The best electric kettles in 2026
The best options for tea, coffee, and everyday cooking
I'm British, so you know I take electric kettles seriously. I use my kettle for everything: making a cup of tea, boiling water for cooking, even heating a hot water bottle for those frosty London days. In the U.K., these kitchen gadgets are indispensable.
You may think that the best electric kettles will only do one thing, and you're kind of right. For the most part, a kettle will boil water and automatically shut off after use. But when selecting the best kettles for buyers, we encountered a surprisingly complex market.
For a start, a lot of these kettles feature smart designs such as variable temperature, temperature hold settings, and interactive bases which give you full control. Looks also matter, because these appliances will sit on your countertops every day. And there are plenty of designs on offer, from KitchenAid to Fellow.
You should also consider whether you want a gooseneck kettle, which is ideal for coffee, or a more conventional pouring spout, which is better for tea or other kitchen tasks.
We tested every kettle in this guide and ranked them according to value, design, safety features, and performance. Our top pick is the Ninja Precision Temperature Kettle, but if you're on a budget, you should take a look at the Cosori Glass Kettle.
Here are the best kettles you can buy right now.
The best electric kettles you can buy today
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The Ninja Precision is hard to fault. With a spacious 60-ounce capacity (twice that of the Fellow models in this guide), it's not only well-suited to making hot drinks, but means you can quickly boil water for cooking.
What makes the Ninja Precision Temperature kettle so great is its versatility. In testing, it boiled 60-ounces of water in just 4 minutes 10 seconds, which is, ounce-for-ounce, incredibly speedy compared to the likes of the Cosori.
While it isn’t specifically designed solely for specialty drinks, there’s nothing stopping the Ninja Precision Temperature from being a phenomenal barista aide. You can choose your water temperature to the degree using the tactile buttons on the easy-to-master kettle base. You might need 150°F for some blends of niche Japanese green teas, or your specialty pour-over coffee might call for 199°F on the dot. With the Precision Temperature, this specificity is welcome. The clue’s in the name: you get precision temperature and more.
In testing, we found that the Ninja kettle truly excels as an all-rounder. Making ceremonial-quality matcha blends in the morning, but need to prep a pasta dish to serve 12 in the afternoon? With the Ninja kettle, that’s no problem. And in the evening, are you craving a cup of soup? You can boil one cup of water in fifty seconds, so you’ll be eating in no time.
There’s nothing wrong with this kettle. It does its job exceptionally well. Do you want the best all-around electric kettle? Well, it’s the Ninja Precision Temperature kettle. We’re sure of it.
Find our more in our full Ninja Precision Temperature Kettle review
Best budget kettle
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
For some people, keeping plastic out of the kitchen is a big priority. But it can often be expensive to turn away from plastic kitchen gadgets in favor of glass or metal. With the Cosori Electric Glass Kettle, that's not a problem.
While there are some (essential) plastic accents around the lid and handle, the kettle is made of transparent glass, and it's an incredibly affordable option — by far the cheaest in the guide.
At its full 48-ounce capacity, this kettle boiled in four minutes and four seconds, which is impressive for a budget option. It's also incredibly easy to control, with just one button and no temperature options (which we wouldn't expect in a sub-$30 kettle, anyway).
The downside is that this kettle is quite slow to pour, so you'll need to be careful to avoid any spills. And while the glass design is attractive, it's also trickier to keep clean than the other options in this guide. Another downside of glass is the low temperature retention. Compared to the well-insulated Fellow models we tested, its glass exterior will require re-boiling between drinks.
Find out more in our full Cosori Electric Glass Kettle review
Fastest kettle
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The Dualit Classic Kettle is a genuine statement piece for your kitchen counter, with a sleek, polished design that immediately stands out. If you care about aesthetics and want your kettle to be as stylish as your mixer or coffee machine, this one delivers — the chrome finish is undeniably eye-catching and elevates any kitchen setup.
That mirror-like exterior, though, is a double-edged sword. While the chrome makes a strong visual impression, we found it picks up fingerprints and watermarks far more easily than matte or colored finishes. If you’re particular about keeping your appliances spotless, expect to spend a little extra time wiping it down to maintain its show-stopping shine.
