As we're all putting increased efforts into living a more sustainable life, energy-efficient alternatives have been popping up for pretty much all our household essentials, from oven alternatives to cheaper heating options. And kettles are no exception either.
Certain features can improve a kettle's energy efficiency. Heat preservation, fast boiling and temperature control settings are great in reducing the power required from a kettle.
A kettle requires between 1200W and 3000W to boil, and all those cups of tea and coffee can add up to have an impact on your energy usage over time. If you're looking to reduce your energy consumption and your carbon footprint, consider replacing your current model with an eco kettle.
Looking to make your whole kitchen more eco-friendly? Check out our guide to making your kitchen more sustainable.
Tried and tested: best eco-kettles at a glance
- Best smart kettle: Swan Alexa Kettle | Buy now £68
- Best overall kettle: Bosch Styline Kettle | Buy now £85
- Best ergonomic kettle: Russell Hobbs Illuminating Glass Kettle | Buy now £40.99
- Best kettle made from recycled materials: Philips Eco Conscious Edition 500 Series Kettle | Buy now £49.99
- Best quick boiling kettle: Duronic EK30 Eco Kettle | Buy now around £39.99
- Best temperature control kettle: VonShef Variable Temperature Kettle | Buy now £49.99
- Best quiet kettle: Vektra 1.5L Vacuum Electric Kettle | Buy now around £109
- Best stylish kettle: Dunelm Contemporary Kettle | Buy now £48
How we tested eco kettles
Our testing was based on boiling 500ml water – enough to fill two average-sized mugs – to 100ºC, and we awarded each model up to 15 points for the following criteria:
- Energy efficiency, including whether the kettle offers a rapid boil function, different temperature settings and a keep warm feature (3 points)
- Features, points awarded for water level window, boil-dry protection, auto shut-off, cordless design, 360º base, built-in filter, hidden element and ease of pouring (8 points)
- Value for money, does it offer plenty of features, and does it come with a warranty? (2 points)
- Good looks, is the kettle stylish, and does it come in any different finishes? (2 points)
The best eco kettles to buy in 2024
Swan Alexa Kettle
Score: 13/15 | RRP: £99.99
Watch our review video or scroll down to read our review...
Features
- 1.5 Litres
- Voice activated
- Auto shut-off
- Temperature range from 40-100
- Cordless design
- 360 base
- Hidden element
- Power-on indicator
- Two year warranty
Pros: energy-saving, voice-controlled, two-year warranty
Cons: not very stylish, leisurely boiling pace
Meet the Swan Alexa kettle, the sassy smart kettle that responds to both your voice and the Alexa app. Although getting on the same wavelength might require a few tries, with its knack for scheduling, quirky activation phrases, and energy-saving prowess, it's like having a tech-savvy friend in your kitchen.
Just be patient with its leisurely boiling pace and don't expect it to win any style contests – it's the dependable choice for those who love a touch of tech with their tea.
Read our full review of the Swan Alexa Kettle.
Bosch Styline Kettle
Score: 14/15 | RRP: £84.99
Features
- Water level window
- Auto shut-off
- Cordless design
- 360º base
- Built-in filter
- Hidden element
- Easy pouring
Pros: quick boiling, variable temperature settings, keep warm function
Cons: quite pricey
The Bosch Styline kettle is a top energy efficient choice, boasting a 3kW element for quick boiling, four temperature settings, and a 30-minute keep-warm function.
Despite a slightly higher price, its eco-friendly features and elegant design make it a worthwhile investment, especially with its safety-conscious double-walled exterior. While it may lean towards the pricier end, the Styline ticks most boxes for those seeking an efficient and stylish kettle.
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Read our full review of the Bosch Styline Kettle.
Russell Hobbs illuminating glass kettle
Score: 13/15 | RRP: £69.99
Features
- Water level window
- Boil dry protection
- Auto shut-off
- Cordless design
- 360º base
- Built-in filter
- Hidden element
- Especially good pouring with the large, easy-to-hold handle.
