Electric kettles
Electric kettles for tea, coffee and instant meals. Compared on capacity, body material, auto shut-off and boil-dry protection.
How to choose an electric kettle
Choosing an electric kettle mostly means matching its size and power to your cup count. Milton says capacity generally runs from 500 ml to 2000 ml. It adds that kettles rated 1500 W to 3000 W usually boil water quicker but use more power.
Pick the size by how much water you boil at a time, and look for auto shut-off and boil-dry protection.
Our main pages are the best electric kettle and the best electric kettle brand. Material guides cover the best stainless steel electric kettle and the best glass electric kettle. Other pages include the best electric kettle by size, the best multipurpose electric kettle, the best travel electric kettle and the best electric kettle with temperature control.
Auto shut-off is the first feature to look for. Milton recommends it, since it switches the kettle off when the water boils or when the kettle is empty. It also recommends a 360-degree swivel base for lifting from any angle.
Boil-dry protection is closely related. Hawkins explains that it cuts power if water falls too low. That prevents the heating element from burning out.
Body material affects upkeep. Milton says stainless steel does not rust and is easy to clean. A removable cover makes limescale easier to remove, which matters in hard-water regions.
Size and safety features go together. Milton gives 500 ml to 2000 ml as the usual capacity range, recommends auto shut-off, and Hawkins explains boil-dry protection.
All electric kettle guides
Electric kettle questions
How much water should go in?
Never above the maximum mark, because boiling water may be ejected, Hawkins says. Never below 1 cup (240 ml) either, so the temperature sensor stays covered.
How do I remove scale?
Hawkins says scale makes the kettle boil slower and use more energy. It suggests boiling the juice of half a lemon, or half a cup of vinegar, with 2 cups of water.
What must I avoid during use?
Do not open the lid mid-boil. Do not immerse the kettle or its base in water. Use it only on its own power base, and keep it out of the dishwasher.
What does the Indian standard require?
IS 367 covers kettles and jugs up to 5 litres on single-phase supply. Makers must mark capacity, boiling time, minimum water level and thermal efficiency. The kettle must also run continuously for 96 hours without failure in an endurance test.