Top 10 Best Kettles (UK)

electric kettle uk reviews

One thing is pretty certain, and that almost every home in the United Kingdom will have a kettle. The question for many new buyers is which is the best kettle to pick. There are hundreds of different models of kettles available on the UK market from many different brands.

They come in different sizes, colours and styles. The vast majority of people though simply want a good looking kettle that boils quickly and quietly and doesn't leak. When you look around at what is available two main types appear most of the time. One is the popular jug kettle, and the other prominent style is the dome shaped kettle. There is really not much more to it than that for the majority of buyers.

They will buy the style that they prefer. There is also the popular combination of a matching kettle and toaster, which will have a matching appearance and some people like that combination look for their kitchen.

However, let's get back to kettles for now, and there are two main types of kettle:

  1. The electric kettle - this is by far the most common choice for most UK households. This one simply plugs into the electric main's supply.
  2. The stovetop kettle - this is a kettle that is boiled by placing it on top of a cooker, a stove, or a gas ring

In this review we look at the most popular choice, which is the electric kettle.

Below we have included our top 10 list. This list is ranked by placing the kettles in order of those that sell the most online. The list includes an image of the kettle, the name of the kettle, a buyer star rating and a brief description. There is also a link where you can read a more detailed review of each kettle.

What is the most popular kettle in the UK?

The most popular kettle choice in the UK is the Breville VKJ755 impressions kettle. 

  • This kettle has a rear water window which is really useful when it comes to filling this one up
  • It has a 1.7 L capacity that can boil between 6-8 cups
  • It sits on a base and can be lifted off for pouring
  • It also has a removable lime scale filter, which can be rinsed and then re-used
  • There is wrap-around cord storage in base
  • It has a lift off lid and non-slip feet
  • It comes with a 1 year warranty
  • 94% buyer satisfaction based on 10,000+ online buyer reviews

    Best Stainless Steel Kettle - Russell Hobbs 20460 Buckingham Quiet Boil Kettle

  • 1.7 litre capacity - can boil enough water for up to 7 cups
  • Measures 21.8 x 23.5 x 15.8 cm
  • Weighs 1.21 Kg
  • This kettle is made of brushed stainless steel which means it cleans very easily and won't lose its colour over the years
  • 3,000 watts so boils quickly
  • It also has a rapid boil option - you fill just the right amount of water and boils one cup super-fast taking only 45 seconds
  • It also has a washable lime scale filter that will keep your brew tasting fresh
  • Boil Dry Protection
  • Concealed Heating
  • Cordless
  • 84% buyer satisfaction based on 20,000+ online buyer reviews

    Russell Hobbs Mode Kettle 21400

  • This is a black kettle with stainless steel highlights
  • It can also be bought with a matching toaster
  • It comes with an easy pour spout
  • Has a push to open hinged lid
  • It has a 1.7 litre capacity (3 pints) and enough for 7 cups of water
  • Comes with a 360° base with integrated cord storage
  • It is one of the cheapest kettles in the UK from a very good kitchen brand
  • 92% buyer satisfaction based on 17,000+ online buyer reviews

    Best Brita Filter Kettle - Russell Hobbs 22851 BRITA Filter Purity Kettle

  • This kettle is available in a 1 litre size of a 1.5 litre size
  • It comes with the popular Integrated BRITA filtration which reduces limescale, metals and chlorine for better tasting hot drinks and prolonged kettle life
  • It also has both filter and boil technology for speed and efficiency
  • The kettle has a cartridge replacement reminder - so you always have the fresh filtered water
  • The kettle has a 360 degree swivel base
  • 90% buyer satisfaction based on 10,000+ online buyer reviews

    Russell Hobbs Cambridge 1.7 Litre

    • This is made from brushed stainless steel and the casing has black plastic accents
    • As the name would suggest this has a 1.7 L capacity which means it can boil up to 7 cups of water at any one time
    • It also has a very useful rapid boil zone indicator - this allows you to fill just the right amount of water and boils one cup super-fast taking only 45 seconds
    • It also comes with a removable washable lime scale filter ideal for those living in hard water areas
    • Can be used by both right handed and left handed users as it has a 360 degrees swivel base

