The best budget kettle needn't mean cheap and nasty. There are functional and well-designed kettles on the market that are lightweight, boil fast and have built-in filters to prevent limescale build-up. There's always a hand-me-down kettle that an eager landlady or relative wants to pass on. The heating element has so much limescale it looks like icing on a Christmas cake. It's all very well to make do, but there are times when we can do much better and upgrade an old appliance. If you've been wondering are cheap kettles any good? The answer is yes - if you know what to look for.
If you're going off to university or moving into a new home, getting a kettle to tide you over is always at the top of the list of essentials, along with a frying pan, mug, plate and some cutlery. We'd be lost without this small kitchen appliance. The key factors to consider are price, size, how quickly it boils and whether it's noisy. Additionally, left-handed people can find using a kettle that has a handle on the right-hand side a bit difficult. It's instinctive to put their hand straight across the steam of the boiling kettle to pick it up - and receive a nasty burn as a result. If that sounds like you, opt for a kettle that has a 360-degree base. Also, this is simply a better functional design, as you can dock the kettle back on its base without having to line it up exactly. This is not about the bells and whistles of smart kettles, sometimes all we want is a bit of kit to make instant noodles and no faff.
Best Budget Kettles At A Glance:
• Best overall budget kettle: Breville Bold Black Electric Kettle - View on Amazon UK
• Best small budget kettle: Morphy Richards Cornflower Blue Dune Jug Kettle - View on Amazon UK
• Best energy-saving budget kettle: Quest 35039 1 Litre Kettle - View on Amazon UK
Whether you're putting the kettle on to make a brew or boiling water for your hard-boiled eggs, bear in mind the kettle's capacity. In a shared kitchen or a busy family household, opt for a kettle with a larger capacity. A 1.7-litre capacity makes six to eight cups. Conversely, some may prefer a smaller kettle that's lighter so it's easier to pick up. Usually, a kettle will make a noise between 71 and 76 decibels; at the budget end of the range quiet kettles are not an option. Similarly, you generally won't see energy-saving kettles as a feature in this offering. But the budget doesn't mean you'll be lighting a fire and waiting for ages for your brew to boil. Although sometimes getting back to basics is lovely. In this case, you may want to consider a stove-top kettle. The spout merrily whistles away as your brew comes to the boil.
Finally, if hard water is a problem in your area, opt for kettles with a concealed heating element. Limescale has a habit of building up around the coiled element, which can be tricky to clean. If that's an issue, it's well worth getting a model that has an anti-limescale filter to prevent residue from getting in your cuppa. Look at the power (wattage) of the kettles, more watts means it will boil faster, giving limescale less opportunity to form. Scroll to our FAQs at the end of this article for more kettle know-how. In the meantime, let's take a look at the best kettles to give you tea-rific-tasting brew on a budget.
Best Budget Kettle
Best overall budget kettle
This Breville Bold Black Electric Kettle is popular and well-reviewed. With 3kW power, it boils fast. The concealed heating element makes it easy to clean. It has a lift-off lid, which some prefer when filling a kettle from a tap. Additionally, this electric kettle has a removable and cleanable limescale filter. It looks more expensive than it is with its sleek black and chrome curves. Keeping the vibe minimalist, it also has corded cord storage for when it's not in use. If you find this is the kettle that's taking the biscuit, you'll be delighted to know there's a matching toaster available too.
Customer review: "I cannot fault the kettle: the colour (teal blue) is sensational with clear, wide sight tubes on both sides, large capacity, easy to fill from the spout and crucially, a seriously sturdy handle that is moulded to the side of the body as one piece, with nothing to break and no weird internal fittings to fail like the previous incumbent. This will appeal to all artistically minded people, all design enthusiasts, and anyone who requires their item to do what it is engineered to do: boil water and turn itself off when it's finished."
Pros
- Looks expensive
- Rapid boiling
- Concealed heating element
Cons
- None
Best small budget kettle
Whether you're a new parent preparing bottles, or a commuter in need of instant oats, Morphy Richards is a name that's synonymous with small kitchen appliances. We particularly love this Morphy Richards Cornflower Blue Dune Jug Kettle for its baby blue colour, steamy curves and compact size. It has all the essential functions you could want, including rapid boil and a 360-degree base. Because it's made of plastic, it's a lot lighter than a metal kettle, making it a good option for people with arthritis in their hands. Additionally, you can buy this as part of a set with a matching toaster. Love love.
Customer review: "I actually bought one with metal lining as these plastic ones get hot. After putting water into it I found it too heavy for these poor old arthritic hands so sent it back then bought this. I do like it, it doesn't get too hot, quite lightweight and is visually pleasing."
Pros
- Clear water level window
- Gorgeous design
- Available in other colours
Cons
- Plastic and some reviews have commented that it leaves a lingering taste
Best energy-saving budget kettle
Ideal for one or two people, the Quest 35039 1 Litre Kettle is a compact kettle with a spout filter, water level indicator and hinged lid. It's a good option for elderly people as it's not too heavy to lift at just 790g. Additionally, this is a low-wattage kettle, so if you're making a lot of teas and coffees throughout the day, it saves a little on the sky-high energy costs.
