Skip to Content

We Tested 24 Electric Tea Kettles — These Are Our Top Picks

Save space on your stovetop and brew tea in an electric kettle.

By and
tea kettles on a countertop
Good Housekeeping / Raena Loper

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Traditional teapots are aesthetically pleasing and look attractive on your stovetop, but they often occupy valuable burner space. On the other hand, electric kettles are easy to store and put away after use, and they provide quick results and precise temperature control. Just like a traditional kettle, electric kettles can be used for everything from making hot oatmeal to brewing pour-over coffee, all within minutes — much quicker than most stovetop models.

Analysts at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab have tested over 24 electric kettles over the past 10 years. To gather the best models on the market, we evaluate how quickly each kettle comes to a boil, as well as the ease of use features and, of course, the design. After gathering over 1,000 data points, these are the best electric kettles for tea making and more.

1
Best Overall

OXO Cordless Glass Electric Kettle

Cordless Glass Electric Kettle
Credit: Good Housekeeping/Raena Loper

Pros

  • Easy-to-read measurements
  • Auto-shutoff once it reaches a boil
  • Quick boiling speeds

Cons

  • Only has one temperature setting

For mornings when you need to rush out the door to make your 9 a.m. meeting, look no further than the OXO Brew Cordless Glass Electric Kettle. It's made from durable borosilicate glass and stainless steel and checks all of our boxes for an intuitive kettle. It has easy-to-read measurements, a large non-slip handle, a flip-top lid and wrap-around cord storage. We especially appreciate the auto-shutoff feature that activates when the water reaches a boil.

HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS: In Lab tests, the kettle surpassed its competitors with the highest score for its boiling speed and intuitive design. The cordless model boils water in under two minutes during testing.

Despite its stellar performance and user-friendly features, it's worth noting that this model doesn't allow you to select a specific water temperature other than boiling. Although it isn't the fanciest kettle on the market, you won't have to navigate a complicated interface or get caught up in programmable temperatures.

Capacity59 oz.
Dimensions9" x 6.2" x 11.2"
Weight3.7 lbs
Interior materialBorosilicate glass and stainless steal
SettingsNot listed
WarrantyN/A
2
Best Value

Capresso H2O Glass Select

H2O Glass Select

Pros

  • Comes to temp quickly
  • You don't have to remove the lid to fill
  • Low price point

Cons

  • No cord storage

Glass electric tea kettles are helpful, allowing you to track your boiling progress and see how much water is inside with the help of etched ounce markings. This model from Capresso features a color-changing light around its base that illuminates when the device is in use. It has five temperature settings, including 110°F (for baking), 160°F (for green tea), 175°F (for white tea), 195°F (for oolong tea) and boil (for black tea), with a color designated to each temperature.

HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS: This Kitchen Gear Award winner came to temperature quickly in our Lab test and was fairly accurate in temperature readings. One of our favorite features of this kettle is that it allows us to fill it without removing the lid. Simply run it under the faucet to release the flap.

Thanks to all these great features and a price point under $50, we highly recommend this electric tea kettle. The only thing that we missed on this kettle was that there isn't cord storage included with the base to help avoid tangles.

Capacity68 oz.
Dimensions9.17" x 6.18" x 10.94"
Weight2.65 lbs
Interior materialGlass
Settings110°F, 160°F, 175°F, 195°F, boil
WarrantyOne-year limited
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
3
Best Versatile

Breville IQ Electric Kettle

IQ Electric Kettle
Credit: Good Housekeeping/Raena Loper

Pros

  • Comes to temperature quickly
  • Four temperature settings specifically for teas
  • Sleek design

Cons

  • Keep warm is only for 20 minutes

For tea lovers who don't have a favorite varietal, we recommend the Breville IQ because it features four temperature settings for black, green, white and oolong teas, as well as a French press option and a keep-warm setting. Its brushed stainless steel design is not only easy to clean, but will look sleek on your countertop.

HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS: When we put the kettle to the test in the Lab, we found that it reached temperature quickly and noted that the illuminated control panel was easy to navigate. Other stand-out features include easy-to-read water-level windows on two sides as well as a lid that opens slowly to limit splashing and release steam gently.

Note that the keep warm setting will only maintain water at a warm temperature for up to 20 minutes, and the lowest temperature available is 175°F, compared to other electric kettles that can reach temperatures as low as 110°F.

Capacity57 oz.
Dimensions9.06" x 7.2" x 9.84"
Weight3.42 lbs
Interior MaterialStainless steel
Settings175°F, 195°F, 200°F, 205°F, 212°F, keep warm
WarrantyOne-year
4
Best User-Friendly

Cuisinart CPK-17 PerfecTemp Electric Kettle

CPK-17 PerfecTemp Electric Kettle
Credit: Good Housekeeping/Raena Loper

Pros

  • Steeps at temperatures needed for different teas
  • Easy-to-use controls
  • Easy-to-view window

Cons

  • Heavy when filled to max capacity

Serious tea drinkers know that different types of teas steep at varying temperatures, and the folks at Cuisinart are aware of this — their CPK-17 allows you to select from six pre-programmed temperature settings, each labeled with the recommended tea and coffee options.

HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS: Its settings are easy to press and operate with one hand, while the kettle itself is easy to pour with a thick, ergonomic handle. It's also simple to remove from the base for pouring, as well as replace it for the keep warm setting (up to 30 minutes) and storage.

In our Lab tests, we appreciated the easy-to-read viewing window that allows you to see the water level in the kettle without opening the lid, as well as the three-year warranty. Keep in mind that this kettle can become quite heavy when filled to the maximum fill line.

Capacity57 oz.
Dimensions8.8" x 6.1" x 9.7"
Weight4.4 lbs
Interior materialStainless steel
Settings160°F, 175°F, 185°F, 190°F, 200°F, boil, keep warm
WarrantyThree-year limited
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
5
Best Gooseneck

Fellow Stagg EKG Pro Electric Gooseneck Kettle

Stagg EKG Pro Electric Gooseneck Kettle
Credit: Good Housekeeping/Raena Loper

Pros

  • Lots of settings
  • Boils quicky
  • Has Wi-Fi connectivity

Cons

  • Pricey

Gooseneck kettles have a long, narrow spout, ideal for precise pouring and commonly used for pour-over coffee. This sleek, matte black electric gooseneck kettle from Fellow not only looks good enough to leave on your countertop but also features more special settings than other models we tested. The Stagg EKG Pro Studio model features Wi-Fi connectivity, precise temperature controls, temperature presets, remote scheduler mode, adjustable temperature hold and a brew stopwatch.

HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS: During testing, the Fellow kettle earned top scores for boiling speed and temperature accuracy. When it came to ease of use, experts were impressed by the control panel, which was bright, clear to read and easy to follow. While the kettle performs well, to prevent burns, consumers should be cautious of the steam release hole located on the lid of the kettle when boiling water.

This gooseneck kettle is one of the more expensive models on the list. To protect your investment, the brand automatically offers a two-year warranty. Once you register your kettle, an additional year of protection is added.

Capacity30 oz.
Dimensions10.4" x 6.8" x 7.9"
WeightStainless steel
Interior material5 lbs
SettingsTemperature control dial, brew stopwatch, guide mode, scheduler, adjustable hold mode
Warranty3-year, if you register product
6
Best Large

Zojirushi Hybrid Water Boiler And Warmer

Hybrid Water Boiler And Warmer

Pros

  • Maintains temperature, even when unplugged
  • Heats up to four liters
  • Large viewing window

Cons

  • Takes time to boil when filled to max capacity

While this appliance doesn't look like a kettle, it heats an impressive four liters of water, making it ideal for parties or large groups. Choose from four temperature settings and a quick re-boil option if the water has cooled too much.

HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS: Keep in mind that it takes approximately 28 minutes for the model to boil water when filled to its maximum capacity. The boiler/warmer features a vacuum-sealed chamber, which, as we found in our tests, maintains a consistent temperature even when it's not in use.

Use the handle to move it from one counter to another, but note that this model is rather heavy when filled. The outside remains cool to the touch, and the large viewing window always indicates how much is left. This was the only kettle we tested that has a dispense function as well.

Capacity135 oz.
Dimensions11.13" x 8.75" x 13.88"
Weight7 lbs
Interior materialStainless steel
Settings160°F, 175°F, 195°F, 208°F, dispense, keep warm
WarrantyOne-year limited
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Other electric tea kettles we tested

double line break
  • Dualit Classic Kettle: This stainless steel kettle from Dulalit is pretty enough to leave on your countertop all year round. It holds up to 7 cups and received top scores during testing for its speed and accuracy. While it can boil water quickly at both maximum and minimum capacities, the price point of over $200 is high compared to models tested with similar results and scores.
  • Hamilton Beach Iridescent Glass Kettle: This Hamilton Beach was a winner in our Kitchen Gear Awards for its low price point and ability to boil quickly. The inexpensive kettle is made with iridescent glass and holds 1.7 liters. During testing, it received high scores for accuracy, and our experts noted that it was comfortable to hold. While it performed well, the iridescent glass design may not be suitable for everyone.

How we test the best electric tea kettles

how we test electric kettles
Philip Friedman

In the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab we've tested over 24 kettles in the last decade, collecting almost 1,000 data points throughout the following performance and ease-of-use tests:

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
electric tea kettle testing
Philip Friedman

✔️ Boiling speed: We measure how long it takes for kettles to come to 110ºF (for baking), 160ºF (green tea), 175ºF (white tea), 195ºF (oolong tea) and 212ºF (herbal, black tea or coffee), both at max water capacity and minimum. Kettles are ranked high if they boil within 1.5 minutes or less per 8 ounces of water and also how well they maintain temperature in the keep warm phase.

✔️ Temperature accuracy: Temperatures are also taken at each temperature setting to ensure that kettles are accurately heating to the correct temperature.

testing electric kettles
Philip Friedman

✔️ Design features: We also consider programmable temperatures and settings for different types of teas and coffee, size (some kettles boil up to 2 cups while one of our picks can heat up to 17) and spout type.

✔️ Ease of use: Our pros pay attention to how easy it is to pour tea from the kettle into a cup or mug as well as whether or not you can steep tea directly in the kettle with an infuser basket.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

What to look for when buying an electric kettle

ghi line

Whether you're a coffee aficionado, a novice tea drinker or a busy person who needs water boiled quickly, an electric kettle comes in a range of designs that suit your brewing needs, from easy-touch start buttons to advanced models that lower a tea basket into the water for you. We've provided a rundown of the key details to look for when shopping for electric kettles:

✔️ Interior materials: First things first, you'll have to decide between the three standard types of kettle materials: plastic, glass and stainless steel.

  • Plastic electric kettles are typically priced lower and often offer a simple one-touch operation. We don't have any on this list because, in general, other materials performed better in testing.
  • Glass options can get hot to touch, but many people prefer being able to see how much water is in the kettle and when it boils.
  • Stainless steel kettles are typically designed to last and are known to heat well, while hiding any stains or imperfections that naturally form on the bottom of the inner heating plate. These stains are normal and form due to a buildup of minerals that occur in water.

✔️ Features: Automatic shut-off is essential in a good electric kettle while a keep warm setting is desirable. Some electric kettles even offer programs with timers for specific teas and drinks. Tea drinkers may opt for kettles with filters that allow you to brew tea directly in the kettle, or even ones equipped with baskets that automatically steep the tea for you. As for coffee lovers, gooseneck styles offer a long spout convenient for a pour-over.

✔️ Size: The average electric kettle is about 1.7 liters, and larger ones can span up to four liters, which comes in handy when serving larger parties. If you take your tea on the go or prefer to sip at your desk, you may opt for a no-frills kettle that pours out just enough for 2 cups.

