The 4 best electric kettles of 2024

Our choice

This 1.7 litre kettle heats water quickly and precisely to the various temperatures required for optimum tea and coffee flavour.

The Cuisinart PerfecTemp Kettle has been our top pick since 2013 for its consistent performance and user-friendly interface. In our tests, it reliably brought a full kettle of water to a boil in about 7 minutes. We were also impressed with this kettle’s accuracy at holding water at a set temperature. It has six preset temperature selections, each with a dedicated button, plus a “keep warm” function that keeps water at a set temperature for 30 minutes. The three-year warranty is generous compared to similarly priced electric kettles.

Also great

Despite its higher price, this intuitive, easy-to-use kettle probably won’t outlast the Cuisinart, but it is slimmer and slightly more ergonomic.

The Breville IQ Kettle looks great and works well. It has five temperature settings, each with a knob on the bottom of the kettle, and a 20-minute “keep warm” function. And instead of a closed loop, the handle is open at the bottom, making it a bit more accessible. We don’t think these features are worth the price increase over the Cuisinart CPK-17 (especially since the IQ only has a one-year warranty). But for someone who prioritizes a sleek look or an ergonomic handle, the price difference might be worth it.

Also great

We recommend this kettle with precision gooseneck to anyone who makes filter coffee or to tea lovers who will be excited about the extremely precise temperature.

The Cuisinart GK-1 Digital Gooseneck Kettle is precise and fast, and is more comfortable to use than other gooseneck kettles in the same price range. The willow-style spout gives you the control you need to pour perfectly, and the rounded handle is easy to grip, resulting in a smoother, more precise pour. The controls are intuitive, allowing you to adjust the water temperature in five-degree increments, and a “keep warm” function maintains the temperature for 30 minutes before automatically shutting off. The kettle has an all-steel body and lid, making it a great option for those who avoid plastic. The matte black finish also makes this kettle look attractive when left on the countertop.

Budget choice

This basic kettle lacks all the bells and whistles of the variable temperature models we recommend, but it does what it needs to do for a low price.

We recommend the budget Hamilton Beach 40880 Stainless Steel 1.7 Litre Kettle for anyone who doesn’t want to spend a lot of money but still wants a decent kettle to boil water with. This model is very easy to use, with a simple on/off switch at the base of the handle. In our tests, it heated water just as quickly as the Cuisinart CPK-17P1 , and it automatically switches off when it reaches the boil (this is a good safety feature, but you’ll need to be close by as there’s no beep to tell you when it’s ready). The large, heat-resistant handle stays cool to the touch and the spout doesn’t drip when you’re pouring.