Best Energy Saving Kettle In The UK

Boil your kettle efficien-tea.

Best Energy Saving Kettle In The UK

by Natalie Knowles |
Updated on

The best energy-saving kettles in the UK are among a new wave of kitchen appliances that pave the way to a more sustainable lifestyle. In general, the best kettle to go for is electric. Much more energy-efficient than a stove-top kettle, an electric kettle automatically switches off when the water reaches boiling point, so there's no further electricity wastage. Overfilling the kettle is the biggest source of wastage, so it's better to boil what you need. And yet, there's always someone in the household who does it; perhaps it's a legacy from living in student digs when a cuppa was on the go every five minutes...

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Smart meters give us an insight into our water and energy consumption. Rather than being triggered by watching the numbers ramp up, we know that we can save money through the efficient use of household appliances. The key factors are usage (how much do you boil the kettle?), energy consumption (how much electricity does that use?) and wastage (how much boiled water gets poured down the sink?). Finally, think about seasonal use - more hot drinks are needed in the colder months of the year. If you spend most of the day at home, the kettle will be the most used appliance in the kitchen.

Best Energy Saving Kettle At A Glance

Research by Science Direct has compelling findings about our national use of the kettle. "In the UK, more than nine in ten people (90 per cent) use the kettle every day, with 40 per cent doing this five times a day or more." Although the article is extremely scientific, in summary, it found that a smart kettle was more energy-efficient than a standard kettle. If we're thinking collectively about sustainability, boiling the kettle a little less or switching to an energy-efficient smart kettle, will make an enormous difference to our national energy use.

Overfilling the kettle not only wastes water, but also consumes more electricity too. It takes more energy (kWh) to boil a large amount of water so make use of the water level indicator guide on your kettle. Generally, a large mug holds 330ml, so if you're making two mugs of coffee you need to fill the kettle with 660ml of water. Also, look for rapid boil as a feature when you buy a new kettle. Quite simply, a kettle that boils fast consumes energy for a shorter amount of time. Kettles with a higher wattage of 3kW will boil faster. Whether you're looking for the latest eco kettle or the best quiet kettle, scroll to the energy saving kettle FAQs at the end of this article for more brew-how.

Best Energy Saving Kettle In The UK

Best quiet boil kettle for efficiency

This Russell Hobbs Luna Quiet Boil Kettle boasts fast boiling at a volume that won't disrupt your conversations or wake up your household. You can also save up to 66 per cent energy by boiling one cup instead of one litre with the 1-3 cup markings. It can boil one cup of water in just 45 seconds. It has a clear, illuminated water window so you can keep an eye on the water level.

Customers praise this kettle for been quiet and fast to boil. Just bear in mind that it will need regular descaling, especially if you live in a hardwater area.

In particular, customers say it pours very well and it has a hinged lid that makes it easy to fill.
It's stylish and boasts an eye-catching light display when it boils.

Pros

  • Attractive design and lights up when boiling
  • Fast boiling so it saves on excessive energy consumption
  • Neat pop-open lid so it's easy to fill

Cons

  • Only has a small capacity so not ideal for larger households
Dimensions:H24.5 x L22.5 x W15.8cm
Capacity:1.7L
Power:3kW
Filter:Removable, washable filter
  • Boil dry protection
  • Rapid boil technology
  • 360-degree swivel base
  • Concealed heating and energy saving

Best eco-friendly kettle

The ultra modern-looking Philips Eco-Conscious Edition Kettle 5000 Series has been created from 100 per cent bio-based plastics, reducing its CO2 footprint during its production process by 25 per cent. Its 2,200W power also ensures a powerful boil quickly, while its water level indicator helps you use the required amount of water, contributing to a more sustainable environment.

Customers praise this recycled plastic kettle for being lightweight and easy to clean. It's a medium size kettle, so it's best suited to smaller households.

