Are you hunting for an energy-efficient kettle that will help limit your energy bill and help you save money?

The kitchen kettle ranks among the most frequently used appliances in UK households. Estimates show that over 90% of people in the UK use the kettle daily, with 40% doing this five times a day or more. A good kettle is a real workhorse in busy kitchens, with millions using it to brew tea and coffee or jump-start a pasta boil and other meals.

Studies show that kettles are increasing the electricity demand and will account for 40% of the electricity demand for cooking by 2030. With energy prices still well above pre-energy crisis levels and little prospect of significant cuts to bills in the near future, efficiency is a key consideration when shopping for an appliance.

Given its regular use, selecting an energy-efficient kettle can help lower your electricity bills and reduce your carbon footprint. So, which kettles are the best in terms of energy-saving ability?

Energy-Efficient Kettles at a Glance:

1. Russell Hobbs 24360 – Best for 1-Cup Boils
2. Breville HotCup VKT124 – Best for Multiple Single Serves
3. Bosch Styline TWK8633GB – Best for Specialty Drink Lovers
4. Dualit Classic – Best for Heavy-Use Households
5. Swan Nordic Kettle – Best for Style Conscious Homes
6. Morphy Richards Evoke – Best for Longevity and Affordability

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1. Russell Hobbs 24360

Our top pick: most energy-efficient kettle (if using one cup method*)

Pros:

• Energy-efficient when boiling small amounts
• Fast 1-cup boil (around 45 seconds)
• Low-cost and widely available
• Simple, durable design
• Easy-to-read water window

Cons:

• No variable temperature settings
• Plastic build may not appeal to everyone

The Russell Hobbs 24360 is a no-nonsense, energy-efficient kettle built for everyday UK households. It offers a clear, practical benefit for anyone who typically boils one or two cups of water at a time. Its 1-cup rapid boil zone heats water in around 45 seconds, saving time and power.

It features an auto shut-off, a removable, washable filter, and a water-level indicator. The kettle’s design is functional rather than flashy, with a standard black or stainless-steel look. Energy efficiency comes from its ability to avoid boiling excess water. It doesn’t have variable temperature controls, but it’s more than adequate for standard tea, coffee, or instant food use.

The 24360 is a strong choice for budget-conscious individuals or households looking to trim energy use with a dependable appliance. It’s particularly well-suited to solo users, students, or smaller families. At under £35, it’s accessible and regularly appears in retailer bestseller lists. If you want a quick, affordable, energy-conscious kettle with proven UK popularity, the 24360 delivers.

2. Breville HotCup VKT124

Pros:

• It prevents energy waste and overfilling
• Very fast heat-up (under 60 seconds)
• Minimal lifting required—great for accessibility
• Easy to clean with a removable drip tray
• Compact footprint

Cons:

• Fixed volume per cup — not adjustable
• Less suitable for large households

The Breville HotCup VKT124 is purpose-built for efficiency and speed. Unlike traditional kettles, it dispenses hot water one cup at a time directly into your mug. This eliminates the guesswork around measuring and prevents the waste that comes from overfilling. You have hot water in less than a minute without spilling or lifting the kettle.

Its modern design includes a 1.5-litre tank that holds enough water for up to five to seven cups before needing a refill. While the water volume per cup is fixed, most users find it ideal for tea, instant coffee, or cup noodles. The removable drip tray is a thoughtful touch, keeping countertops tidy. You also get built-in safety features like boil-dry protection and auto shut-off.

This model excels at convenience. Its no-lift design benefits elderly users or those with limited grip strength. It’s also an energy-efficient kettle that only heats what you use, avoiding wasted energy.

3. Bosch Styline TWK8633GB

Pros:

• Save energy on repeat boils with the keep-warm function
• Four temperature settings for tea, coffee, and baby formula
• Stylish and durable design
• Quiet operation

Cons:

• Pricier than average models
• Slightly slower boil than others

The Bosch Styline TWK8633GB is a standout among energy-efficient kettles, especially for those who value control and consistency. With four temperature presets (70°C, 80°C, 90°C, and 100°C), it’s ideal for brewing green tea, coffee, or herbal infusions at their optimal temperatures. You can heat only what’s needed, reducing energy use over time.

