Electric kettles are a must-have for tea enthusiasts, coffee lovers, or anyone needing quick access to hot water in a compact size. The 18oz (approximately 0.5 liters) capacity is perfect for individuals or small households, offering portability and efficiency without sacrificing performance.
Purchase Guide for 18oz Electric Kettles
Choosing the right 18oz electric kettle involves considering several key factors to ensure it meets your needs. Here’s what to look for:
- Material: Stainless steel kettles are durable and resistant to rust, while glass models allow you to monitor water levels but are more fragile. Plastic kettles are lightweight but may affect water taste over time.
- Boil Speed: A kettle with 1000–1500 watts can boil 18oz of water in 3–5 minutes, ideal for quick use.
- Safety Features: Look for auto shut-off, boil-dry protection, and cool-touch exteriors to prevent accidents.
- Temperature Control: Variable temperature settings are crucial for brewing delicate teas (160°F–175°F) or coffee (195°F–205°F).
- Design and Portability: Compact, lightweight designs are great for travel or small kitchens. A cordless base enhances usability.
- Ease of Cleaning: A wide opening and removable limescale filter simplify maintenance, especially for hard water areas.
- Aesthetics: Sleek designs and color options can complement your kitchen decor.
For more tips on choosing kitchen appliances, check out Consumer Reports’ Electric Kettle Guide.
Top 18oz Electric Kettle Recommendations
After extensive research and testing, we’ve selected the best 18oz electric kettles based on performance, user feedback, and features. Below are our top picks, complete with pros, cons, and links to purchase.
1. Balbali Portable Electric Kettle
I bought (and paid full price for–this review is NOT sponsored) a “balbali portable electric kettle for travel,” personal size (AKA mini kettle), that can heat up to 350 ml of water. That’s just under 12 ounces. It’s about the size of many larger commuter mugs. I’ve used this kettle for many trips over the last eight months, including every day (usually multiple times a day) during a three-week work trip. [February 2025 update: I’ve used this kettle for almost two years now. I haven’t travelled with it in the last six months, so I pulled it out at home to test how it was doing. Still doing great!] Color– It comes in four different colors on Amazon. I chose, and love, the sunny yellow. Size– The portable kettle is compact and slides easily into my suitcase or backpack. You can fill it up to 350 ml (roughly 12 ounces) of water. That’s a great size for my tea sessions, gongfu or western-style. Setup– The kettle’s compact size gives it a small footprint. The power cord detaches for easy disconnect when pouring, filling, or packing. Boil Time – Filled to the maximum pour line of 350 ml with water out of a faucet about 65F, the kettle boils in about 5 minutes and 30 seconds. (It boils faster if filled slightly less.) Pour – Inside, the portable kettle has rounded edges. To my surprise and relief, it pours relatively cleanly. It’s not like the pour of a gooseneck kettle (of course!), but it doesn’t drip and run down the sides. Safety – It has an auto shut off that activates when the water level gets too low or the kettle boils dry.
Pros:
- Compact and travel-friendly, fits in a suitcase or backpack.
- Fast boil time for its size (5.5 minutes for 350ml).
- Auto shut-off and boil-dry protection for safety.
- Available in multiple colors, including a vibrant yellow.
- Clean pour with no drips.
Cons:
- Small capacity (350ml) may not suit multiple servings.
- No variable temperature control, limiting precision for tea or coffee.
- Not ideal for large households.
2. COSORI Electric Gooseneck Kettle
The Cosori Electric Gooseneck Kettle is good for anybody who likes variety in their caffeinated beverages, as its five settings correspond to the optimal temperatures for brewing white tea, green tea, oolong tea, coffee, and black tea. The temperature is consistently accurate. Among our four tests, there was only a single instance where the selected temperature was off, and that was just by one degree. It also has a “hold temp” button that keeps the water at a set point for up to 60 minutes, so you can pour a second mug. This worked perfectly in testing, staying at exactly 202 degrees Fahrenheit the whole time. Capacity: 30.4 ounces | Dimensions: 11.5 x 6.7 x 8 inches | Weight: 4.3 pounds | Temperature Range: 135 to 212 degrees | Power: 1,200 watts.
Pros:
- Five preset temperature settings for precise brewing.
- Accurate temperature control, rarely off by more than 1°F.
- 60-minute keep-warm function for convenience.
- Gooseneck spout for controlled pouring, ideal for pour-over coffee.
Cons:
- Slightly larger than 18oz (30.4oz), though suitable for single servings.
