How to choose a kettle for your kitchen

A good kettle gets used several times a day, so it pays to pick one that suits how you drink tea and coffee. This guide walks through the choices that matter, from size to material to how you clean it.

Pick the right size

A 0.5 litre travel kettle is enough for one or two cups and fits in a bag. A 1.7 litre kettle fills a teapot or a French press for the whole table. Boiling only what you need saves time and energy.

How many cups at once

Count the cups you usually make in one go. One cup is about 250 ml, so a 1.7 litre kettle covers six cups with room to spare.

Counter space

Measure the spot under your cabinets before you buy. Tall kettles can hit the cabinet when you open the lid.

Steel, glass or plastic

Stainless steel lasts for years and keeps the water hot longer. Glass lets you see the water and the scale building up. Plastic is light and cheap but can keep a taste for the first few weeks.

What lasts longest

Steel kettles with a concealed heating plate are the easiest to keep clean and the hardest to dent.

Keep it clean

Hard water leaves white scale inside the kettle. Fill it halfway with equal parts water and white vinegar, let it sit for an hour, then boil fresh water twice to rinse.

How often to descale

Once a month in hard-water areas, every few months elsewhere. If you see white flakes in your cup, it is time.

Which one to choose

For one person on the move, the Gizmo Travel Kettle 0.5 L. For a family kitchen, the Gizmo Steel Kettle 1.7 L. Pair either with the Gizmo Stoneware Mug.