KENWOOD 0W21011137 ZJM811PU Mesmerine Stainless Steel Rich Plum Jug Kettle, 1.6L Capacity, Pink/Purple

Product Information

Variable temperature: A kettle that offers multiple temperature settings is useful if you use it for coffee and some teas like Oolong, which are both best made at a slightly lower temperature. Warm water can also be used to heat a baby bottle or pouch. Some of the best kettles also have a keep-warm feature. With five years’ experience as a homes writer, Charley now writes for Good Housekeeping, Country Living and House Beautiful but has also previously worked in print for an architecture magazine.

Filters: If you’re in a hard water area, look for the best kettle with built-in filters that will soften hard water. The kettle’s stainless steel body is more of a benefit inside, where it should make descaling easier. Even the kettle’s internal minimum and maximum markers are made from steel – although, disappointingly, they’re the only water markers the kettle has, and the minimum is hard to see while filling. The Russell Hobbs Structure Kettle is easier to fill thanks to its rear window. The tank holds enough for five to seven cups of tea if you do want to make several and it delivers a cup very speedily (less than a minute). It takes up slightly more space on the work surface than a standard kettle, but looks very sleek and unobtrusive. The cord is a good length at 71cm and there’s storage in the base if you don’t need it all. Despite its compact size, it is quite a heavy kettle, weighing 1,167g when empty and 2,746g when full — this is heavier than the average kettle in spite of its smaller capacity. Fortunately, it’s not a case of style over substance. The kettle boiled a litre of cold water in two minutes and 20 seconds and was easy to lift and pour from. Filling was less straightforward – there aren’t any markings on the water window and there’s only a max marker inside, meaning you may end up boiling more water than you need each time. However, we did like the discreet light on the lever and the kettle’s good build quality overall.

Best kettle: which brand is best?

The appeal of the Kenwood Mesmerine 1.6L Kettle lies in its points of difference from others on the market. On the outside, its shimmering finish gives it a luxurious, design-led feel, while on the inside, it’s the plastic-free stainless-steel body that will make it easier to descale and give it a longer lifespan. But before making your all-important choice, here’s a handy guide on the features to look out for: What makes a good kettle? This isn’t the cheapest kettle you can buy, but for the price, you’re getting one that’s pretty close in spec to more expensive models. The mirror-like stainless-steel parts of the kettle at the top will be more of a challenge to keep spotless – during testing, I found that watermarks and fingerprint smudges tended to show up daily. Far clearer is the kettle’s removable limescale filter – inside the spout it’s actually labelled ‘filter’, so you don’t forget to give it a regular wash.

Given how regularly our kettles get used, it’s worth thinking about what features you want and those that you can pass by. Here are the key things you need to consider.

Best kettles at a glance

Smart features: The fanciest of kettles now have smart features, meaning you can switch on your kettle from your app or keep it warm so your cup of tea is only seconds away when you walk in the door. How much should I spend on the best kettle? Most kettles have this clearly visible on the exterior but some are more awkwardly placed, such as behind the handle. Kettles with large viewing windows are best if you want to know exactly how much water is in the kettle at any time. If you're fussy about how brown it gets (hey, no judgement here), look for machines with adjustable shade settings.

And while there are plenty of kettles that can boil water effectively, it can be worth investing in extra features to make your tea breaks as pleasant as possible. If you live in a hard water area, built-in filters can help to soften water to improve your brews and lessen the impact of limescale. Quiet kettles are great for small spaces, especially if you're brewing up near a napping baby. And energy-efficient kettles can help you save money on your monthly bills. Size: First, decide where your kettle is going to live in your kitchen as size will dictate your product choice.Swan Tribeca 1.8L Pyramid Kettle and 2-Slice Toaster: Best kettle and toaster set for compact kitchens It's double-walled so it’s never too hot to touch - a boon in a kitchen with children about, and its safety credentials are top-notch. It’s got cord storage, a 360-degree, non-slip base and a soft-touch handle that won’t slip in your hands.