Be aware that it's a mottled off-white colour, not pure white as some customers had thought. Also, the lid may prove a little difficult to remove for some.

Pros

  • Stylish design to suit a modern kitchen's décor
  • Sustainably made
  • Easy to read water level and cup indicator
  • Automatic switch-off function

Cons

  • A little lower wattage than competitor kettles
Dimensions:24.7 x 23.3 x 20.6cm
Capacity:1.7L
Power:2200W
Filter:Anti-limescale filter
  • 360-degree base
  • Water level indicator
  • Auto shut-off
  • Lift-off lid
  • Pilot light to see when the kettle is switched on

Best mid-range energy-efficient kettle

The clever Breville Edge Electric Kettle saves you time and energy and will prevent you from constantly reboiling water. The water level indicator changes from white to red when the kettle reaches boiling, and it will stay red until the temperature falls below 80°C, so you'll know if the water is hot enough for another cuppa. It's made of brushed stainless steel, so it's durable and robust for busy kitchens, and metal is a great insulator.

This Amazon's Choice recommended product has over 4,440 reviews rating it 4.4 out of 5. A customer praises that it doesn't emit loads of steam when it boils. It's also very fast and quiet.

One word of warning: a customer comments that the exterior can get hot to the touch, so be aware if you have a busy household with children.

Pros

  • Still hot illumination light prevents unnecessary reboiling
  • Non-fussy, modern design
  • Highly praised in reviews

Cons

  • The outside gets hot
Dimensions:H25.8 x W18 x D21.5cm
Capacity:1.7L
Power:3000W
Filter:Yes
  • 360-degree rotational base
  • Still Hot illumination changes colour from white to red as the water boils
  • Illuminator stays red until the water temperature drops below 80 degrees

Best high-end energy-efficient kettle

Zwilling Enfinigy Glass Kettle
Price: £139.95
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Part of a range of Enfinigy products that include toasters, coffee machines and food processors by Zwilling. Made from high-quality materials with innovative design, these appliances are designed to be long-lasting. There are a range of kettles to choose from that feature temperature control. We love this Zwilling Enfinigy Glass Kettle because it lets you steep tea, and because it's made of glass, you can watch the water change colour. Also, the pre-boil feature, which heats water to boiling point and automatically cools it down to the desired temperature, is invaluable if you are sterilising bottles.

Reviews across the web say that water heats up very quickly and the temperature control is great for steep teas at different temperatures. Customers also like the keep warm feature.

Because this is a glass kettle with a metal base it will show limescale, so do consider this if you live in a hardwater area.

Pros

  • Tea steeping functionality
  • Temperature control to brew a range of teas
  • Premium design for a luxurious look
  • Pre-boil for sterilising eliminates bacteria

Cons

  • Limescale can be very conspicuous due to the glass design
Dimensions:22 x 26 x 20cm
Capacity:1.7L
Power:1500W
Filter:Not specified
  • Tea timer - let's you set a steeping time between 0-10 minutes
  • Keep warm
  • Removable tea insert for steeping tea
  • Six pre-set temperatures
  • 360-degree rotation base

Tested

Best sleek energy-saving kettle

Piper / AMK
Price: £119.99

The Haier I-Master Series 5 Ideal Temperature Kettle offers great functionality, without compromising on style. With seven temperatures to choose from - for the best-tasting tea and coffee - you're well-assured this is the right kettle for your household. As for energy efficiency, it heats a single cup (250 ml) to reduce water waste and save up to 40% of energy. It's easy to clean and prevents any limescale build-up in your tea, due to the stainless steel design and washable limescale filter. Not only is it safe, but also can maintain your desired temperature for up to 30 minutes - perfect for busy households.

Our review: "My Haier kettle is fantastic. Well-suited to hard water, its fantastic filter helps remove nasties from the cups of herbal tea I’m constantly sipping. Living in the southeast of England, I’m used to hard water and limescale being everywhere. But, I’m very happy to report that this Haier kettle has made a difference. Plus, it’s super-fast – and will boil within seconds, sometimes.

