The perfect cup of tea or coffee doesn't come easy. It takes practice — even the supposedly simple act of boiling some water, adding a tea bag, and then dropping in milk. It's a true art form — a delicate process that's refined over years of hot brew making. We're not here to tell you how to master the art, because everyone follows a slightly different routine. Though anyone who puts the milk in first needs to take a long hard look at themselves. (Seriously, what's that mad behaviour all about?)
With that out of the way, we can focus on what you'll need to make the perfect brew. Mugs and tea bags are important, obviously, but the kettle is the true difference maker. Think of the kettle as the artist’s canvas. You won’t brew any tea without it. And if you’re an enthusiastic caffeine-quaffer, the kettle is going to be put through its paces.
All of which means you should invest in a kettle that can cope with intense tea-making demands. But where to start? Here's some useful information to, erm, brew over.
What makes a good kettle?
First and foremost, a kettle boils water. That's what it's made to do. But there are all kinds of features that modern kettles have, going from kitchen essential to luxury item. These can include temperature control settings, "keep warm" functions, LED lights, a nice interface, and fast-boiling technology. It's also good to think about how big each kettle is for managing kitchen space, plus the water capacity. Finally, consider whether you need a kettle with a base. If the kettle itself is corded, that limits movement in the kitchen. If it has a base you'll be able to move around without the restriction of a cord.
Are plastic kettles safe?
Many electric kettles boil in plastic, which you could probably guess is unsafe. When plastic is boiled, the chemicals held within it can seep into whatever you're preparing. Plastic kettles are cheaper and the options are bountiful, but in all honesty, it isn't worth it unless you can find one that's totally BPA-free or made from silicone. We generally recommend going for either a glass or stainless steel electric kettle.
What is variable temperature control?
We’ve honed in on this feature because it’s increasingly relevant in the age of herbal teas, serious coffee habits, and everything else. It's true that certain teas and coffees unlock the perfect flavour at very specific temperatures. Or maybe you just have a favourite temperature for hot drinks — some people prefer them piping hot, others like nicely warmed. Variable temperature control allows you to set the water to heat to a temperature of your choosing. You won’t always find variable temperature control on cheaper kettles, though it’s increasingly common on more premium models.
How much does a kettle cost?
A kettle costs as much as you want it to — or as much as you’re willing to spend. You can pick up a kettle from as little as £20 if you want to go seriously basic. Or you can spend over £100 if you’re looking for something with lots of features. We’ve included a selection of kettles at every price point.
What is the best kettle?
We have tried to make the purchasing process a little easier by lining up a selection of the best electric kettles from top brands like Sage, Smeg, and Black & Decker. All you need to do is pick your favourite and provide the tea bag.
These are some of the best electric kettles in 2025.
