Buying guide for best cordless electric kettles

Boiling water is definitely one of the most basic kitchen tasks, but if you’re someone who loves tea or coffee, you probably get pretty tired of waiting for a kettle to boil on the stovetop. That’s why a cordless electric kettle can be such a handy appliance for streamlining the entire process.

If you drink coffee or tea regularly, it’s faster and easier to use a cordless electric kettle to boil water for your morning cup. An electric kettle also requires less energy than your stove or even microwave. If it’s important to get a precise temperature to brew a certain type of tea, the kettle lets you choose a specific temperature. The cordless design of the kettle makes it easy to use and store, too. But if you want the best-tasting coffee and tea, choosing the right cordless electric kettle is key.

A cordless electric kettle with a large opening is easier to clean because you can fit your hand inside to wipe down the interior.

Key considerations

Material

Most cordless electric kettles are made of plastic, glass, or metal, and some models use a combination of those materials. Any can work well, but you may prefer one over the others based on personal preference.

• Plastic cordless electric kettles are usually the most affordable and have a lightweight design that makes them ideal for travel. The exterior doesn’t tend to get as hot as that of glass or metal, but the plastic can absorb flavors over time, which might affect the taste of your coffee or tea.

• Glass electric tea kettles typically have higher-quality construction than plastic models, so you’ll usually pay more for one. Glass kettles are fairly fragile, and they can be fairly heavy, so one may not be as suitable for travel as a plastic kettle. Glass kettles offer a more aesthetically pleasing appearance than plastic.

• Metal cordless electric tea kettles are usually of better construction than plastic models and so cost more. Like glass, metal can be fairly heavy. Metal kettles are typically made of stainless steel, making them extremely durable and sleek enough to look attractive on your countertop.
   

Capacity

A cordless electric kettle’s capacity is key if it’s going to be useful for your tea- or coffee-making routine. When you’re thinking about the best capacity for your cordless electric kettle, don’t forget to consider how much space it will take up on your kitchen counter or in the cabinet. Check the dimensions before you commit to buying one.

• Travel: If you want a cordless electric kettle that you can take back and forth to the office or on trips, a model that holds two to four cups is a good option.

• Standard: Most standard kettles hold five to eight cups of water, which is ideal if you drink several cups of tea or coffee a day or have several members in your household who drink hot beverages daily.

Cordless electric kettle features

Temperature settings: For black tea and many other hot beverages, water that’s come to a roiling boil usually does well for brewing. However, if you’re making green or white tea, you may want water that’s not as hot to preserve the delicate flavor. Some coffee also tastes better when made with water that’s just below boiling. That’s why it’s a good idea to choose a cordless electric kettle that offers multiple temperature options. Some models have up to six settings, so you can choose the best one for each beverage. You can even find kettles with presets for specific beverages, such as black tea or oolong tea.

Automatic shutoff: For safety reasons, it’s best to opt for a cordless electric kettle that turns off automatically so you don’t have to worry about forgetting to shut it off. This feature also prevents damage to the kettle by turning off the appliance before it boils over or boils dry.

Water gauge: Some cordless electric kettles have a water-level indicator that allows you to see exactly how much water is left in the kettle without having to open it.

Keep Warm setting: If you want to be able to boil a kettle full of water in the morning and use it for tea or coffee later on, opt for a cordless electric kettle with a Keep Warm feature. Some models can keep water warm for up to three hours, so you’ll have water that’s ready for your beverages whenever you need it.

Filter: Some cordless electric kettles have a built-in filter that can keep impurities and other particles from getting into your cup of tea. It’s a particularly handy feature if you live in an area with hard water or that has an issue with chemicals in the water. Keep in mind that you’ll need to pay for replacement filters going forward, which will add to the cost of the kettle.

Rotational base: Some cordless electric kettles have a base that rotates a full 360°. This can be an important feature because it allows you to easily replace the kettle on the base whether you’re right- or left-handed. These kettles usually cost a little more, however.

Cordless electric kettle prices

Cordless electric kettles vary in price based on the features they offer and the materials they’re made of. Most models range from $14 to $80.

Inexpensive

The most affordable cordless electric kettles generally cost between $14 to $25. They are fairly basic in terms of the features they offer, providing mainly a water gauge and/or auto shutoff. They’re usually made of plastic or glass, but there are some stainless steel kettles in this price range that usually measure 1.0 liter or smaller.

Mid-range

You’ll pay a little more for a cordless electric kettle that offers extra features like temperature adjustability and a heat-resistant exterior. These usually cost between $25 and $40. They can be made of plastic, glass, or metal, and the stainless steel models in this price range are usually larger in size than the budget options.

Expensive

The most expensive cordless electric kettles typically cost between $40 and $80. These are usually made of glass, stainless steel, or a combination of the two, and offer all the basic and mid-range features, as well as a Keep Warm setting, filter, and rotational base.

Tips

• Keep your cordless electric kettle clean. To clean your kettle, boil equal parts water and white vinegar in the kettle. Allow the solution to cool, discard it, and wipe down the interior of the kettle with a microfiber cloth.

• Use your kettle for lots of foods. You don’t have to be limited to boiling water for coffee or tea. You can boil water for pasta, oatmeal, soup, and other recipes, too.

• Keep the electric kettle away from the edge of the counter. Even if it has a stay-cool exterior, children could get burned if they knock the kettle onto the floor.

Water comes to a roiling boil at 212°F, which is ideal for basic black tea. But it can make green, white, and oolong tea taste bitter, so slightly cooler water is better for brewing those varieties.

FAQ

Q. How long does it take a cordless electric kettle to boil water?

A. It depends on the model you’re using and how much water you have in the kettle. On average, most kettles can boil water in two to three minutes. Some models may require up to five minutes.

Q. Is there a minimum amount of water that I can boil in a cordless electric kettle?

A. It varies based on the size of the kettle. The majority of cordless electric kettles have both maximum and minimum fill lines. Always follow those guidelines, and never turn the appliance on if the water is below the minimum line.

Q. Do cordless electric kettle usually offer warranty protection?

A. Higher-end cordless electric kettles do tend to provide a warranty. In most cases, you get one to two years of warranty protection. Cheaper models may not include a warranty, so be sure to read the product description carefully to determine whether a kettle you’re considering is protected.