We love the Keep Warm feature – perfect if you’re rushing around (like me) and forget to make a cuppa. It’ll start to heat up the water to your desired temperature unless you turn it off. So, be wary of that. It looks sleek and stylish on my worktop, not taking up too much space. The lid does need to be popped on securely (with a click), but is easy to hold and pours with no mess. Though it's a little loud, it's by far the quietest kettle I've used - and holds a decent amount of water for all households."

Pros

  • Efficient, energy-saving 250ml minimum boil
  • Keep Warm function - perfect for busy households
  • Super sleek - will look the part in any modern kitchen
  • 7 temperature settings: 40-100°c for all drinks

Cons

  • Remember to turn it off after use - otherwise it'll keep boiling!
Dimensions:H25.6 x W21 x D19.5 cm
Capacity:1.7L
Power:3000.00kW
Filter:Yes
  • Seven temperatures - you can brew teas and coffees at the optimal temperature.
  • Save energy - precise temperature control and the single-cup minimum fill level.
  • Easy to clean - fully removable lid, limescale filter and wide 13cm opening.
  • Removable and washable limescale filter -  prevent scale from falling into your cup.
  • Safety - thanks to Continuous Temperature Control tech and Overheat Safety Control.
  • Minimise limescale buildup - is made of stainless steel, limits the formation of limescale.
  • Sleek interface - convenient with a touch activated interface that lights up when in use.
  • Keep Warm function - maintain your desired temperature for up to 30 minutes.

Tested

Best choice for the connoisseurs

Sage the Smart Kettle is not 'smart' in the sense that you operate it with an external device. Smart refers to this kettle's variable temperature control, which allows you to bring water to precise temperatures that are optimum for steeping green, white or oolong teas. There are five pre-set temperature buttons, including coffee and black tea. Also, there is a handy keep warm function that allows you to keep the water at a consistent temperature for 20 minutes (the kettle needs to remain on its power base). Ideal if you're rummaging around for your teapot in the cupboard or having a lazy Sunday morning breakfast. The start/cancel button is large and illuminated, so it's easy to use. The Smart Kettle has a removable mesh filter that catches limescale deposits, and Sage sells its own descaling product called 'the Descaler, ' which can be ordered through its website.

A Modern Kitchen tried and tested this kettle. Our tester said: "If you are a really particular tea or coffee drinker, this is the kettle to go for. Being metal, it naturally keeps the water warmer for longer. Sage's Smart Kettle has been developed with Heston Blumenthal with the USP of getting the maximum flavour from tea and coffee by adding water that's the optimum temperature to release tasting notes and aromas. And it's true – coffee does have more flavour when boiled at 90°C. Also, green tea tastes delicious, when boiled at 80°C, allowing the delicate flavour of the leaves and jasmine to shine through.

"It's a smart-looking kettle too, made of brushed stainless steel. Neat and compact, unlike the Zwilling Enfinigy Glass Kettle, which has a deeper base. The ergonomic handle stays cool, and the soft top lid opens gently to prevent splashing. There are dual water level indicator windows, so you can see the water level if you're using it left or right-handed. It stands steady and securely on its power base, the button controls are easy to use, and there's an audible beep when the kettle's boiled. Overall, the product feels very well made. The spout is overly large, but that has benefits as it gives an even pour. It boils fast, just a tad noisy, but no biggie.

"Condensation does gather on the inside of the glass lid, some may enjoy it aesthetically when the kettle is boiling, but others may find it a design flaw as it builds up when the kettle is not in use. I've popped a Chef Aid Stainless Steel Doughnut Kettle Descaler in the kettle to prevent limescale particles from building up, thereby prolonging the kettle's lifespan. With Sage, you benefit from superb customer care should anything go wrong. There are clear contact telephone numbers and an email address for customer support."

