Best Electric Kettles 2024 - Forbes Vetted

For anyone who regularly drinks tea, pour-over coffee or other hot drinks, the best electric kettles offer convenience and precision that stovetop kettles simply can’t match. After testing 10 top-rated models, I’m confident the best option for most people is the Breville IQ Kettle, an attractive, ergonomic pick with five temperature presets that heats water faster than most. If you’re in the market for a no-frills option that simply boils water, the Cosori Electric Glass Kettle is your best bet—it excels at its one job and comes at a reasonable price.

The five best electric kettles, based on an extensive series of tests involving lots of water.

The following is a list of all the winners from my testing process:

Smarter, safer and more accurate than models of years past, today’s electric kettles are worthy of a spot on any kitchen countertop. Not only are they faster and quieter than stovetop models, but they often come equipped with features like automatic shut-off to power down after achieving a boil and “keep warm” settings to hold water at your desired temperature. High-end models also offer variable temperature control—the ability to set the water temperature to something other than boiling—which is useful if you’re making coffee or certain types of tea that must be brewed at a specific temperature. That said, some people want a basic kettle that just boils water quickly—and there are great options that do just that. Ahead, here are the best electric kettles that earned the highest marks in testing.

Jonathan Baudoin For Forbes

Dimensions: 7.2 x 9.1 x 9.8 inches | Weight: 3.4 pounds | Capacity: 1.7 liters | Temperature control: Yes; 5 presets

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The IQ Kettle from Breville looks great and performs even better, proving it is possible to have it all. Featuring a generous seven-cup capacity and five temperature presets, this sleek, intuitive stainless steel kettle was a top performer in nearly every test I conducted. The five temperature presets range from 175 to 212 degrees and are marked with corresponding drinks like green tea and French press, so no matter which setting I picked, the hot water was always within 1 or 2 degrees of the preset. And with the “keep warm” function, the kettle had no problem maintaining its temperature for up to 20 minutes.

The Breville IQ Kettle's interior and control panel.

In addition to being one of the most precise models I tested, the IQ Kettle was also one of the speediest. When filled to its maximum capacity, the kettle brought water to a boil in under eight minutes; to boil three cups of water, it took just two minutes and 30 seconds. Once the water has achieved the set temperature, a gentle beeping lets you know when your water is ready, which is much more pleasant than the shrill whistle of a stovetop kettle. The curved handle has a hard plastic covering that makes it easy and comfortable to grip, and the same material runs down the kettle body, protecting your hand from all sides. This kettle was also one of the most comfortable to pour—it’s surprisingly ergonomic to hold, even when full, and the water comes out in a steady stream without any spitting or splashing.

Further cementing the IQ Kettle’s supremacy, it has a number of standout design choices. To start, it has easy-to-see water-level windows on both sides of the kettle, marked with both cups and milliliters, and a cord wrap integrated into the base. There’s also a button on the top of the handle that triggers the soft-open lid, which slowly lets steam escape and doesn’t splatter water (like some other models I tested). I also appreciated that the control buttons on the kettle’s base light up when pressed, making it easy to tell which setting it’s on. The only thing the device is lacking is the ability to adjust to specific temperatures, though for most people, this likely won’t be an issue.

Long-term testing notes: After my initial review, I handed this electric kettle over to my parents for long-term testing, as my father is an avid tea drinker. He uses the kettle every day to make his post-dinner cup of Earl Grey tea (and sometimes a post-lunch cup, as well), and after more than a year of continued use, he maintains that it’s the best electric kettle he’s ever used. It still performs as reliably as it did on day one, and he particularly likes that after you pour water out, the kettle automatically shuts off. My mother also says she uses it to boil water for cooking, as it’s faster than heating up water on the stovetop. (If you want to know even more about why I loved this pick, check out my full review of the Breville IQ Kettle.)

