Our choice
This 1.7-litre kettle quickly and accurately heats water to the various temperatures needed to bring out the optimum flavour in tea and coffee.
The Cuisinart CPK-17 PerfecTemp Cordless Electric Kettle has been our top pick since 2013 for its consistent performance and easy-to-use interface. In our tests, we found very little variation in the time it took to boil a full kettle of water (1.7L) — around 7 minutes on average. We were also impressed with how true this kettle was at keeping water at the set temperature. It has six pre-set temperature options, each with a dedicated button, as well as a “keep balmy” function that keeps water at the set temperature for 30 minutes. The three-year warranty is also quite generous compared to similarly priced kettles we’ve looked at.
Also great
Despite its higher price, this intuitive and easy-to-use kettle probably won’t be more sturdy than the Cuisinart kettle, but this model is sleeker and slightly more ergonomic.
The Breville IQ kettle looks great and works just as well. It has five temperature settings, each with a button on the kettle’s base, and a 20-minute “keep balmy” function. And instead of a closed loop, the handle is open at the bottom, making it a tad more accessible. We don’t think these features are worth the price jump over the Cuisinart CPK-17 (especially since the IQ only comes with a one-year warranty). But for someone who values a more streamlined look or an ergonomic handle, the price difference may be worth it.
Also great
We recommend this precision gooseneck kettle to anyone who prepares drip coffee and to tea lovers who will appreciate its precise temperature measurement.
The Cuisinart GK-1 Digital Gooseneck Kettle is true and rapid, and it’s more comfortable to employ than other gooseneck kettles at a similar price point. The slim spout gives you the control you need to make a perfect pour, and the rounded handle is straightforward to grip for a smoother, more precise pour. The controls are intuitive and let you adjust the water temperature in five-stage increments, while the “keep balmy” function maintains the temperature for 30 minutes before automatically switching off. The kettle has an all-steel body and lid, making it a great option for those who shy away from plastic. Plus, in matte black, the kettle looks great when sitting on the counter.
Budget choice
This no-frills kettle doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of the temperature-controlled models we recommend, but it gets the job done and is affordable.
We recommend the affordable Hamilton Beach 40880 1.7-litre stainless steel kettle for anyone who doesn’t want to spend a fortune but still wants a decent kettle to boil water in. This model is very straightforward to employ, with a plain on/off switch at the base of the handle. In our tests, it heated water just as quickly as the Cuisinart CPK-17, and automatically turned itself off as soon as it boiled (a good safety feature, but you’ll need to be close by, as there’s no audible signal to let you know). The immense, heat-resistant handle stays cold, and the spout doesn’t drip when you pour.
