Hurry, don't miss savings on selected furniture & more.* Shop all offers
7 Products
Kenwood Kettles: Your essential buying guide
Choose capacity around how many hot drinks you usually make at once. Compact kettles can suit one or two people or smaller kitchens, while many family-sized electric kettles are around 1.7 litres for making several cups in one boil. A larger kettle may take up more worktop space, so balance capacity with how much room you have.
Useful features include a water level window or water meter, an indicator light, automatic shut-off, boil-dry protection, an anti-limescale filter and a 360-degree base. Some kettles also offer temperature control, keep-warm functions or a display, which can be helpful if you prepare different hot drinks.
Energy use depends on the model and how you use it. Kettles with rapid boil or eco-focused settings may help reduce unnecessary boiling, and automatic shut-off prevents the kettle continuing to heat once the water is ready. For everyday use, only boiling the water you need can also help avoid waste.
Common kettle materials include stainless steel, glass and plastic. Stainless steel is often chosen for durability and a clean modern look, glass lets you see the water as it boils, and plastic kettles are typically lighter. Each material has different cleaning and handling considerations.
Boil-dry protection is a safety feature designed to stop the kettle heating when there is too little or no water inside. It helps reduce the risk of overheating and can protect the appliance from avoidable damage.
Temperature control is useful if you want more flexibility than a standard boil, especially for drinks that may benefit from different water temperatures. If you mainly make everyday tea, coffee or instant drinks, a simpler kettle may be enough.
A kettle is one of the most-used small appliances in many UK kitchens, so it is worth choosing one that suits your household, worktop space and drink-making habits. From simple electric kettles to models with temperature settings, keep-warm functions and anti-limescale filters, the right choice depends on how you boil water day to day.
Capacity is one of the first things to check when comparing kettles. Smaller models can be practical for solo households, occasional use or kitchens with limited counter space. Larger models, including many around 1.7 litres, are better suited to households that regularly make several cups at once.
Try not to choose capacity on size alone. A bigger kettle can be convenient, but it may occupy more worktop space and can encourage boiling more water than needed. If you often make just one drink, look for a clear water meter so you can fill it accurately.
Simple features can make a kettle easier to live with. A visible water level gauge helps with accurate filling, while an indicator light shows when the kettle is in use. A cordless design with a 360-degree contact base can be more convenient for both left- and right-handed users.
Safety features are also worth checking. Automatic shut-off turns the kettle off when the water has boiled, and boil-dry protection helps stop heating if there is not enough water inside. A hidden heating element can make the interior easier to manage, while an anti-limescale filter is useful in areas where limescale builds up quickly.
Standard kettles are designed to boil water quickly, which is enough for many everyday tasks. If you want more control, consider a kettle with adjustable temperature settings. These models let you heat water to selected temperatures rather than always boiling to the maximum.
Some kettles also include a keep-warm function or display, which may be useful if you make several drinks over a short period or want to see settings at a glance. These extras can be convenient, but they are only worth prioritising if you will use them regularly.
Kettles are available in stainless steel, glass, plastic and mixed-material designs. Stainless steel suits many modern kitchens and is often chosen for a robust feel. Glass kettles offer a clear view of the water level and boiling process, although they may need regular cleaning to keep them looking their best.
Plastic kettles are generally lightweight and can be easy to handle. Colour and finish also matter if the kettle will stay out on the worktop, so consider whether you want a neutral appliance or a statement design.
Many electric kettles list their power rating, with models commonly seen at levels such as 2300 W or 3000 W. Higher-powered kettles are often associated with faster boiling, but the most practical choice also depends on capacity, features and how much water you usually heat.
To reduce wasted energy, look for options that make it easy to boil only what you need, such as clear measurement markings or eco-style settings. Automatic shut-off is another useful feature because it prevents the kettle from continuing to heat after boiling.
Electric kettles are the most common choice for quick everyday boiling and often include features such as cordless bases, water gauges and safety shut-off. Stovetop kettles are used on a hob, so cooktop compatibility matters if you are considering one. Travel kettles are smaller and designed for portability when space and weight are priorities.
For most kitchens, an electric kettle will offer the broadest mix of speed and convenience. If you need a kettle for a specific setting, such as camping, travel or a traditional hob setup, check the type carefully before buying.
