There are a lot of hot water kettle brands and models now available, ranging from the basic cheap plastic cordless model up to expensive variable control high grade stainless steel models. Here is a brief review on some of the best rated electric tea kettles that are readily available in the US. We are focusing on variable temperature kettles only here, rather than the standard “bring to boil and cut off” kettles.
Breville is one of the leaders in coffee and tea appliances and the two variable temperature kettles below certainly compliment their good name.
Breville BKE820XL Variable-Temperature Kettle
The product looks good and has some great features including variable pre-set temperature control settings, temperature hold function. It also has two water level indicator sight glasses.
Price: $115 (check latest price on Amazon)
Breville BKE820XL Variable Temperature Kettle
Customer review rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars
Specifications –
- 1.8 liter (1.9 quart) capacity
- 1500 watts
- Size: 9.5 x 7.5 x 11 inches
- 5 variable temperature settings
- 20 minute temperature hold
- Push button control panel
- Removable scale filter
- 360 degree directional base
- Clearly marked push-button control panel
Where to buy: Amazon
Breville BKE830XL IQ Kettle
Price: $150
Breville BKE830XL IQ Kettle Variable Temperature Kettle
Customer review rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars
Specifications –
- 1.7 liter (1.8 quart) capacity
- 1500 watts
- Size: 8.7 x 7.2 x 10.5 inches
- Made of German Schott Glass which is high quality and shock resistant
- Soft opening lid that slowly releases steam and prevents splashing
- Keep warm button keeps the heated water at the selected temperature for 20 minutes
- Safety auto shut-off and dry boil protection
- Ergonomic handle with lid release button
- 360 Degree multi-directional base with cord storage wrap
- Removable scale filter
- Safety Auto Shut-Off and Boil Dry Protection
Where to buy: American Tea Room
Cuisinart CPK-17 PerfecTemp Electric Kettle
The Cuisinart CPK-17 is somewhat similar to the Breville BKE820XL, and although maybe not as stylish in appearance it is still probably the best stainless steel tea kettle available for the price. The push button technology on the non slip handle along with the blue LED indicator lights look good and function well. An added feature unique to this model is the 2 minute memory function that allows you the kettle to be removed from the base for up to 2 minutes and when placed back on the base, it will resume the current mode of heating or temperature hold and not go into standby mode.
Price: $90 (check latest price on Amazon)
Cuisinart CPK-17 PerfecTemp Electric kettle
Customer review rating: 4.1 out of 5 stars
Specifications
- 7 liter (1.8 quart) capacity
- 1500 watts
- Size: 8.5 x 9.75 x 12 inches
- 6 variable temperature settings
- 30 minute temperature hold
- Push button control panel
- Removable scale filter
- 360 degree directional base
- 2 minute cordless memory feature
- Blue backlit water window
- Stay-cool nonslip handle
- Clearly marked push-button control panel
Where to buy: Amazon
Bonavita BV3825 Electric Goose neck Kettle
This is smaller capacity kettle that is becoming very popular especially amongst specialty tea connoisseurs and pour-over coffer brewer users. The unique goose neck spout provides excellent pour control. Ideal for Gong Fu style tea drinkers. There have been some issues mentioned regarding rust spots appearing after some use due to the light weight brush stainless steel finish, although my Bonavita goose neck still looks fine and rust free (except for one tiny spot on the inner side of the lid) after over 2 years of solid daily tea making use.
Price: $85 (check latest price on Amazon)
Bonavita BV3825 Electric Gooseneck Kettle
Customer review rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars
Specifications
- 1 liter (1.05 quart) capacity
- 1000 watts
- Size: 10.8 x 7.5 x 7.3 inches
- 6 variable temperature settings
- 60 minute temperature hold
- Push button control panel
- 360 degree directional base
- Accurate to within 1-2 degrees F (or 1 degree C) to set temperature
- Count up timer for timed coffee brewing or tea steeping
- Gooseneck spout for controlled water pour
Where to buy: Amazon
Hamilton Beach 40996 Programmable Kettle
This is a low cost, variable temperature controlled kettle with a built-in, pre-programmable settings. At the time of posting this review we hadn’t have a chance to test drive this kettle, but as it was noticeable lower in price we wanted to include it for those who may be looking for an economical priced kettle in the variable temperature range. Please feel free add your review below if you have purchased one of these kettles.
Price: $40 (check latest price on Amazon)
Hamilton Beach 40996 Variable temperature Hot Water Kettle
Customer review rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Specifications
- 1.7 liter (1.8 quart) capacity
- 1000 watts
- Size: 7.3 x 9.25 x 9 inches
- 5 variable temperature settings
- 60 minute temperature hold
- 360 degree directional base
- Simple +/- buttons to adjust temperature
- Programmable clock for wake-up with already hot water
Where to buy: Amazon
Here are 2 other highly rated, variable temperature control kettles .
We are not reviewing these units here, but wanted to include them for your reference as they are 2 name brand products and have only recently come onto the market.
Kenwood SJM610 Persona – Price: $125 (check latest price on Amazon)
Electrolux ELKT17D8PS Expressionist – Price: $130 (check latest price on Amazon)
Let me know your impressions or comments on any of the models mentioned or reviewed here if you have had a chance to use them. Or if you know of other variable temperature tea kettles that you can recommend I would be interested to hear about them.
I am not a tea-drinker, but having a baby and loving coffee means that I still need hot water regularly.
Having an electric kettle is very helpful as it is very easy to use and it can boil the water in no time.
I have always wondered what could the best electric kettle be. I like most of your suggestions and I’ve used a couple. I liked to see what advantages all of them have. Thank you.
All the best.
Thank you Elle for your comments.
Here is an article I wrote recently on various hot water kettles and heaters
Hi Peter,
I have been looking for a variable temperature electric kettle for a while now but did not know which to get (too many models and too expensive!). Your reviews have helped me a great deal!
I am now considering between the lower cost ones, Bonavita and Hamilton Beach, for their 60-minute temperature hold. Will let you know how it performs once I have made purchase.
Susan
Thank you Susan. I like my Bonavita. The goose neck spout makes it easy to pour into small containers such as my Gong Fu tea pot.
personally i’m a tea lover and i use to make tea every time either home or at work but in most cases the kettle that i use to buy they are for cheap value but i recommend this kettle im seeing as the best kettle ever and will be willing to order it in some days
thanks for the information provided
cheers
Jose
Thanks for your comments Jose