Pros

  • Produces better-tasting tea and coffee
  • Boils fast to save on energy
  • Range of brewing temperatures
  • Easy to use button controls
  • Comfortable handle

Cons

  • Exterior will get hot as it doesn't have double-wall technology
Dimensions:18.3 x 23 x 25cm
Capacity:1.7L
Power:2400W
Filter:Removable filter
  • Auto shut off and boil dry protection
  • Five Pre-programmed settings
  • Can be used left or right-handed

Best energy-saving budget kettle

Quest 35039 1 Litre Kettle
Price: £32.95

Ideal for one or two people, the Quest 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 energy costs. Bear in mind it will take longer to boil though.

This is an Amazon's Choice recommended product and at less than £20, it's a great budget option. Customers have said that it was small enough to be usable by elderly relatives with arthritis. Plus, it could be used as a spare kettle in the guest room for when you have visitors to stay. Its size and price make it a top option for campervans and caravans too.

However, you do get what you pay and some reviews comment that it doesn't pour very well and some found it difficult to position on its base.

Pros

  • Low wattage saves on energy consumption
  • Perfect for one or two people
  • Top budget pick to use as a second kettle when travelling or in a guest room

Cons

  • Sometimes difficult to put it back on its base
Dimensions:‎14 x 20 x 23cm
Capacity:1L
Power:1080W
Filter:Removable filter
  • BPA free plastic
  • Auto shut-off
  • Water level indicator

Best vacuum insulated kettle

The Vektra Vacuum Insulated Electric Kettle combines the insulating properties of a double-walled vacuum flask with an energy-efficient electric kettle to keep water hot for up to four hours. Made from high-quality 18/8 stainless steel, this is a small and durable kettle that's been praised in reviews for keeping water hot, but some have found the push button lid tricky to operate, and it's heavy. Undoubtedly, it is a simple and clever idea that saves boiling the kettle repeatedly.

The consensus in customer reviews is that it's too heavy and fiddly to be used by people with mobility issues. But do consider it as an option for travelling or if you want to be thrifty about energy-saving, as the thermos concept will keep water for hours.

Pros

  • Keeps water hot for hours
  • Made from durable stainless steel for longevity
  • Eliminate frequently reboiling the kettle

Cons

  • Some reviews comment that they've had trouble opening the lid
Dimensions:H24.5 x W23 x D20cm
Capacity:1.2L
Power:Not specified
Filter:Integrated limescale filter
  • Stays hot for up to four hours
  • Automatic shut-off
  • Cool touch body
  • 360-degree rotating base for ambidextrous use
  • Illuminating on/ off switch
  • Strix heating element
  • Quiet boiling

Best energy saving kettle under £30

Admittedly, yes, the Russell Hobbs Textures kettle is a little dull to look at. Design-wise, it's plain and simple, but if you're not too fussed about how your kettle looks, you'll find that this is a perfect addition to your kitchen. With a 1.7L capacity (that's six cups) and a boiling time of 45 seconds per cup, the whole family can enjoy a pick-me-up coffee within moments. Plus, it claims to save up to 70 per cent of energy, meaning it'll save you money on energy bills. Best of all, it's affordable and is guaranteed for the next three years, so rest assured you won't be without a hot drink any time soon.

Customers felt that this kettle was good value for money and fast to boil. It's lightweight, the handle is comfortable to grip and the hinged lid makes it easy to fill.

Pros

  • Good value for money
  • Decent build quality, yet lightweight
  • Boils fast and is energy-saving

Cons

  • The design is a little dated
Dimensions:H23.8 x W15.8 x D21cm
Capacity:1.7L
Power:3000W
Filter:Removable and washable limescale filter
  • Boils one cup in 45 seconds
  • 2 years manufacturer guarantee
  • 360-degree base with cord storage

Our Verdict: Best Energy Saving Kettle In The UK

Perhaps, you're wondering: what is the best energy saving kettle​?

