Since almost the dawn of time itself, the simple process of brewing, drinking and sharing a cup of tea with a friend or family member has been something of a social ritual. Comforting and simple, there’s nothing quite like a hot cuppa paired with a good ol’ chinwag.
While there have been many, many methods of boiling water over the centuries, from using coals to heating a saucepan over the stove, the kettle has long cemented itself as a household staple in the modern context.
So, whether you’re starting the morning or winding down from the day with a cuppa joe in your hand (or you’re having a heartfelt conversation on the couch with a friend), we’ve rounded up some of the best variable temperature kettles, electric kettles and whistle kettles on the market – with affordability, functionality and design in mind…

The best kettles to shop in Australia
1. Kogan smart kettle and tea maker, $74.99, Kogan

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The Goldilocks of kettles, this affordable Kogan model has temperature control, meaning that you can have your tea lukewarm, molten hot, or just right. With a two hour keep warm function, stylish glass body and a removeable tea strainer for brewing tea, it’s no surprise this is Kogan’s Choice of kettle.
2. Smeg 50s style variable temperature kettle in pastel blue, $269, Myer

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Add a touch of 1950s décor to your kitchen counter with this vintage-inspired variable temperature kettle from Smeg. Featuring a limescale filter, seven different temperature settings, a keep warm function and swivel base (for all you lefties, out there), tea time is made easy breezy.
3. KitchenAid electric kettle in onyx black, $129.99, Matt Blatt

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Sleek and modern but with a retro twist, the KitchenAid kettle is available in onyx black, red and stainless steel to elevate any teatime. With a 1.25L jug capacity, a rapid boiling time and removeable limescale mesh filter for easy cleaning, this is a reliable buy.
4. Morphy Richards Evoke pyramid kettle in platinum, $97.99, eBay

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Awarded the 2020/2021 best-rated brand for kettles by Finder, the Morphy Richards Evoke is just as practical as it is a curved statement piece in the home. Making up to six cups of tea at once, this kettle boils quickly as well as featuring a safety locking lid, boil dry protection, and a removeable limescale filter and more.
5. Mr Coffee Carterton stainless steel whistling kettle, $27.63, Amazon

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If you’re really looking to up the ante at your next tea party, this old fashioned whistling kettle will do the trick. Heat it over the stove and it’ll whistle when your water is ready and boiling. ‘Polly put the kettle on’ in the modern context.
6. Delonghi Icona Capitals New York kettle in yellow, $139 (usually $169), Myer

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Why not add a pop of colour to your kitchen bench with one of these bright kettles from Delonghi that come in yellow, red, white, blue and orange? The timeless design of this kettle was inspired by the architecture and landscapes of iconic cities – featuring sweeping lines and curves, as well as an independent base and anti-scale filter.
7. Russell Hobbs Addison digital kettle, $81, Appliances Online

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Rated best in Canstar Blue’s Kettle reviews in 2019 and 2020, this digital kettle is a safe bet when it comes to a morning cuppa. Featuring LED illuminated buttons (including a keep warm function), a push button lid and a removeable anti-scale filter, teatime is always a treat.
8. Westinghouse kettle in stainless steel, $44, Catch.com.au

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This simple yet effective stainless steel kettle from Westinghouse is all about bang for buck. Featuring a sleek design, rotational base for added convenience, automatic switch-off, and an easy release lid, brewing a hot cuppa joe in the morning is made too easy.
9. Sunbeam Simply Shine black kettle, $79, The Good Guys

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With a mighty 1.7 capacity and 360° power base, this affordable kettle is perfect for popping on at the end of an intimate dinner party if you and your guests are in need of a little caffeine pick-me-up.
10. Alessi Plisse electric water kettle, $237.95 (usually $280), Kitchenware

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The Alessi Plisse kettle is designed by Michele De Lucchi and inspired by 1950s and 1960s fashion. Made from BPA-free thermoplastic resin, this kettle is as great for everyday use it is a statement piece in the kitchen.
Is it safe to use a kettle with limescale?
It is safe to use a kettle with limescale, as limescale is merely the hard, chalky build up deriving from calcium in our water supply. Although not dangerous to your health, a build up of limescale can affect the taste of your tea but there’s luckily a quick and natural way to remove it.
What is a variable temperature kettle?
A variable temperature kettle (or a smart kettle) is one that has the ability to heat water to different temperatures other than just boiling point. These are handy for drinks that don’t need boiling water, like coffee and some herbal teas.
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