    86% buyer satisfaction based on 5,000+ online buyer reviews

    De'Longhi KBJ3001.BK Brillante KBJ3001BK Kettle

  • This is a classic style that many buyers like from the famous Italian brand
  • It is a plastic faceted Kettle in black with chromed details
  • The kettle has a 360 degree swivel base
  • The element is made from stainless steel and is a concealed element which reduces the build up of limescale
  • It is very powerful at 3,000 watts
  • Has a 1.7 litre capacity (3 pints) and enough for 7 cups of water
  • There are 3 levels of safety protection: Auto shut-off when boiled or lifted and thermal cut-off
  • It also has a removable and washable scale filter
  • It has non-slip feet
  • 94% buyer satisfaction based on 6,500+ online buyer reviews

    Bosch TWK8633 Styline Collection Cordless Jug Kettle

  • This is an expensive option compared to other kettles but it does have some interesting features
  • You have full temperature control with four different settings (100/90/80/70 degrees Celsius)
  • Also has the rapid boil option
  • Has a one touch lid opening
  • This kettle has a triple safety feature that includes automatic shut-off, overheat boil dry protection and switch-off when lifted from base
  • It also has a keep warm function that allows the selected temperature to last for up to 30 minutes
  • 92% buyer satisfaction based on 7,000+ online buyer reviews

    Cheapest Kettle - Quest 35100 Jug Kettle 

  • This is one of the cheapest kettle on the UK market right now
  • It has a 1.7 litre capacity (3 pints) which is enough to boil 7 cups of water
  • It sits on a swivel base so can be used by both right and left handed people
  • It has a dual water level indicator windows to allow the kettle to positioned from the left or the right
  • It has an indicator lamp which is the on/off switch
  • The kettle has a hinged lid
  • It also has automatic safety cut off
  • It also comes with a removable and washable filter
  • 84% buyer satisfaction based on 3,000+ online buyer reviews

    Best Rapid Boil Kettle - Russell Hobbs 21274 Textures Electric Kettle with Rapid Boil

    • This has a high gloss finish with matt accents for a contemporary feel, meaning it will bring style to any kitchen work top.
    • If you’re one for a sneaky brew the rapid boil feature means you can have a brew in hand in under one minute (based on one 235ml cup)
    • I t has a 1.7 Litre capacity which allows you to make up to six cups, making it an ideal kettle for family homes.
    • The kettle has a perfect pour spout so all of the water goes into the cup with fewer splashes and spills keeping your work surface mess-free.
    • 2 Year Manufactures Guarantee - Plus 1 extra year when you register the product online.

    90% buyer satisfaction based on 13,000+ online buyer reviews

    Morphy Richards Dimensions Kettle 108261

  • Available in black, white, cream and grey
  • It has a 1.5 litre capacity, so you can boil up to 6 cups of water at a time
  • Uses a 3,000 watt element
  • Has an easy to view water window
  • It has a 360 degree base, so that you can easily use your kettle whether left or right handed
  • Also has cord storage
  • 92% buyer satisfaction based on 2,500+ online buyer reviews

    Our UK Electric Kettle Buying Guide - How to choose a kettle?

    Just below you will find what we consider to be a very useful buying guide for kettles. This is particularly useful if you haven't bought a kettle before. We would recommend reading through this as it gives you some useful information, when it comes to buying the right kettle for your own specific needs.

    We include the important features in what we think are the most important priority.

    Which kettle brand is best?

    The usual kitchen brands all make kettles for the UK market. These include Russell Hobbs, Morphy Richards, Breville, Tower and Swan. These names will all be known to UK buyers as they make ranges of kitchen appliances.

    In our opinion Russell Hobbs are the best kettle brand in the UK as they are affordable, make a few models of kettles and they are supported by a very good UK customer service team.

    What are the most reliable kettles?

    The most reliable kettles in the UK are the basic models of kettles. The less there is to go wrong with them the better. The best way to judge that is to look at buyer reviews and see which kettle get the highest ratings.

    We did that and again Russell Hobbs kettles came out as the most reliable kettles. Their buying satisfaction scores are regularly in the high 90% and above rating.

    Russell Hobbs are a British manufacturer and their kettles are made in the UK.

    How long do kettles last?