Well, we recommend the Russell Hobbs Luna Quiet Boil Grey Jug Kettle as the best energy-saving kettle. It's received thousands of positive reviews and it's a great mid-range price point. The Luna kettle is stylish, with its moonlight grey appearance, and you can enjoy an enchanting light show when it boils.

Additionally, this kettle boils super fast - just 45 seconds to boil a cup of water. There's a handy cup measure feature built into the kettle to ensure you don't overfill and only boil what you need.

FAQs

How does an energy-saving kettle save energy?

There are several ways a kettle will help save you money on your bills, thanks to the special design. We have some thoughts, below, in case you're interested in which features cut down on energy...

Keep Warm Function - can keep water hot for hours, so you don't need to reheat it.

Temperature Settings - are common in modern kettles, which can help find the right temperature for your preferred hot drink - which can help save energy in the long run.

Insulation - plays a part in energy saving, which can reduce heat loss from your kettles.

Cup Measuring - is common in kettles, nowadays, so you only boil the amount of water you need.

Limescale Filter - keeps scale out of your tea but can also help your kettle work more efficiently.

How do I measure the energy consumption of my kettle?

One way to see how much energy your kettle is using is to experiment with your smart meter's in-home display. An IHD shows you how much energy you're using in kilowatt hours (kWh) and it shows how much it costs. Citizens Advice suggests turning off all devices, except essential electricals, and then using your kettle to see how much it costs you.

If you don't have an in-home display or smart meter, you can work out how much your kettle costs to use with this equation:

Appliance Power (W) x Amount of Time Used (p/h) x GBP per kWh (0.24) / 100 = Price Per Use

Between 1 April to 30 June 2024, the unit rate for electricity is on average 24.50p/kWh.

The amount of time must be in decimals (0.5 is 30mins, 1.5 is 90mins)

For example, if you've totted up that you use your 3000W kettle for 15 minutes a day the sum is:

3000 x 0.25 x 0.24 / 100

Rounded up, it works out at just under 2 pence a day to use a kettle.

Oat latte on a wooden table
©Piper / AMK

What features should I look for in a kettle?

Bet you've never thought of the humble kettle as a multifunctional cooking appliance. No, neither did we, but the more you think about it, a kettle can prepare breakfast, lunch and dinner, provided it's porridge, pasta and instant noodles. It's there for your first coffee of the day, that mid-morning cuppa, an afternoon herbal tea and the evening hot chocolate. Where would we be without a kettle?

If you're concerned about energy efficiency then opt for an electric kettle rather than a stove-top kettle. Power tends to be between 2-3kW; the higher the wattage the faster it will boil. Russell Hobbs introduced the first fully automatic stainless steel kettle in 1955. As the water boils, the steam that's produced feeds through a pipe to the thermostat. The steam causes the piper to flex and cut off the current. This automatic shut-off prevents damaging the heating element and the water boiling away.

Opt for a kettle with a concealed heating element or a separate power base, as limescale can build up around an internal coil element, making it tricky to clean. Always go for a kettle with some sort of limescale filtration. There are some fantastic kettles designed to prevent limescale – essential if you live in a hard water area.

Look for a kettle with a clear water indicator level. This enables you to fill the kettle with enough water for your purpose and no more. Boiling a full kettle is a waste of energy. On that note, a double-walled kettle will insulate hot water for longer. Also, it keeps the outside of the kettle cool to the touch.

The weight of the kettle will be an important factor for anyone with shoulder, arm or hand issues. Lightweight kettles are made of plastic. Although they don't tend to have the longevity of a metal kettle, they will be functional and easy to pick up. Additionally, you may want to consider a kettle with a lift-off lid so it's easier to fill.

Finally, if you have a little more money to splash out on a smart kettle, you'll benefit from quiet boiling, temperature control, a keep warm function, voice control and app integration.

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.

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