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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.