Our Top Picks
Best De’Longhi kettleDeLonghi KBOE1230J-W Electric Cafe Kettle with Temperature Setting1.1 Quarts10.6 x 8.7 x 9.8 inches3.1 poundsCheck on Amazon
Best for tea precisionBreville BKE720BSS Temp Select Hot Water KettleOne Size8.62 x 6.77 x 9.96 Inches3.52 poundsCheck on Amazon
Best budgetCosori Stainless Steel Electric Kettle with Temperature Control1.8 Quarts9.1 x 6.7 x 10.2 inches3.65 PoundsCheck on Amazon
Best for small kitchensKitchenAid 1.25L Electric Kettle KEK12221.25 L8.9 x 8.9 x 10.3 inches2.5 PoundsCheck on Amazon
Quick answer: the one De’Longhi kettle we could source for this guide is the KBOE1230J-W Electric Cafe Kettle, a compact 1.0 L model with a temperature setting function, and it is the pick for tea and pour-over drinkers who want a small, good-looking kettle on the counter. If you want a larger or better-documented kettle, the Cuisinart CPK-17P1 is the runner-up: 1.7 L, six temperature presets and a 1500 W element. Because De’Longhi sells very few kettles through this store, the other six main picks and the three extras below are the closest rival kettles, clearly labelled as alternatives.
Disclosure: this page contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you. Picks are research-based and drawn from listing specifications and published roundups.
Top Picks at a Glance
- Best De’Longhi kettle: De’Longhi KBOE1230J-W Electric Cafe Kettle (1.0 L, temperature settings)
- Best overall alternative: Cuisinart CPK-17P1 (1.7 L, six presets)
- Best for tea precision: Breville BKE720BSS Temp Select
- Best value with temperature control: Cosori 1.7 L with five presets
- Best design: Smeg KLF03 retro kettle
- Best for small kitchens: KitchenAid KEK1222 (1.25 L)
- Best budget: Cosori 1.7 L stainless steel, no presets
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Capacity | Temperature control | Watch for | Price tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| De’Longhi KBOE1230J-W | Compact cafe-style kettle | 1.0 L | Yes, temperature setting function | Model code ends in J; check voltage and warranty before buying | Premium |
| Cuisinart CPK-17P1 | All-round family kettle | 1.7 L | 6 presets | Larger footprint | Mid-range |
| Breville BKE720BSS | Tea and coffee precision | 7 cup | Variable | Wattage not listed here | Mid-range |
| Cosori (temperature control) | Value with presets | 1.7 L | 5 presets, plus or minus 5 F | Plastic parts elsewhere in the body may vary | Mid-range |
| Smeg KLF03 | Retro looks | 1.7 L | No presets listed | Pay for style | Premium |
| KitchenAid KEK1222 | Small kitchens, easy filling | 1.25 L | None listed | Mid-sized capacity | Mid-range |
| Cosori stainless steel | Lowest cost, plain boiling | 1.7 L | None | One job only: boiling | Budget |
1. De’Longhi KBOE1230J-W Electric Cafe Kettle: Best for a compact cafe-style kettle

