Looking for an electric kettle with little or no plastic? You’re in the right place. This guide highlights the top kettles available today, including the model we’ve relied on for years.
Quick Answer: The Top Electric Kettles With Little Or No Plastic
- Breville Smart Kettle: best all-around electric kettle – we love ours! (read reviews)
- Hamilton Beach Cool-Touch Kettle: best affordable and efficient option (read reviews)
- Cuisinart Perfectemp Kettle: best kettle with 2-minute memory feature (read reviews)
- Fellow Stagg EKG Kettle: best for aesthetics and functionality (read reviews)
Why Use An Electric Kettle?
Electric kettles are compact, powerful appliances that save time and energy. They’re ideal for making hot drinks like tea and coffee, and they speed up tasks such as pre-boiling water for pasta or blanching vegetables. Because they heat water quickly and efficiently, electric kettles are a practical addition to any kitchen.
Electric kettles are common across Europe and other regions; they’re only recently become more popular in the United States. After years of using them abroad, I’m glad they’re easier to find locally now.
I’ve used many kettles over three decades and prefer models that are durable, reliable, and contain little to no plastic. Material choice is important for health, taste, and longevity—so this guide focuses on kettles with minimal plastic exposure.
A few years ago we replaced our kettle after extensive research and chose the Breville Smart Kettle. It’s been a daily workhorse in our kitchen ever since.
#1 Top Choice For The Best Electric Kettle
Our top pick for a kettle with minimal plastic is the Breville Smart Kettle. We use ours multiple times each day and it has proven reliable and easy to maintain. It heats water to specific temperatures, is compact on the countertop, and is comfortable to fill and pour.
The Breville features a stainless steel body and attractive metallic finishes. It comes in several colors including Brushed Stainless Steel, Black Truffle, Sea Salt, Damson Blue, and Black Stainless Steel. The Sea Salt finish we have cleans easily and still looks new.
Made from BPA-free materials, the kettle includes dual water windows to monitor levels, a full stainless steel handle, and an illuminated power switch. It is cordless with a 360-degree multi-directional base for easy lifting and placement.
Safety features include a soft-open lid that releases steam slowly to prevent splashing, automatic shut-off, and boil-dry protection. The capacity is 1.7 liters (about seven cups), and a 2400-watt heating element delivers fast boiling.
Other Good Electric Kettles
The Hamilton Beach Cool-Touch 8-Cup Cordless Electric Kettle is an affordable, efficient option made from stainless steel and labeled BPA-free. Its cool-touch exterior stays safe to the touch even when the water is boiling, and its 1.6-liter capacity is suitable for multiple servings. Key safety features include boil-dry protection and automatic shut-off. A removable mesh filter inside the spout captures scale and is easy to clean.
The Cuisinart Perfectemp offers six preset temperatures, ideal for brewing different types of tea and for French press coffee. It includes a handy two-minute memory feature that preserves the temperature setting if you lift the kettle off the base briefly, plus a 30-minute keep-warm function. This 1.7-liter stainless steel kettle is cordless, BPA-free, and features one-touch controls with a backlit water window.
The Fellow Stagg EKG is a stainless steel gooseneck kettle with a 0.9-liter capacity and rapid 1200-watt heating. Its narrow spout provides precise pouring, making it excellent for pour-over coffee and delicate tea work. The minimalist base includes an LCD that shows real-time temperature and precise setpoints down to the degree—perfect for enthusiasts who value both form and function.
What Is An Electric Kettle?
An electric kettle is designed to boil water quickly using electric power. While commonly used for tea and coffee, it also speeds up food preparation—pre-boiling water for pasta, blanching vegetables, or heating water for instant soups and oatmeal. Unlike stovetop kettles, electric kettles contain a built-in heating element at the base and reach boiling temperatures faster.
Electric kettles are typically built from materials that conduct heat efficiently, most commonly stainless steel, but also copper, glass, or metal blends. Many modern kettles include safety and convenience features like automatic shut-off, boil-dry protection, and temperature controls.
Why Use An Electric Kettle?
Beyond hot beverages, electric kettles are useful for various kitchen and household tasks: boiling eggs, preparing instant foods, warming baby bottles, or supplying hot water for beauty treatments like facial steam. They save time and energy and are easy to use for quick, everyday needs.
Are Electric Kettles Better Than Stovetop Kettles?
Electric kettles are generally faster and more energy-efficient than stovetop kettles. They often take 2 to 5 minutes to boil water and include safety features such as automatic shut-off, which removes the need for constant monitoring. Many electric models also allow precise temperature control—an advantage for tea and coffee aficionados.
What’s Wrong With Plastic Kettles?
Kettles with plastic interiors are less desirable because repeated heating can break down plastic and potentially release unwanted chemicals into the water, affecting safety and flavor. Plastic components also tend to wear out faster, dent, or peel. Metal or glass kettles—especially stainless steel or copper—are typically longer-lasting and better long-term investments.
What About Glass Kettles?
Glass kettles, often made from tempered or borosilicate glass, are heat-resistant and offer a clear, modern look that lets you see the water as it boils. They resist rust and are easy to clean, but they are more fragile and can break if dropped. Glass models can also be pricier and less widely available than stainless steel options.
What To Look For In A Kettle?
Little to no plastic
Minimize plastic contact with boiling water. A kettle with a stainless steel or glass interior is preferable for safety and flavor, and it usually lasts longer.
Temperature settings
Temperature control is important if you brew different teas or use the kettle for coffee. Preset or adjustable temperatures help you achieve the best results for each beverage.
Safety features
Look for boil-dry protection and automatic shut-off to prevent damage and reduce risk when water runs out or reaches boiling.
Ease of use
Consider handle shape, lid design, weight when full, and how the kettle pours. A comfortable grip and a stable base make daily use simpler and safer.
Capacity
Choose a capacity that matches your household needs: larger kettles for multiple servings, smaller kettles for single cups to save space and weight.
Look and style
If you leave your kettle on the counter, choose a design and finish that complements your kitchen. A well-designed kettle can be both functional and attractive.
Ready to Buy an Electric Kettle?
- Breville Smart Kettle: best all-around electric kettle – we love ours! (read reviews)
- Hamilton Beach Cool-Touch Kettle: best affordable and efficient option (read reviews)
- Cuisinart Perfectemp Kettle: best kettle with 2-minute memory feature (read reviews)
- Fellow Stagg EKG Kettle: best for aesthetics and functionality (read reviews)