If you’re anything like me, you probably love a good cup of tea, pour-over coffee, or even the occasional hot cocoa. That’s where an electric kettle becomes a total game-changer. These plug-in kettles can boil water faster and more safely than any stovetop version I’ve ever used—sometimes in just 2–3 minutes! And the best part? Many electric kettles come with an auto shut-off feature, so you never have to worry about accidentally leaving the water boiling.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through what makes the best electric kettles stand out, from capacity to extra features, so you can find the perfect one for your kitchen.
Best Electric Kettles
Fellow Stagg EKG Electric Gooseneck Kettle
As a pour-over coffee enthusiast, finding the right kettle is key, and the Fellow Stagg EKG Electric Gooseneck Kettle has been a game-changer for me. I’ve used many kettles in the past, but this one takes precision and style to a whole new level. Its sleek, minimalist design immediately stood out, and the ergonomic handle with a thumb rest makes pouring feel incredibly smooth and controlled.
The precise temperature control is what really sets this kettle apart. I love being able to dial in the exact temperature I need, down to the degree. Whether I’m brewing coffee at 200°F or making tea at a lower temperature, the Fellow Stagg EKG delivers with consistency. It heats up quickly, too—under five minutes to reach boiling, even when it’s full.
The small footprint is perfect for my kitchen, though the 2.5-foot cord does require a nearby outlet. One downside is that the stainless steel exterior gets hot, so you have to be careful when handling it. Despite that, its functionality and aesthetic make it worth the higher price. If you’re serious about your coffee routine, the Fellow Stagg EKG is a must-have tool that delivers both form and function.
Check price from Amazon
Cuisinart PerfecTemp Cordless Kettle
The Cuisinart PerfecTemp Cordless Kettle has been a reliable addition to my kitchen, though it’s not without a few quirks. It holds up to 1.7 liters, making it a bit larger and heavier, but still manageable. The wide handle, though necessary for the buttons, stays cool to the touch and is comfortable to grip.
Boiling 1 liter of water takes just under four minutes, and the Keep Warm function maintains the temperature for 30 minutes—ideal for forgetful tea drinkers like me. One feature I really appreciate is the kettle’s boil-dry protection, which prevents it from turning on without enough water. However, in my tests of the overheat protection, the kettle stopped reaching 160°F, which was disappointing.
The cordless design is a huge plus, especially since I often brew tea at my desk, and the base even has a cord management feature. While the preset temperature buttons are handy for tea lovers, those who prefer precise temperature control might find this lacking compared to more advanced kettles. Overall, it’s a solid kettle, but with some limitations in terms of temperature accuracy.
Check price from Amazon
Breville IQ Kettle BKE820XL
The Breville IQ Kettle is a sleek and efficient addition to any kitchen, featuring a brushed stainless steel exterior and a generous 7-cup capacity. One of the standout features is its five preset temperatures, ideal for brewing different types of tea and coffee. During my use, I found it to be impressively fast—it can boil 3 cups of water in just 2 minutes and 30 seconds, making it perfect for those busy mornings.
I also appreciate the thoughtful design touches, like the soft-open lid that releases steam slowly, preventing accidental burns, and the hidden cord wrap for a tidy countertop. Despite its large capacity, it’s easy to handle and pour, even when full. The keep warm function, which maintains water temperature for up to 20 minutes, is a nice bonus for households with multiple hot drink enthusiasts.
Though it’s on the pricier side, the Breville IQ Kettle’s speed, versatility, and ease of use make it a great investment for regular tea and coffee drinkers.
Check price from Amazon
OXO Brew Cordless Glass Electric Kettle
The OXO Brew Cordless Glass Electric Kettle offers an excellent balance of speed, convenience, and precision. Boiling water faster than a microwave, it takes just 3 minutes and 45 seconds to reach boiling point for a full liter. Once removed from its 360-degree swivel base, it’s completely cordless, allowing easy movement around the kitchen without the risk of burns, thanks to its insulated bottom.
The gooseneck spout provides better control when pouring, making it ideal for both tea and coffee drinkers. While often associated with coffee preparation, the gooseneck design also enhances the tea-making process, offering a more refined and controlled pour. Despite its compact size, the kettle does take up a bit more width due to the spout, but it remains a space-efficient option for most countertops.
The standout feature of this kettle is the precise temperature control, allowing users to adjust the heat based on the type of tea or coffee being brewed. For those seeking efficiency, style, and versatility, the OXO Brew Cordless Glass Electric Kettle is a strong contender.
Check price from Amazon
Mecity Electric Kettle
The Mecity Electric Gooseneck Pour Over Kettle is a top choice for tea enthusiasts, offering both functionality and style. Made from durable stainless steel and borosilicate glass, this kettle is designed for optimal performance. With its user-friendly temperature control panel, you can easily adjust the heat to suit different types of tea, ensuring the perfect brew every time.