✔️ Warranty: Some kettles can be more expensive than others; consider your kettle's warranty if it costs more than $100.

✔️ Spout: Kettle spouts vary and have different functions; there are four main spouts that you will commonly find when shopping for electric kettles.

  • Traditional spouts are likely what you will come across when shopping, as they are the most common. The spout is short, allowing for quick pouring, like our best overall pick, the OXO Cordless Glass Electric.
  • Gooseneck spouts feature a long and narrow design, ideal for precise pouring. The long neck allows for slow and steady pouring, commonly used for pour-over coffee and precision tea brewing.
  • Wide spouts are designed to allow for easy pouring and cleaning. The wide design allows for a quick and steady water flow.
  • Integrated filter spouts have a built-in filter that helps remove tea sediment and limescale.

      Why does temperature control on your electric tea kettle matter?

      line break

      Not every tea brews best with boiling water. Below, you will find a helpful guide to navigating your kettle's temperature settings. These are just suggestions, though; we recommend checking your tea's temperature recommendations first.

      ✔️ 110ºF: This is the standard temperature for "warm" in baking and the recommended temperature for blooming yeast.

      ✔️ 160°F: Green tea is the most delicate of tea leaves and brews best at lower temperatures, as it can become bitter if brewed at a higher temperature.

      ✔️ 175ºF: White teas are also delicate, and brewing at this temperature will prevent damage to the leaves and preserve their flavor.

      ✔️ 195ºF: Oolong tea varies based on how oxidized the tea leaf is. To be on the safe side, this temperature ensures you will get a delicious cup of tea, even if you're unsure about the oxidation level of the tea leaves.

      ✔️ 212ºF: This is the ideal temperature for herbal, black teas and coffees. If these are the teas and coffees you drink, you might not even need an electric kettle with temperature control. The boiling temperature of water is 212ºF, and non-electric stove models are capable of achieving this.

      Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

      How to clean your electric kettle

      line break

      While you’re only boiling water in your kettle, it is still important to clean your model regularly. To clean your kettle, you’ll need to descale, a process that removes mineral buildup that occurs over time. You should clean it often, but the exact frequency depends on the hardness of your water; some may need to descale more frequently due to the high rate of buildup. You can buy a descaling solution, or you can make your own. We have a breakdown of recipes that you can make with common household ingredients, such as vinegar and lemon juice, as well as other kettle cleaning tricks and tips.

      Why trust Good Housekeeping?

      double line break

      Eva Bleyer has professionally tested all kinds of kitchen equipment, from oven ranges to juicers to kitchen scales to blenders. Eva has rigorously tested over 11 kettles (both electric and stovetop) in the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab. An electric kettle is probably one of her most used kitchen appliances, whether she is making a pot of tea before bed or starting the morning with pour-over coffee.

      Raena Loper is a contributing analyst for Good Housekeeping and worked closely with Eva to conduct the latest update on this article. Raena has previously tested teapots along with various other categories from air fryers to food processors.

      Headshot of Eva Bleyer
      Eva Bleyer
      Kitchen Appliances Lab Reviews Analyst

      Eva (she/her) is a reviews analyst in the Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, where she tests kitchen gear, home appliances and culinary innovations. She graduated from NYU with a bachelor of science in food studies, nutrition and public health and is a trained chef through the Natural Gourmet Institute. Eva has more than 10 years of experience in the food industry, working as a food stylist, personal chef and marketing manager.

      Headshot of Raena Loper
      Raena Loper
      Contributing Writer and Analyst

      Raena Loper (she/her) is a fashion journalist and product analyst based in New Jersey whose work has appeared in Forbes, Good Housekeeping and O, The Oprah Magazine. Raena is a graduate from Montclair State University where she earned a degree in fashion studies as well as gender, sexuality and women's studies. In her free time, she enjoys sewing, cooking BBQ and spending time with family. 

      Watch Next 
      preview for Clean With GH
      Advertisement - Continue Reading Below