If you are looking to buy some sustainable kitchen essentials, the best glass kettle is an excellent place to start. Not only do glass kettles look aesthetically pleasing, but they are also naturally BPA-free - so no harmful chemicals seep into your morning cuppa. Made from natural materials, the best kettle is a sustainable choice for the eco-conscious consumer. When it comes to the best kettle, glass is also known for its durability plus, you can monitor the water level, and they frequently come with features such as filters and temperature controls.
If you live in a hard water area, consider a water filter or the best kettle for hard water. Hard water can lead to limescale build-up in your kettle, affecting its performance, longevity - and taste. Kettles with built-in filters address this issue head-on, purifying your water before it boils and ensuring a cleaner, clearer, and tastier brew every time.
Best glass kettle at a glance:
• Best overall: Russell Hobbs 20760-10 Brita Purity Glass Kettle - view on Amazon UK
• Best budget glass kettle: Salter EK5078SS Colour-Change Glass Kettle - view on Amazon UK
• Best smart glass kettle: Russell Hobbs 26200 Attentiv Electric Kettle - view on Amazon UK
Other features to look out for in a kettle include variable temperature settings for brewing different types of tea at their optimal temperatures and keep-warm functions for maintaining your water's temperature for a certain period. If you are conscious about energy consumption, you may also want to consider the best energy saving kettles in the UK.
In this guide, we round up the best glass kettles available on the market. These kettles have been handpicked based on their performance, features and customer reviews. Whether you're looking for the best kettle for hard water, the best quiet kettle, or simply the best glass kettle for your needs, we've got you covered.
Best Glass Kettle
Best hard water glass kettle
This kettle features an integrated activated carbon filter that filters hard water, eliminating as much chlorine and other nasties as possible that can affect the taste and quality. Its 1.7-litre capacity is suitable for most households, and the keep warm function keeps your water hot for up to 30 minutes. It also comes with a blue illumination on the boil, a cartridge replacement reminder and a base.
Customer review: "Boils even faster than my last Brita kettle. It, too, was a flat plate 3,000W element (bought in 2005), but somehow this one boils even faster!"
Pros
- It contains a Brita Maxtra+ Filter Cartridge
- Blue illumination on boil
- 3KW of power
Cons
- Not as big as some kettles
| Capacity | 1.5 litres |
| Functions | Brita Maxtra+ Filter Cartridge |
| Power | 3000 Watt |
Best smart glass kettle
This smart kettle features an in-built sensor that automatically turns it off once the water has boiled, adding an extra layer of safety by preventing dry boiling. It comes with a 1.7-litre capacity is perfect for most households, and the keep warm function ensures your water stays hot for up to 30 minutes. The best part may be it's temperature control dial and the removable infuser basket - perfect for herbal teas.
Our review: "As a big lover of loose-leaf tea, this kettle has been an absolute dream. It's sleek and easy to use, plus the removable infuser basket is no issue to clean, making it a convenient all-rounder. I know exactly what to expect every time I operate the appliances and am always shocked at how quickly the full kettle takes to boil. This is a great choice."
Pros
- Variable temperature
- Cancel function
- Keep a warm timer for 30 minutes
- Removable Infuser Basket
- Stainless Steel and glass
Cons
- Sometimes spurts hot water when pouring
- No water filter
| Capacity | 1.7 litres |
| Functions | Tea infuser insert (removable), Variable temperature kettle |
| Power | 3000 watts |
Best budget glass kettle
This innovative glass kettle shifts from clear to blue, Its 1.7-litre capacity is suitable for most households, and the detachable filter makes cleaning a breeze. It also comes with an easy-to-remove filter that simplifies cleaning. It's a great budget option with many of the features a more premium product offers.
Customer review: "Its good kettle look nice when light is on . Worth it for money that I paid for it."
Pros
- Limescale filter
- Blue light when boiling
- 360° swivel base
- Auto-shut off
Cons
- Not as powerful as some on this list
| Capacity | 1.7 litres |
| Functions | Limescale filter, swivel base and LED light |
| Power | 2200 Watt |
Best carafe-style glass kettle
This Russelll Hobbs cordless kettle has a distinctive hourglass silhouette that is sleek and practical. In terms of its features, it has a blue internal light as you wait for your cup of tea, and it boils one cup in just 45 seconds. It boasts a sizeable 1.7-litre capacity, ideal for large families or those who enjoy multiple hot beverages throughout the day.