- Longer boil time (over 7 minutes) compared to competitors.
- Expensive for its capacity.
3. Amazon Basics Electric Kettle
CR’s take: This AmazonBasics kettle is made of stainless steel and it’s one of the least expensive kettles in our tests. It’s small, though, holding just 4 cups of water—the least of the kettles we test. It’s among the fastest to bring our testing standard of 4 cups of water to a boil, clocking in at just under 4 minutes and earning a Very Good rating in our time-to-boil tests. This kettle is the hardest to clean of the models highlighted here, however. The warranty lasts one year.
Pros:
- Fast boil time (under 4 minutes for 4 cups).
- Affordable price point.
- Stainless steel construction for durability.
Cons:
- Difficult to clean due to design.
- No temperature control, only boils to 212°F.
- Short one-year warranty.
Comparison Table
| Model | Capacity | Material | Boil Time | Temperature Settings | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balbali Portable | 12oz (350ml) | Stainless Steel | 5.5 min | None | $20–$30 | Travel, Single Servings |
| COSORI Gooseneck | 30.4oz | Stainless Steel | 7+ min | 5 Presets (135–212°F) | $60–$80 | Pour-over Coffee, Tea |
| Amazon Basics | 16oz (4 cups) | Stainless Steel | 4 min | None | $15–$25 | Budget Buyers |
In-Depth Analysis and User Experience
The Balbali Portable Electric Kettle stands out for its travel-friendly design. One user shared, “I’ve used this kettle for many trips over the last eight months, including every day during a three-week work trip. Still doing great!” Its compact size and sunny yellow color make it a favorite for those who value aesthetics and portability. However, its lack of temperature control limits its versatility for brewing specialty teas or coffee.
The COSORI Electric Gooseneck Kettle, while slightly over 18oz, is a top choice for precision brewing. A tester noted, “The temperature is consistently accurate… staying at exactly 202 degrees Fahrenheit the whole time.” Its gooseneck spout is perfect for pour-over coffee enthusiasts, but its higher price and slower boil time may deter budget-conscious buyers.
The Amazon Basics Electric Kettle is a no-frills option that excels in speed and affordability. Consumer Reports praised its “Very Good rating in our time-to-boil tests,” but its cleaning difficulty is a drawback. It’s ideal for users who need a simple, reliable kettle for boiling water without extra features.
For deeper insights into kettle performance, visit Serious Eats’ Kettle Reviews.
Advantages and Disadvantages of 18oz Electric Kettles
Advantages:
- Compact Size: Perfect for small kitchens, dorms, or travel.
- Energy Efficiency: Boils small amounts of water quickly, using less energy than larger kettles.
- Portability: Lightweight and easy to pack for trips.
- Safety: Auto shut-off and boil-dry protection enhance user safety.
Disadvantages:
- Limited Capacity: Not suitable for preparing multiple servings at once.
- Fewer Features: Many 18oz models lack variable temperature controls.
- Durability Concerns: Smaller kettles may have shorter lifespans due to frequent use.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long does it take to boil water in an 18oz electric kettle?
Most 18oz kettles take 3–5.5 minutes to boil, depending on wattage. For example, the Amazon Basics model boils 4 cups in under 4 minutes, while the Balbali takes 5.5 minutes for 350ml.
2. Are 18oz electric kettles safe for travel?
Yes, models like the Balbali Portable Kettle are designed for travel, with compact sizes, detachable cords, and safety features like auto shut-off.
3. Can I use an 18oz kettle for pour-over coffee?
Yes, but a gooseneck model like the COSORI is ideal due to its precise pouring spout. Standard models may lack the control needed for even coffee extraction.
4. How do I clean an 18oz electric kettle?
Use a mixture of water and white vinegar (1:1) to descale the interior. Boil the solution, let it sit for 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Models like the Amazon Basics may be harder to clean due to narrow openings.
5. Are there 18oz kettles with variable temperature settings?
Some models, like the COSORI Gooseneck, offer presets, but many 18oz kettles, such as the Balbali, only boil to 212°F.
Conclusion
The best 18oz electric kettle depends on your needs: the Balbali Portable Electric Kettle is perfect for travelers, the COSORI Gooseneck excels for precision brewing, and the Amazon Basics offers unbeatable value. Consider your priorities—portability, precision, or price—when choosing. With their compact size and efficiency, these kettles are a fantastic addition to any small household or on-the-go lifestyle.