Happily, the Dualit Classic isn’t just about looks. In our testing, it proved very quick to boil water, so you’re not sacrificing everyday convenience for beauty. However, you will encounter some trade-offs. Compared to the Ninja Precision Temperature Kettle, the Dualit is more visually appealing but doesn’t offer customizable temperature settings or as large a capacity. And while it’s certainly more attractive than the Cosori Electric Glass Kettle, it’s significantly more expensive — so you’re paying a premium for style.
From hands-on use, we also found the kettle heavy to hold when pouring, and that the chrome finish’s tendency to attract marks can be frustrating. But if design is your top priority and you’re prepared for a bit of upkeep, this is the kettle you’ll want to leave on display. For more details, check out our full review.
Find our more in our full Dualit Classic Kettle review
Best gooseneck kettle
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The Stagg EKG kettle is the gooseneck kettle. If you’re serious about pour-over coffee, there is no gooseneck kettle that’ll do it better than the Stagg.
The precise gooseneck spout is ideal for pour-over coffee. In testing, we were able to control the flow rate to just 1.5g/s — that’s painstakingly precise. The Stagg makes it incredibly easy to master pour-over flow, which means it’s ideal for beginners as well as experienced users.
Not only is the Stagg a treat to use, it’s also a treat for the eyes. While we tested the matte black version, there’s a huge range of colorways, some with maple or walnut embellishments. Fellow truly has raised the bar with the Stagg’s design — no other kettle comes close to this level of beauty. While the Stagg is best for coffee-lovers, the Corvo is a worthy alternative for teas and more general kitchen use.
It’s worth noting that the Stagg’s maximum capacity is 30 ounces (just 0.9 liters), which will only fill a six-cup Chemex. If you’re preparing coffee for a large group, you’ll either want a different kettle, or will have to wait out the five-minute boiling time for the second round of coffee.
However, this is the only main downside to this kettle — every other aspect of the Stagg blew us away in testing. For pour-over fanatics, there’s no way around it: the Fellow Stagg is the ultimate gooseneck kettle.
Find out more in our full Fellow Stagg Gooseneck Kettle review
The best looking kettle
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The KitchenAid 1.7L Variable Temperature Kettle definitely a showstopper, and with a range of colors to choose from, there's an option that will suit most kitchens (and can even pair with your beloved KitchenAid mixer!)
The 57-ounce/ 1.7 liter capacity means you’ll be able to boil enough water for several hot drinks or a large French press. Plus, there are 7 temperature settings to choose from using the smart dial-controlled base, which means you can make the ideal brew for everything from coffee to matcha.
You should note that this is an expensive option compared to a lot of the more budget-friendly kettles on the market. While it's smart, it's not quite as smart as the Ninja kettle which took the top spot in this guide. It can't hold your temperature, or increase in manual temperature intervals.
Boil time was four minutes (and one second, to be exact), which is pretty standard compared to the likes of the Fellow and Cosori options in this guide. This is a smart option that also brings the looks, but if you're on a budget, look elsewhere.
Find out more in our full KitchenAid 1.7L Variable Temperature Kettle review
The most precise electric kettle
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
If you’re a fastidious brewer of varying blends of specialty tea and coffee, you’ll need to ensure you’re using one of the most accurate and meticulous kettles available. That’s why we recommend Fellow’s Corvo EKG electric kettle for those brews you just have to get right.
With the tactile dial on the kettle’s base, you can customize your water temperature to the degree. So if you’re steeping delicate tea that commands a temperature of 140°F — like matcha or white tea — you’ll be able to brew water correctly without having to get a secondary thermometer involved.
Besides heating water to precise temperatures, the Corvo also looks excellent while doing it. We know looks aren’t everything, but it doesn’t hurt to have an attractive piece of kit in your kitchen. The matte black finish almost justifies this kettle’s $200 price tag, and the gorgeous slim base has a bright LED screen that makes using this kettle a breeze. The precision spout also eradicates the possibility of spills, drips, and leaks. In testing, we were also impressed by the range of flow rate — you’re not restricted to around 5g/s as with a gooseneck kettle. It’s possible to get the flow rate up to around 80g/s and all the way down to 2.5g/s. The Corvo is much more versatile than its sibling the Stagg, and we would recommend the Corvo as a better all-rounder.
