Which electric kettle should you choose? 4 tips for a smart, sustainable purchase

The electric kettle has become a kitchen staple in many households – whether you’re a tea enthusiast, a coffee lover, or simply need to boil water quickly. But not all models are created equal. Durability, safety, energy consumption and ease of use are all key factors that can make a real difference. Here are our four top tips for choosing a high-performing and responsible kettle.

1. Opt for quality materials

The choice of materials plays a central role in the durability, health safety and even taste of the water. Here’s a clear comparison to guide you.

The advantages of stainless steel

Stainless steel (grade 304 or 316) is without doubt one of the most durable and hygienic materials available. It is resistant to heat and corrosion, and does not release any harmful substances. It is also easy to maintain and can withstand accidental drops, making it a safe and reliable choice for a long-lasting kettle.

Good to know: Choose stainless steel models with no plastic coating on the inside, including the spout and theinside of the lid, to avoid transferring taste or particles.

The benefits of glass

Kettles made from borosilicate glass (which is more resistant to heat and shock than standard soda-lime glass) are visually appealing, heat-resistant, and chemically inert. They also allow you to see the water as it boils, which can be convenient. However, they are often heavier and sometimes more prone to breaking if dropped.

Tip: check that the parts that come into contact with the water (lid, spout ) are not made of plastic.

The disadvantages of plastic

Plastic is lightweight, economical and easy to mould, making it a popular choice for entry-level kettles. But it also has several long-term structuralweaknesses, particularly in hot, humid conditions and when cycles are repeated.

Mechanically , plastic lacks dimensional stability. Under the combined effect of the heat, internal pressure and time, it can undergo creep : il se déforme lentement, même sans contrainte visible. Résultat : les joints lose their effectiveness, assemblies become less watertight, and the appliance may leak or malfunction after a few years of intensive use. This type of silent wear is one of the most common reasons for premature scrapping.

In terms of use, certain plastics can also alter the taste of waterThis is particularly true if they come into direct contact with steam or boiling water. Even ” BPA-free” materials may contain Substitute substances ( BPS, BPF, etc.), the safety of which is still debated, especially at high temperatures.

Recommendation: for a reliable kettle designed to last, avoid all-plastic modelsThis is particularly true of those with plastic sides, bottoms or spouts. A model with a stainless steel or glassinteriorThis will provide much better guarantees. For a plastic model, look for models with 100% bio-sourced plastic.

2. Optimising the energy efficiency of your kettle

Even before choosing the right model , themost effective way to save energy is also the simplest: heat only the amount of water you need.
There’s no point in filling the kettle for a single cup: it uses more electricity, takes longer to heat up, and puts unnecessary strain on the appliance.

Secondly, a well-designed kettle can heat water faster, consume less and retain heat better, as long as it is chosen to suit your actual use.

Enjoying a cup of tea shouldn’t come with a hefty electricity bill. A well-designed kettle can heat water quickly while keeping energy consumption under control.

Choosing the right power for your needs

Most electric kettles are between 1800 and 2400 watts.. The higher the wattage, the faster the water heats – but it also means higher instantaneous energy consumption.

Contrary to popular belief, a more powerful kettle does not necessarily consume more energy overall: it heats the water faster, which can sometimes be more efficient.

The real energy-saving factors are based on:

• The volume of water actually heated;
• The accuracy of the thermostat (e.g. 70°C instead of 100°C for green tea ) ;
• Intelligent use ( avoid overfilling for a single cup).

In practice, a kettle of around 2000 W is a good compromise between speed and consumption, as long as you use it sensibly.

Did you know? In Europe, there is no strict ceiling on the power of electric kettles, but it is governed by eco-design directives which encourage manufacturers to reduce energy losses and improve overall efficiency. In contrast, in the UK, very high-powered models (up to 3000 W) are more common and often fall outside this regulatory framework.

The importance of an adjustable thermostat

An adjustable thermostat lets you select the ideal temperature for your needs 70°C for green tea, 85°C for filter coffee, or 90-95°C for herbal teas. This avoids systematically bringing the water to the boil, which is not always necessary or recommended to preserve the flavours.

The key: energy savings. By reducing the target heating temperature , you can save up to 20-30% of electricity per cycle (source: ADEME), depending on the quantity of water and temperature chosen. It’s also a way of preserve the resistance of the appliance, which is less stressed than during cycles at full power.

What if your kettle kept the water hot for longer?

Some kettles are “ double-walled” or insulated, like thermos jugs. The heat is retained for several tens of minutes after boiling. Less need to reheat: this is an advantage for Large tea drinkers or intensive users ( families, offices, thermos flasks, continuous brewing, etc.).

But be careful: this type of design requires more materialsThis is not always relevant for occasional use. To be reserved for regularusers, anxious to limit heating cycles during the day.

3. Check the practical features

A kettle should be simple to use, safe and easy to maintain. Certain technical details make all the difference.

Hidden resistance vs. apparent resistance

There are two types of heating element in kettles:

• Apparent resistancevisible at the bottom of the tank, is in direct contact with the water. It heats efficiently but is more sensitive to limescaleespecially in limestone areas. Cleaning is possible, but maintenance is more frequent and its lifespan may be reduced.

   

• The hidden resistancehidden under a stainless steel plate, is protected from direct contact with water. It reduces scaling, makes cleaning easier and offers longer thermal life.

In general, models with concealed heating elements are preferable, especially if your water is hard.
But there is one important detail to bear in mind when it comes to reparability: some kettles incorporate their heating element in a mouldedbase that cannot be dismantled , making repairs impossible in the event of a breakdown. An appliance may therefore be well designed to last as far as limescale is concerned, but be irreparable in the event of an electrical fault.

