The 3 Best Glass Kettles You Can Buy

Glass kettles have become a popular choice for many homeowners due to their sleek design, safety features, and ability to provide a pure boiling experience. Unlike their plastic or metal counterparts, glass kettles offer a clear view of the boiling process, allowing you to monitor the water level easily. Additionally, they are often made from durable, tempered glass, ensuring that they can withstand high temperatures without the risk of breaking. In this article, we will review three of the best glass kettles on the market, highlighting their features, pros, and cons to help you make an informed decision.

1. Breville BKE820XL Variable-Temperature Kettle

Breville is a well-known brand in the kitchen appliance industry, and their BKE820XL Variable-Temperature Kettle is one of the top contenders when it comes to glass kettles. Known for its reliability and high-quality features, this kettle is perfect for those who want precise control over their boiling temperature and appreciate a stylish, modern design.

Features:

Variable Temperature Settings: One of the standout features of the Breville BKE820XL is its variable temperature control. It allows you to choose from five preset temperature settings, ranging from 170°F (for delicate teas like green tea) to 212°F (for boiling water). This ensures that you can brew your tea or coffee at the ideal temperature, improving the taste and preserving the quality of your beverages.
Glass and Stainless Steel Design: The kettle features a sleek combination of glass and stainless steel, providing both durability and a modern look. The glass body allows you to watch the water as it boils, while the stainless steel accents offer extra protection and heat retention.
Fast Boil: The 1500-watt heating element ensures that the water boils quickly, saving you time in the kitchen.
Automatic Shutoff: As a safety feature, the Breville BKE820XL comes with an automatic shutoff function, ensuring that the kettle turns off as soon as the water reaches the desired temperature or when there is no water in the kettle.
360-Degree Base: The kettle features a 360-degree swivel base, making it easy to lift and pour from any angle, making it user-friendly.

Pros:

Precise temperature control for different types of tea and coffee.
Stylish design with a glass body for easy visibility.
Fast boiling time.
Safety features like automatic shutoff and boil-dry protection.

Cons:

Relatively high price point compared to other glass kettles.
Some users may find the lid a bit tricky to open fully.

Best For: Tea and coffee enthusiasts who want precision when boiling water and a kettle that combines functionality with aesthetic appeal.

2. Hamilton Beach 40880 Glass Electric Kettle

The Hamilton Beach 40880 Glass Electric Kettle is a more budget-friendly option that still offers great performance and a sleek design. With its simple features and user-friendly design, it’s a great choice for those who don’t need advanced temperature controls but still want a reliable and efficient kettle.

Features:

1.7-Liter Capacity: This kettle has a large capacity of 1.7 liters, making it ideal for families or people who entertain guests often. It can boil enough water for multiple cups of tea or coffee in one go.
Borosilicate Glass Construction: The Hamilton Beach 40880 is made with durable borosilicate glass, which is designed to handle high temperatures without cracking or breaking. The glass is also resistant to scratching and staining, making it easy to clean and maintain.
Fast Boil: With a 1500-watt heating element, this kettle boils water quickly, making it perfect for people who are always on the go and need their water boiled fast.
Automatic Shutoff: The kettle features an automatic shutoff function when the water reaches a boil, preventing overheating and ensuring safety during use.
Blue LED Light: One of the most visually appealing features of this kettle is the blue LED light that illuminates the glass when the water is boiling. It’s a subtle touch that adds a bit of flair to the boiling process.

Pros:

Affordable price point.
Large 1.7-liter capacity.
Easy-to-use automatic shutoff feature.
LED light adds visual appeal during boiling.
Made of durable, heat-resistant borosilicate glass.

Cons:

Lacks variable temperature settings.
The plastic base may not be as aesthetically pleasing as fully glass or stainless steel models.

Best For: Budget-conscious buyers looking for a reliable, simple-to-use glass kettle with basic features like fast boiling and automatic shutoff.

3. Capresso 259.04 Electric Water Kettle

The Capresso 259.04 Electric Water Kettle is another great option for those who want a high-quality, durable glass kettle with a bit more sophistication. With a premium design and a set of useful features, this kettle stands out for those who appreciate both aesthetics and performance.

Features:

One-Touch Button Operation: This kettle features a one-touch button for easy operation, allowing you to quickly start boiling water without any hassle. It’s perfect for users who want a quick, convenient boiling experience.
Borosilicate Glass Body with Stainless Steel Accents: The Capresso kettle is made with high-quality borosilicate glass, which is both durable and resistant to thermal shock. The stainless steel base adds a touch of elegance and ensures that the kettle is sturdy and long-lasting.
Fast Heating Element: With a 1500-watt heating element, the Capresso kettle brings water to a boil quickly, making it efficient for busy mornings or when you’re in a rush.
Large 1.5-Liter Capacity: The kettle has a 1.5-liter capacity, which is great for boiling enough water for several cups of tea or coffee.
Automatic Shutoff and Boil-Dry Protection: Like the other kettles on this list, the Capresso kettle also features automatic shutoff and boil-dry protection, ensuring safety during use.
Ergonomic Handle: The kettle’s handle is designed to be comfortable and easy to grip, even when the kettle is full of boiling water.

Pros:

One-touch button for easy operation.
Elegant design with a glass body and stainless steel accents.
Large capacity and fast boiling time.
Safety features like automatic shutoff and boil-dry protection.
Ergonomic handle for ease of use.

Cons:

Higher price compared to basic glass kettles.
Some users report that the plastic lid feels a bit flimsy.

Best For: Users who want a stylish and functional kettle with a modern design and convenient features like one-touch operation and a large capacity.

Conclusion

When it comes to purchasing a glass kettle, the three models we’ve reviewed—Breville BKE820XL, Hamilton Beach 40880, and Capresso 259.04—offer a wide range of features that cater to different needs and preferences.

If you’re a tea or coffee lover who values precision and style, the Breville BKE820XL is a great choice with its variable temperature settings and sleek design.
For those on a budget who still want a reliable and attractive glass kettle, the Hamilton Beach 40880 provides great value with its simple features and fast boiling time.
If you’re looking for a more sophisticated kettle with an easy-to-use one-touch operation, the Capresso 259.04 offers both elegance and functionality.

Ultimately, the best glass kettle for you will depend on your specific needs, whether it’s precise temperature control, fast boiling, or an elegant design. Each of these models provides a high-quality experience and will certainly enhance your kitchen routine with its practical and stylish features.