Calling all tea drinkers and French press owners! If you sip a cup (or two or three) daily, it might be worth upgrading your standard kettle to an electric model. Quicker and more energy efficient than a stovetop kettle, electric kettles sit right on your countertop and are incredibly easy to use.
There are a few things to keep in mind when shopping around. You'll want to consider the overall size, water capacity, cleaning requirements, and various features, like automatic shutoff and temperature control. Lastly, Decorist designer Emily Tillery says to look for a style that complements the rest of your décor. "In any kitchen, counter space is a commodity, and you do not want just anything sitting front and center for all to see," she says. With pointers from Tillery in mind, we rounded up the choicest options on the market.
Ahead, the best electric tea kettles out there today.
Best Overall
OXO Brew Cordless Glass Electric Kettle
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Amazon
Dimensions: 8.9 x 9 x 13.2 inches | Capacity: 1.75 liters | Power: 1500 watts | Materials: Stainless steel, borosilicate glass
Sliding into first place is the OXO Brew Cordless Glass Kettle. This electric kettle is understated and versatile yet undeniably sleek. Constructed from stainless steel and borosilicate glass, it's notably durable, BPA-free, and super easy to clean.
It can boil up to 8 cups of water, with markings on the side to measure the exact amount you need, plus an illuminated power switch and an automatic shutoff feature. The soft-open lid prevents hot steam from releasing all at once, and a stay-cool handle ensures a comfy grip. It also has a retractable cord for effortless storage. Not only that, but the kettle's insulated bottom keeps the water hot when you take it off the base.
Best Budget
Hamilton Beach Glass Electric Tea Kettle
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Amazon
Dimensions: 6.25 x 8.63 x 9.88 inches | Capacity: 1.7 liters | Power: 1500 watts | Materials: Stainless steel, glass
For something a bit more affordable, go with the Hamilton Beach Glass Electric Kettle. The base plugs into a wall, and the pitcher is cordless, so you can use it in your kitchen, office, studio, workshop, you name it. With a 7-cup capacity, LED indicators, automatic shutoff, boil-dry protection, and a removable mesh filter for easy cleaning, this budget-friendly boiler checks all the boxes. The only "con" is that it's not the most stylish option, but all the other features make it worth the trade-off.
Best Splurge
Stelton Emma Electric Kettle
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Dimensions: 3.9 x 7.5 inches | Capacity: 1.2 liters | Power: Not listed | Materials: Stainless steel
Open to splurging on a high-end model? Check out this stunner from Stelton. Made of stainless steel with a glossy charcoal finish and a curved wooden handle, the Emma is a welcome relief from more traditional electric kettles. You'll appreciate that the cordless kettle is double-walled with an automatic-shutoff feature and a removable limescale filter for easy cleaning.
Best Small
Smeg Mini Kettle
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Dimensions: 8 x 6 inches | Capacity: 0.8 liters | Power: 1400 watts | Materials: Stainless steel
If you're short on space and plan to keep your kettle on your kitchen counter, smaller may be better. With that in mind, as well as Tillery's advice to "find something with a pop of color or with a vintage vibe," we recommend the Smeg Mini Kettle. It boils up to 3 cups of water, comes in several chic hues, and despite its 1950s aesthetic, boasts a range of modern features like an anti-drip spout and on/off switch with LED indicator light.
Best Big
Breville Variable-Temperature 1.8-Liter Kettle
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Amazon
Dimensions: 7.5 x 9.5 x 11 inches | Capacity: 1.8 liters | Power: 1500 watts | Materials: Stainless steel
Need something bigger? Take a look at the Breville IQ. This stainless steel electric kettle can heat over 7 cups of water to a boil or your preferred temperature, thanks to the five pre-programmed settings. We also like that it automatically turns off when it's finished heating and maintains the desired temperature for 20 minutes—plus it gets extra points for the removable mesh filter. If you have a larger household or just tend to drink a lot of tea during the day, this one's for you.
