Kettles are a kitchen essential – they bring you tea, and they bring you coffee. They bring you boiling water when you need pasta in a rush. They're always there for you and often go underappreciated. Well, we say "no more"! If you’re looking for a kettle don’t just pick up the cheapest and nearest option. You need a new kettle, so it’s the perfect time to stop, think and consider your needs and choose a kettle that’ll really please.
The first thing you need to decide: electric or hob. Electric kettles are certainly the most popular option. They’re quick boiling and generally more energy efficient. Hob (aka stove-top kettles) are, by contrast, typically slower to boil but have larger capacities. And it has to be said that they’re the more stylish option, calling back to tradition and adding a designer, hipster statement to a kitchen.
Whichever you go for, we’ve rounded up the best of both styles for you find the perfect kettle. Here’s our list:
What's the best kettle - electric or hob?
Klausberg Marble Stainless Steel Whistling Kettle
This 2.7 litre Klausberg Marble kettle is a contemporary twist on the classic hob kettle design, with stone finish walls and wood effect, soft touch handles. It's also induction hob compatible.
Alessi Blue Bird Whistle Hob Kettle
This sharp yet playful hob kettle from Alessi is a design classic that's been in production since 1985. It has a one litre capacity, and if the classic bird whistle doesn't quiet do it for you, there is the option of purchasing a little dragon whistle instead. This kettle is suitable for all hob types.
ProCook Stovetop Hob Kettle
A modern, clean hob kettle with a large 2-litre capacity. This kettle will work with electric, gas, ceramic, glass, halogen and induction stoves.
LE CREUSET Traditional Stove-Top Kettle
We all know that Le Creuset are the crème de la crème of kitchen appliance design. This traditional 2.1 litre kettle is a timeless piece which, thanks to its robust design and manufacture, will last a lifetime. Suitable for all hob types, including induction, ceramic, electric, gas and AGA stoves.
Russell Hobbs Colour Plus Kettle
Breville HotCup Fast Boil Hot Water Dispenser
This product from Breville is designed for anyone who likes a cup of tea in a hurry. At the push of a button, the dispenser will boil a cup of water in under one minute. There's a variable selector on the top, so you can set the water flow to be suitable for nine different cup sizes.
Dualit 72905 Architect Kettle, 1.5L
On the outside, this minimal designer kettle is a refined addition to any kitchen. Inside, the Dualit Architect houses 1.5 litres of capacity, a Rapid Boil feature and a patented Pure Pour spout which prevent dripping. The lower grooved panel and lid's metal panel can be customised with an array of coloured alternatives which are available through the Dualit website.
Kitchenaid Kettle Artisan Red
Kitchenaid is effectively kitchen appliance royalty. This 1.5 litre Artisan kettle is a fantastic take on a kitchen essential. The sliding lever allows you to select a temperature between 50 and 100 degrees Celsius, and the gauge on the wall of the kettle allows you to monitor the water temperature while offering the design a pleasing, chic industrial edge.
Circulon 1.7L Sunrise Teakettle Turquoise
This charmingly squat 1.7 litre kettle is externally finished with an attractive stain-resistant enamel exterior. The spout opens by squeezing the handle, keeping your hands well out of the way of boiling steam.
Progress Scandi Rapid Boil Jug Kettle
A stylish Scandinavian inspired 1.5-litre option from Progress, this kettle comes in either black or grey and features a smart-looking wood effect handle. Offering a 3kW rapid boil and a boil-dry sensor it's a safe bet for anyone who doesn't want to scrimp on style but still wants a great kettle