Small electric kettles are a game-changer for tea lovers, coffee aficionados, and anyone who needs hot water fast in a compact space. Whether you’re brewing a single cup of green tea or preparing pour-over coffee, a small electric kettle offers convenience, speed, and precision without cluttering your countertop.
Top Picks for Small Electric Kettles
Best Overall: Cuisinart CPK-17 PerfecTemp Cordless Electric Kettle
Through multiple rounds of testing since 2013, the Cuisinart CPK-17 has remained our favorite electric kettle. It’s fast, accurate, and easy to use—all at a great price. This 1.7-liter kettle heats water quickly and accurately to the various temperatures needed to get optimum flavor from teas and coffee. Cuisinart’s PerfecTemp Cordless Electric Kettle has been our top pick since 2013, thanks to its ease of use, speed, and accuracy. It has a helpful, simple interface. Each of the six temperature settings has its own button on the handle, labeled with the temperature and beverage it’s best for. If you don’t know the ideal water temperatures for making specific types of tea, this is very helpful (though the kettle’s settings for white and black tea vary a bit from the recommendations of our experts). The CPK-17P1 is one of the easiest kettles to operate.
Pros: Best features for the price, heats quickly and automatically holds the target temp for 30 minutes, six preset temperature settings, simple interface, three-year warranty.
Cons: Some Amazon reviews report the button labels wearing off over time, occasional reports of breakdowns after a year, though covered by warranty.
Shop Cuisinart CPK-17 on Amazon
Best Gooseneck: Fellow Stagg EKG Electric Gooseneck Kettle
The Fellow Stagg EKG electric gooseneck kettle can build up calcium in the neck, which requires occasional cleaning. The gooseneck spout of the Fellow Stagg EKG allows for a controlled pouring experience. It’s pricey, but the Fellow Stagg EKG Pro Electric Gooseneck Kettle may be worth the investment if you make pour-over or French press coffee daily. For tea drinkers, well, this is also the perfect tool. The temperature is set and controlled to the exact degree, and you can even adjust it according to your precise altitude and schedule your boil ahead of time. The slow-stream gooseneck spout is designed for optimal pour control, resulting in a strong and precise stream of water. I absolutely love the customizable menu, which allows you to adjust your hold mode to keep water hot for 15, 30, 45, or 60 minutes, control the chime and volume, and set pre-boil mode that boils to sanitize the water before dropping to the target temperature.
Pros: Sleek design, precise temperature control to the degree, excellent pour control for pour-over coffee, customizable features, built-in brew timer.
Cons: Expensive, smaller 0.9-liter capacity, requires occasional cleaning for calcium buildup.
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Best Budget: Amazon Basics Stainless Steel Electric Kettle
It may be no-frills, but the Amazon Basics Stainless Steel Electric Kettle gets the job done and is very affordable. Plus, this petite model boiled water faster than any other kettle we tested. This budget-conscious electric kettle was the best-performing basic model that I tested. It doesn’t have any extra features or bells and whistles, but it does what it’s designed to do very well. It’s about the same size as the Cuisinart, though the stainless steel feels a bit thinner and the handle is plastic. There’s a simple LED light ring around the base that illuminates when the kettle is powered on and the water is heating up.
Pros: Affordable, fast boiling (3 minutes, 37 seconds for 3 cups), simple design, automatic shut-off.
Cons: No temperature control, thinner stainless steel, plastic handle, no keep-warm function.
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Best Glass: Cosori Electric Gooseneck Kettle
After testing several popular models, the Cosori Electric Gooseneck Kettle maintained my top spot due to its durable yet attractive design, intuitive functionality, and overall performance. A sleek and elegant electric kettle, the Cosori wowed us with its tasteful silhouette and many convenient features. The shape is visually arresting, with smooth slopes, sharp edges, and a gorgeous gooseneck spout. The whole thing screams sophistication—even before you notice the manual temperature input, which allows the user to select any water temperature between 135 and 212 degrees Fahrenheit.
Pros: Durable and attractive design, precise temperature control, gooseneck spout for controlled pouring, intuitive functionality.
Cons: Glass body is fragile, requires careful handling, slightly slower boiling time (4 minutes, 17 seconds for 3 cups).
Shop Cosori Gooseneck Kettle on Amazon
Comparison Table
| Model | Capacity | Material | Temperature Control | Boil Time (3 Cups) | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cuisinart CPK-17 | 1.7L | Stainless Steel | 6 Presets | ~5 min | $80-$100 |
| Fellow Stagg EKG | 0.9L | Stainless Steel | Degree-Specific (135-212°F) | ~7 min | $165-$195 |
| Amazon Basics | 1.7L | Stainless Steel | None | 3 min 37 sec | $25-$35 |
| Cosori Gooseneck | 0.8L | Glass/Stainless Steel | Degree-Specific (135-212°F) | 4 min 17 sec | $60-$80 |
Buying Guide: Choosing the Best Small Electric Kettle
When buying a small electric kettle, consider the following factors to ensure it meets your needs:
- Capacity: Small kettles typically range from 0.8 to 1.7 liters. For solo users or small households, a 0.8-1.0L kettle is ideal. Larger 1.7L models suit frequent use or multiple cups.