Pros: transparent, quick boiling, illuminating, multiple temperature settings
Cons: heavy when full
The Russell Hobbs illuminating glass kettle, with its 3000W power, impressively boils 500ml of water in about 1 minute 25 seconds, while its visible water level and one-cup indicator contribute to energy savings.
Despite a higher price tag, the kettle's features and warranty make it a justifiable purchase, enhanced by its modern design including an illuminating blue light when boiling. However, be ready for its weight when filled with water.
Check out the best eco-friendly cleaning tools and refillable cleaning products for a more sustainable home in 2024.
See our full review of the Russell Hobbs Illuminating Glass Kettle.
Philips Eco Conscious kettle
Score: 13/15 points | RRP: £49.99
Features
- Water level window
- Boil dry protection
- Auto shut-off
- Cordless design
- 360º base
- Built-in filter
- Hidden element
- Easy pouring
Pros: sustainable choice, quick boil, stylish design
Cons: not as energy efficient as some
The Philips Eco Conscious kettle is a great sustainable choice, crafted with 100% bio-based plastics for a 25% reduction in CO2 footprint during production. Boasting a 1 minute 45 seconds boil time for 500ml of water and a 2200W power usage, it's an energy-efficient choice with a clear water level indicator, aligning with its eco-friendly ethos.
Priced at under £50 and offering a sleek Scandi design, this kettle delivers both value and style while being recognized with design awards.
See our full review of the Philips Eco Conscious Kettle.
Duronic EK30 Eco Kettle
Score: 13/15 | RRP: £34.99
Features
- Water level window
- Auto shut-off
- Cordless design
- 360º base
- Built-in filter
- Hidden element
- Easy pouring
Pros: quick boil, keep warm function, auto shut-off
Cons: not the most stylish
The Duronic EK30 Eco Kettle sets a speedy pace, boiling 500ml of water in just 1 minute 10 seconds, and offers a keep-warm function and variable temperature settings.
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Despite not being the most stylish option, it's an affordable choice packed with eco-friendly features and a one-year warranty, available in black, white, or stainless steel finishes. Its rapid boiling is a standout feature, ensuring you won't be kept waiting for your brew, although there might be a slight dribble from the spout during pouring.
Read our full review of the Duronic EK30 Eco Kettle.
Vektra 1.5L Vacuum Electric Kettle
Score: 8/15 | RRP: £110.00, now £87.93
Features
- Boil dry protection
- Auto shut-off
- Cordless design
- 360º base
- Hidden element
- Easy pouring
Pros: quick boil, keep warm function, auto shut-off
Cons: not the most stylish
The Vektra Vacuum Electric Kettle's main energy-saving feature is it's double-walled design, which keeps water warm for up to four hours. It comes in various colours and capacities, although it's not the most stylish kettle on test.
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Its slower boiling time (around 2 minutes and 30 seconds) and faffy pouring mechanism make it a less favourable choice for us, especially with a £70 price tag.
Read our full review of the Vektra 1.5L Vacuum Electric Kettle.
Dunelm Contemporary Jug Kettle
Score: 11/15 | RRP: £48
Features
- Water level window
- Auto shut-off
- Cordless design
- 360º base
- Removable water filter
- Hidden element
- Power-on indicator
- Easy pouring
Pros: quick boil time, stylish design, reasonable price
Cons: no keep warm function or variable temperature
The Dunelm Contemporary Jug Kettle with its 1.7L capacity and 3kW element offers rapid boiling (1 min 27 seconds for 500ml). While it's one of the more affordable options with a two-year warranty and stylish two-toned wood and matt finish, it lacks one of the three energy-saving functions, making it not the top eco-choice.
Although fashionable and sleek, especially in its various colour options, if energy efficiency is a priority, you might seek more than just rapid boiling from this kettle.
Looking for more inexpensive kettle options? Check out the best cheap kettles below £30.
Read our full review of the Dunelm Contemporary Jug Kettle.