Jonathan Baudoin For Forbes

Dimensions: 7.9 x 6.1 x 9.5 inches | Weight: 2.6 pounds | Capacity: 1.7 liters | Temperature control: No

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If you like to keep things simple, the Cosori Electric Glass Kettle is a no-frills model that’s designed to do one thing: boil water. Made from durable borosilicate glass, this inexpensive 1.7-liter model doesn’t have a control dial or any temperature presets. To start the kettle, all you have to do is press a lever located at the base of the handle, at which point a blue light turns on inside the kettle to let you know it’s on. Several minutes later, you have boiling water.

Despite the kettle’s simplicity, I was still pleased with its performance, especially when compared to other budget models. At full capacity, it boiled water in a little under eight minutes, and it took just over three minutes to bring three cups of water to 212 degrees. The kettle sits snugly on the base, and it’s comfortable to pour, delivering a smooth, steady stream. I also like that the base sits flush with the kettle, so it doesn’t take up any additional space on the countertop. Plus, the large opening and see-through sides make the kettle easy to clean, as you can fit your whole hand inside with a sponge.

Thanks to the Cosori Electric Glass Kettle's wide mouth, cleaning its interior is a breeze.

As you might expect from a budget model, the Cosori kettle does have a few shortcomings. Chiefly, there’s no beep when the water reaches boiling. And because the kettle automatically shuts off after it reaches temperature (which is ultimately a good thing), you might come back to tepid water if you’re not paying close attention to the kettle’s progress. Additionally, some elements feel budget. For example, the lightweight plastic base feels very flimsy, and the stainless steel filter (which helps keep limescale out of your cup) is pretty much useless, only covering a small portion of the spout.

Long-term testing notes: I kept this kettle and tested it for an additional year after my initial review, consistently reaching for it once a week or so, generally to make a cup of tea or cook a quick lunch like Ramen noodles. I still love how easy it is to use, and it’s in good condition, too. Over time, though, I’ve come to really dislike that there’s no signal when the kettle’s water starts to boil. On several occasions, I went into another room while it was heating up and forgot I turned it on, and then came back 20 minutes later to lukewarm water. Then I’d have to start the whole process over again, which was definitely frustrating. That said, I think you’d be hard-pressed to find a better model for less than $25.

Jonathan Baudoin For Forbes

Dimensions: 11.5 x 6.75 x 8 inches | Weight: 2.75 pounds | Capacity: 0.9 liter | Temperature control: Yes; 135 to 212 degrees

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A gooseneck kettle is a must-have for making pour-over coffee, as the skinny spout gives you precise control over the water flow. Out of the popular gooseneck models I tested, the Fellow Stagg EKG Electric Kettle proved to be the superior choice. Featuring the coffee-gear brand’s signature matte finish (that comes in a variety of colors), this sleek kettle lets you adjust the temperature in 1-degree increments—and it’s attractive, too.

It goes without saying that the Stagg EKG doesn’t come cheap, but in testing, it easily proved its value. To operate the kettle, you use a dial and small digital screen located on the square base, where you can adjust the water temperature to between 135 and 212 degrees in single-degree increments. What’s more, I found the kettle to be extremely accurate, heating water to within 1 degree of the set temperature. And when making coffee with this kettle, it was easy to control the location and flow of water from the spout, allowing me to saturate the coffee grounds evenly with just the right amount of water. Plus, if you hold down the control dial for a few seconds, it starts a timer on the screen, which makes it easy to time the blooming and subsequent pouring. (For those who want a deep dive into these aforementioned features, check out my detailed standalone review of the Fellow Stagg EKG.)

Gooseneck kettles give you ultimate control over your water flow, which is why they're a must-have ... [+] for pour-over coffee drinkers.

