Putting the kettle on isn’t simply about boiling water — it’s the promise of a moment of respite at the end of a long day and an offer of comfort to a friend when words won’t do.
If you’re like us and more likely to view your kettle as an emotional support tool than an ordinary kitchen appliance, you will understand the importance of choosing the right one.
When buying an electric kettle, you can choose between glass, stainless steel or plastic versions. Glass kettles are either made from tempered or borosilicate glass, which are both heat-resistant materials ideal for making your favourite brew.
However, they also offer a number of other benefits.
Glass kettle versus stainless steel kettle
When it comes to choosing between a glass kettle and a stainless steel kettle, it really comes down to individual preference.
Some people simply prefer the look of a glass kettle and the more modern aesthetic it can bring to your kitchen, but there are a number of more practical features to consider.
This includes the fact that glass kettles make it much easier to check the water levels, which in turn prevents overfilling and saves energy.
Glass kettles also tend to be easier to clean than stainless steel versions, with no limescale build-up and rusting. For this reason, its also unlikely that glass kettles will add any unwanted flavours into the water.
However, it doesn’t mean that glass kettles are automatically the right choice for you. Being glass, these kettles tend to be heavier than stainless steel, which may not be suitable for everyone.
They also tend to be more expensive than stainless steel and plastic versions, too, which makes them more of an investment.
2024’s top glass kettles
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Breville the Smart Crystal Luxe
temperature control glass kettle, $338, Breville - Russell Hobbs Brooklyn kettle, $87.20 (usually $109), Myer
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Breville the Compact Kettle Clear, $109, Breville
The best glass kettles to buy in 2024
Breville the Smart Crystal Luxe temperature control glass kettle
from $349, Breville
Best for: smart technology
With five specific temperature settings for different types of teas and coffees, this isn’t any ordinary kettle. The durable borosilicate thermal shock-resistant glass and stylish modern design also means that this Breville kettle will last for years.
Sizes: 215 mm x 260 mm x 236 mm
Colours: Silver
Materials: Glass and brushed stainless steel
Key features:
- Seven-cup capacity
- Five settings
- Thermal shock-resistant glass
Russell Hobbs Brooklyn kettle
from $87.20 (usually $109), Myer
Best for: affordability, aesthetic
With stylish copper accents, a glass middle and an affordable price point, there’s a good reason that the Russell Hobbs Brooklyn kettle remains one of the most popular electric kettles on the market.
Sizes: 24cm x 21.5cm x 15cm
Colours: Copper
Materials: Glass
Key features:
- 1.7 litre capacity
- Blue illumination while boiling
- Removable filter
Available at:
Breville the Compant Kettle Clear
from $109, Breville
Best for: small spaces, cordless
Whether for a studio apartment, caravan or guest suite, this petite glass kettle combines elegance and practicality with a small size and cordless convenience.
If you’re living alone, a smaller kettle is also going to help you save energy by preventing you from overfilling.
Sizes: 22.9cm x 14.3cm x 19.3cm
Colours: Silver, Black
Materials: German Glass and stainless steel
Key features:
- 1 litre/four cup capacity
- Cordless jug
- Ergonomic handle
Available at:
- $129 from Appliances Online
Sunbeam Maestro glass kettle
from $109, The Good Guys
Best for: all-rounder
With its sleek glass design, easy-fill push button lid and dual shield technology preventing the handle from getting hot, Sunbeam’s Maestro kettle is the perfect everyday kettle.
Sizes: 140cm x 260cm x 230cm
Colours: Silver and Black
Materials: Stainless steel
Key features:
- 1.7 litre capacity
- Dual shield technology
- Cool blue base illumination
Digital glass kettle with electric tea pot and infuser
$84.95, Myer
Best for: tea drinkers
Ideal for tea drinkers, this clever little digital kettle comes with its own tea infuser. And with a keep-warm mode of 15 minutes up to 12 hours, you can come back to your brew when it suits you.
Sizes: 20.5cm x 19cm x 20.5cm
Colours: Silver and clear
Materials: Borosilicate glass-body
Key features:
- 1.2 litre capacity
- Cordless
- 360-degree base
Sunbeam glass kettle dark canyon black
$95, The Good Guys
Best for: unique design
The matte black design of this glass kettle makes it a stylish and unique addition to modern kitchens. With a push-button lid, 360-degree power base and an auto shut-off to prevent overheating, it’s also an extra-safe option.
Sizes: 207cm x 292cm x 207cm
Colours: Matte Black
Materials: DURAN® glass
Key features:
- 1.7 litres/ seven cup capacity
- Push-button lid
- 360-degree power base
How to clean a glass kettle
With there less likely to be a build-up of limescale, cleaning a glass kettle is usually an easier process than cleaning a stainless steel or plastic one.
When cleaning a kettle, it’s healthier to use a natural cleaning solution such as lemon juice.
Simply squeeze a lemon into a kettle that’s half filled with water and let it boil. Keep the mixture in the kettle until it has cooled down and then use a bottle brush or sponge to scrub the inside of the kettle out.
You can also opt to add some bicarb soda onto a cut half of a lemon and use this to scrub the inside of the kettle.
Remember to boil the kettle with fresh water a few more times before using it to make your next brew.
This article originally appeared on Home Beautiful and is republished here with permission.