VonShef Variable Temperature Kettle
Score: 13/15 | RRP: £49.99
Features
- Water level window
- Boil dry protection
- Auto shut-off
- Cordless design
- 360º base
- Built-in filter
- Hidden element
- Easy pouring
Pros: 5 temperature options, quick boiling time, smart style
Cons: slight delay in auto shut-off
The VonShef Variable Temperature Kettle stands out with its five pre-set temperature options and rapid boil capability, taking 500ml to 100ºC in around one minute 30 seconds.
Priced at under £50 and accompanied by a two-year warranty, it strikes a balance between standard and eco features. The smart stainless steel design adds to its appeal, although a slight delay in the auto shut-off could be improved for greater energy efficiency.
Read our full review of the VonShef Variable Temperature Kettle.
More eco kettles to buy in 2024
While we haven't had chance to test these models yet, we have done plenty of research and read their reviews, and believe they are well worth recommending.
KitchenCraft Living Nostalgia Induction Whistling Stove Top Kettle
Pick between blue, cream or grey - this stovetop kettle has a pleasant retro look that's perfect for a vintage kitchen. Similarly to other stovetop kettles, it has a reduced manufacturing carbon footprint, and is powered by the hob alone.
For more retro kettles, check out our more detailed guide.
Judge Stovetop Whistling Kettle
This stovetop kettle has a strikingly simple design. A reflective stainless steel outer with a black handle and spout is all there is to see, making it a versatile choice.
It's suitable for all hob types, including induction, and as it's a stovetop kettle it doesn't require any power other than the hob.
Russell Hobbs Eclipse Jug Kettle
The Eclipse kettle from Russell Hobbs is extra quiet, and can boil a cup of tea or coffee in under a minute. This fast boiling makes it more energy efficient, and the transparent side with measurement indicators will help you boil the amount of water you need.
FAQs: What is an eco kettle?
Eco kettles are designed to use less power with each boil. They're also produced with the intention of lowering the environmental impact from their materials and manufacturing process.
Certain features can improve a kettle's energy efficiency. Heat preservation, fast boiling and temperature control settings are great in reducing the power required from a kettle, as well as using sustainable materials when constructing them.
Stovetop kettles can be good for the planet, too, as their carbon footprint from manufacturing can be much lower.
What to look for when buying an eco-kettle?
“If you’re in the market for a new kettle, choosing one with a rapid boil function is a great option as it heats the water up much faster than your average kettle. Equally, picking one with a ‘keep warm’ setting will mean you can go back for a brew later without having to boil the kettle again.
Having a kettle that has a high level of limescale build up can be a factor as to why your kettle is using more energy than it should be. This is because the water will take much longer to boil.” - Katy Roberts, AO.com’s kettle expert
Energy efficient kettle features
Insulation
You’ll often find that eco kettles kettles have thicker insulation than regular kettles, and occasionally, you might find that they’re double walled. This added insulation is designed to keep your water hotter for longer, reducing the need to reheat your water and thus saving energy.
Variable Temperature Settings
Energy efficient kettles usually offer variable temperature settings, allowing you to heat water to specific temperatures rather than boiling it to 100°C (212°F) every time. This is useful for different types of beverages that require specific water temperatures - simply put, it stops you from having to boil the kettle fully if you only need hot water for your drink or recipe.
Fast Boiling
Some energy efficient kettles are designed to boil water faster than conventional ones. Therefore, as boiling your water requires less time than usual, you reduce your overall energy consumption and time required to heat the water.
Keep Warm Function
Some eco kettles include a ‘keep warm’ function. This function allows you to keep your water at a desired temperature for a longer period of time, reducing the need to reheat the water if you don't use it immediately.
Material Types
Energy efficient kettles may use materials that are better at retaining heat, such as stainless steel or thermal-resistant glass, to minimise heat loss.
For more practical tips and shopping guides, check out our expert advice for the best energy-saving tips, as well as a round-up of the best energy efficient lightbulbs.
