In partnership with The SG Women’s Weekly
Best electric kettles in Singapore under $100 to buy for your home
Electric kettles with retro designs, precise temperature control options and more
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PHOTOS: ODETTE, CORNELL
Jyn Teo
I have been using my current electric glass kettle for almost five years now, it is still working as it should, boiling our daily drinking water.
However, my electric kettle has met all the tell-tale signs that it needs a replacement - rust, limescale build-up, as well as meeting the average kettle’s lifespan of four to five years.
If like me, you’re on the search for a new electric kettle that won't leave a dent in your wallet, check out these ones on this list.
In this article
Why choose electric kettles over stovetop kettles?
Which is better: Electric kettle or hot water dispenser?
How to choose a good electric kettle?
Best electric kettles in Singapore under $100
Why choose electric kettles over stovetop kettles?
As compared to stovetop kettles, electric kettles are more efficient and hence, electric saving.
According to NEA’s energy-saving tips, boiling water when needed is the best way to save on the electricity bill. Using an electric air-pot to keep your water warm consumes energy continuously, and can add up to your bill amounting to approximately $30 a month.
NEA also suggests using an external thermos flask or bottle to keep the water warm, instead of reboiling it every time it cools down. Some of the best water bottles to keep water warm would be bottles from Owala and Stanley.
There is another way to get hot water at home: Via a hot water dispenser.
Which is better: Electric kettle or hot water dispenser?
PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES
The answer will depend on how often you require having hot water. If you consume large amounts of hot water on the regular, you might be better off owning a hot water dispenser.
Instant-boil water dispensers are popular among new homeowners and for good reason. Some of the best water dispensers options on the market also come with hot and cold water dispensing options.
Aside from allowing you to have hot water on demand, a hot water dispenser does use less electricity than a kettle.
While tankless water dispensers are all the rage among homeowners today, it is not in my consideration for now. In large part, it is due to their steep upfront cost, regular servicing fee and filter consumables.
So while a kettle uses a larger amount of energy in a short period of time, it fulfils my need for boiling the occasional cup of tea.
How to choose a good electric kettle?
When choosing an electric kettle, consider the following questions:
What will you use your electric kettle for? How often will you use it?
How much water do you want your electric kettle to hold?
What material do you want your electric kettle to be made of - stainless steel, borosilicate glass or plastic?
Do you need precise temperature control over your water or will a general boil function suffice?
What safety features do you want your electric kettle to have (e.g. cool touch, automatic shut-off and boil-dry protection)?
Does aesthetics or performance matter more when choosing an electric kettle?
What kind of spout and kettle opening would you prefer?
Do you want a cordless electric kettle (one that comes with a separate kettle base with cord storage for safety considerations)?
Best electric kettles in Singapore under $100
Philips Double-Walled 7000 Series Electric Kettle, $55
Original price: $65 (15 per cent off) Buy here
PHOTO: AMAZON
Kettle capacity: 1.7 litres
Automatic switch-off: Yes
Keep-warm function: Yes
Cool touch safety feature: Yes
Temperature control: Yes, has six water temperature choices from 40-100 deg C
Its sleek minimalist design belies a host of handy functions, including six temperature options - starting from 40 deg C and going up to 100 deg C - and a display that shows the temperature in real time.
What’s great is also its safety functions: boil-dry protection and a double-wall design that stays cool to the touch, making it safe for little hands.
And with the keep-warm function, your water stays warm and ready without the need to reboil.
Xiaomi Smart Kettle 2 Pro, $65.90
PHOTO: XIAOMI
Kettle capacity: 1.7 litres
Automatic switch-off: Yes
Keep-warm function: Yes, up to 24 hours
Cool touch safety feature: Yes
Temperature control: Yes, highly precise temperature control that can be adjusted remotely via app
This smart kettle makes busy mornings easier. Precise temperature control - adjustable in 1 deg C increments via the dial or Xiaomi Home app - means it’s perfect for everything from baby bottles to your morning coffee.
