Smart home devices are on the increase and while some may seem a little unnecessary, many have become a much-loved addition to the home. Speakers, cameras, thermostats and fridges all serve to streamline and improve our quality of life. But what about a smart kettle?
The humble kettle tops the list as one of the most used appliances in the kitchen. In the UK a household kettle is boiled on average 1,500 times a year. That’s a lot of hot water, so it’s no surprise that we have embraced the notion of boiling bespoke to our needs.
Since the electric kettle was first patented in 1891, the basic concept has changed surprisingly little. The design of a heating element within a container that’s connected to a power source largely remained the same until smart kettles became available in the 2010s.
There are now plenty of smart kettles to choose from, but what should you look for? Many smart kettles are Wi-Fi enabled, which allows the device to be controlled via voice activation and smart phones.
Buyers should also keep an eye out for temperature control, scheduling capability and a keep-warm function.
Time for a cuppa? We’ve selected the best eight smart kettles to buy on the market.
Eight best smart kettles for 2024
Best with Wi-Fi scheduled capability
WeeKett Smart Kettle
This Scottish brand is a pioneer in smart kettle design after releasing its first product in 2020. The Wi-Fi compatible WeeKett has all the essential features, such as app control and it can also be set in motion via voice activation using Amazon Echo Dot, Google Assistant or Siri.
Its temperature control function offers users a range between 40°C and 100°C. The kettle can be scheduled to boil at any time and it’s fast with 2,200w of power behind it.
It also has a program to keep a baby bottle warm at exactly the right temperature for up to one hour. A neat, non-smart feature is the water gauge on both sides, which is handy for left-handed users.
Best smart app functions
iKettle 3rd Generation
With its Smarter app functions, this Wi-Fi enabled kettle will appeal to tech lovers. It’s easy to connect using device pairing app Blink Up. Once up and running users can access multiple smart features and prompts, such as the Wake Up and Home modes, which will sync the kettle with your routine.
The iKettle can be voice activated using Alexa, Google Nest Home, Siri shortcuts and IFTTT. You can adjust the temperature between a range of 20°C to 100°C and maintain the heat using its keep-warm function.
The iKettle scores highly in the looks department with a sleek, modern design in stainless steel and it comes with a sealed lid and an easy-pour spout. It doesn’t have a visual water gauge, but the app can tell you how much water is left in your kettle if you’re not close enough to have a look inside.
Best water capacity
Sage Smart Kettle
Tea connoisseurs will be impressed by the Sage Smart Kettle’s varietal settings, which allows users to choose from five different temperatures. Select from settings for Black, Green, White or Oolong tea, or French press coffee for the perfect brew.
The keep warm feature allows you to maintain the perfect temperature for 20 minutes. As with all its functions, this needs to be set manually as this kettle is not Wi-Fi enabled.
The solid, stainless steel kettle has a large capacity of 1.7 litres, so you won’t run short when you have guests. We like its SoftTop lid safety feature that gently releases steam and eliminates splashing.
Best for tea lovers
Sage the Tea Maker
Achieve the precise temperature needed to brew the perfect cup of tea with the Tea Maker’s five different settings: Black, Green, White, Herbal and Oolong.
Using a fully automated tea basket that dips in and out of the hot water, agitating the leaves and infusing your brew, the Tea Maker creates the ideal cuppa.
It can be pre-programmed using its customisable settings and there is a timer, so you can schedule your drink for when you need it most.
If you’re delayed pouring the drink, then the Tea Maker will automatically maintain the same temperature for up to 60 minutes. Although primarily a tea maker, this machine can boil hot water for other beverages too.
Best for ease of use
TEFAL Smart N Light kettle
Sleek and chic in appearance this smart kettle will fit in seamlessly with any kitchen décor scheme. It boasts some neat features, including five temperature settings (40°C, 70°C, 80°C, 90°C, 100°C), a keep-warm function and a pre-set shut-off after 30 minutes.
The automatic lid opening makes refilling this 1.5L-capacity kettle a breeze, while the cool-touch exterior is a nice safety touch.
Ergonomic features include a 360°C rotational base for ease of use. There’s also an anti-limescale filter to prevent nasty build-up at the bottom of your kettle and prolong the lifespan of the device.
Best for Alexa connectivity
Swan Alexa 1.5 Litre Smart Kettle
Designed in conjunction with Alexa, this smart kettle operates via Amazon’s virtual assistant. Voice activate – or command the kettle via the Alexa app – to ask the Swan to boil water to a choice of four temperature options ranging from 40°C to 100°C.
You can schedule the Swan/Alexa to sync with your tea and coffee drinking routines and make you drinks as and when you usually enjoy a brew.
There is an automatic two-hour keep warm function, which you can programme to your preference. With 1,800W it boils quickly (yet silently). Safety features include dry-boil protection and cool touch exterior.
Best for safety features
Bosch Styline Cordless Kettle
This 1.5 litre capacity kettle boasts good looks as well as some nifty features. It’s not Wi-Fi enabled however you can programme it to heat to a choice of four different temperature settings (70°C, 80°C, 90°C, 100°C) – ideal for black, green and white tea, as well as coffee.
It features a double wall that allows the kettle to remain cool to the touch on the exterior while the boiling water inside stays hotter for longer. You can also programme its keep-warm function to maintain water temperature for 30 minutes.
If safety is a concern then this kettle will allay worries as it has a triple safety feature: automatic shut off; overheat and boil-dry protection, while cord storage under the device helps to prevent mishaps.
Best for lower budget
Haden Richmond Stainless-Steel & Glass Kettle
With digital temperature technology you can programme this kettle to a choice of four different temperature settings (70°C, 80°C, 90°C, 100°C).
Its keep-warm function allows you to maintain temperature for up to one hour, which is perfect for those that enjoy multiple cuppas or those with big families, particularly as it has a large capacity of 1.7 litres. Constructed from stainless steel and glass it boasts a sleek and modern aesthetic.
The 360° swivel base is a nice touch and adds to its ease-of-use credentials. It’s not Wi-Fi enabled but it has enough features to streamline your tea and coffee making at home.
What to look for in a smart kettle
Wi-Fi enabled
Not all smart kettles are Wi-Fi enabled but those that are can be operated remotely via an app on your smartphone. Some, but not all, can also be voice activated using a virtual assistant.
Check the device for compatibility and which assistants will connect with your smart kettle. Wi-Fi enabled devices are great for smart functions, such as setting alarms and scheduling so if you like to wake up knowing the water is boiled and ready to go you’ll love this feature.
Check that the smart kettle is compatible with iOS and Android before you buy. Most are, of course, but there are always exceptions to the rule.
Safety features
One of the great advantages of a smart kettle is its safety features. Automatic cut-off, overheating and boil-dry protection are all great additions that will help prevent the risk of fire.
Some smart kettles also have lids designed to prevent steam and splashes.
Temperature control
A popular smart kettle feature is the ability to control the temperature of the water. If you’re a tea or coffee aficionado, you will know that certain types of tea leaf need to be infused in a particular temperature.
Green tea hits peak performance at 70°C, while white tea loves it hotter. Temperature control is also great for parents who need water warmed to a particular heat for a baby bottle.
Pre-programming function
This feature appears on both Wi-Fi enabled devices and manually operated smart kettles.
Programme the kettle to begin its boil when it suits you for an early bird cuppa, after-work beverage or to avoid the dash during the adverts of a live programme.
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