Kettles

How to choose an electric kettle

The kettle is the most-used appliance in the kitchen — ten times a day. So price is not the only thing that matters: speed, material and small conveniences decide whether the kettle is a pleasure or a nuisance.

• Capacity. 1.7 litres is the family standard — six cups at once. One or two people need 1–1.2 litres, which boils faster and uses less electricity. For travel and the office, 0.6–0.8 l.
• Power. 2200–2400 W boils a litre in about three minutes, 1500–1850 W in four to five. A small kettle's 850–1100 W is plenty because there is less water.
• Material. Stainless steel is durable and odourless, glass shows the water and any limescale, plastic is the lightest and cheapest. Double-wall models stay cool outside and keep water hot longer.
• Temperature control. 70–80 °C for green tea, 90–95 °C for coffee, 40 °C for baby formula — a kettle with temperature settings (Cecotec ThermoSense, Xiaomi) also keeps water warm for an hour.
• Convenience. A wide-opening lid for easy cleaning, a removable limescale filter, a 360° swivel base, a water gauge and auto shut-off at the boil — small things that count every day.
• Safety and noise. Boil-dry protection is a must; double-wall kettles with a concealed element are the quietest.

Kettles in our range

Classic 1.7 l kettles by Bosch DesignLine and MyMoment, Tefal, Philips Daily Collection and 5000 series, Gorenje and ETA are fast and long-lasting — steel or plastic body, 2000–2400 W. Variable-temperature kettles Cecotec ThermoSense and Xiaomi suit tea and coffee lovers. Retro-style kettles ETA Storio are a kitchen highlight. Budget kettles Adler, Camry, Mesko and Tristar are a good choice for a summer house, office or student flat. Travel kettles — a collapsible silicone Adler 0.6 l and a compact 0.8 l — fit in a suitcase.

Brands

Bosch and Philips are the classics of quality and long life, Tefal offers a wide colour range and fast boiling, Gorenje and ETA stylish design, Xiaomi and Cecotec smart features at a sensible price. Adler and Camry are the most affordable end, where a 1.7 l kettle costs a couple of tens of euros.

Related products

For the coffee corner see coffee machines, coffee grinders and milk frothers; a hot drink travels with you in thermos flasks and travel mugs. The full selection is in coffee and drinks.

Frequently asked questions

Glass, steel or plastic? Steel is the most durable and adds no taste, glass shows the water level and looks good, plastic is the lightest and cheapest. All three are food-safe.

Does higher power mean a higher electricity bill? No — boiling a litre takes the same energy; a more powerful kettle simply does it faster.

How do I remove limescale? Boil water with citric acid (1 tbsp per litre) or vinegar, leave for 20 minutes and rinse. With Estonia's hard water, do it monthly.

Why temperature control? Green and white tea turn bitter in boiling water; coffee likes 92–96 °C. Keep-warm holds the water ready for an hour.

Will the kettle arrive quickly? Yes, a kettle fits a parcel locker — collect from Omniva, DPD or Venipak within 1–2 working days.