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Buying Guide
How to Buy an Electric Kettle
This short guide helps you choose an electric kettle quickly. It covers the most important factors, the common types you will see, key specifications to check, where to buy and mistakes to avoid, plus a fast set of expert tips to finish.
What to consider before you buy
Capacity and household needs: 1 to 2 litres suits most homes; 1.7 to 1.8 litres is common for families.
Power and boil time: higher wattage (2,200 to 3,000 W) boils faster; expect about 3 minutes for 0.5 litre and 5 to 7 minutes for a full jug on higher-power models.
Material and taste: stainless steel is durable, borosilicate glass looks modern and is odour free, plastic can be cheaper but may affect taste.
Controls and features: temperature control and presets are useful for different teas and coffee; keep-warm is handy if you drink over time.
Safety and reliability: look for automatic shut-off, boil-dry protection, a stable 360 degree base and recognised safety marking for the UK.
Practicalities: removable or washable limescale filter, easy-fill lid, cordless jug on a swivel base and cord storage for neatness.
Power and boil time: higher wattage (2,200 to 3,000 W) boils faster; expect about 3 minutes for 0.5 litre and 5 to 7 minutes for a full jug on higher-power models.
Material and taste: stainless steel is durable, borosilicate glass looks modern and is odour free, plastic can be cheaper but may affect taste.
Controls and features: temperature control and presets are useful for different teas and coffee; keep-warm is handy if you drink over time.
Safety and reliability: look for automatic shut-off, boil-dry protection, a stable 360 degree base and recognised safety marking for the UK.
Practicalities: removable or washable limescale filter, easy-fill lid, cordless jug on a swivel base and cord storage for neatness.
Types and the specs that matter
- Basic stainless steel: simple, usually lower cost, robust filter, good for boiling only.
- Glass jug: lets you see the boil, often with LED lighting; choose borosilicate glass for thermal resistance.
- Temperature-control kettles: offer presets and fine temperature adjustment for different teas and coffee brewing.
- Tea-focused kettles: include a tea infuser or steeper and sometimes memory or keep-warm functions for brewing cycles.
Key specs to check:
- Capacity in litres and marked water levels.
- Wattage (higher = faster boil but more draw from the mains).
- Temperature range and presets if you brew tea or specialty coffee.
- Keep-warm duration and whether the feature maintains safe temperatures.
- Filter type (mesh, removable, washable) and lid design for cleaning.
Where to buy and common pitfalls
Online shopping gives choice, prices and reviews; check delivery times, returns and warranty before you buy.
In-store lets you check weight, lid action and pour feel; try the handle grip and lid release if possible.
Common mistakes to avoid:
In-store lets you check weight, lid action and pour feel; try the handle grip and lid release if possible.
Common mistakes to avoid:
- Buying the most expensive model without matching features to your needs.
- Choosing a large capacity for single use, which wastes energy and space.
- Ignoring limescale care; regular descaling keeps performance and taste good.
- Overlooking safety marks or warranty details when buying from unfamiliar sellers.
Expert tips and a quick checklist
If you drink lots of loose leaf tea, prioritise temperature control and a removable infuser.
For speed, choose 2,500 to 3,000 W and a narrow spout that pours cleanly.
Prefer borosilicate glass for aesthetics and neutral taste, stainless steel for durability and travel use.
Keep it simple if you only boil water; extra features add cost and more to clean.
Quick buy checklist:
For speed, choose 2,500 to 3,000 W and a narrow spout that pours cleanly.
Prefer borosilicate glass for aesthetics and neutral taste, stainless steel for durability and travel use.
Keep it simple if you only boil water; extra features add cost and more to clean.
Quick buy checklist:
- Capacity matches household needs
- Wattage suits how fast you want water
- Auto shut-off and boil-dry protection present
- Removable, washable filter
- Good warranty and clear return policy
Final Thoughts
Match features to the way you make drinks: temperature control for tea lovers, fast high wattage for busy kitchens, and robust materials for long life. Check safety markings, warranty and reviews before you buy, and pick a design you will clean and use every day.
