Best energy efficient kettles for 2024

Kettles all use a similar amount of energy to boil a litre of water, but that doesn’t mean they’re all equally efficient.  

To be energy efficient, a kettle should have a low minimum fill, ideally 300ml or less, so you only boil the water you actually need for a single cup.

It should also switch off immediately after boiling. Our tests reveal that some kettles overboil terribly, continuing for up to 30 seconds more than they need to - a waste of energy.

Our guide to the best energy efficient kettles will help you to avoid a wasteful boiler.

To see all the kettles we recommend, see our pick of the best kettles

Best energy efficient kettles

Which? members can log in to see our pick of the best energy efficient kettles. If you're not a member, join Which? to unlock the results.

To see more Which? recommended kettles, go to our best variable temperature kettles and best kettle and toaster sets.

Can you buy an eco-friendly kettle?

Unlike some larger appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines, only a small portion of a kettle's environmental impact will come from day-to-day use. You can make a big difference by opting for a kettle that will last you a long time before it needs to be replaced.

If you want to make more sustainable choices, you also need to buy a kettle that boils quickly and has a low minimum fill. This means you don't need to waste energy boiling water you may not end up using, which is better for the planet and your pocket. 

Sadly, just because a kettle is 'sustainable' that doesn't necessarily mean it's a good all-around model - that's where our Eco Buy kettles come in. 

To become an Eco Buy, a kettle must have:

• A total test score of at least 65%
• Five stars for speed of boiling
• A minimum fill of 275ml or less
• An overboil time of less than five seconds
• The brand must have a good longevity rating in our annual consumer surveys.

Fewer than 10% of the kettles we test are sustainable enough to be Eco Buys.

To find the most sustainable models, head to our kettle reviews and use the Eco Buy filter. 

Do fast kettles use more energy?

It's a common misconception that if a kettle boils faster, it must use more energy. However, we've found that isn't the case. 

In fact, most of our Eco Buys have been awarded that title because of their speedy boiling. If a kettle is able to reach a boil in around three minutes, it will use far less energy than one that takes four or five minutes.

If you're looking to cut down your energy bills you're better off choosing a fast kettle as it'll likely save you money in the long run. 

Find out more about how much your appliances cost to run.

Which kettles boil the fastest?

While we have tested kettles that can boil a litre of water in less than two-and-a-half minutes, we've also come across models that take almost four minutes, so there could be a big difference between two products sitting next to each other on a shelf.

Do note that just because a kettle scored well in the speed element of our tests, doesn't necessarily mean it's a good all-round model. Some of the kettles we've reviewed and rated are nearly Don't Buys, as they scored poorly on our tests, so be sure to read our full reviews before making your final decision.

To find a super-fast boiler, use the 'Speed' filter on our kettle reviews.

What temperature does water boil at?

We were all taught in school that water boils at 100 degrees Celsius, and while this is true for the most part, it can actually depend on where you are in the country.

For example, if you live at sea level (or very close to it) your kettle will boil at almost exactly 100°C. If you were to relocate to somewhere like La Paz in Bolivia, for example, it would boil at less than 90°C.

This is less to do with elevation and more to do with atmospheric pressure. At over 3,500m above sea level, La Paz is the world's highest administrative capital. When you're at an altitude, the atmospheric pressure is lower, which means that water doesn't have to reach such a high temperature in order to boil.

So if you were ever to pop a thermometer in your kettle and find that it doesn't quite reach 100°C before switching off, not to worry - it's likely just related to where you live.

If you like the idea of boiling hot water at the touch of a button, see our guide to the best boiling water taps.

How to save money when using your kettle

To avoid wasting energy when using your kettle, follow these quick tips.

• Boil only the amount of water you need - boiling a litre of water often uses more than twice the energy it takes to boil the minimum amount.
• Descale your kettle regularly - if it’s full of limescale, it uses more energy to boil the same amount of water.
• Choose a kettle with a low minimum fill - this means you won’t waste energy by boiling more water than you need.

Our guide 10 ways to save on energy bills will help you make the most of your money.