Our pick
This 1.7-liter kettle heats water quickly and accurately to the various temperatures needed to get optimum flavor from teas and coffee.
The Cuisinart CPK-17 PerfecTemp Cordless Electric Kettle has been our top pick since 2013 because of its consistent performance and easy-to-use interface. In our tests, we found very little variation in the amount of time it took to bring a full kettle of water (1.7 L) to a boil—about 7 minutes on average. We were also impressed with this kettle’s accuracy in holding water at a set temperature. It has six preset temperature choices, each with a dedicated button, plus a “keep warm” function, which holds water at the set temperature for 30 minutes. The three-year warranty is also quite generous compared with those of similarly priced electric kettles we’ve looked at.
Also great
Despite the price bump, this intuitive, easy-to-use kettle probably won’t provide more longevity than you get with the Cuisinart, but this model is sleeker and slightly more ergonomic.
The Breville IQ Kettle looks great and works well, too. It has five temperature presets, each with a button on the base of the kettle, and a 20-minute “keep warm” function. And rather than being a closed loop, the handle is open at the bottom, making it just a little more accessible. We don’t think these features are worth the price jump over the Cuisinart CPK-17 (especially since the IQ has only a one-year warranty). But for someone who prioritizes a more streamlined look or an ergonomic handle, the price difference might be worth it.
Also great
We recommend this precise-aim gooseneck kettle for anyone preparing pour-over coffee or for tea lovers who will geek out over its spot-on temperature accuracy.
The Cuisinart GK-1 Digital Gooseneck Kettle is accurate and fast, and it’s more comfortable to use than other similarly priced gooseneck kettles. The willowy spout gives you the control necessary for executing the perfect pour-over, and the rounded handle is easy to grasp, resulting in a smoother, more precise pour. The controls are intuitive and allow you to adjust the water temperature in five-degree increments, and a “keep warm” function holds the temperature for 30 minutes before automatically shutting off. The kettle has an all-steel body and lid, which makes it a great option for the plastic-avoidant. Also, in matte black this kettle looks attractive when kept on the counter.
Budget pick
This no-frills kettle lacks the bells and whistles of the variable-temperature models we recommend, but it gets the job done on the cheap.
We recommend the inexpensive Hamilton Beach 40880 Stainless Steel 1.7 Liter Kettle for anyone who’d prefer not to break the bank but wants a decent kettle for boiling water. This model is very straightforward to operate, with a simple on/off switch at the base of the handle. In our tests, it heated water just as quickly as the Cuisinart CPK-17, and it shuts off automatically as soon as it reaches a boil (this is a good safety feature, but you’ll need to stay close, since there’s no beep to alert you when it’s done). The large, heat-safe handle stays cool, and the spout doesn’t dribble when you’re pouring.