    There has been some research done on this and on average a kettle lasts for 5 years and 4 months. That research was based on the kettle being boiled 4 times a day. (Around 7,700 individual boils)

    So in reality the lifetime of a kettle really depends on how often it is boiled and many other factors as well.

    If for example in a busy house if a kettle was boiled 6 times a day it would last for around 3 years and 6 months.

    Is it worth getting an expensive kettle?

    This is a very good question. Electric kettles range in price from as low as £20 for a kettle like the Russell Hobbs 21270 plastic kettle and go all the way up to £400 for something like the Alessi bird singing model at around £450.

    We think that when people are asking this question they mean paying £50-60 for a kettle instead of £20-30.

    It is only worth buying a more expensive kettle if you prefer a specific design, or want temperature control features, fast boiling features etc.

    At the end of the day a kettle is really nothing more than a container, that heats water using an electric element. As long as it doesn't leak and lasts for 5-6 years, then £20-£30 is enough to pay for that.

    Are SMEG kettles worth the money?

    SMEG kettles do sell really well in the UK and they are worth the money especially if you like the Retro iconic style. They are certainly very well made.

    They have a stainless steel body with a quiet soft opening lid and temperature control. (7 levels)

    The one shown here is their best seller and it is a 1.7 litre kettle.

    It comes in a variety of colours that include white, black, cream, pastel blue, pastel green, pink, red, champagne gold, gold, rose gold, slate grey and stainless steel

    The kettle has a 360 degree swivel base, anti-drip spout, water level indicator, concealed heating element, keep warm feature, and a stainless steel water limescale filter

    90% buyer satisfaction based on 1,500+ online buyer reviews

    The Wattage or Power of Your Kettle

    On any electric kettle, you should be able to see the wattage of your kettle. Typically you will see a term such as 3000W. This means that the kettle has an element inside that is heated up to boil the water. The power used is measured in an energy measurement known as watts. In the example this would be 3,000 watts.

    This power rating determines how quickly your kettle will boil. So, as a general rule of thumb, the higher this number the better. Just be aware though, that the higher this number is, the more electricity it uses, so will cost more to run.

    Most good quality kettles will have a 3000W rating or higher.

    Kettle Capacity

    The capacity of a kettle is simply how much water it can hold with one fill. Usually there is a minimum and a maximum level to which the kettle should be filled. There should always be water above the minimum level so as the element in your kettle does not get damaged.

    Likewise the maximum level should never be over filled as that can cause boiling water to come out of the spot which is dangerous.

    Most kettles display the capacity in litres. A litre is about 1.76 pints. Most standard sized kettles have a 1.7 litre capacity which is about 3 pints. That is enough to boil water for between 6-8 standard sized cups. That is usually enough for a family of 4-5.

    Corded, Cordless and Swivel Bases

    You can still buy kettles that have the electric lead attached to the kettle. Those are seldom used now and can be quite difficult to buy. The vast majority of UK buyers much prefer what is referred to as a "cordless kettle." In reality that is the wrong name for it, and should really be called a hand's free kettle.

    With this type of kettle, the actual kettle sits on a base. The base is then plugged into the main's electricity. When the kettle boils, you can then lift the kettle off the base and pour the water.

    Most bases of this type are circular, which is very useful as the kettle can be spun around so as it can be used with left or right handed people. Some bases are not though, and the kettle will only fit in one way. That is something to be aware of and we would recommend the circular swivel style base.

    Quiet Boil Kettles

    We have all been there. You switch the kettle on, or someone else does, and then you can't hear the news on the TV. Most kettles are noisy and that can get irritating. Quiet boil kettles have been designed for the purpose of not being anywhere near as noisy as a normal standard kettle.

    Manufacturers designed these quiet boil kettles for homes that have if you have an open-plan kitchen/living/dining area. Some kettles are marketed as being especially quiet, but this doesn't always hold true.

    Some of these are indeed quieter, but others are not as quiet as they might make out. Just be wary of those and check what other buyers have to say.

    Kettle Water Gauges

    Initially this does not sound like that big of a feature. However we think it is. These are the water measuring gauges, usually on the side of the kettle, where you can quickly glance, and see how much water is in the kettle, and if you need to fill it up or not.

    Many kettles have badly located gauges that are really hard to read easily. Usually they are under the handle and pretty hard to see. The better designed kettles will have larger and clearer windows so as you can quickly see at a glance how much water is left in the kettle.

