Stylish Kettles Worth Considering
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Quick answer
If you want a kettle that looks good on the counter, the SMEG KLF03 (retro, 1.7 L) and De'Longhi Icona Vintage are popular style-led electric kettles, the Fellow Stagg EKG is a temperature-controlled gooseneck kettle for pour-over coffee and tea, and a stainless steel stovetop kettle suits camping. We haven't tested these kettles ourselves; this is a shortlist based on manufacturer specifications.
A kettle sits on the counter every day, so it’s reasonable to want one that looks good. This is a short list of well-known, design-led kettles, chosen for their specifications and style. We haven’t tested them ourselves, so check recent buyer reviews, and the exact model’s capacity and power for your country, before you buy.
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Electric kettles
SMEG KLF03 retro kettle
A 1950s-style jug kettle in a wide range of colours, including the pastel green that’s become its signature. According to SMEG, it holds 1.7 litres, switches off automatically at boiling, has a removable, washable limescale filter, and sits on a 360° swivel base. Power depends on the market: UK and European versions are 3,000 W, while US versions run at around 1,500 W on 120 V, so they boil more slowly.
Good for: anyone who wants a statement kettle and a standard boil. Not for: tea drinkers who want temperature control; it only boils.
Fellow Stagg EKG gooseneck kettle
Fellow Stagg EKG electric pour-over kettle
A minimalist gooseneck kettle designed for pour-over coffee, with a slow, precise pour. It has variable temperature control and a hold mode that keeps water at your chosen temperature. Capacity is about 0.9 litres, small for a household kettle, so it suits one or two people. Check the listing for the current model: Fellow has released newer versions with different features.
Good for: pour-over coffee and green or white tea at precise temperatures. Not for: boiling large amounts of water quickly.
De’Longhi Icona Vintage kettle
De’Longhi Icona Vintage electric kettle
Part of De’Longhi’s retro-styled Icona Vintage range, which has matching toasters and coffee machines, so it suits anyone who wants a co-ordinated set. Capacity and power vary by model and country, so check the listing.
Good for: a matching retro set. Not for: temperature control.
For camping
Snow Peak stainless steel kettle
Snow Peak stainless steel kettle
A stainless steel kettle for camp stoves. Stainless steel is heavier than titanium or aluminium camping kettles but is tough and easy to clean. Check the capacity and weight on the listing against how many people you’re boiling for and how far you’ll carry it.
Good for: car camping and stove-top use. Not for: ultralight backpacking.
What to check before you buy any kettle
- Capacity: around 1.5 to 1.7 litres suits most households; smaller kettles suit one or two people.
- Power and voltage: buy a model made for your country’s outlets. US 120 V kettles are typically limited to about 1,500 W and boil more slowly than UK and European 230 V kettles.
- Temperature control: worth it if you drink green or white tea or make pour-over coffee.
- Material: stainless steel and glass avoid any plastic taste; double-walled kettles stay cooler to touch.
- Limescale filter: useful in hard-water areas. See why do kettles get limescale?
- Hob type (stovetop kettles): you need a magnetic base for induction.
For more on the options, see what are the different types of kettles?