The biggest downside of the Stagg EKG is its size. The kettle has only a 0.9-liter capacity (that’s less than 4 cups) so it may not hold enough water to make coffee or tea for a crowd. The kettle opening is also quite small, so you need a brush or sponge on a stick to clean inside it. Still, it’s an incredibly precise and stylish option for your kitchen, especially if you’re preparing only one or two cups of coffee at a time. (Fellow also makes the best coffee grinder and French press, in case you’re looking to upgrade your whole coffee-brewing setup.)

Jonathan Baudoin For Forbes

Dimensions: 11.5 x 6.75 x 8 inches | Weight: 2.7 pounds | Capacity: 0.9 liter | Temperature control: Yes; 135 to 212 degrees

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For serious tea drinkers, a variable-temperature kettle that gives you total control of the water temp is essential. “Japanese green and Chinese white teas need temperature settings lower than the preset temperature on kettles,” explains tea sommelier Poorvi Chordia, cofounder of Herbs & Kettles. If you’re someone who keeps their cabinet stocked with high-quality loose-leaf tea of all kinds—and you want to extract the best flavor from those leaves—the Fellow Corvo EKG Electric Kettle is the best for the job.

The tea kettle’s design and functionality are largely identical to the Stagg: It features a 0.9-liter capacity and allows you to adjust the temperature in 1-degree increments. The main difference is its spout shape, which allows you to pour water more quickly. It also takes up less space than the gooseneck version—a nice bonus if counter space is at a premium in your kitchen. I also liked that the Corvo was able to precisely maintain the set temperature when the “hold” mode was turned on, which is controlled using a toggle switch on the back of the base. For up to 60 minutes, the kettle keeps the water at the exact right temperature, never fluctuating up or down more than 1 degree. Another thoughtful touch: The digital display has a built-in timer to help you keep track of how long your tea has been steeping.

Long-term testing notes: Senior home and kitchen editor Amanda Arnold has been using this kettle nearly every day for the past year—she starts her day with Earl Grey tea and also regularly consumes matcha, spearmint and Darjeeling tea. “The kettle works just as well as it did when I first started using it,” she says. “It gets hot impressively fast and always achieves the exact temperature I dial in. At this time, I have no complaints—this is easily one of my favorite kitchen gadgets.”

Jonathan Baudoin For Forbes

Dimensions: 8.8 x 6.1 x 9.75 inches | Weight: 4 pounds | Capacity: 1.7 liters | Temperature control: Yes; 6 presets

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If you want the absolute fastest electric kettle out there, look no further than the Cuisinart Perfectemp Cordless Electric Kettle. While most kettles I tested needed more than three minutes to boil three cups of water, the Cuisinart reached a full boil in less than two minutes and 30 seconds—ideal if you’re making a cup of tea or coffee before rushing out the door.

This kettle has a fairly basic design, and I liked that its control buttons are all located right on the handle and clearly labeled. It has six preset temperature options, as well as a “keep warm” function. Its main weakness was—at least in my experience—that it wasn’t the most precise at lower temperatures. For instance, when I set it to 185 degrees, the water actually registered around 190. Still, the kettle is comfortable to pour (though a bit bulkier than the Breville), and its performance is more than sufficient for everyday use.

The Cuisinart PerfecTemp Cordless Electric Kettle's buttons are on the handle.

I tested five other electric kettles that didn’t make the cut.

Zwilling Enfinigy Cool Touch Kettle Pro: There were several things I really liked about this kettle, including its cool-touch exterior and smooth-walled interior, which made it one of the easiest models to clean. It performed decently, as well, but it feels noticeably bulkier than the winning models, despite having a smaller overall capacity than most of them.

Ninja Precision Temperature Kettle: This electric kettle from Ninja was just okay in its performance—it brought water to the right temperature but struggled to keep it warm for any length of time. However, the biggest problem is that the lid flings open extremely quickly, resulting in hot water drops flying everywhere.

Cuisinart Digital Gooseneck Kettle: The angle of this kettle’s spout made it tricky to pour water slowly, and I also thought that its base was awkwardly large compared to the size of the kettle. Though it does offer variable temperature control, you can only adjust it in 5-degree increments. Overall, it’s just not as versatile or attractive as the Fellow Stagg EKG Electric Kettle.

