Kettles: How we test
Boiling times and energy use
We monitored how long each kettle took to boil
We filled each kettle with 1 litre of water at a temperature of 15 degrees celsius, and placed a temperature probe into the centre of the water.
We then boiled the kettles, recording the temperature reached at the time the kettle automatically switched itself off and how long it took. We tested each kettle three times to find an average boiling time and temperature.
We then calculated the average amount of energy used by each kettle.
Overboil
We boiled a litre of water in each kettle and once it reached its average boiling temperature, we timed how long the kettle continued to boil before switching itself off.
We monitored how long each kettle took to boil
We could then work out how much extra energy the kettle used by continuing to boil before automatically switching off.
Noise
We measured noise levels whilst each kettle was boiling, and also got a listening panel to rate how intrusive the noise was.
Ease of use
Our expert panel poured cup after cup, filling each of the kettles to a number of levels including their maximum and minimum in order to assess how easy they were to lift, fill, carry, and pour.
Ease of cleaning
Not all kettles stay shiny for long - some attract fingerprints.
We checked whether the body of the kettles showed finger marks easily, and how easy these were to remove.
Extra features
We also noted any features which might make life easier, such as long cords, cool-touch bodies and wide-opening lids.
Limescale filters
Our testers inspected each limescale filter to check if it was well-fitting, durable, effective and easy to remove, clean, and replace.