Its contemporary design features stainless steel accents and a soft-touch handle, delivering style and function. The keep-warm feature maintains your chosen temperature for up to 30 minutes, reducing the urge to reboil and further conserving power. Boil-dry protection and an auto shut-off add reassurance.

The kettle is quick to boil, though not the fastest in its class. It makes up for that with thoughtful extras, like the easy-open lid and a limescale filter. The 1.5-litre capacity suits both solo users and small families.

4. Dualit Classic

Pros:

• Fast, quiet boil without energy waste
• Built to last — replaceable parts
• Excellent build quality
• Dual water windows with cup indicators
• Timeless design

Cons:

• High price point
• No temperature presets

The Dualit Classic kettle blends old-school craftsmanship with smart energy use. Known for its stainless-steel body and solid build, this model is made in the UK and features replaceable parts, rare in today’s throwaway appliance culture. It heats quickly using a powerful 3kW element but does so efficiently, thanks to its fast boil design.

The wide spout makes pouring precise and drip-free, while the ergonomic handle balances the unit well, even when full. Dual windows with cup indicators allow for more accurate filling. Though it lacks temperature presets, it focuses on doing one thing well: boiling water fast without waste.

It’s one of the quieter kettles available, with a gentle “whisper boil” that suits open-plan kitchens or early morning use. The 1.7-litre capacity handles group brewing easily, and its classic look makes it a countertop feature rather than something to hide away.

5. Swan Nordic Kettle

Pros:

• Insulation keeps heat in longer to save energy
• Quiet boiling
• Good heat retention
• Lightweight and easy to handle
• Available in multiple colours

Cons:

• Lacks temperature controls
• No cup indicators

The Swan Nordic kettle combines modern style with dependable energy-saving features. Its minimalist design, rubberised matte finish, and wood-effect accents suit any home where looks and performance matter equally. But this kettle isn’t just about appearances — its functionality also holds up.

It features a 1.7-litre capacity and a 3kW heating element for quick boils. A key energy-saving detail is the insulated body, which keeps heat longer than standard designs. That means less need to reboil if you step away for a few minutes. Other practical elements include boil-dry protection and auto shut-off.

While it doesn’t have advanced features like temperature settings or cup indicators, its ease of use and visual appeal make it popular. It boils quietly and quickly, and the wide lid makes filling and cleaning hassle-free. Though not the most feature-rich, it consistently performs well for everyday needs.

6. Morphy Richards Evoke

Pros:

• Fast boil time to save energy
• Reasonably quiet
• Sturdy stainless steel build
• Reliable everyday performance
• Affordable price

Cons:

• No advanced features (e.g., temperature presets)
• Lacks insulation

The Morphy Richards Evoke is a practical, no-nonsense, energy-efficient kettle built for daily use. It offers a classic kettle experience with added convenience through features like a rapid boil, a 1.5-litre capacity, and auto shut-off. Its stainless steel body looks polished, while the water window and 360-degree base keep usability front and centre.

This model shines in reliability. The boil time is competitive — about one minute for a cup — and it’s quieter than many kettles in its price range. It’s suitable for mid-sized households and ideal if you often brew several cups in one go. The removable limescale filter ensures longer-term performance and easier cleaning.

It doesn’t include fancy extras like temp presets or insulation, making it straightforward and affordable. Energy-wise, it’s most efficient when used correctly: don’t overfill, descale monthly, and stick to single-cup boils when possible.

Factors to Consider When Choosing An Energy-Efficient Kettle

Minimum Fill Capacity

One of the simplest ways to save energy is to boil only what you need. Many standard kettles have a minimum fill requirement of 500ml or more, which wastes electricity if you only want a single cup.

