Little girls love playing tea party. It’s a chance to dress up and serve friends a cup of pretend tea from an ornate pot into dainty, delicate little cups. It’s all quite dramatic. Fortunately for real-life tea-lovers of any age, brewing a cup of this ancient beverage is a simple process, especially when using an electric kettle.

Tea Time

People around the world have been drinking tea for thousands of years, and it remains one of the most popular beverages today. The Tea Association of the USA reports that more than 158 million Americans drink tea every day. Some choose it for flavor and some for health reasons. Many studies tout the benefits of tea, from soothing sore throats to reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke to boosting metabolism.

Best High-End Electric Tea Kettle	Best Economic Electric Tea Kettle	Best Budget Electric Tea Kettle

Of course, you can use the traditional stovetop teapot that whistles when it’s ready. Here’s the drawback: You lack temperature control. Pull the pot off too soon and you end up with a lukewarm, lackluster steeping. Wait until the water boils, then you have to wait even longer for it to cool off so you don’t scorch the inside of your mouth.

Electric Tea Kettle Advantages

• Faster heating

Water heats up in 4-5 minutes.

• Varied temperature settings

Different tea blends require different steeping temps and most electric brands allow you to choose the best one for your blend. This control also lets you make cooler “kid-friendly” hot cocoa or turn up the heat for instant cereal or soup.

Some models even offer a “keep warm” option that maintains a given temperature so the next heat-up takes even less time because you’re starting with already warmed water. This feature is particularly beneficial when entertaining or serving multiple cups.

• Water gauges

This option allows you to see just how much water is in the kettle; many hold up to 2 or 3 quarts.

• Insulated walls and handles

Because the heating element is contained within the vessel, you’re not heating up the entire body like stovetop versions. This design keeps outside elements cool to the touch.

• Automatic shutoff

While some brands offer built-in timers that can be set to turn the machine on—there are few things better than waking up in the morning and having a hot beverage readied—the automatic shutoff is more of a safety precaution. This function is engaged either after a preset time expires or when water levels drop too low. Shutting down at this point prevents the heating element from burning out due to dry boil.

Shopping Criteria

When shopping for the best electric kettle, consider the following features:

• Wide spout for easy pouring

• Easy-to-grip handles that stay cool

• Stainless steel or glass exteriors

• Interiors made from anodized metals to prevent mineral buildup, or a filter option to sift out minerals and prevent clogs

• Detachable kettle so you’re not bound by a cord when pouring

Whether you want the control over the quality of tea you serve at a modern-day tea party or to just enjoy the convenience of pouring a cup in minutes, electric kettles turn out top-notch tea.

3 Best Electric Tea Kettles

Best High-End Choice

Variable Temperature Bonavita Gooseneck Kettle

Made from brushed stainless steel, this kettle has a 1.0 liter capacity. It’s base display shows a digital temperature readout in Fahrenheit or Celsius, a count-up timer for efficient steeping or coffee brewing and a hold button that, when activated, maintains a water temperature up to 1 hour.

MSRP $104.99

Best Economic Choice

Chef’s Choice Cordless Electric Kettle Model 681

The detachable kettle uses a concealed heating element that never comes in direct contact with warming water so it bypasses the chance of accumulating mineral deposits that could affect function. Its cordless kettle along with push-button spout opening allows for easy, single-handed pouring.

MSRP $49.99

Best Budget Choice

Hamilton Beach 10-Cup Stainless Steel Electric Kettle (40893)

With the look of a traditional teapot, this electric version features all the key points: 1500 watts for speedy warm up; cordless pouring; automatic shutoff to prevent dry boil; and water-level window.

MSRP $39.99

See our additional tea kettle review.