Tip: if you are looking for a durable and repairablecheck whether the resistor is accessible or replaceable if necessary, or whether the manufacturer offers spare parts for this critical component.

Anti-limescale filter

Most kettles have a removable filter located at the outlet of the spout. Its function: retain limescale particles in suspension in thewater, particularly visible after boiling in hard water areas. This makes it possible to preserve the visual and taste quality of the water, while preventing the build-up of deposits in the cups.

Choose a washable stainless steelfilterIt’s much more durable than synthetic mesh or plastic models. It resists heat better, is easy to clean with white vinegar and retains its shape over time.

A word of warning: make sure that the filter can be removed without tools and that spare parts are available, as some models do not offer simple replacement in the event of loss or breakage.

Safety and ergonomics

Over and above its heating performance, a kettle must be pleasant to use, safe for everyday use, and well thought out right down to the smallest detail.. These elements are not just gadgets: they can make all the difference in the world, especially for an object that is used several times a day.

• Automatic boilstop: Indispensable for preventing water from continuing to heat up unnecessarily, preventing overflow and saving energy. It’s also a safety feature in case of inattention.

   

• Overheating protection: A thermal safety system cuts off the power supply if the kettle runs dry or overheats. This protects the appliance and prevents accidents, especially when used by children or the elderly.

   

• Thermally insulatedhandle = A handle that stays cool, even at the end of the heating process, prevents burns and improves grip, especially if the kettle is heavy ( glass or stainless steel models).

   

• 360° swivel base: This base allows the kettle to be placed in any direction, for both right- and left-handed users, and makes it easier to handle on a cramped work surface.

Advice: these elements are sometimes absent from entry-level models. Yet they are essential for comfortable, safe and durable. It ‘ s better to think of them as criteria, not as options.

4. Focus on durability and maintenance

A durable kettle isn’t just one that “doesn’t break”: it’s a product designed to last, easy to maintain, and built to stay functional for many years. This means thoughtful design, robust materials, and the ability to repair rather than replace.

Easy to clean and descale

Limescale is the number one enemy of kettles, especially in hard water areas. It clogs the heating element, increases energy consumption, and shortens the appliance’s lifespan. To make maintenance easier:

• Choose models with a wide lid opening, which allows complete manual cleaning.
• Avoid hard-to-reach corners or excessively deep plastic joints.
• A kettle that is easy to descale regularly ( with white vinegar or citric acid ) will maintain its thermal performance for longer.

Repairability index: not yet applicable, but to be continued

To date, electric kettles are not covered by the mandatory reparability index. in France (introduced by the AGEC law in 2021). Only certain appliances such as smartphones, laptops and washing machines will be affected.

However, this index could be extended to other product families. in the coming years, including small electrical appliances. It is therefore important to refer to manufacturers ‘ voluntary practices ( availability of parts, technical documentation, disassembly).

Repairability and spare parts

Check for spare parts (resistor, cover, filter, electronic board, etc.) are available. Some brands , such as SEB, publish reparability sheets or guarantee the availability of parts for 10 years.

The silent obsolescence of kettles: two points to watch out for

Beyond visible wear and tear or limescale, some kettles become unusable because criticalcomponents are undersized or beyond repair , leading to premature obsolescence that is often invisible to the user.

🔋 Limited life capacitors
As explained in dedicated articlemany mains-operated appliances – including some kettles with digital display or electronic control – use low-quality low-quality electrolytic capacitorswithout a decoupled power supply. Result: after a few years, these components lose their capacity, leading to display failures, random malfunctions or failure to switch onwithout the user understanding why. These components, although inexpensive, are rarely replaceable without complex dismantling or soldering.

Klickson bimetal thermostats: discreet but critical
Many basic kettles use a mechanicalbimetallic strip (Klickson type) to ensure automatic shut-off at boiling point. This system is based on a metal blade that deforms under the effect of heat. Problem: with time and repeated cycles , this bimetal can lose its flexibility or become permanently deformedmaking the thermostat inoperative. Result: the kettle stops heating, or refuses to start – and becomes unusable, beyond repair , because the component is often encapsulated and non-replaceable.

🎯 These two cases illustrate a functional obsolescence that is not visible, but very real, and which could be avoided by :

• The use of higher qualitycomponents ( long-life capacitors, removable thermostats);
• A maintenance-oriented designwith accessible, replaceable components.

A role that consumers cannot play alone

These two sources of obsolescence (undersized capacitors and non-replaceable bimetal thermostats) are virtually invisible to a buyereven the most experienced user. They do not appear on the packaging or in the product data sheet, and can only be identified by dismantling the appliance… which few users are able to do.

This is precisely where the LONGTIME® label comes in: by checking what the consumer cannot see, through a demanding technicalreference system. During an audit, internal components are inspected, repairability is tested, parts availability is checked, and the manufacturer ‘s practices are analysed.

In the absence of any specific regulations or index for kettles, the LONGTIME® label provides an independentguarantee, enabling you to identify products that are genuinely designed to last – and avoid the pitfalls of invisible obsolescence.

Why choosing a sustainable kettle makes all the difference?

Choosing a well-designed kettle is more than just a practical decision – it’s an investment in more efficient, reliable, and long-lasting use. You reduce waste, lower your environmental footprint, and avoid the trap of disposable appliances that only last a few years.

A durable kettle is one you can maintain, repair, and keep for years – without compromising on performance.

In a nutshell:

✅ Choose safe materials such as stainless steel or glass

⚡ Opt for an adjustable thermostat and well-calibrated power.

🔧 Check the key features: heating element, filter, and ease of cleaning.

♻️ Choose models designed to be repairable and durable

🔎 Need a reliable benchmark? The LONGTIME® Label assesses products on their true ability to last.

Although no kettles have yet been awarded the label, we hope this will change soon!

Your water will always be warm – and your conscience clear.