Energy-efficient models often allow boiling as little as 250ml. This is especially helpful for solo users or people who make multiple cups daily.

Boiling Speed

Boiling speed matters when it comes to saving both energy and time. A fast-boil kettle can heat water for one cup in 45–60 seconds, using less electricity overall and saving you money on your bill.

A high-powered kettle used for single-cup boils will consume less energy per use than a slower kettle used inefficiently. Faster boiling not only lowers bills but adds convenience to busy routines.

Temperature Control

Kettles with variable temperature control allow you to set precise temperatures instead of always boiling to 100°C. This feature is perfect for tea lovers, coffee drinkers, and anyone preparing formula or delicate drinks.

Heating water only to 70°C or 90°C, rather than boiling unnecessarily, can result in meaningful energy savings over time. Models with digital displays or preset buttons (e.g., 70°C, 80°C, 90°C, and 100°C) offer both accuracy and ease.

Keep-Warm Function

A keep-warm function maintains your selected temperature for up to 30 minutes without reboiling. While it does use electricity, it’s more efficient than reheating cold water multiple times a day. This feature suits those who make back-to-back drinks or work from home and want hot water ready without waiting.

Look for models with insulated bodies, as they complement this function by reducing heat loss. Some advanced kettles only activate keep-warm when necessary, further improving energy use.

Insulation / Double Wall Design

Insulated kettles retain heat better than traditional single-walled models. The double-wall construction helps keep the water hot longer, preventing repeat boiling and improving safety since the outside remains cool. This feature is excellent for families or shared households where people boil water at staggered times.

It also enhances efficiency in kettles with keep-warm functions. Over time, insulation can lead to noticeable savings on energy bills, especially in homes where the kettle is used heavily throughout the day.

Auto Shut-Off and Boil-Dry Protection

These built-in safety features double as energy-saving tools. Auto shut-off turns the kettle off immediately after the water reaches a boil, preventing overheating and wasted electricity. Boil-dry protection stops the kettle from operating when empty, which can cause damage and unnecessary energy use.

Both functions are standard in most modern kettles, but worth checking for in budget models. They protect the kettle, improve its longevity, and help prevent forgetting to turn it on. An energy-efficient kettle should always have both.

Material and Build Quality

Stainless steel kettles often outperform plastic or glass models regarding heat retention and durability. A better build quality retains heat longer, reducing repeat boils, and ensures the appliance lasts for years, reducing your long-term environmental impact.

Thicker walls and well-fitted lids also help prevent heat from escaping. Cheaper kettles may warp, leak, or fail quickly, leading to replacement and added cost. A sturdy build supports energy efficiency in daily use and across the kettle’s lifespan.

Ease of Measuring Water

Overfilling is one of the most common causes of wasted kettle energy. Choosing a model with a clear water-level window and precise cup indicators helps solve that. Some models even mark specific cup levels like “1”, “2”, or “3” to simplify daily use.

Digital kettles might display the exact volume remaining or let you set a precise amount to boil. Measuring accurately keeps electricity use in check and speeds up boil times. A kettle that’s easy to read is more likely to be used efficiently.

Size and Capacity

The right kettle size depends on your household needs. A 1.0 to 1.5-litre model is typically more efficient for one or two people. Larger families or offices may benefit from a 1.7-litre kettle, provided you use it correctly. Overfilling “just in case” wastes energy.

One-cup dispensers are great for individuals making drinks throughout the day. Consider whether your usage pattern suits a high-capacity model or something compact. Bigger isn’t always better regarding energy savings, especially if you’re only boiling for one.

User Reviews and Testing

User reviews and independent testing give valuable insight into how energy-efficient a kettle is in daily use. Look for mentions of boil time, minimum fill accuracy, noise levels, and build durability.

Reviews help separate marketing from reality. A kettle with impressive specs may fall short in real-world use. Issues like frequent reboiling, faulty sensors, or slow heating times can cancel any claimed efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions on Energy-Efficient Kettles

How much energy do kettles use?