A standout feature is its nine temperature settings, which accommodate a wide range of brewing needs. With a generous 1.7-liter capacity, it allows you to brew a large pot of tea, making it ideal for sharing or preparing iced tea for later. The kettle also includes a diffuser for steeping tea directly or can be used as a standard kettle for boiling water.
The fast-boil feature makes it quick and convenient, and the keep-warm function ensures that your tea stays hot if you don’t consume it immediately. Despite its size, it doesn’t take up much counter space, and cleaning is hassle-free. Overall, the Mecity Kettle is a versatile, efficient, and sleek addition to any kitchen.
Check price from Amazon
COSORI Electric Gooseneck Kettle
The COSORI Electric Gooseneck Kettle combines sleek design with functionality, making it a standout addition to any kitchen. Its stylish matte black or silver finish, coupled with a gracefully curved gooseneck spout, gives it a sophisticated look. With dimensions of 12.09 x 9.45 x 7.76 inches, it strikes a balance between being compact and visually striking without dominating counter space.
The kettle features seven buttons, including five for preset temperatures—170°F for white tea, 180°F for green tea, 195°F for oolong, 205°F for coffee, and 212°F for black tea/boil. The Hold Temp button maintains the selected temperature for up to 60 minutes, which is handy for prolonged use. Each preset is illuminated with a soft blue light, adding a stylish touch.
Additional features include a Max Fill Line to prevent boil-overs, steam vents for safety, and a leak-proof gooseneck spout for precise pouring. The innovative cord storage keeps the countertop tidy, enhancing both usability and aesthetics.
Check price from Amazon
Mueller Ultra Kettle
The Mueller Ultra Electric Kettle stands out as a powerful and affordable option for those in need of a reliable kettle. Its modern glass design, highlighted by an appealing LED ring and clear water-level markings, makes it a visually attractive addition to any kitchen. The kettle heats water quickly and features a convenient auto shut-off once a rolling boil is reached. However, it lacks a keep-warm function, which may be a drawback for some users.
While the handle is comfortable and robust, it might feel cumbersome to those with smaller hands. On the other hand, the thicker handle can enhance grip safety. The most notable drawback is the power cord: it’s stiff and bulky, which can limit placement options and clutter the countertop. Despite this, the Mueller Ultra Electric Kettle performs well overall, offering solid features and reliable performance at a reasonable price.
Things to Consider When Choosing an Electric Kettle
When you’re in the market for an electric kettle, several key factors can help you narrow down your options to find the perfect fit for your needs. Here are the most important things to consider:
- Speed One of the primary reasons people opt for an electric kettle is speed. Most electric kettles can boil water in 3-4 minutes, but some can heat a cup’s worth of water in as little as 90 seconds. If speed is a priority for you, check the manufacturer’s claims and customer reviews to ensure the kettle delivers as promised. Any electric kettle will be faster than a microwave or stovetop, but some models are more efficient than others.
- Temperature Options Precision matters when it comes to brewing tea or coffee. Different beverages require different temperatures for optimal flavor—black tea is best with boiling water, while green or white teas need lower temperatures. Similarly, coffee benefits from slightly lower-than-boiling temperatures. If you’re a tea or coffee enthusiast, look for a kettle with variable temperature settings to ensure you can make your drink at the perfect heat.
- Cost Electric kettles come in a wide range of prices. Basic models can start as low as $15, but if you’re looking for higher quality, additional features like temperature control, or more durable materials, expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $100 or more. If you just need something simple and functional, a budget-friendly option will do, but for long-term use and better features, investing in a more expensive model may be worth it.
- Size and Capacity Consider how much water you typically need to boil. Most electric kettles hold 6-8 cups of water, but some portable or travel-sized options hold less, which can be great if you’re making just one or two cups. However, smaller kettles often come with lower wattage, which means slower boiling times. In addition, think about your kitchen space. Electric kettles vary in size, so make sure you have enough counter space to store it comfortably.
- Corded vs. Cordless Cordless kettles are convenient, allowing you to lift the kettle off its base and move it around freely. Many models come with a swivel base that works well for both left- and right-handed users. Corded models work similarly but are a bit less flexible, as the cord is attached directly to the kettle.
- Power Most electric kettles use around 1500 watts of power, which is a good balance between speed and noise. More powerful models can boil water even faster, but they tend to be noisier. Less powerful models, on the other hand, are quieter but take longer to reach boiling temperatures.
- Filters Many electric kettles come with built-in filters to prevent particles from ending up in your cup. These can be especially helpful if you’re concerned about water quality. However, filters need to be replaced over time, so consider the ongoing cost of replacement filters when making your choice.
- Water Gauge A water gauge allows you to easily see how much water is in the kettle without opening the lid. This is especially useful when boiling specific quantities of water or when preparing larger amounts. Without a water gauge, it can be difficult to gauge how much water remains in the kettle.
