My childhood was I spent a lot of time watching television. Drew Barrymore movies, in particular, played a crucial role in shaping who I am today. I’ve never been kissed and Charlie’s Angels to Since then and He’s just not that interested in youI can talk about their IMDB profile with a smile on my face for hours. So, you’d think that when it came to trying out an electric kettle from their cookware brand, Beautiful, I’d be ecstatic. Unfortunately, I hesitated.
As WIRED’s resident electric kettle expert, I’ve tested a ton of types, all of which vary in size, spout, material, and features. So I know what makes a great option. Most of our top picks come from well-known brands like KitchenAid, Breville, Cuisinart, and Fellow. So when I opened the box for Beautiful’s electric kettle, I felt like it would probably end up among the “honorable mentions”—not because it’s a lesser-known brand, but because it’s common for celebrities to slap their name on a mediocre product and hope it sells because their name is associated with it.
Of course, I gave this electric kettle a try. I put it through its paces like I do any other kettle, judging it based on design, temperature control, how quickly it boils, ease of use, and more. And, to my surprise, I fell in love with it. So much so that it still holds the top spot in our guide to the best electric kettles.
Delicate and discreet
Whenever I test an electric kettle, I start with aesthetics. It’s an appliance meant to be used frequently, so I’ll probably leave it on a countertop for everyone to see. It doesn’t have to look fancy, but it can’t be an eyesore, either. And, depending on the counter space available, it should also be compact. The Beautiful kettle ticks all of those boxes and more.
For starters, it comes in fantastic colours such as lavender, cornflower blue, sage green and thyme green, as well as more muted shades such as oyster grey, porcini taupe and black sesame. I chose the black colour because it matches my Zwilling toasterIt’s not as pretty as the blue or green one, but it does look classy. My only complaint is that the matte finish makes fingerprints easier to see. But it’s easy to clean with a microfiber cloth or even a damp paper towel.
Photo: Walmart
You might be wondering how fingerprints could possibly appear on this kettle, since you operate it primarily with the handle. That’s because it’s controlled via a touchscreen. When you plug it in and turn it on, the screen will display different controls. There’s the power button; preset options for white, green, and oolong tea; a button to boil water (212 degrees Fahrenheit); and a keep warm function; along with plus and minus buttons if you want to set it to a specific temperature. Each button is also very responsive—it always works with a gentle touch.
The best part is that the display pops up only when you need it. I didn’t think I’d love this feature as much as I do, but if you’re the type of person who cares a lot about home decor, then it’s ideal. Unlike traditional knobs, buttons or dials, which can look clunky, obtrusive and distracting, it’s a clever way to balance design and function. That way, whether it’s in use or unplugged, it blends in nicely with your interior. The integrated display also means that both the kettle and base take up less space without separate controls.
At 1.7 litres, it’s a common size for most electric kettles. It can serve up to seven cups of tea, which should be more than enough for families of four or if you live with flatmates. And, speaking of other Guys, this kettle has one of my favorite features: a double-walled insulated body. Not only does it prevent you from accidentally burning yourself, but also those around you. That way, you don’t have to constantly warn people to “be careful not to touch the kettle,” which can be dangerous. very annoying after a while. For added safety, there is also an automatic shut-off function.
Photography: Brenda Stolyar
Photography: Brenda Stolyar
It also boils water quickly. According to the company, this kettle can boil an entire pot in under seven minutes, but I usually hear it beeping after five and a half minutes. The keep warm feature maintains the water temperature for up to 30 minutes, which is great for someone like me who tends to forget to put the kettle on.
The kettle itself is also very convenient to use and carry around the kitchen. While it’s heating up, the real-time temperature appears on the display, which is handy if you want to check it at a glance. The handle also allows for a stable grip, even when the kettle is full. The base rotates 360 degrees, making it easy to pick up and put down the kettle regardless of the angle at which it’s placed on your kitchen counter or table.
It’s worth noting that there have been complaints online from some users who have seen corrosion on the stainless steel inside the kettle. I haven’t experienced this, but it could mean you’ll need to maintain it a little more than you would with other options. You may only need to descale it if you notice mineral deposits inside the kettle or any grainy sediment at the bottom of your mug.
It shouldn’t necessarily be a deal breaker, especially for its $45 price tag. Between the touchscreen, double-walled body, adorable design, fast boil time, preset modes, and more, the Beautiful Kettle includes all of the same features typically only included in more expensive kettles. It’s been at least half a year since I started using it, and it hasn’t been dethroned yet. I’m so sorry I doubted you, Drew.
