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Evening Standard

Lifestyle

Peter Bevan

Does Swan’s Alexa Digital Smart Kettle live up to the hype? We put it to the test

ES SWAN Alexa (Organization) Amazon

Who knew it would one day be possible to switch your kettle on from wherever you are? Well, thanks to Swan and Amazon, every tea drinker’s dream has become a reality.

All you need is a smart phone and the Swan Alexa 1.5 Litre Smart Kettle and you’ll never have to spend time loitering in the kitchen waiting for the water to boil ever again. It is worth noting though that for full functionality, including voice commands, an Amazon Echo dot is required.

Obviously, we jumped at the chance to try the magical invention to see if it really is the kettle of the future.

Specifications

1.5 litre capacity - enough for 8 - 10 cups of tea or coffee
Touch screen - to set temperatures which range from 40 to 100 degrees
Connection to any Alexa device
1800W power output
Dry boil protection which activates if the kettle is boiled with no water
Insulated stainless steel inner for a cool touch body
Removable and washable scale filte
Auto two-hour keep warm function

Design

As kettles go, Swan’s is definitely easy on the eyes. Ultra-sleek, black and glossy, the monochrome silhouette will elevate the countertop of any modern or minimal kitchen. The angular handle and and V-shaped spout makes pouring the water a seamless process, and the push button lid rises smoothly and silently.

When it’s on standby, all that is visible is the two brand’s respective logos, a touch-screen ‘On’ button and, once it’s set up on your network, a Wi-Fi symbol. Once switched on, you’ll see the ‘Set’ button appear, which allows you to choose the target water temperature above.

On the inside, there’s a stainless steel interior which provides insulation to keep the external layer cool and the water warm. Even better, there’s no heating element to attract any unwanted limescale, either.

There’s some bad news, though, for those who live on their own and only boil enough for one cup at a time. The minimum capacity is 0.5 litres, which is around the volume ofr two large mugs, so there’s a chance it’s less economical in the long run. Luckily, the power output is 1800W, as opposed to the average of around 3000W, so it’s cheaper to run than most other kettles on the market.

Set-up

Whilst, in theory, setting up the smart device is a doddle, we found that connecting to the Wi-Fi required a couple of attempts.

After scanning the QR code that is displayed on a sticker affixed to the kettle, all you need to do is follow the instructions and connect to the network through the Alexa app - just hang in there if it doesn’t happen the first time.

If you accidentally removed the QR code label from the kettle, you can do this process manually on the app, instead.

Features

Now, on to the fun part.

Through simply asking Alexa, you can control the kettle from wherever you are. You can create voice commands, set up a schedule, or even have remote control through the app on any smartphone, tablet etc.

The voice commands are our favourite part. Whether you prefer ‘Alexa, spill the tea’ or ‘Alexa, you’re my bes-tea’, you can set whichever phrase suits you and your household best. Say it out loud, and your kettle will heat the water to whichever temperature you specify on the app.

If you schedule it to sync at the same time as your morning alarm clock, you can enjoy hot water from the moment you open your peepers in the morning - and it’ll be ready and waiting whenever you decide to swan upstairs... see what I did there?

There are a couple of downsides, though. For a flatshare or family household, the kettle can only be controlled via one person’s Alexa app - so not everyone can have access via their phone. Also, your filling the kettle etiquette needs to change - you can never leave it empty after you use it, or else risk having to fill it up and turn it on yourself - quelle horreur!

Verdict

If you’re a fan of smart devices, and have an Alexa controlled household, this should definitely be in your appliance arsenal.

Whilst it’s not a necessity per se, the Swan Alexa Digital Kettle should save you money, thanks to its energy efficient credentials and insulated design. There’s also the bonus of the timer, remote control access, and it delivers plenty of fun every time you ask Alexa to make you a brew - and it looks great, to boot.

Short of making the tea for you, what more could you ask for?