Best Gooseneck
Fellow Stagg EKG Electric Pour-Over Kettle
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Amazon
Dimensions: 11.5 x 6.75 x 8 inches | Capacity: 0.9 liters | Power: 1200 watts | Materials: Stainless steel, plastic base
If you enjoy pour-over coffee or just like the look of gooseneck kettles, we highly recommend the Fellow Stagg EKG. With a high-tech temperature controller, a discrete LCD screen, a brew timer, and a counterbalanced handle, this tasteful teapot walks the line between mid-century and futuristic with finesse. What's more, it comes in a handful of sharp hues and finishes, like millennial pink, copper, and matte white. Thanks to the gooseneck shape, it has a slower pour than other options, making it ideal for coffee lovers.
Best with Temperature Control
Zwilling Enfinigy Electric Kettle Pro
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Amazon
Dimensions: 8.78 x 5.98 x 9.61 inches | Capacity: 1.5 liters | Power: 1500 watts | Materials: Stainless steel, plastic
If you're very particular about the temperature of your tea, the Zwilling Enfinigy Kettle is the perfect solution. This German-engineered electric kettle has high-tech, easy-to-use controls on the base with six temperature settings ranging from 104 degrees Fahrenheit to a roaring boil, as well as presets for coffee, tea, and even baby formula. The 6-cup stainless steel pitcher offers a clean, minimalist appeal, while a cool-touch exterior prevents accidental burns.
Best Design
KitchenAid 1.25L Electric Kettle
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Amazon
Dimensions: 7 x 8.9 x 10.3 inches | Capacity: 1.25 liters | Power: 1500 watts | Materials: Stainless steel, aluminum
KitchenAid's take on the electric kettle flaunts a mid-century aesthetic and contemporary features. Heating up to 5 cups of water in minutes, this compact boiler has LED indicator lights, an automatic shutoff feature, and a removable base with 360-degree rotation. It's made of stainless steel with a glossy enamel finish and comes in throwback shades like pistachio green and cherry red. If you already have a few KitchenAid appliances, this kettle will fit right into your space.
Best Glass
Cuisinart ViewPro 1.7-Liter Glass Cordless Electric Kettle
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Dimensions: 7.75 x 5.72 x 9.25 inches | Capacity: 1.7 liters | Power: 1500 watts | Materials: Stainless steel, glass
The Cuisinart ViewPro has easy-to-read measurements on the side and can boil up to 7 cups of water in a matter of minutes. The cordless glass jug is sleek, durable, and easy to keep clean, thanks to the removable limescale filter. We also like that this electric kettle has single-touch controls, LED indicator lights, and a stainless steel base with 360-degree swivel. It's also more affordable compared to other all-glass options, yet looks minimalist and sophisticated.
Best Ceramic
Pinky Up Noelle 1.5 L Ceramic Electric Tea Kettle
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Dimensions: 10 x 6 x 9 inches | Capacity: 1.5 liters | Power: Not listed | Materials: Ceramic, plastic
The Noelle juxtaposes old-fashioned tea drinking with modern convenience. With a single touch, this ceramic kettle can rapidly heat up to 6 cups of water and automatically shuts off when it reaches a boil. The gooseneck spout and classic round shape offer a charming aesthetic vaguely reminiscent of Mrs. Potts à la "Beauty and the Beast". The cute design makes it a great option for gifting, too.
Best Copper
Ovente Cleo Collection 7.1-Cup Copper Electric Kettle
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Dimensions: 11.5 x 9.1 x 8.3 inches | Capacity: 1.7 liters | Power: 1500 watts | Materials: Stainless steel
Copper teapots make excellent statement pieces in kitchens. We're big fans of the Ovente Cleo, which is actually stainless steel with a shiny copper finish, so it won't develop that green patina over time. This electric kettle can heat 7 cups of water, illuminating the power switch when it's on and turning off automatically once it's done. Additionally, the 360-degree base and cool-touch handle make it easy to maneuver and pour. And if you decide not to go with copper, it's also available in more traditional colors like black and silver.
