The Best Electric Kettle of 2023

Although Americans still drink more coffee than tea, hot tea holds its own, especially as more consumers learn the health benefits of certain types of the warm beverage. An electric kettle is a great way to heat up water quickly, whether you’re using it to make tea or hot cocoa. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can even use an electric kettle to make pour-over coffee, eliminating the need for a coffeepot.

Electric kettles take stovetop water heating to the next level. Many now have advanced features like temperature control, automatic shutoff and keep-warm. You won’t pay much more for a decent electric kettle than you would for a nice stovetop one. Best of all, they’re safer than boiling in a pan while being faster and more efficient than the microwave at getting water to the necessary temperature.

But not all electric kettles are equal when it comes to safety. It’s important to pay close attention to whether a kettle has a tendency to leak when you’re pouring, which could lead to burns. Some kettles also come with auto shut-off features so if you accidentally leave it on the warmer, you won’t have to worry about your house burning down while you’re at work.

One issue you’re probably familiar with is “boiling dry,” which is what happens when you set a pot on the stove to boil and forget about it until all the water is gone. Auto shut-off on some kettles is designed to protect against that issue, which is another way it keeps you safe.

Ease of use is perhaps the most important factor in choosing a kettle, though. You’ll want temperature controls that you can access easily, as well as a design that makes it comfortable to hold even if you have it full of hot water. Some electric kettles have attached lids, and if so, make sure the kettle you choose has a lid that stays open and closed at the appropriate times.