The keep-warm function ensures hot water is ready when you need it (no reboiling), while smart boiling modes take the guesswork out of different water types.
For instance, a tap water setting boils thoroughly and cools automatically and a purified-water mode is useful for quick heating and temperature maintenance.
Cafelffe Pour-Over Electric Kettle, $62.40
Original price: $160 (61 per cent off) Buy here
PHOTO: SHOPEE
Kettle capacity: 0.8 litres
Automatic switch-off: Yes
Keep-warm function: Yes, up to 2 hours
Cool touch safety feature: No
Temperature control: Yes, adjust temperature by 1 deg C increments from 40-100 deg C
For those who are buying an electric kettle to boil water for pour-over coffees, consider this model by Chinese company, Cafelffe.
What it lacks in capacity, it makes up for in water flow control. The stainless steel electric kettle has a gooseneck spout design which allows you to accurate direct the stream of water as you pour it.
It boils water in just 3 minutes, with very little noise. You can make 1 deg C adjustments to the water’s temperature - from 40-100 deg C - and monitor it through the real-time temperature display.
Xiaomi Multifunctional Kettle, $49.90
Original price: $55.90 (11 per cent off) Buy here
PHOTO: XIAOMI
Kettle capacity: 1.5 litres
Automatic switch-off: Yes
Keep-warm function: Yes, up to 24 hours in milk brewing mode; up to 12 hours in other modes
Cool touch safety feature: No
Temperature control: Yes, toggle between 40-90 deg C and adjust water temperatures at 5 deg C intervals
Designed to be smart and multifunctional, the Xiaomi Multifunctional Kettle is perfect for tea drinkers, or even for making soups and desserts.
Built with borosilicate glass, this health pot is resistant to cracks under extreme temperature changes. It comes with a 304 stainless steel pour-through stopper, so that you can make tea directly in the kettle.
You can also choose from six preset modes to boil water, brew tea, make soup and more, without having to worry about overcooking.
Aerogaz Mowe Smart Kettle with temperature control, $55.24
PHOTO: SHOPEE
Kettle capacity: 1.7 litres
Automatic switch-off: Yes
Keep-warm function: Yes, up to 24 hours
Cool touch safety feature: Yes
Temperature control: Yes
The Mowe Smart Kettle lets you boil water straight from your phone or tablet using the iAppliance app, which means you can switch it on while you’re in the bedroom, getting the kids dressed.
By the time you walk into the kitchen, your water is ready. There’s also an easy manual boil button at the base if you prefer to keep things simple.
It also allows you to choose the exact temperature you need, whether it’s warm water for your little one’s milk, the perfect heat for green tea, or piping hot water for your morning kopi.
The digital display makes it easy to see the temperature at a glance, and the 24-hour keep-warm function is especially handy on busy days when you know you’ll need hot water on standby.
TOYOMI 1.7L Stainless Steel Water Kettle, $56.90
Original price: $59.90 (5 per cent off) Buy here
PHOTO: LAZADA
Kettle capacity: 1.7 litres
Automatic switch-off: Yes
Keep-warm function: No
Cool touch safety feature: No
Temperature control: No
If you’re drawn to a vintage-inspired look, this TOYOMI electric kettle could be right up your alley. It comes in three stylish colourways - glossy white, glossy green and matte pink - designed to make a statement on your countertop.
While it’s not a smart kettle, it covers all the essentials: As spout inner strainer that prevents residue from entering your drinks, a 360° swivel base that fully detaches for easy cordless pouring, and a cool-touch handle for safe handling.
Cornell Smart Digital Display Kettle, $47.90
Original price: $149.90 (68 per cent) Buy here
PHOTO: SHOPEE
Kettle capacity: 1.7 litres
Automatic switch-off: Yes
Keep-warm function: Yes, up to four hours
Cool touch safety feature: Yes
Temperature control: Yes, has five preset water temperature choices
Beyond the stylish grooved design and matte finishing, this electric kettle also comes furnished with handy features like a real-time touch screen display.