The only thing holding the Corvo back is its small capacity. If you need to boil large amounts of water, you’d be better off somewhere else. Its max capacity is 30 ounces. However, if you’re brewing a range of specialty teas or preparing water for just a few people, the small size won’t be an issue.
Find out more in our full Fellow Corvo EKG review
How we tested
I'm British, so you know I take electric kettles seriously. We use our kettles for everything here: making endless cups of tea, pour-over coffee, hot water for boiling pasta and potatoes. They're probably the hardest-working appliance in any British home. Every product in this guide has either been tested by me or our expert Homes reviewer Erin, who loves kettles just as much as me.
I work on Tom's Guide's review team, testing everything from coffee makers to drones, including the occasional electric kettle. In terms of criteria, it's true that kettles are a lot more straightforward than some of the tech I test, but there's also a lot to look for. I evaluate everything from external temperature, to speed, to insulation, and of course, value for money.
At Tom’s Guide, we test electric kettles with the everyday jobs they are bought for in mind: making tea and coffee, filling a French press, and boiling water for cooking. We assess how the kettle feels to use, including the balance and comfort of the handle when full, how secure and easy the lid is to operate, the clarity of the water-level window, and whether the spout delivers a clean, controllable pour without drips or splashes. We also consider build quality, countertop footprint, cord management, finish durability, cleaning requirements, and features such as removable limescale filters and boil-dry protection.
For performance testing, we time how long each kettle takes to boil increasing amounts of water, so readers can see how it performs for a single cup as well as a full kettle. We measure the water temperature immediately after boiling and again after 30 minutes to gauge heat retention, and record operating noise in decibels. We also check how hot the exterior becomes after use, then weigh those results alongside capacity, temperature controls, ease of use, and value to determine which kettle is best for different needs.
We used an extra-sensitive thermometer to track the temperature of the water once first boiled, as well as how hot this stayed after 30 minutes in order to evaluate the insulation. We also touched the exterior of each kettle after testing to see if they felt safe to touch, and consider whether that could be a health concern.
Other factors such as value for money, range of settings, and ease of use were considered when we ranked these electric kettles.
Ultimately, every model that made our roundup comes highly recommended, but the right kettle for you will depend on what your budget is, and what your most-used feature will be.
Test results
| Row 0 - Cell 0 | Max capacity boiling time |
Temperature settings |
Temperature hold |
Max noise |
Capacity |
Ninja Precision |
4 minutes 10 seconds |
Fully customizable, 6 presets |
Yes, 30 minutes |
62dB |
60oz |
Cosori Electric |
4 minutes, 4 seconds |
None |
No |
66dB |
48oz |
Dualit Classic Kettle |
3 minutes, 34 seconds |
None |
No |
63dB |
Row 3 - Cell 5 |
Fellow Stagg |
5 minutes 10 seconds |
Fully customizable |
Yes, 1 hour |
67dB |
30oz |
KitchenAid 1.7L |
4 minutes 1 second |
122°F-212°F (in increments of 18°F |
No |
69dB |
57oz |
Fellow Corvo |
5 minutes 10 seconds |
Fully customizable |
Yes, 1 hour |
72dB |
32oz |
How to choose
It's no surprise if you need help with choosing an electric kettle.
When choosing your electric kettle, you’ll need to consider a few factors before you buy. The overall aesthetics shouldn’t be dismissed when you’re looking at an appliance that will be visible on your kitchen counter. Also, think about how much you’re willing to spend — prices vary drastically, and there’s a kettle for every budget. You should also consider:
- Capacity — The majority of kettles range from 30 ounces/ 0.9 liter to 61 ounces/ 1.8 liters. This difference in size impacts how many hot drinks you can make at once. So if you’ve got a larger household, it’s worth considering a kettle with a large capacity.
- Temperature settings — If you just want to boil water, then a simple no-frills kettle will do the job, but tea geeks and coffee aficionados will appreciate a kettle that can heat water to a range of temperatures for optimum brewing. Some also have a keep warm function, so the water temperature is maintained and ready for when you need a top up.