- Material: Stainless steel is durable and hides limescale, but glass kettles let you monitor water levels and boiling. Plastic components should be heat-resistant to avoid taste issues.
- Temperature Control: Variable temperature settings are crucial for tea and coffee enthusiasts, as different beverages require specific temperatures (e.g., 175°F for green tea, 195°F for coffee).
- Pour Spout: Gooseneck spouts offer precision for pour-over coffee, while standard spouts are better for quick, general use.
- Speed: Most electric kettles boil water in 3-7 minutes. Faster models save time but may lack precision.
- Features: Look for auto shut-off, boil-dry protection, keep-warm functions, and easy-to-clean designs.
- Design and Aesthetics: Compact kettles should fit your kitchen’s style, with options ranging from retro (Smeg) to modern (Fellow).
For authoritative insights on kettle performance, check out Wirecutter’s kettle reviews.
In-Depth Analysis and User Experience
The Cuisinart CPK-17 stands out for its balance of performance and affordability. Testers praise its intuitive interface, with preset buttons labeled for specific teas, making it beginner-friendly. However, some users note durability concerns, with occasional breakdowns after a year, though the three-year warranty mitigates this. The Fellow Stagg EKG, while pricier, is a favorite among pour-over coffee enthusiasts for its precise temperature control and sleek design. Users love its customizable features, like the brew timer, but its smaller capacity and higher cost may deter casual users. The Amazon Basics kettle is a no-frills option that excels in speed, boiling water faster than competitors, but lacks temperature control, making it less versatile. The Cosori Gooseneck appeals to those who value aesthetics and precision, but its glass body requires careful handling to avoid breakage.
Real-world testing highlights the importance of temperature accuracy. For instance, the Bodum kettle was off by around 10 degrees in tests, making it less reliable for delicate teas. In contrast, the Fellow Stagg EKG was exact in all temperature tests, ideal for serious brewers. User reviews on Amazon also emphasize ease of use, with the Cuisinart’s illuminated water gauge and beeping alerts earning praise for convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How often should I descale my electric kettle?
If you live in an area with hard water (which is water with a high mineral content), you should descale your kettle every three months. If you live in an area with soft water (which has a low mineral content), you can wait a little longer. However, you should also descale it if you notice mineral deposits in the kettle, your tea or coffee tastes somewhat off, or you see grainy sediment at the bottom of your mug.
Why do different teas require different water temperatures?
While boiling water will certainly always brew coffee and tea, different compounds come out at different times, and different temperatures. Tea or coffee that’s brewed too hot can unleash bitter astringency, detected as sharpness or even a kinda “burnt” note. Dousing delicate leaves with water that’s too hot—also known as “burning” tea—results in an overly tannic taste. Water that’s too cold results in a weak cup.
Can I use my electric kettle for anything other than tea or coffee?
An electric kettle is a handy countertop appliance that becomes indispensable when brewing tea or coffee. But beyond tasty hot beverages, a quality kettle can be used to make oatmeal, instant ramen, or rice noodles. It can speed up your cooking time for pasta or potatoes significantly, and even save you energy in the process.
Are gooseneck kettles worth it?
I hate to be the one to break it to you, but unless you are, or aspire to be, a pour-over person you don’t actually need one of those cool-looking gooseneck kettles. The thin, curvy gooseneck spouts are designed to control the flow of hot water when brewing coffee. The rest of us—even those of us who are particular about making a cup of tea—will be just fine using an electric kettle with a standard V-shaped spout that pours water more quickly and less precisely.
How do I clean a glass kettle with well water?
You can descale your kettle using a water and vinegar solution—the mild acidity helps to break down the buildup of minerals. For glass kettles, this is especially important to maintain clarity. Regular cleaning every 3-6 months, depending on water hardness, will keep it looking pristine.
Conclusion
Choosing the best small electric kettle depends on your brewing habits and kitchen needs. The Cuisinart CPK-17 PerfecTemp offers the best overall value with its versatile features and reliable performance. For pour-over enthusiasts, the Fellow Stagg EKG’s precision and style are unmatched, while the Amazon Basics kettle is a budget-friendly workhorse. The Cosori Gooseneck adds elegance and functionality for those who prefer glass. With this guide, you’re equipped to find the perfect kettle to elevate your daily tea or coffee ritual.