Perfect for brewing up a warm cup of tea, or for preparing hot water for your favorite instant meals, electric kettles have become indispensable tools in many modern kitchens. With their sleek, compact design and efficient performance, these convenient countertop companions make it easy for you to satisfy your hot beverage or quick meal cravings, and they require little effort when it comes to how they operate. But while an electric kettle may seem like a fairly basic and straightforward appliance, there is a lot of variation that exists in the market, and everything from tank capacity to heating power will impact how happy you are with the model you select. Thankfully, this in-depth buying guide is here to help you navigate the intricate world of electric kettles, and if you’re hoping to purchase a new one, or upgrade the one you already own, then this article will be the best place for you to begin that search. 

Tank Capacity

When it comes to selecting and purchasing an electric kettle, one of the most critical factors that you’ll need to take into consideration is how much water it’s able to hold. Typically measured in liters, the tank capacity will directly influence both usability and efficiency, with a larger tank making it easier for you to make multiple drinks or meals, and a smaller tank requiring far less time to reach a boil. Which size is right for you will depend heavily on your household needs as well as what you plan on using it for, but on average, most people find that a capacity ranging from 1.5 to 1.7 liters strikes a good balance. For individuals who live alone, however, kettles in the 1.0 to 1.2L range will likely be sufficient, as that capacity will allow you to make a cup of coffee, or some instant noodles, without wasting excess water or energy. 

In addition to looking at the total capacity available, you’ll also want to check to ensure that the electric kettle you purchase has markers along the exterior that indicate the water level. Not only beneficial for ensuring you don’t accidentally under or overfill your tank, exterior markers can be very handy when you aren’t sure exactly how much water you need to be adding. Serving as an instant visual guide, the included water lines will make it incredibly simple when you want to make 1, 2, or 3 cups of something, and you can save yourself time by boiling the perfect amount without any extra effort. On top of allowing for more precise measurements, water line indicators are also essential if you opt for an electric kettle that isn’t made of clear glass, as they can provide visibility into the water level without having to open the lid. This feature is not only convenient but also helps prevent overfilling, contributing to a cleaner and safer user experience.

Heating Power

The main advantage of using an electric kettle over of a traditional pot on the stove is that these handy and convenient appliances are able to powerfully heat up your water in significantly less time. This rapid heating capability is attributed to the heating element that is contained within the electric kettle, and this directly influences how quickly and efficiently it’s able to reach boiling temperatures. When delving into the selection process for an electric kettle, understanding the heating power is crucial for gauging efficiency and speed, and before you settle on a particular model, you’ll want to first look at its wattage in order to make an informed decision.

Heating power, measured in watts, is a key determinant of an electric kettle's performance, and it will usually range from about 1500 to 3000 watts, depending on the size and brand. The higher the wattage, the faster the heat-up time will typically be, and this is great if you hate waiting around, or if you find yourself needing to boil large quantities of water at a time. The downside to a higher wattage, however, is that it will require more power and will consume more energy, which can be a big consideration if you’re looking to keep those monthly bills down. While the total amount of energy used will still be quite low, if you’re someone who uses your electric kettle multiple times a day, every single day, opting for a more moderate wattage might be a prudent choice in order to strike that perfect balance between efficiency and cost. 

Temperature Settings

While wattage may be a critical consideration when it comes to how fast a kettle is able to reach a boil, it isn’t the only thing that matters when it comes to temperature, and depending on what it is you like to make, you may want to consider a model that is equipped with adjustable temperature settings. Playing a vital role in achieving the perfect brew for your hot beverages, adjustable temperature settings will enable you to not just reach a rolling boil, but an exact 

temperature tailored to the specific requirements of your favorite drinks. Are you a big fan of green tea and its delicate flavor profile that can be easily compromised by water that’s too hot? Do you consider yourself a coffee connoisseur and want to extract the full range of aromatic compounds without scalding the coffee grounds? If so, an electric kettle with adjustable settings is the ideal solution for you, and this will ensure you’re able to achieve the correct temperature so you can guarantee that each cup you produce is crafted to perfection.

In order to help you select an electric kettle that matches your unique needs and preferences, it’s important to know what settings you’ll need to achieve for your drink of choice, and some of the most common temperatures for favorite beverages include:

Corded vs. Cordless

Once you’ve been able to identify the total capacity and wattage that will best suit your needs, and have taken into consideration whether or not you require adjustable temperature settings, the next component of electric kettles you’ll want to evaluate is whether you prefer a corded or cordless model. At first glance, this may seem like a fairly trivial aspect that won’t have much impact on your experience, but the truth is that the choice between a corded and cordless electric kettle can significantly impact your overall convenience and usage. For example, if you are someone with extremely limited counter space in your kitchen, it may not be feasible for you to place your cup, bowl, or plate nearby to where the kettle is kept whenever you need to add some hot water. In such a scenario, a cordless kettle with a separate base may be more suitable for your situation, as it would allow you to carry the boiling water over to the serving area, reducing the potential for mess or injury. 

The downside to cordless electric kettles, however, is that they are almost always more expensive, and if you’re a more budget-conscious shopper who isn’t looking to spend a lot, then you may find a corded model is much more conducive to your needs. Simple, stationary, and just as effective, corded electric kettles will provide you with just as much power and heating capabilities as their more expensive counterparts, while also saving you a bit of money along the way. Which option is right for you will really come down to your kitchen space, usage habits, and budget constraints, so make sure you keep all of those factors in mind as you browse through the various models. With a bit of research and consideration, you can ensure you end up with the ideal electric kettle that will fit seamlessly in with your lifestyle, regardless of whether or not it comes with a cord attached. 

Bottom Line

While they may not be the most exciting kitchen appliance at your disposal, electric kettles truly epitomize modern convenience in the kitchen, and with their compact size and reliable performance, they tend to stand out as one of the most frequently reached-for items on a daily basis. Whether you’re brewing yourself a delicious cup of green tea, making a fancy pour-over style coffee, or cooking up some hearty oatmeal to have for breakfast, your electric kettle will effortlessly streamline these tasks, and it can save you both time, and hassle, every time you need some boiling hot water. Thankfully, the market offers endless options for those looking to add this handy gadget to their kitchen, and if you’ve found yourself tired of endlessly waiting for a pot to boil on the stovetop, then now is the ideal time to purchase one. By using this article as your guide, you can ensure you end up with the perfect model that fits seamlessly into your kitchen routine, and you can elevate your culinary journey with quick, on-demand hot water whenever you require it.