In the age of smart appliances, filling up a kettle and pressing down the boil lever is no longer enough. These days, the best kettles – and let’s face it, kitchen appliances in general – have been injected with high-tech features such as internet connectivity, companion apps, digital temperature control and futuristic pouring mechanisms. It’s safe to say that smart kettles are taking over the kitchen. But do they actually improve your tea-making experience?
Well, this is exactly what the Haier I-Master Series 7 Wi-Fi Kettle sets out to prove. With promises of precise temperature control via a dial with an LCD display, a keep-warm function that lasts up to 12 hours, and even Wi-Fi connectivity for remote operation, this souped up kitchen gadget is designed to make boiling water smarter, not just hotter. But does all this added tech genuinely make life easier, or is it just a flashy solution to a problem that never existed?
I’ve been using it for the past few weeks, testing everything from its speed to its pouring performance, to find out if this kettle’s smarts are what they’re cracked up to be, and – more importantly – if it’s worth the investment.
Haier I-Master Series 7 Kettle review: price and availability
The Haier I-Master Series 7 Wi-Fi Kettle is available to buy now with an RRP of £159/$202/AU$324. However, at the time of writing, it could be found on sale on the official Haier webstore for £129/$164/AU$262. Whether this is a special launch price since the appliance is brand new – or it was always meant to cost this much – isn’t clear.
Regardless, it’s still a pretty steep asking price for a kettle. Especially since standard kettles typically cost between £30-£60. However, as far as smart kettles go, it sits in a similar price bracket. Take the Sage Smart Kettle (£99.95) or the Swan Alexa Kettle (£80), for example. Plus, Haier has made a point of ensuring this kettle isn’t just connected. It’s made from premium, high-end materials that look and feel expensive, too.
Haier I-Master Series 7 Kettle review: design and build
Haier’s I-Master Series 7 Wi-Fi Kettle is undeniably sleek. With a smooth anthracite grey stainless steel body, glossy black accents, and a digital temperature display that somehow looks sexy (never thought I’d say that about a kettle but here I am), this device looks every bit the high-end appliance. Its minimal aesthetic looks premium and will, without doubt, complement any modern kitchen, particularly if you’re a fan of streamlined design. And since its shape is still reminiscent of a traditional kettle, I can’t imagine it would look out of place in a more traditional kitchen setup, either.
While it looks great, using it isn’t always the most seamless experience. The biggest issue? The pouring mechanism. Instead of a standard free-flow spout, you have to press a button to release the water. While this is a safety feature designed to prevent spills and burns, it also makes pouring painfully slow. Water trickles out at a frustratingly leisurely pace, and you have to tilt the kettle almost completely upside down to get a full flow. If you’re in a rush to make a cuppa, this can be irritating. Or perhaps I’m just impatient? Still, I can’t imagine I’ll be the only one feeling this way.
Another minor frustration is the glossy base and digital dial, which – while stylish looking – quickly attracts fingerprints, dust and food crumbs. If you tend to cook or bake near your kettle, you may find yourself constantly wiping it down to keep it looking pristine. I found flour from some bread rolls got under the dial and it took quite a while to get it out. While this isn’t really a design flaw, it’s just something to keep note of.
One of the standout design elements is the kettle’s double-wall vacuum insulation, which serves two purposes: keeping the exterior cool to the touch while helping retain heat inside. This means your water stays warmer for longer, and the outside of the kettle never gets too hot, which is great for safety, especially in homes with kids.
The removable lid is another nice touch as this makes it much easier to fill than some kettles with awkward flip-top mechanisms. Here is also where you’ll find the filter, which covers the entirety of the lid - unlike most kettles which just have a small filter covering the spout. However, the downside here is that, when removing the lid after boiling, water droplets tend to spill, making refilling a bit messier than it should be.
Capacity-wise, the 1.3L limit is decent but not the most generous. It’s enough for around five cups, which is fine for everyday use, but if you regularly make tea or coffee for a group, you might find yourself refilling it more often than you’d like.
Still, there’s no denying that the I-Master Series 7 Wi-Fi Kettle is a beautifully designed appliance with some well-thought-out features. If you value style over speed, it’s up there. But if you want a kettle that pours quickly and effortlessly, you might find it a little frustrating.
Haier I-Master Series 7 Kettle review: performance
While the I-Master Series 7’s pouring is annoyingly slow, boiling speed is another matter entirely. The kettle’s 3000W heating element brings a full 1.3L of water to a rolling boil in under three minutes, making it one of the fastest kettles I’ve used. If you’re only boiling a small amount – say, 250ml for a single cup – it’s even quicker.
The precise temperature control is a big plus, too, allowing you to set the heat in 1° increments from 37°C to 100°C. This is ideal for those who drink different types of tea or coffee, as it prevents overheating delicate brews like green tea. Once the water reaches the desired temperature, the Keep Warm function can maintain it for up to 12 hours, though it gradually loses heat over time and your electric bill won’t love it, that’s for sure. Saying that, the insulation also does a decent job of keeping the water warm, but it’s not as effective as a dedicated thermos. If you leave it for a few hours, expect to need a quick reheat before use.
And last but certainly not least, let’s talk about the Wi-Fi connectivity. Unfortunately, this is where the kettle stumbles. While it sounds great in theory – letting you control the temperature remotely via the hOn app – the reality is far less convenient. If the kettle has been idle for a while, you still need to manually press a button on the base to wake it up before the app can do anything. This pretty much defeats the purpose of remote control.
Sure, the Haier I-Master Series 7 offers brilliant boiling speeds and precise temperature control, but the added smart features feel more like a gimmick than a game-changer.
Haier I-Master Series 7 Kettle review: verdict
The Haier I-Master Series 7 Wi-Fi Kettle is a super stylish and well-built appliance that has to be the most handsome kettle I’ve ever used. On top of that, it boasts some genuinely useful features, such as the precise temperature control, fast boiling and Keep Warm functions, all of which make it a great choice for tea and coffee lovers.
However, its slow pouring mechanism, underwhelming Wi-Fi functionality, and relatively small capacity hold it back from being truly excellent, in my opinion. At £129, it’s also on the expensive side, and while it does offer more than a standard kettle, some of its high-tech features feel more like a novelty than a necessity.
Still, if you love the idea of precise temperature control and don’t mind a slow pour, it’s a solid choice. But if you’re hoping for a truly smart kettle that makes your mornings easier, you might find yourself somewhat underwhelmed.