Best with Infuser
Breville Smart Tea Infuser Electric Kettle
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Williams Sonoma
Dimensions: 8 x 6 x 9 inches | Capacity: 1.65 liters | Power: 2000 watts | Materials: Stainless steel, glass, plastic
Prefer to use loose leaf tea? Take out the guesswork and consider an electric kettle that has a built-in infuser, like Breville's Smart Tea Infuser Kettle. With a 7-cup capacity and keep warm functionality, this kettle doesn't just boil water—it also steeps your tea right on the spot. It has five preset temperatures depending on the type of tea you're making, and you can even customize brew time based on how strong you want it on a scale from 1-5 minutes. It's not cheap, but it's perfect for tea lovers who want a machine that does it all.
Final Verdict
The best option overall is the OXO Brew Glass Electric Kettle (view at Amazon), a cordless model constructed from ultra-durable borosilicate glass and stainless steel. You'll appreciate the soft-open lid, auto-shutoff feature, and 8-cup capacity. For something a bit more wallet-friendly, your best bet is the Hamilton Beach Electric Kettle (view at Amazon), which has a removable mesh filter and several other handy features.
What to Look for in an Electric Kettle
Size
When buying an electric kettle, you'll want to consider both the size and capacity. Be sure to check the dimensions in the product description to confirm it'll fit on your counter. Most standard models today have 1.7-liter capacity or similar, which comes out to about 7 cups of water. However, if you typically only heat a mug's worth of tea at a time, you may want to look for a smaller option—and vice versa if you have a big household that drinks a lot of tea.
Features
Electric kettles come with a range of features. The most common include cool-touch handles, soft-open lids, automatic shutoff, wrap-around cords, and 360-degree swivel bases. Additionally, some models have pre-programmed temperature settings, which is nice when you want to heat water but not necessarily to a boiling hot 212 degrees Fahrenheit. Some even come with built-in infusers for optimal tea-making, precise temperature control for those who like their tea to be just right, and and WiFi connectivity for a high-tech experience.
Cleaning Requirements
Electric kettles are relatively low-maintenance, and if you're only filling yours with water, you won't have to clean it very often. But on account of the electronic components, most models need to be hand-washed—even the cordless jug. Some options have removable mesh filters, which makes them easier to clean.
Style
If you plan to keep your electric kettle on your kitchen counter or otherwise on display, don't overlook the style. "I recommend finding a kettle that will add visual interest to your kitchen," says Tillery. If you want it to be visually pleasing but not necessarily make a statement, look for something that matches your other appliances or fixtures.
FAQs
What's the difference between an electric kettle and a stovetop kettle?
The main difference between an electric kettle and a stovetop kettle is the heating mechanism. Stovetop kettles are placed on a burner, just like a regular pot or frying pan, whereas electric kettles connect to a base that plugs into the wall. Generally speaking, electric models boil water faster than standard teapots. They also come with various handy features, like pre-programmed temperature controls, LED indicator lights, and automatic shutoff. Plus, they don't do the super loud whistling that stovetop kettles are known for.
How often should you clean an electric kettle?
If the only thing that touches the inside of your kettle is water, you don't need to clean it after every use. However, you might want to wipe down the exterior to remove fingerprints or drips. Electric kettles can develop limescale though, in which case you should clean it every month or so to remove the buildup. Some come with removable limescale filters to make it easier.
How do you descale and clean an electric kettle?
For general cleaning, it's best to hand-wash your electric kettle using mild dish soap and warm water, avoiding the electronic components and drying it promptly. To descale the pot, pour in equal parts water and distilled white vinegar, then turn it on and bring it to a boil. After reaching a boil, turn off the kettle and let the mixture sit for up to 60 minutes. Pour it out, give the pot a good rinse, and repeat the process with plain water to remove the vinegar smell.
Why Trust MyDomaine?
Theresa Holland is a freelance commerce writer and interior design enthusiast specializing in home goods and lifestyle. For this story, she interviewed a designer for product recommendations and tips for selecting a style. She researched the various features, combed through product specs, pored over reviews, and considered dozens of models from myriad brands and retailers before making her final selections. Theresa has been writing for MyDomaine and The Spruce since 2019, where she covers kitchenware, appliances, textiles, and cleaning products.