DeLonghi KBOE1230J-W Electric Cafe Kettle with Temperature Setting Function, 1.0 L (1.0 L) White
One of the home product options compared in this guide.
Check Price on AmazonKey specs
- Capacity: 1.0 L
- Temperature setting function (the listing title states this; one roundup lists five steps from 50 to 100 degrees C)
- Colour: white
- Wattage: not consistently listed (one roundup says 1500 W, others say not specified)
- Keep-warm and boiling indicator: mentioned by one roundup only, so confirm on the listing
Best for: a one- or two-person kitchen where tea, pour-over coffee or instant oatmeal are the main jobs. Skip if: you regularly boil water for four or more mugs, or you need a US-market warranty and plug certainty.
The KBOE1230J-W is the only De’Longhi kettle that surfaced in our product search, and it is the most distinctive kettle in this list because it combines a small 1.0 L body with selectable water temperatures. That matters for green tea and delicate whites, which taste harsher when brewed with fully boiling water, and for pour-over, where many brewers aim for water just below the boil. For a small household, 1.0 L covers about four 8 oz cups, which is more than most people boil at once.
The trade-off is information. The model code ends in J, which marks a Japan-market product line, and roundups that cover De’Longhi’s Japanese kettles mention 100 V operation. Before you buy any J-series appliance for use in North America, read the listing for the stated voltage, plug type and warranty terms, and do not assume a Japanese-market kettle is rated for a 120 V outlet. If the listing does not state compatibility, choose one of the US-spec kettles below instead.
Against the neighbours in this guide, it is smaller than the 1.7 L Cuisinart and Cosori options and costs more than either, so you are paying for the De’Longhi styling and the compact cafe look rather than capacity. It makes most sense for a gift, a small apartment, or a kitchen that already has De’Longhi appliances.
Pros:
- Temperature setting function for tea and coffee
- Small footprint suits a narrow counter
- Distinctive cafe styling
Cons:
- Only 1.0 L
- Japan-market code, so check voltage and warranty
- Several specifications are not clearly listed
2. Cuisinart CPK-17P1: Best overall alternative
Key specs
- Capacity: 1.7 L
- Power: 1500 W
- Six temperature presets (PerfecTemp)
- 30-minute keep-warm, auto shut-off, 360 degree cordless base
Best for: a household that wants one kettle for tea, coffee and cooking. Skip if: you only boil one mug at a time and want the smallest kettle possible.
This is the kettle we would reach for first if the De’Longhi’s size or Japan-market code puts you off. Six presets cover the usual tea ladder (green, white, oolong, black, coffee, boil), and the 1.7 L body handles a full French press, a pot of tea for guests or a pan of pasta water. A 1500 W element is the standard for fast boiling in North America, so you should expect boil times in the same range as other 1500 W kettles of this size.
The 30-minute keep-warm is genuinely useful for a slow morning when you pour a second cup, and the cordless 360 degree base means left- and right-handed users can lift it from either side. Compared with the Cosori temperature-control kettle further down, the Cuisinart costs more, so the extra money is for the maker’s presets and keep-warm behaviour, not for capacity, which is identical.
Pros:
- Six presets and keep-warm
- 1.7 L suits families
- Cordless base with auto shut-off
Cons:
- Higher price than similar 1.7 L presets kettles
- Takes more space than a 1.0 L kettle
3. Breville BKE720BSS Temp Select: Best for tea and coffee precision

Breville BKE720BSS Temp Select Hot Water Kettle, Brushed Stainless Steel | Precisely heat water for tea and coffee with this electric kettle featuring variable temperature control | 7 cup capacity
One of the home product options compared in this guide.
Check Price on AmazonKey specs
- Variable temperature control
- Capacity: 7 cup
- Brushed stainless steel body
- Wattage and keep-warm: not listed in the title
Best for: people who brew several tea types or pour-over coffee and want to dial in the temperature. Skip if: you only need a boil button.
The Temp Select is built around variable temperature, which is what separates it from a plain kettle. For anyone moving from teabags to loose-leaf or from instant to pour-over, a kettle that can hold water at a chosen temperature removes a guessing step that otherwise needs a thermometer. A seven-cup capacity sits in the middle of the range, enough for a pot of tea without being as bulky as larger models.
Compared with the Cuisinart, the Breville targets people who want fine adjustment rather than six fixed stops, but the listing in our product feed does not state the wattage or warm-hold time, so check those details on the product page if they matter to you. It is also a cleaner fit for kitchens with stainless steel appliances, thanks to the brushed finish.
Pros:
- Variable temperature control
- Stainless steel finish
- Good for tea and coffee brewing
Cons:
- Some specs not listed in the feed
- Mid-range price for a plain-looking kettle
4. Cosori Stainless Steel Kettle with Temperature Control: Best value with presets

Cosori Stainless Steel Electric Kettle with Temperature Control, 1.7L | No Plastic Contact with Water, 5 Presets, ±5°F Temp Control, 60-Min Keep Warm, Dual Lid Opening, Tea, Coffee & Hot Water
One of the home product options compared in this guide.
Check Price on AmazonKey specs
- Capacity: 1.7 L
- Five presets with plus or minus 5 F temperature control
- 60-minute keep warm
- No plastic contact with the water, dual lid opening
Best for: shoppers who want presets and a long keep-warm without paying premium-brand prices. Skip if: you want a brand-name appliance for a gift.
The Cosori matches the Cuisinart on capacity and gives you a longer keep-warm window of 60 minutes. Its listing also emphasises that water does not touch plastic, which appeals to people who dislike the taste or concern of hot plastic. The dual lid opening means you can pop the lid with a press or lift it off entirely for scrubbing the interior.
Against the De’Longhi, it is much larger and typically sits in a lower price tier, though it lacks the De’Longhi brand and the cafe design. If your priority is function over looks, this is the more sensible purchase.
Pros:
- Presets and 60-minute keep warm
- Stainless interior
- Large 1.7 L capacity
Cons:
- Less established brand in this list
- Utilitarian styling
5. Smeg KLF03: Best for design