Customer review: "Looks super clean, and it's glass so no toxins coming out of it."
Pros
- Blue light while boiling
- Contemporary design
- Cordless and 360° Base with Cord Storage
Cons
- No hardware filter
| Capacity | 1.7 Litre |
| Functions | Pull off lid, Glass kettle with Stainless Steel accents, Appealing hourglass shape – carafe styling, Unique glass spout, Blue internal illumination |
| Power | 3000 Watt |
Best compact glass kettle
www.johnlewis.com
This stainless steel kettle, with its compact design, is an excellent choice for tight kitchens or smaller households. Its 1.25-litre capacity keeps it low energy, and the keep warm function keeps your water hot for up to 30 minutes. However, its smaller capacity might not meet the needs of larger households or frequent tea drinkers.
Customer review: "Owned for 4+ years. Boils quick, fairly quiet. Still in perfect working order. The smaller size works well."
Pros
- Compact and sleek glass exterior
- Quiet boil
Cons
- No water filter
| Capacity | 1L |
| Functions | Quiet boil |
| Power | 2400 Watt |
Best value glass kettle
www.argos.co.uk
If you are on the hunt for an excellent value glass kettle, then this one from Cookworks is ideal for your morning cuppa. The stylish transparent glass design lets you easily keep an eye on the water level, plus the simple control panel with four different temperature control buttons. There is also a 'Keep Warm' button so your tea or coffee is warm if you forget about boiling the kettle. Another added bonus is that it has a removable and washable limescale filter.
Customer review: "I am delighted with this kettle; the keep warm function is especially useful."
Pros
- Removable and washable limescale filter.
- Blue illumination on boiling.
- Rapid boil.
- Boil dry protection - automatically switches off when the kettle is empty.
- Variable temperature
Cons
- Not as powerful as others listed
| Capacity | 1.7 litre |
| Functions | 360 degree base and Removable and washable limescale filter. |
| Power | 2200W. |
Our Verdict: Best Glass Kettle
We would recommend the Russell Hobbs Brita Purity Glass Kettle, as it doubles as a hard water kettle. It uses a BRITA filter, so you know you are getting the best purification possible - plus, the sleek design makes it a great fit for all kitchens
FAQs: Best Glass Kettle
What are the benefits of a glass kettle?
Glass kettles not only look nice but are also BPA-free. They allow you to see the water level and boiling process, and unlike plastic or metal kettles, they don't affect the flavours of the water.
How to clean a glass kettle?
You can clean a glass kettle with a mixture of water and white vinegar. Fill the kettle with this solution, let it sit for 15-20 minutes, and then boil. After it cools down, rinse thoroughly. For stubborn stains, a non-abrasive sponge can be used.
Are glass kettles durable?
Yes, glass kettles are typically made from borosilicate glass, which is durable and resistant to thermal shock. However, like any glass product, they can break if dropped or handled roughly.
Are quiet kettles worth it?
If you're sensitive to noise or live in an open-plan space, a quiet kettle can be a great choice. They use special technology to reduce the amount of noise produced during boiling.
Do glass kettles consume more energy?
No, glass kettles do not consume more energy than their stainless steel or plastic counterparts. The energy consumption of a kettle depends more on its wattage and efficiency than the material it's made from.
How does a kettle with a built-in filter work?
A kettle with a built-in filter purifies the water as it boils, removing limescale and other impurities. This is especially useful for those living in hard water areas.
What is limescale?
Limescale is a hard and chalky deposit that is mostly made up of calcium carbonate (CaCO3). It’s found mainly where hot water runs - in kettles, pipework and showers. Limescale is more common in hard water areas and over time, it can cause some real damage if it's not removed. Descaling solutions and water-softening treatments can help.
How often should I clean my glass kettle?
The frequency of cleaning your glass kettle depends on the hardness of your water. If you live in a hard water area, it's recommended to clean your kettle every few weeks to prevent limescale buildup. You can read our informative guide to hard and soft water to work out your water type.
Ellen Kinsey is a senior health and wellness product writer for A Modern Kitchen, specialising in sustainable living and healthy cooking. She lives and breathes all things food, travel and wellness.