.
  • Bonavita Variable Temperature Electric Kettle: This gooseneck kettle offers six different temperature settings, but it was consistently off by up to 5 degrees in our tests. That's not too big of a deal in terms of making tea, it was the least accurate model we tested. It's also more expensive than similar, better-performing kettles.
  • Mueller Ultra Kettle: This simple glass kettle is powerful, easy to use, and inexpensive. It just didn't really stand out among the other budget models we tested, and it's priced a little higher than the Amazon Basics machine we chose as our favorite.

What to Look for in an Electric Kettle

Features

Many electric kettles are simple: hit the switch and wait for the water to boil. But you can also find kettles with a number of convenient features, including preset drink options, temperature holding, and automatic shutoff. Figuring out what features you want will also provide a clearer idea of your price point.

And the correct temperature can affect how your tea tastes. Shunan Teng, the founder and CEO of Tea Drunk, told us that an incorrect water temperature is one of three main brewing mistakes that prevent tea from reaching its best flavor. (The other two mistakes are brewing for the wrong amount of time and using too much or too little tea.)

Size and Capacity

If you typically make a single cup of tea at a time or own a French press that only fills a mug or two, you might not need a large kettle taking up counter space. But if you're an avid tea or coffee drinker, or if you need to brew beverages for multiple people, it's worth purchasing a bigger (and likely heavier) kettle. Design also comes into play here, though, as some models can fit more water into less space, while others are less compact.

Material

Electric kettles are primarily made from three materials: plastic, glass, or steel. Each one brings a different aesthetic to your kitchen and also affects the weight of the kettle. If you're worried about a kettle being too heavy, it's probably best to go the plastic route, though there are some great lightweight options in the glass and steel department.

Useful Accessories for an Electric Kettle

Teapot

Sweese Porcelain Teapot with Infuser

Amazon

Teapots and tea kettles have long gone hand-in-hand. Today, there are many stovetop-safe teapots, usually made of glass, that eliminate the need for a separate kettle. If you want both appliances, though, one teapot we've tested and recommend is the Sweese Porcelain Teapot.

Tea Infuser

Finum Stainless Steel Mesh Brewing Basket on a white counter

The Spruce Eats / Derek Rose

If you prefer making one cup of tea at a time, a tea infuser is a better option than a teapot. Infusers are cheaper, easier to clean, and take up less space than teapots. One of the best infusers we've tested is the Finum Brewing Basket, which allows tea leaves to thoroughly diffuse while preventing small bits from getting into your cup.

Non-Electric Coffee Maker

Hand pouring water from a black kettle into the Chemex Classic Series Coffeemaker

The Spruce Eats / Derek Rose

Electric kettles aren't just for tea drinkers but coffee lovers too. Owning an electric kettle makes it easier to use a non-electric brewing device, like a pour over or French press. You can get a different, often richer, coffee experience with a non-electric brewer. While there are many great options, the Chemex is one of our favorites.

FAQs

How do you clean an electric kettle?

Electric kettles need to be regularly cleaned inside and out to keep them looking nice and working properly. You can easily remove smudges and stains from a kettle’s exterior by wiping it with a soft cloth and cleaning product of your choice. A combination of vinegar and baking soda is great for removing tougher stains, but dish soap works, too. This should be done every week or so to keep your kettle shining.

Electric kettles also need to be descaled—a more rigorous process intended to remove the mineral buildup, commonly called scale, inside a kettle. The task should be performed at least four times a year. One method of descaling goes as follows: fill your kettle halfway with equal parts water and white vinegar, bring the solution to a boil, and let it sit for 20 minutes before rinsing inside with water. Lemon juice or citric acid is a reliable substitute for white vinegar. If your kettle has a water filter, it can be soaked in a combination of water and white vinegar for five minutes and scrubbed with a bottle brush to keep clean. Once finished with all these steps, it’s worth running a cycle of water through your kettle to make sure it’s entirely clean.

What water temperature is best for tea?

The best brewing temperature depends on the type of tea you are making. Each variety has its own temperature or range of temperatures that bring out the strongest flavor. White tea should be brewed around 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Green tea ranges from 150 to 180 degrees Fahrenheit. Moving onto the stronger teas, oolong is best between 190 and 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Black tea ranges from 180 to 212 degrees Fahrenheit, but the majority are best with water above 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Pu-erh is brewed around 205 degrees Fahrenheit. Finally, herbal teas should be brewed at a full boil of 212 degrees Fahrenheit. Many electric kettles have preset options for specific tea varieties, so all you have to do is hit a button and the device will bring water to the ideal temperature for you. 

According to Tea Drunk's Teng, one way to make better tea at home is to use hotter water for high-quality tea and lower-temperature water for subpar tea. "Hotter temperatures bring out the flavors in better tea," she says, "and lower temperatures dilute the flaws in lower-quality tea. With bad tea, the bitterness and astringency would come out with higher temperatures."

Can you heat milk in an electric kettle?

It's not a good idea to heat milk (or anything other than water) in a kettle, whether it’s a stovetop or an electric model. Milk leaves behind residue that is difficult to clean and can cause an unpleasant smell and taste. This can also damage the heating elements of an electric kettle and, in many cases, void the warranty. Heating milk in the microwave or in a pot on the stove is a better option.

Person checking the temperature of COSORI Double Wall Electric Kettle

Food & Wine / Fred Hardy

Why Trust The Spruce Eats?

Anthony Irizarry is a New York City-based freelancer who writes about home and kitchen products for The Spruce. He previously worked as an appliance reviews editor covering new releases, reviews, and roundups. He earned his bachelor's degree from Austin Peay State University.

This piece was updated by The Spruce Eats coffee and tea expert Derek Rose, and again with further testing insights by commerce writer Jason Horn. Between them, they have two master's degrees and more than 20 years of experience writing about food and drinks. Rose typically uses non-electric coffee makers at home, alternating between the Bialetti Moka Express and the Bodum Brazil French Press. Horn enjoys coffee and tea equally, but he uses an old-fashioned stovetop kettle to boil water for them.

Sources

Shunan Teng is the founder and CEO of Tea Drunk and an avid tea educator. Tea Drunk was founded in 2013 and has a brick-and-mortar tea house in New York City. Its teaware and Chinese teas can be purchased online.

Additional reporting by
Derek Rose
Derek Rose Headshot
Derek Rose is a writer living in Seattle, Washington. He has been the Coffee and Tea Expert for The Spruce Eats since 2019. His work has also appeared in Forbes, Angi, SPY, and Atwood Magazine.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Originally written by
Anthony Irizarry

Anthony Irizarry writes about home and kitchen products for The Spruce Eats. Previously, he was a writer for Appliances Connection and Appliance Review Editor for BestProducts.com.

Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Article Sources
The Spruce Eats uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. Chen, Joanne. How to Clean Your Coffee Maker. Nytimes.com.

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