    Kettle Lids

    Initially this does not sound like that big of a feature. However we think it is. Some kettles are a pain to open and those with a hinged lid are the better option. Ideally you want a one touch open lid. This is where you push down on the lid, or an area on the lid and the lid then opens automatically to at least 90 degrees.

    Kettle Cord Storage

    Like the lid feature above, initially this does not sound like that big of a feature. Most people will leave their kettle plugged into the wall as it is used very often. For those people cord storage is not really that important. Some people however prefer not to leave their kettle plugged in, and others prefer to store it away when not in use.

    If you fall into either of those two camps, then you will want a kettle where the lead can be neatly stored away around the base of the kettle.

    One Cup Boil (Rapid Boil) Kettles

    These are designed just to be able to boil enough water for one cup or even two cups. Now, the kettle itself can of course boil larger amounts of water, but some have a quick boil, or fast boil feature, where you can quickly boil a small amount of water.

    Kettle Water Filters & Hard Water

    Initially this does not sound like that big of a feature. However we think it is. Having a filter that you can change, not only protects your kettle from limescale, but also makes sure you filter out any impurities in the water. That makes your tea or coffee taste fresher.

    Kettle Guarantees & Warranties

    When you buy a kettle it is certainly worth looking at what type of guarantee or warranty comes with your kettle. Most manufacturers will offer a 1 year warranty, but this does differ from brand to brand.

    Other Types of Kettles

    We have covered electric kettles above, but we also want to mention three other options for buying a kettle. Those are:

    1. The kettle and toaster combination
    2. The stovetop kettle
    3. Multi-temperature Kettles
    4. The "Smart kettle."

    Let's have a look at each of those three types in more detail.

    Kettle & Toaster Combinations

    Many UK buyers like to match up their toaster and kettle to complement their kitchen.

    A few brands offer that option and they include Breville, Russell Hobbs and VonShef.

    There are plenty of choices for these combinations, and the Russell Hobbs shown to the right is one of the most popular choices.

    It includes a 1.7 litre kettle and a 4 slice toaster with a high gloss textured appearance


    96% buyer satisfaction based on 13,000+ online buyer reviews

    Stovetop Kettles

    Some UK buyers prefer a stovetop kettle. These can be used on stoves and hobs rather than using electric.


    Typically these are known as "whistling kettles."


    Quite a few brands make these

    The  Le Creuset Traditional Stove-Top Kettle shown to the right is one of those and this is an enamelled steel kettle with heat-resistant, phenolic handle and whistle, and serves up to four cups

    Kettles like these are suitable for all hob types, including induction, ceramic, electric, gas and AGA cookers

    90% buyer satisfaction based on 1,000+ online buyer reviews

    Multi-Temperature Kettles

    Some UK buyers want to have full temperature control over how hot the water gets boiled.

     

    This is an important aspect for many coffee and tea lovers.


    These kettles will also have a keep warm feature which many buyers like.


    The Sage smart kettle shown to the right is typical of this type of kettle


    It has 5 variable temperature settings from 80 degrees Celsius to boiling for optimal tea and coffee


    It also has a keep warm function that keeps the kettle ready for 20 minutes for another cuppa


    88% buyer satisfaction based on 1,000+ online buyer reviews

    Smart Wifi Kettles

    Quite a few buyers, and especially those who like their technical options have started to make the move to "smart Kettles."


    These work using an "app" and on apple and android smart phones.


    They also work off the smart home devices like Alexa and Google Mini. In other words you can instruct any of those to start boiling your kettle.


    The model shown to the right is a popular choice and from the Xiaomi Mi brand


    By using the Smarter app you have a range of settings to set alarms and prompts with ‘Wake Up’, ‘Home’ or ‘Formula’ mode for your iKettle.


    You can adjust your iKettle's desired boiling temperature between 20-100 degrees via the Smarter app.

    You can also connect your iKettle with other smart home devices using IFTTT and Amazon Alexa.

    90% buyer satisfaction based on 300+ online buyer reviews

    Hopefully you have enjoyed our detailed buying guide for the best kettles in the UK. There are lots of kettle choices and in most cases it will come down to the style you prefer, the brand you prefer and how much you are willing to spend.