14 Best Electric Kettles for the Perfect Cup of Tea or Coffee

Any coffee or tea aficionado knows that water temperature is the key to preparing a perfect drink. But boiling water on the stove or sticking your mug in the microwave can take a long time or yield unevenly heated liquids. Luckily, that’s where electric kettles shine.

They boil water lightning-fast, often cost the same as traditional stovetop kettles, operate quietly rather than emitting a shrill whistle, use less energy, and even have safety features built in. Whether you’re looking for a basic no-frills electric kettle or one with a lineup of fancy features, read on for our top recommendations, plus brewing tips and things to consider before you shop.

The Best Electric Kettles

What to Consider

Start by asking yourself if you need something to boil water for a variety of purposes, or want an electric kettle designed specifically to brew coffee or tea. There are basic models on the market that simply shut off when water boils, and other, higher-end models that cater to those who are particular about ideal temperature consistency (more on that below).

Electric kettles span multiple price points, with plastic models typically being less expensive than glass or stainless steel ones. Features run the gamut from smart kettles that log current temperatures and offer a keep-warm function to kettles with a swivel base and cord storage.

How to Heat Water for Coffee Versus Tea

Though any kettle can boil water, there are some distinctions to be aware of if you’re a serious coffee or tea drinker. For one, you’re better off with a gooseneck kettle for pour-over drip coffee, since the narrower spout will allow for slower, more precise water flow over the grounds. Other spout designs will work fine for brewing coffee in a French press or steeping tea.

Here’s a quick guide on ideal temperature settings and steeping times.

• Coffee: 195-205 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the National Coffee Association
• Black tea: 205-212 degrees (steep for 5 minutes)
• Green tea: 175-185 degrees (steep for 3 minutes)
• White tea: 175-185 degrees (steep for 3 minutes)
• Herbal tea: 205-212 degrees (steep 3-5 minutes)
• Oolong tea: 175-212 degrees (steep for 3-4 minutes)
• Darjeeling tea: 175-212 degrees (steep for 3-4 minutes)

How We Selected

We consulted expert sources, including Best Products, Good Housekeeping, CNET, and Wirecutter, to determine the best electric kettles on the market. We assessed these based on their efficiency, temperature control, water capacity, keep-warm features, and a variety of other functionalities and designs.

For more great appliances to get the perfect cup of tea or coffee, check out our picks for the best coffee makers, coffee grinders, and temperature-controlled mugs.