Five preset temperatures allow for optimal temperatures for your tea, baby’s milk, or a cup of warm water that won’t scald your tongue.
The interior’s crafted with 304 stainless steel, which is durable and resistant to corrosion. Meanwhile, the double wall design keeps your water hot, while ensuring the exterior is cool to the touch.
Russell Taylors SpeedBoil Retro Stainless Steel Kettle, $49.99
Original price: $130 (62 per cent off) Buy here
PHOTO: LAZADA
Kettle capacity: 1.75 litres
Automatic switch-off: Yes
Keep-warm function: No
Cool touch safety feature: No
Temperature control: No
If you’re into the retro look, this cute electric kettle by Russell Taylors is worth considering. Capable of boiling water in four minutes thanks to 2200W of power, it’s more than just appealing aesthetics.
The stainless steel electric kettle also features a water level indicator at the side, a fully detachable lid, and a removable filter. An anti-slip swivel base neatly conceals excess cable to keep your countertop tidy.
One point to note is the difficulty of cleaning the kettle’s interior body due to it having a small opening. But this can be easily solved if you have a baby bottle cleaning brush.
Do note that it does not have a cool-touch exterior, so make sure that little ones and pets are out of the way when it’s in use. But the handle does come with a padded heat protection for added security during use.
Odette Jukebox Series Retro Electric Kettle, $69.90
Original price: $109.90 (36 per cent off) Buy here
PHOTO: SHOPEE
Kettle capacity: 1.7 litres
Automatic switch-off: Yes
Keep-warm function: Yes
Cool touch safety feature: No
Temperature control: No
Odette is a Singapore-based brand with “European-designed” kitchen appliances. Decked in chrome elements inspired by the classic look of a jukebox, the Odette Jukebox Retro Electric Kettle looks and functions great as a daily kettle for all households.
Made with food-grade polypropylene material with concealed heating elements, this electric kettle also features a detachable lid and removable filter, making it safe and convenient for frequent use.
Powerpac 1.8L Stainless Steel Cordless Kettle Jug, $32.90
Original price: $59.90 (45 per cent off) Buy here
PHOTO: SHOPEE
Kettle capacity: 1.8 litres
Automatic switch-off: Yes
Keep-warm function: Yes
Cool touch safety feature: No, but comes with double insulation that feels slightly warm to touch
Temperature control: No
This PowerPac kettle comes in a chic black or white finish, topped with a wooden lid that gives it a stylish, minimalist edge. The budget-friendly pick doesn’t skimp on looks and delivers performance for the price.
It’s designed with double insulation to help prevent accidental scalding and according to reviews, the exterior only feels a little warm to the touch.
There’s also an automatic shut-off function for peace of mind, plus a light indicator on the on/off switch so you can easily tell when it’s in action. The inner pot is made from 304 stainless steel, offering durability and safe everyday use.
All prices and deals are accurate at time of publication
FAQs: Best electric kettle
Which brand has the best electric kettle?
Some of our top electric kettle picks under $100 include the Cornell Smart Digital Display Kettle and Philips Double-Walled 7000 Series Electric Kettle.
Ultimately, choosing the best electric kettle for you will depend on your intended purpose for and how much you will use your kettle.
Which brand of electric kettle is good?
Choose to buy electric kettles from known brands such as Philips, Cornell and Aerogaz. If you have a bigger budget, you can consider brands like Smeg.
Are expensive kettles worth the money?
If you intend to use electric kettle frequently, it may be worth investing in a more expensive kettle as it will likely last longer and boil your water more quickly.
What is the healthiest kettle to boil water?
Go for an electric kettle made from stainless steel or borosilicate glass.
This story was adapted from The Singapore Women’s Weekly.
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