Top five best kettles for 2021

We've tested hundreds of kettles, so that you know which ones will make a great addition to your kitchen - and the models to avoid. But in case you don't have time to whittle down the choice for yourself, we've rounded up some of our favourite top-scoring Best Buys to help you find a brilliant kettle in a hurry.

Each of the kettles recommended in the table below has aced our rigorous lab tests, which include in-depth assessments of boiling speed, noise, usability and energy use. We've included our top picks from five different categories, so whether you're looking for an ultra-quiet kettle, an energy saver, or a super-speedy model, there's something for you.

We've also revealed three of the worst kettles we've tested, so you know the ones to steer clear of.

Only logged-in Which? members can view our recommendations in the table below. If you're not yet a member, join Which? to get instant access to all our reviews.

Table last updated: November 2020

Three kettles to avoid

You wouldn't think a kettle could go that wrong, but we've uncovered some shockers in our tests. Poor kettles are slow to boil, waste energy, make a racket or are a real hassle to use. These are the models to steer clear of:

Not quite what you need? Get the full list of the best kettles that we recommend.

Buying the best kettle for you

Here are four key things to consider when choosing a kettle: 

1. Price

The cheapest kettles we test are around the £10 mark, with the most expensive setting you back nearly £200. More expensive kettles tend to be made of metal or glass, and have extras such as multiple temperature settings. When it comes to getting the basics right though, we’ve found cheap kettles that outclass pricier rivals in our tests. If you’re looking for a kettle that goes the extra mile, lighting up as it boils or ringing when it’s finished, then it may be worth splashing out. But for a good basic kettle, you could find a bargain at a lower price. See our kettle reviews to find the best value options.

2. Looks

If you have an open-plan kitchen, you may be concerned with how your kettle is going to look on your worktop. Luckily, most of the products available have aesthetics in mind, and you can get a good-looking kettle to suit your personal taste. We’ve found Best Buys in every possible colour and finish, including some stylish budget buys, so check our kettle reviews to find the perfect match for you. 

3. Performance

Our independent testing is designed to put every kettle on a level playing field, no matter what the price, and see if it will do its job well when you get it home. We research the features that you care most about in your kettle and reflect this in our tests, so you can be sure that you buy a kettle that won’t let you down. Our scores are broken down into ease of use, speed, energy use, noise and the quality of the limescale filter, so you can always find a good all-rounder amongst our Best Buys. Find out more about how we test kettles.

4. Reliability

Kettles are one of the most breakdown-prone small appliances, according to our 2017 reliability survey. If you’re sick of traipsing to the shops every few years for a replacement, check our guide to the most reliable kettle brands to find out which kettle brands are more likely to last the distance.

For more advice on choosing, head to our kettles buying guide.