The 10 Best Kettles of 2026, Ranked

Look for a concealed element, which wipes clean, and a removable filter in the spout to catch flakes. A wide lid opening makes descaling easier. Every kettle here has a filter. If you live in a hard water area, plan to descale regularly whichever you buy.

Stainless steel is the most durable and most resistant to staining, but the outer can get hot. Glass lets you see the scale but is heavier and can crack. Plastic is light and cheapest, and the water touches plastic in the spout and lid. If that bothers you, choose steel or glass with a steel filter.

Most UK kettles hold 1.7 litres, around seven cups, which suits a household of three or more. For one or two people a 1.0 to 1.5 litre kettle weighs less and fits a smaller counter. Check the minimum fill: boiling only the water you need saves energy, and a travel kettle works for trips.

It is worth it if you drink green or white tea, brew cafetiere coffee or make up baby feeds, where water just off the boil gives better results. Presets and a keep-warm hold add to the price and the electronics. If you only make black tea and instant coffee, a standard kettle is enough.

Not really. A 3kW kettle draws more power but finishes sooner, so the energy per boil is similar across kettles. What saves money is boiling only what you need. A litre of water costs roughly 3p to boil at current UK electricity rates. Eco or half-fill markings help you measure.

In a hard water area, about once a month. In a soft water area, every two to three months is enough. Use citric acid or white vinegar diluted with water, boil it, leave it for 15 to 30 minutes, then rinse and boil fresh water twice. Rinse the filter regularly.