SMEG KLF03 Electric Kettle 1.7L (7 Cup), Retro Hot Water Boiler for Tea & Coffee, Fast Boiling, Auto Shut-Off, Soft Open Lid, 360° Swivel Base Countertop Kettle – Navy Blue
One of the home product options compared in this guide.
Check Price on AmazonKey specs
- Capacity: 1.7 L (7 cup)
- Soft-open lid, 360 degree swivel base
- Auto shut-off
- Retro 1950s style, several colours
Best for: kitchens where the kettle stays on show. Skip if: you need presets; none are listed.
The Smeg is the closest rival to the De’Longhi in spirit: a style-led kettle for people who treat appliances as part of the kitchen decor. The soft-opening lid is a nice touch for slow, quiet mornings, and the 1.7 L capacity is a clear advantage over the 1.0 L De’Longhi. The listing does not mention temperature selection, so it is a boil-and-go kettle rather than a tea tool.
Pros:
- Eye-catching design
- Soft-open lid
- 1.7 L capacity
Cons:
- Premium price for a basic function set
- No presets listed
6. KitchenAid KEK1222: Best for small kitchens

KitchenAid 1.25L Electric Kettle KEK1222, Pistachio | Removable Lid for Easy Filling, Stainless Steel Design, Convenient Pouring Spout, Compact Design
One of the home product options compared in this guide.
Check Price on AmazonKey specs
- Capacity: 1.25 L
- Stainless steel design with removable lid
- Convenient pouring spout, compact design
Best for: two-person homes and tight counters. Skip if: you need temperature control.
At 1.25 L, the KitchenAid is a step up from the De’Longhi in capacity while staying compact. The removable lid makes filling and cleaning easier than in kettles with a small opening, which matters in hard-water areas where you will be descaling regularly. It does not list presets, so treat it as a straightforward boiler in a nicer shell.
Pros:
- Removable lid for easy filling
- Compact footprint
- Stainless steel build
Cons:
- No presets listed
- Mid-range price for plain boiling
7. Cosori Stainless Steel Electric Kettle 1.7 L: Best budget

Cosori Stainless Steel Electric Kettle, No Plastic Contact with Water, 1.7L | Easy to Clean, Auto Shut-Off, Boil-Dry Protection, Tea Kettle, Hot Water Boiler, 1500W
One of the home product options compared in this guide.
Check Price on AmazonKey specs
- Capacity: 1.7 L
- Power: 1500 W
- Auto shut-off and boil-dry protection
- No plastic contact with water
Best for: anyone who just needs fast boiling. Skip if: you drink green or white tea regularly.
This is the floor of the guide: a no-frills 1.7 L stainless kettle with the safety features that matter (auto shut-off and boil-dry protection) and nothing else. It is the sensible choice for dorms, offices, rentals and kitchens where the kettle gets abused. If you later decide you want temperature control, the Cosori preset model above uses the same capacity and is a natural upgrade.
Pros:
- Lowest cost in this guide
- Large capacity
- Boil-dry protection
Cons:
- No temperature control
- Minimal styling
Also Consider
Cuisinart JK-17P1

Cuisinart Electric Kettle, Cordless, Fast Heat, 1500W, 1.7L, JK-17P1 | Everyday kettle with stay-cool nonslip handle, auto shutoff, removable filter, boils water quickly, 360° base
Chosen because it adds cooling or gel-infused layers.
Check Price on AmazonBest for everyday boiling with a trusted brand. It is 1.7 L and 1500 W with a stay-cool handle, removable filter, auto shut-off and a 360 degree base. Trade-off: no presets.
Hamilton Beach 1.7 L Electric Tea Kettle

Hamilton Beach 1.7 Liter Electric Tea Kettle, Water Boiler & Heater | Fast Boiling 1500 Watts | BPA Free | Cordless Serving | Auto-Shutoff & Boil-Dry Protection | Stainless Steel | 40880G
One of the home product options compared in this guide.
Check Price on AmazonBest for a low-cost, no-fuss kettle. It is rated 1500 W, cordless and BPA free according to the listing. Trade-off: basic feature set and no temperature selection.
Chefman Glass Kettle with Temperature Control