Cosori Original Electric Gooseneck Kettle: This gooseneck kettle is highly ergonomic, thanks to its silicone handle that has a divot for your thumb. That said, the overall design looks somewhat cheap, and the buttons don’t have the strongest feedback (they light up, but it’s very dim), making it hard to tell if you’ve actually pressed them.

Hamilton Beach Glass Kettle: This inexpensive kettle seemed promising at first, but it didn’t sit snuggly on its base. And when the water started boiling, the kettle wobbled perilously, which is a pretty major safety hazard.

Over the course of two weeks, I tested a total of 10 top-rated electric kettles from trusted brands, comparing their functionality, ease of use and overall value side by side in a variety of tests. After setting up each kettle, I evaluated them on their size, weight, appearance and usability, noting whether they were intuitive to operate.

From here, I jumped into a series of more technical tests. First, I filled each kettle to its maximum capacity and timed how long it took the water to boil. I repeated this test again using just three cups of water so I could more accurately compare the speed of each model. I also wanted to check the precision of each kettle, so I used an instant-read thermometer to measure the temperature when it reached boiling. Then, I ran this test a second time with the variable-temperature kettles, setting them to 185 degrees. Finally, for kettles with a “keep warm” feature, I measured the water after 15 and 30 minutes to see if they were able to maintain a consistent temperature.

To evaluate ease of use, I used each kettle to make either a cup of tea or, for the gooseneck models, a cup of java using a pour-over coffee maker. I noted factors like whether the kettle was comfortable to hold and pour, if the stream of water was even and if I ever felt like I was at risk of burning myself.

Lastly, senior home and kitchen editor Amanda Arnold and I have continued to use the winning kettles to observe how they hold up over time. Relevant testing notes have been incorporated throughout this piece piece.

Ready to bring home a new electric kettle? Here’s what you want to consider while shopping to make sure you bring home the best option for your water-heating needs.

Electric kettles are available in a range of sizes, typically between 0.9 and 1.8 liters—that’s roughly four and eight cups. Smaller kettles, such as the Fellow Corvo EKG, take up less space in your kitchen, but they can generally boil enough water for only two or three cups at a time.

If you frequently host guests, it’s worth getting a larger kettle to make multiple servings at once. “I try to use a kettle that can brew over 1.5 liters,” says Eileen Donaghey, the Afternoon Tea Expert. “While I might not use the larger capacity every day, it is easier when it comes to having tea parties at home to be able to boil water faster.”

The majority of electric kettles have either stainless steel or glass bodies, and there are benefits to both materials. Stainless steel is naturally more durable and can withstand more bangs and bumps. It also has better insulation properties, helping to keep your water at the right temperature for longer. However, some people are sensitive to metallic tastes, in which case a glass kettle might be a better fit. Glass kettles, while easier to break, allow you to see the water as it heats up, giving you a visual cue as to when it’s ready.

Some electric kettles like the Fellow Stagg and Fellow Corvo allow you to adjust the water ... [+] temperature using 1-degree increments.

At minimum, all electric kettles can bring water to a boil—and if you opt for an inexpensive model, such the Cosori Electric Glass Kettle, that’s all the kettle can really do. This may be sufficient for casual use, but if you frequently make tea or coffee, you may want to look for a variable-temperature kettle.

This is especially important if you drink different types of tea. “Different types of teas should be steeped at different water temperatures for different times,” explains Chordia. “Higher temperatures will extract more bitterness and caffeine but are necessary to get the best out of oolongs, black tea and fermented teas. Lower temperatures will reduce the bitterness and astringency and give more sweetness to the tea and are better suited to green and white teas.”