Various factors will determine the amount of energy your kettle uses, including the model’s energy efficiency rating and the number of litres of water it can hold. According to Heatable, heating 1 litre of water costs 0.11 kWh x 22.36p/kWh = 2.46p, rounded to about 2.5p per litre.

Most kitchen kettles are around 3,000 watts and use around 0.11kWh to heat 1 litre of water, equal to 26p for 4 cups, assuming a cup is a quarter litre – Heatable.

Data on appliances using the most power shows that kettles can be surprisingly energy-hungry. Boiling a kettle can cost around £0.05 per use. It may not sound like much, but based on typical usage, this can add up to £71.76 over a year. The kettle can quickly become one of the more expensive small appliances to run if you frequently boil more water than needed.

And the environmental cost? Every boil is comparable to a 0.20-mile petrol car drive, translating to around 296 miles annually, just from making hot drinks.

Why do kettles use so much energy?

Electric kettles account for a large proportion of energy use in the average UK home, mainly because of how people use them.

Many people overfill their kettles and boil much more water than they require. In 2022, the UKTIA quizzed 1,000 UK tea drinkers and found that eight in 10 Brits waste energy by overfilling the kettle when making a cup.

A survey by the Energy Savings Trust of 86,000 households in the UK found that three out of four respondents boil more water in the kettle than they need, which costs an estimated £68 million on energy bills a year.

The trick is only to boil the volume of water you need, so how do you ensure you do this?

Thankfully, there are kettles designed to help you easily boil the water volume you need at any time.

Which is the best energy-saving kettle in the UK?

Some of the best energy saving kettles in the UK are eco kettles like the Russell Hobbs, Breville HotCup, Bosch Styline, Dualit Classic, and Swan Nordic kettles.

Research shows that, on average, eco kettles or energy-efficient kettles can save 30% of energy compared to regular kettles and habits if you follow the instructions for the kettle.

You can also double-check and ensure that your kettle includes the following features:

• A low minimum fill level
• A kettle that switches off immediately after boiling

These two features mean that the kettle will not end up boiling more water than you need.

For illustration, avoiding overfilling could save you as much as £13 a year on your electricity bill and a whopping 8kg in CO2e every year.

How do Energy-Efficient Kettle Ratings Work?

The energy label rating system was launched in the UK over 20 years ago.

The system helps to indicate how much energy appliances like kettles use during operation.

The rating system has a scale from A to G, with A being the most efficient and G the least efficient.

The general rule is that the system categorises appliances by their size.

In short, this means that two different-sized appliances with the same energy rating may have different running costs.

Do fast, energy-efficient kettles use more energy?

No, this is not true and is simply a myth.

An eco-friendly kettle that can boil water faster will typically use less energy/electricity than a kettle that takes longer to boil the water.

With that in mind, when choosing between kettles that heat at different speeds and your main goal is to use less energy, choose the kettle that boils water faster.

How can you save money when using your kettle?

If you want to save as much money as possible when boiling water, follow these main rules:

• Do not boil your water on the hob – instead of your kettle, this typically costs more as it takes longer to reach a boil.

• Boil only the water you require – only boil the volume of water you need. Overfilling the kettle is one of the major causes of high energy consumption.

• Choose a kettle with a low minimum fill level – This will help you easily see and limit the volume of water you need to boil.

Sources and References

• • https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0306261916303579#b0005

• • https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0306261914011623?via%3Dihub

• • https://heatable.co.uk/boiler-advice/how-much-energy-do-appliances-use

• • https://www.tea.co.uk/news/article/the-tea-riffic-hack-that-can-cut-the-nations-energy-bill-by-nearly-800000-a-year#_ftn1

• • https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/sites/default/files/reports/AtHomewithWater%287%29.pdf

• • https://www.eco-logisch.nl/pdfupload/Rapport_ecokettle (engels).pdf