Chefman Electric Kettle with Temperature Control, 5 Presets LED Indicator Lights, Removable Tea Infuser, Glass Tea Kettle & Hot Water Boiler, 360° Swivel Base, BPA Free, Stainless Steel, 1.8 Liters
One of the home product options compared in this guide.
Check Price on AmazonBest for people who like watching the water boil. It has five presets, LED indicator lights and a removable tea infuser. Trade-off: glass bodies show scale quickly and need more frequent cleaning.
How We Chose
This guide is research-based. We did not use these kettles ourselves, and we do not claim lab measurements. We compared product listing specifications (capacity, wattage, presets, materials, safety features), manufacturer descriptions and published roundups that cover De’Longhi’s kettle range.
Our criteria were: capacity that fits a realistic household, a stated boil-dry and auto shut-off safety set, temperature control where the use case calls for it, ease of filling and cleaning, and a clear spec sheet. De’Longhi comes first because the keyword asks for it, but only one De’Longhi kettle was available through our product search, so we filled the rest of the list with well-known rival kettles that match common De’Longhi buyer needs. We left out anything with missing capacity or unclear voltage and avoided mixing in products that were not actually kettles.
What to Know About De’Longhi Kettles Before You Shop
De’Longhi is best known for espresso machines, and its kettle range is a side line built around design. Published roundups mention the Icona Vintage kettle (1.0 L, in colours such as beige, green and blue), the Distinta and Diadema lines in the UK and Australia, and the KBOE1230J-W Electric Cafe Kettle that is the subject of our first pick. The practical consequence for US shoppers is that stock is patchy: many De’Longhi kettles are regional imports, listings often omit wattage, and independent test results are scarce or locked behind subscription sites. Owner feedback on one Australian review site is mixed across the Ballerina, Diadema and Icona lines, so brand name alone is not a guarantee.
That is why this guide keeps the De’Longhi at the top but backs it with seven everyday alternatives. If you like the De’Longhi look but want a matching toaster or coffee maker, see our related guides to best rated toasters and the best drip coffee makers.
Buying Guide
Capacity: 1.0 L, 1.25 L or 1.7 L
One litre fills about four 8 oz mugs and suits one or two people. 1.7 L fills a standard French press plus a mug, suits a family, and is the most common size. A bigger kettle is not always better: boiling more water than you need wastes time and energy, and a 1.7 L model may be heavy to lift when full, since 1.7 L of water alone weighs about 1.7 kg.
Temperature control: when it is worth paying for
If you drink mostly black tea, instant coffee or oatmeal, you only need boiling. If you drink green, white or oolong tea, or make pour-over or French press coffee, look for at least four presets or a variable dial. As a rule of thumb, green and white teas are brewed well below boiling, around 70 to 80 degrees C, while black tea and herbal infusions use water near 95 to 100 degrees C. Pour-over coffee is usually brewed with water just under the boil.
Tea temperature cheat sheet
| Drink | Typical water temperature | Preset needed | Which picks cover it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green and white tea | About 70 to 80 degrees C (160 to 175 F) | Low presets | De’Longhi, Cuisinart CPK-17P1, Breville, Cosori preset model, Chefman |
| Oolong tea | About 85 to 95 degrees C (185 to 205 F) | Mid presets | Same as above |
| Black tea, herbal infusions | About 95 to 100 degrees C (205 to 212 F) | Boil | Every kettle in this guide |
| Pour-over coffee | Just below the boil | High preset or variable | Breville, Cuisinart CPK-17P1, Cosori preset model |
Materials: stainless steel, glass or plastic
Stainless steel interiors are durable and do not show scale as easily. Glass lets you see the water level but shows limescale. Prefer a kettle where water contacts only stainless steel or glass, and read the listing for whether the lid or spout has plastic parts.
Wattage and boil speed
In North America 1500 W is the norm for a countertop kettle. Lower-wattage models, including some imports, boil more slowly. If a listing does not state wattage, treat that as a flag and check before buying.
Voltage and regional models
Many De’Longhi kettles sold by importers carry regional model codes. A J at the end of the code marks the Japanese market, and roundups note these run at 100 V. Always confirm the listing states compatibility with your outlet, and check what warranty applies.
Safety and care
Look for auto shut-off and boil-dry protection. Descale every month or two in hard-water areas. Our guides on descaling an electric kettle with vinegar and glass versus stainless steel kettles cover the practical side, and what to look for when buying an electric kettle expands on the checklist above.