Some variable-temperature kettles have five or six preset temperature options, typically with settings for green, white and oolong teas, as well as coffee and a standard boil. However, more advanced models offer even more granular control, allowing you to select a specific temperature in 1- or 5-degree increments. “The key thing that I look for [in an electric kettle] is a temperature gauge,” says Donaghey.

The design and ergonomics of an electric kettle can make a big difference in its performance. The best kettles are well balanced and easy to pour, even when they’re filled to capacity, and they generally have silicone or another heat-resistant material on the handle to keep your hands safe.

There are other design features you may want to look for as well. For instance, gooseneck kettles have a long, thin spout that makes it easy to pour water slowly and precisely, and they’re often recommended for making pour-over coffee. “The gooseneck design provides a good guide for the water flow, and we are able to direct the water exactly where we want it,” says Kaleena Teoh, director of education at Coffee Project New York. “Some of them have flow restrictors built in to ensure a more consistent water flow, too.”

You can find a basic electric kettle for as little as $20, while high-tech options may cost as much as $200. If you use your kettle only occasionally and don’t need a variable-temperature model, a budget-friendly option will likely meet your needs just fine. However, for more discerning tea or coffee drinkers who want more precise control over their drink, expect to spend at least $100 for a variable-control model.

I’ve been a professional product tester for more than 8 years, during which time I’ve written for a wide range of publications, including food-focused sites like Food52, Bon Appétit and The Spruce Eats. I’ve tested hundreds of different cooking gadgets over the course of my career, and I typically enjoy multiple hot drinks—including coffee, tea and lattes—on a daily basis.

While researching and writing this piece, I spoke to three different experts: tea sommelier Poorvi Chordia, cofounder of Herbs & Kettles; Eileen Donaghey, the Afternoon Tea Expert; and Kaleena Teoh, director of education at Coffee Project New York. They offered insights on how to select the best electric kettle for your home, including tips on brewing the perfect cup of tea and coffee.

If you want an electric kettle for making tea, it’s often worth spending a bit more on a model that offers variable temperature control. These kettles allow you to adjust the water temperature based on the drink you’re preparing—for instance, green tea is best brewed at 175 degrees. “If you use a higher heat on a green tea, it could singe the leaves, leaving you with a very bitter taste,” explains Donaghey.

If you’re looking for an electric kettle to brew pour-over coffee, a gooseneck model like the Fellow Stagg EKG is a must-have, according to the experts. With a gooseneck kettle, you’ll have precise control over the stream of water, which makes it easier to bloom your coffee grounds and slowly pour water for optimal brewing.

This style of kettle can also be beneficial if you’re prone to spills. “I prefer gooseneck kettles as they are less messy for me,” says Chordia. “Sometimes I get clumsy and spill water from regular kettles.”

There are benefits to both stainless steel and glass electric kettles. Stainless steel is often the more popular option, as it is more durable and offers better insulation, helping to hold water at the desired temperature. However, some stainless steel kettles may give water a slightly metallic taste, which can be off-putting. Glass kettles, on the other hand, allow you to monitor your water as it boils, and they can be easier to clean, as you’re able to see inside the kettle more readily. The downside is that they’re much more prone to breaking if they’re banged or dropped.

Over the course of our testing, there were a few electric kettle brands that stood out as top performers. The Breville IQ Kettle was our overall favorite thanks to its thoughtful design and consistent performance, and it still works perfectly a year later, even after being used daily. Fellow is another brand to consider, especially if you want a sleek design. Both the Fellow Stagg EKG and Fellow Corvo EKG proved to be reliable and highly versatile options for your kitchen.

It would be challenging to find an electric kettle that’s made without any plastic whatsoever, as most models have plastic on their handles and/or control panels. However, if you’re looking for an electric kettle without plastic on the interior, the Cosori Electric Glass Kettle is a budget-friendly option with a glass and metal body, or the Fellow Corvo EKG has a stainless steel interior. With either option, no plastic comes in contact with the water you’re boiling.