Kettles: How to buy
Pricing
Make sure the water level graduations are easy to read
Kettles range in price from around £5 for a simple plastic model, up to £100 for a designer model in metal with many additional features.
Plenty of our Best Buys are between £20 and £40. Buying a matching kettle and toaster set might save money, compared to purchasing both items separately.
Try before you buy
Kettles that are heavy and poorly balanced can be a strain to use and a kettle is something you're likely to use every day. Many larger retailers have models on display, so before buying get yourself to a shop and see how the display models feel to pick up and tip.
Obviously once the kettle is filled with water it will be heavier and the balance will change to some extent, but if you find a kettle heavy and cumbersome when it's empty, filling it with water will only make it worse.
Confusing product names and numbers
A lot of the big kettle manufacturers produce a wide range of models with slightly different designs, and some of these are exclusive to particular retailers. Some shops only quote the model name (eg Spectra, Montana, or Accents) whereas some give the model number instead.
Wherever possible we've given as much information as possible, and where a model is exclusive to a particular retailer (eg Argos) we've given their stock code to help you track it down more easily.
Colour and finish options
Some kettles are available in a range of colour options or finishes. Wherever possible we've included details of similar models in each product review. Some colours are only available at certain retailers, so you might have to hunt if you want a particularly rare lime green kettle.
Choosing the right kettle for your needs
Small households
Check the kettle is comfy to grip and not too heavy
If you're the only tea drinker in your house there are likely to be occasions where you'll be boiling the kettle just for yourself. It's more efficient and quicker too if you only boil as much water as you need, so look for a kettle that can boil a minimum of one cup, or 250 ml where possible.
Check the water level markings that are on the kettle – it's all well and good if a kettle can boil a small amount of water, but if there aren't any markings it won't be obvious as to how little water you can put in.
If you have trouble gripping things
If you have arthritis or trouble gripping things, there are certain characteristics that may make a particular kettle's design better suited to your needs.
Kettles that can be filled through the spout will mean you won’t have to keep taking the lid off. If you really want to use the lid for filling, look for one with an easy to press button release that opens the lid most of the way back – a number of shops will have models on display so try opening the lid to see how easy it is to use.
Dome kettles are easy to lift up because of the handle position over the top of the kettle. Make sure the handle also continues far enough to the back of the kettle for it to be well balanced to pour, while also keeping your hand clear of any steam that may rise from the spout.
If you're partially sighted
If you're partially sighted, aim for kettles with well protruding controls, contrasting colours for the body of the kettle and the lid and any graphics, and easily legible water level graduations – kettles with a float in the water level window are likely to make the water level easier to see.
If you don't like to lift heavy objects
It’s worth noting that the body of stainless steel kettles can become quite hot during boiling.
You wouldn’t normally expect to touch these parts of the kettle for any length of time, but if you struggle to lift a kettle with one hand you might be better off with a plastic kettle, as they tend to stay cooler on the outside and are often lighter.
More information on these issues can be found at the Ricability website.