Customer review: "It’s a good kettle it’s cute and small but I didn’t realise that when I bought it but it’s good for what it is. But for me it takes quite some time to boil the water. Also is good in its noise it doesn’t make much noise when boiling."
Pros
- Low wattage saves on energy consumption
- Perfect for one or two people
Cons
- Sometimes difficult to put it back on its base
Best budget kettle for easy filling
If you just need something cheap and cheerful, this Swan SK18121N Jug Kettle delivers... and then some. For less than £20 this cordless kettle features a rapid quiet boil and easy filling with its hinged lid. You may need a kettle that's enough for one and easy to pick up, and at just 800g, this is a good option.
Customer review: "Great kettle, fairly quiet, does leak when pouring at a certain angle sometimes but that doesn’t bother me."
Pros
- Lightweight
- Cordless
- Hinged lid
Cons
- May be too lightweight for some
Best space-saving budget kettle
You won't end up in hot water with the Daewoo Kensington 1.7L, 3000W Rapid Boil Jug Kettle unless you count the delicious cup of coffee that's made in no time at all thanks to a rapid boil. Featuring a durable stainless steel body and concealed heating element this kettle makes up to seven cups in one boil. This is a well-designed budget kettle that gets the basics right. Space-saving cord storage means it's easy to store in a kitchen nook when it's not in use. Part of The Kensington Collection that includes a stylish toaster, pyramid kettle and microwave.
Customer review: "Great purchase. Well made, lightweight and a rapid boiler. Looks good and the built in switch indicator makes it practical and easy to use. The element is totally enclosed in the base preventing calcium build up and therefore remaining efficient for its life. Highly recommended."
Pros
- Concealed heating element
- 360-degree swivel base
- Removable lid
- Matching appliances available
Cons
- Some reviews have commented that it's a bit noisy
Best budget stove-top kettle
Have a great start to the day with this Whistling Kettle 2.5 Litre Stainless Steel as it issues a cheery whistle when it's boiling. Yes, it takes a little longer to boil on the hob, but sometimes the ritual of a simple task can be incredibly therapeutic. The gorgeous aesthetic of this stove-top kettle, with its beautiful cherry red colour, all adds to the good vibes. Additionally, this budget hob kettle is ideal if you're having a weekend away in a shepherd's hut.
Customer review: "Bought this item because my electric kettle was being used several times a day and raising my electric bill. It takes awhile to boil on a gas stove but if left on the hob it stays hot. Savings for me are around £5 a month which is £60 in a year and it's nearly paid for itself already. Folding handle is insulated and for a cheap item it's above average quality. Time to go and make the tea as I can hear the whistle."
Pros
- Energy saving
- Large capacity
- An alternative to an electric kettle
Cons
- Takes a while to boil
Best budget kettle for quality
www.johnlewis.com
Efficient and easy to use, the John Lewis ANYDAY Kettle, 1.5L, is a compact, lightweight, yet powerful little kettle. Perhaps best suited to soft water areas, as it doesn't have a limescale filter, nonetheless with 3000kW power, it will make a brew in a jiffy. Essential if you're feeling poorly and need a quick Cup A Soup to sustain you. We recommend this model for the elderly or people with mobility issues.
Customer review: "This is an amazing kettle. Look no further, it has replaced a very expensive one and I prefer this one. It is lightweight and very easy to pour. Overall I am extremely pleased with my purchase."
Pros
- Quality
- Well reviewed
- Easy to pick up
Cons
- Smaller capacity than others
Our Verdict: Best Budget Kettle
For many of us, the first thing we do when we get home and need to let off steam is to put the kettle on. So it needs to be foolproof, functional and result in a quick cuppa. With outstanding Amazon reviews - 70 per cent five stars - we recommend the Breville Bold Black Electric Kettle.
It features illuminated controls so you can clearly see when it's switched on and it boils fast. Standing firm on a non-slip base along with its matching toaster, the Breville has a glossy textured body that would look ultra contemporary in any modern kitchen.
FAQs
Why Does Limescale Build Up In A Kettle?
You'd think that boiling water would clean anything, but that's not true when it comes to limescale. Hard water has a high concentration of calcium and magnesium, which builds up as a chalky residue on the inside of kettles, dishwashers, washing machines and coffee machines. The scaling occurs when hot water evaporates and leaves the insoluble minerals behind.
Is Limescale Dangerous?
No, but it can annoyingly end up floating in your drink, and it can taint the taste of water. Importantly, limescale erodes the inside of your kettle over time, shortening its lifespan. Descale your kettle regularly to preserve its longevity, or invest in a kettle with filtration technology.
How Do You Descale A Kettle Without Chemicals?
One of the easiest ways to descale a kettle is to use a lemon. Simply fill your kettle half with lemon juice and fill the rest with water. Boil the kettle and let it stand for 30 minutes. The limescale will dislodge. Rinse the kettle thoroughly to remove the lemon juice, water and limescale deposits.
Natalie Knowles is a Homes & Garden Product Writer for A Modern Kitchen, specialising in kitchen appliances. When she's not testing coffee machines, she flexes her creative flair as an artist.