01.Introduction
Here we have test results for 35 kettles priced from $9 to $220.
Our testing reveals which models:
- boil fastest
- are quieter than the rest
- have extra features such as different temperature settings.
On this page, you'll find:
The humble kettle has had quite a fashion renaissance in recent years. Stainless steel, vivid colours, glass bodies and a range of features can be found to suit your kitchen. For example, a couple of the kettles in this test can be set to a range of temperatures, handy if you’re particular about water temperatures for tea-making.
But along with fancy styles come some pretty fancy price tags. Our testing shows that, as with any appliance, price and style are no indication of how well a kettle boils. Many of our recommended models come in at less than $100; paying more may get you a more stylish model, but don't expect any better tea from it. Instead, check our what to buys to see which models give you value for money.
Noise complaints?
Noise is a common complaint about kettles. Our members have compared some kettles to low-flying jets and even pneumatic drills. An exaggeration, perhaps, but it's true some kettles are much noisier than others. Even though most kettles boil in just a few minutes, the noise can still be a nuisance, especially in an open plan kitchen/living room. See our table to find out which models are quieter than others.
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Brands and models tested
- Bellini BTDK120
- Breville Avance BKE200
- Breville Classic Dome BKE550 #
- Breville Compact BKE310 #
- Breville Emporia BKE400
- Circulon 56697-C #
- Cuisinart CJK-17BCA
- Cuisinart CPK-17A #
- DeLonghi Icona KBO2001 #
- Homemaker HMF-2551
- Homemaker WK8261A
- Kambrook Aquarius Cordfree KAK36
- Kambrook KSK110
- Kambrook Profile Stainless KSK220R #
- Kenwood kMix SJM037 #
- Magimix Jug 11696AU #
- Maxim JLS-170A
- Maxim Kitchenpro SS128A #
- Modern Living MLKSS10
- Morphy Richards Accents Brushed KT43866C REV1
- Morphy Richards Illuma Jug 43128 #
- Raco Deco 53644-C #
- Russell Hobbs Seville 18152AU #
- Russell Hobbs Silhouette Glass 20793 #
- Russell Hobbs Whisper 3090
- Russell Hobbs Whisper Abbey Lane RHG701
- Russell Hobbs Whisper Ascot 3050
- Sunbeam Café Series KE9600 Variable Temperature #
- Sunbeam KE2350
- Sunbeam KE6400
- Sunbeam Peace and Quiet KE7500S
- Sunbeam Silentio KE7450 #
- Tefal Avanti KI110 #
- Tefal Broadway KI101D33ip
- Tiffany KT330 #
# Newly tested.
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How we test
Ease of use Our tester, Peter Horvath, scores each of the following equally weighted factors:
Controls, filling, pouring, removing/replacing on the base, water level indicator, balance and handle comfort.
Noise He measures the noise at the halfway point when boiling one litre. A noise level of 40dB is quiet, while 55dB-60dB is equivalent to normal conversation, and 67dB is equivalent to a typical vacuum cleaner.
Boil performance The time taken to boil one litre of water initially at about 22°C.
Energy efficiency The energy required to boil one litre of water initially at about 22°C. All the kettles are efficient; each uses about 110Wh to do this.
Other tests The kettles are also assessed (but not scored) dry-boil safety. All switch off automatically when they boil dry.
Running costs are calculated on boiling 1L of water two times per day for the entire year, with electricity costs of 26c/kWh. All kettles on test cost about $20 per year to run.
For more reviews of benchtop applicances, see our Kitchen section.
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