- Safety — Most electric kettles automatically shut off when the water boils, making them safer than stovetop options. But, for added peace of mind, some also have boil dry protection, which means they’ll shut off if there’s no water remaining. And if you want a kettle that doesn’t get too hot on the outside, look for one with a double wall or plastic construction.
FAQ
Why you can trust Tom's Guide
What is the benefit of a variable temperature kettle?
A variable-temperature kettle lets you heat water to the right temperature for the drink you’re making, rather than taking everything to a full boil. That is particularly useful for delicate teas, such as green or white tea, and for coffee methods that benefit from more control over the water temperature.
It is not essential if you only make standard tea or instant drinks, but it is a worthwhile upgrade for anyone who regularly makes speciality tea or coffee. The Ninja Precision Temperature Kettle is our best all-round pick because it offers temperature control to the degree, while the Fellow Corvo EKG is a strong choice for particularly precise brewing.
Do I need a gooseneck kettle for pour-over coffee?
You do not need a gooseneck kettle to make pour-over coffee, but it makes controlled pouring much easier. Its long, narrow spout slows the flow of water, helping you wet the grounds evenly instead of flooding them all at once.
If you use a V60, Chemex or another pour-over brewer regularly, it is a genuinely useful upgrade. Our top gooseneck pick, the Fellow Stagg EKG, gave us particularly precise flow control in testing. For tea, instant drinks and everyday cooking, however, a conventional-spout kettle is usually more versatile.
What size electric kettle should I buy?
Buy a kettle that suits the number of drinks you make at once, but avoid regularly filling it beyond what you need. Smaller models around 0.9 liters are a good match for one or two people, while a 1.5- to 1.8-liter kettle is more practical for families, visitors or cooking.
Capacity is not the only consideration: a larger kettle can be heavier to lift when full, and boiling surplus water takes longer. The Ninja Precision Temperature Kettle’s 60-ounce capacity makes it especially flexible for bigger households, whereas the compact Fellow models are better suited to smaller batches and specialist brewing.
Is it cheaper to boil a kettle with less water?
Yes. Boiling only the water you need uses less energy and is usually quicker, too. It is a small everyday habit, but it adds up when the kettle is used several times a day.
Just make sure you stay above the kettle’s minimum fill line, as that is there to protect the appliance and ensure it operates safely. If you often make one cup at a time, look for a model with a low minimum fill level and measure the water into your mug first; that is far more accurate than guessing.
What safety features should an electric kettle have?
At a minimum, look for automatic shut-off when the water reaches boiling point and boil-dry protection, which stops the kettle if it is switched on without enough water. These are standard safeguards, but they are still worth checking before you buy.
It is also sensible to consider how hot the exterior gets, how securely the lid fits and whether the handle feels balanced when the kettle is full. We assess safety alongside boil speed, insulation, value and ease of use in our testing. A cooler-touch double-wall design can be especially reassuring in busy family kitchens.
How often should I descale an electric kettle?
Descale your kettle whenever you notice a build-up of white mineral deposits, or more regularly if you live in a hard-water area. In a hard-water home, that may mean every month or two; in a soft-water area, you can usually leave longer between cleans.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and clean any removable limescale filter at the same time. Regular descaling helps keep the interior clean and can prevent flakes of limescale ending up in your drink. It is also worth wiping down the outside as part of routine maintenance, particularly on polished finishes that show watermarks easily.
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Millie is the Managing Editor of Buying Guides at Tom's Guide. Previously Managing Editor of Homes, she's been reviewing home tech for over five years, testing everything from coffee makers to the latest vacuum cleaners.
With particular expertise in cookware and kitchen appliances, you'll struggle to find an air fryer Millie hasn't tested. She's traveled the world reporting on the latest home innovations and product launches, learning how to use pizza ovens from Pizzaiolos in Naples, and touring the De'Longhi factory in Venice. Millie is also an SCA-Certified barista.
When she's not reporting on home and appliance trends, Millie loves watching live music. She's currently learning the guitar - naturally, she plays a Fender.