my childhood was spent watching a lot of TV. Drew Barrymore’s films, specifically, played a crucial role in shaping who I am today—from Never Been Kissed and Charlie’s Angels to Ever After and He’s Just Not That Into You, I can discuss her IMDB profile with a grin on my face for hours. So, one would think that when it came to testing an electric kettle from her kitchenware brand, Beautiful, I’d be ecstatic. Unfortunately, I was hesitant.
As WIRED’s resident electric kettle expert, I’ve tested tons of types—all of which vary in size, spout, material, and features. So I know what makes for an excellent option. A majority of our top picks come from well-known brands like KitchenAid, Breville, Cuisinart, and Fellow. So when I unboxed the electric kettle from Beautiful, I sensed that it would likely end up under “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 expect it to sell because their name is attached to it.
Of course, I gave this electric kettle a fair chance nonetheless. I put it through its paces the same as I do with any other kettle—judging it based on design, temperature control, how quickly it boils, ease of use, and more. And, to my very shocking surprise, I fell in love with it. So much so that it continues to retain the top spot in our guide to Best Electric Kettles.
Dainty and Discreet
Whenever I test an electric kettle, I always start with the aesthetic. This is an appliance meant to be used often, so it’ll likely be left 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 how much counter space you have, it should be compact too. The Beautiful kettle checks all those boxes and more.
For starters, it comes in great colors, including lavender, cornflower blue, sage green, and thyme green, as well as more muted tones like oyster gray, porcini taupe, and black sesame. I chose the black colorway because it matches my Zwilling toaster. It’s not as cute as the blue or green, but it looks sleek. My only gripe is that the matte finish means fingerprints are easier to see. But it’s easy to wipe off with a microfiber cloth or even a wet paper towel.
Photograph: Walmart
You might be wondering how fingerprints even appear on this kettle, since you’re mainly maneuvering it with the handle. That’s because it’s controlled via a touch-activated display. When you plug it in and turn it on, the display will appear with 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 super responsive too—it always works with a light tap.
The best part is that the display appears only when you need it. I didn’t think I would love this feature as much as I do, but if you’re the type who cares a lot about home decor, then it’s ideal. Unlike the traditional knobs, buttons, or dials, which can look clunky, distracting, and obtrusive, 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 both the kettle and the base have a smaller footprint without separate controls.
At 1.7 liters, it’s a common size for most electric kettles. It can pour up to seven cups of tea, which should be more than enough for families of four or if you live with roommates. And, speaking of other people, this kettle packs one of my favorite features: an insulated, double-walled body. It not only keeps you from accidentally burning yourself but also others around you. That way, you don’t have to constantly warn people to “be careful not to touch the kettle”—which can get very annoying after a while. For added safety, there’s also an auto-shutoff feature.
Photograph: Brenda Stolyar
Photograph: Brenda Stolyar
It boils water quickly as well. According to the company, this kettle can boil a full pot in under seven minutes, but I’ll typically hear it beep after five and a half minutes. The Keep Warm function maintains the water temperature for up to 30 minutes, which is great for someone like me who tends to forget I put the kettle on to boil.
The kettle itself is also really comfortable to use and carry around the kitchen. While it’s heating, the real-time temperature appears on the display, which is convenient 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 swivels 360 degrees, which makes it easy to pick up and put down the kettle regardless of the angle it’s placed on your kitchen counter or table.
It’s worth noting that there have been complaints online of some users seeing corrosion on the stainless steel inside the kettle. I haven’t experienced this, but it might mean you’ll have to keep up with maintenance a bit more than you would with other options. You may just 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 dealbreaker—especially at its $45 price. Between the touch-activated display, double-walled body, adorable design, quick boil time, preset modes, and more, the Beautiful Kettle packs all the same features that are typically included only in pricier kettles. It’s been at least half a year since I first started using it, and it has yet to be dethroned. I’m truly sorry I ever doubted you, Drew.