Variable Temperature or Standard Kettle?
A standard kettle costs less, boils faster to its single setting and has fewer parts that can fail. A variable-temperature kettle adds a control board, which raises the price but lets you match water to the drink. The right choice depends on what you drink. If more than a third of your hot drinks are green tea, white tea, pour-over coffee or baby formula prep, a temperature model pays for itself in better flavour. If you mostly boil water for pasta, instant noodles or black tea, skip the extra cost. See whether a variable temperature kettle is worth it for a longer breakdown.
Common Kettle Mistakes to Avoid
First, buying on capacity alone. A 1.7 L kettle is the default, but if you boil one mug at a time, a 1.0 L kettle heats a smaller volume and fits more cabinets. Second, ignoring the lid. A small opening makes scrubbing scale from the base a chore, and scale slows boiling over time. Third, filling above the max line, which can spit boiling water from the spout. Fourth, leaving water sitting for days; empty and refill so the next cup tastes fresh. Fifth, skipping voltage checks on imported models, which is the single most important step for the J-series De’Longhi. Finally, do not use a kettle that has lost its auto shut-off or has a damaged cord or base; replace it.
| Kettle | Cleaning effort | Best for hard water? | Care note |
|---|---|---|---|
| De’Longhi KBOE1230J-W | Small opening, check listing | Descale regularly | Follow the manual; confirm voltage first |
| Cuisinart CPK-17P1 | Moderate | Yes, with regular descaling | Removable filter should be rinsed |
| Cosori models | Easy, wide opening | Yes | Stainless interior hides scale |
| Smeg KLF03 | Moderate | Descale monthly | Wipe exterior with a soft cloth |
| KitchenAid KEK1222 | Easy, removable lid | Yes | Rinse spout area |
FAQ
Does De’Longhi make electric kettles?
Yes. De’Longhi sells kettles such as the Icona, Distinta and Diadema lines in various regions, but the range available in US stores is small. The KBOE1230J-W Electric Cafe Kettle is the model we found through our product search.
Are De’Longhi kettles worth it?
They are worth it if you value the design and want a compact, well-finished kettle, especially for tea. If you only care about capacity and price, a 1.7 L alternative from Cuisinart or Cosori gives you more for less.
What size electric kettle do I need?
One to two people are fine with 1.0 to 1.25 L. Families should choose 1.7 L. Read our guide to kettle capacity for tea lovers for more detail.
Can I use a Japanese-market kettle in the US?
Only if it is rated for your voltage. Roundups describing J-series De’Longhi kettles mention 100 V operation, so confirm the listed voltage, plug type and warranty before buying and do not rely on adapters unless the manufacturer says it is safe.
How often should I descale a kettle?
Every four to eight weeks in hard-water areas, and every few months in soft-water areas. Use a descaler or white vinegar solution, rinse well and boil clean water once or twice afterward.
What temperature should I use for green tea?
A common range is 70 to 80 degrees C (about 160 to 175 F). Follow the tea maker’s instructions, as some Japanese greens prefer even cooler water.
How much energy does a kettle use?
A 1500 W kettle draws 1.5 kilowatts while heating, so a three-minute boil uses roughly 0.075 kWh, which is a small amount of electricity. The bigger saving comes from boiling only what you need: a full 1.7 L kettle takes longer and uses more energy than a single mug’s worth. Keep-warm functions add a little more, so use them for a second cup, not for hours.
Can I boil milk or soup in an electric kettle?
No. Kettles are designed for water. Milk and soup scorch, foam over and are hard to clean, and the maker’s warranty may not cover damage. Use a saucepan or a milk frother instead.
Which Electric Kettle Should You Buy?
If you are still unsure, ask two questions. First, how many people use the kettle each day? One or two points to the 1.0 to 1.25 L group (De’Longhi, KitchenAid); three or more points to 1.7 L. Second, do you drink anything that needs water below the boil? If yes, pay for presets or a variable dial; if no, the budget Cosori does the job. Whatever you choose, read the listing for voltage, wattage and warranty, because those are the details that most often differ between regional models of the same kettle. A kettle is a simple appliance, and the best one is the one you will actually keep filled and descaled.
- Want the De’Longhi look in a compact size: De’Longhi KBOE1230J-W, after checking voltage and warranty.
- Want one kettle that does everything: Cuisinart CPK-17P1.
- Brew tea and coffee seriously: Breville BKE720BSS.
- Want presets on a tighter budget: Cosori with temperature control.
- Care most about style: Smeg KLF03.
- Short on counter space: KitchenAid KEK1222.
- Only need boiling: Cosori stainless steel 1.7 L.
Last updated: October 2026
Write Your Review
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!