Best: Overall

Rating: 10/10

• Capacity: 1.5l

Bosch might be known for its washing machines and fridges but this brilliant kettle suggests this might not be the case for long. Its 1.5l capacity was more than adequate (it’s equivalent to six cups), and 3,000W of power made for seriously quick boiling times. It’s a temperature control kettle, but not one which needed a degree in computing to use, and we loved the “keep warm function” which kept the water hot for 30 minutes. As keen tea drinkers prone to flicking on the kettle without checking whether there’s enough water inside, we appreciated the boil dry protection, too – if there’s no water in the kettle, it simply won’t turn on.

Best: For big households

Rating: 10/10

• Capacity: 1.8l

Weirdly, although this kettle has a huge capacity – 1.8l, which is the biggest of the bunch by far – it didn’t feel like a space sapper, perhaps because its glorious design meant this was an appliance which we were happy to display. It looks spectacular, but its high gloss finish made it easy to clean, and although the handle is positioned at the top (typically a pet hate, due to the burn risk) there was more than enough space to prevent steam-related singes. We also loved the great range of colours and the brightness of the light on the on/off switch, which minimised the risk of turning it on accidentally.

Best: For sustainability

Rating: 9/10

• Capacity: 1.7l

If you drink as much tea as we do, you’ll be well aware that constant kettle boils aren’t great for the environment. This is precisely why we’re huge fans of brands which minimise the environmental impact of our addiction, and this kettle ticks that box, thanks to the materials – it’s made entirely of bio-based plastics, which doesn’t just mean a greener approach to its production, but a smaller landfill footprint, too. The downside? There are none.

We were smitten with its colour scheme – neutral tones with surprisingly realistic wooden accents – and we appreciated the large tactile handle, which meant lifting it was a breeze, even when the kettle was full. The water level gauge was refreshingly clear, too – all too often gauges with numbers printed on the transparent part make the capacity hard to read, but this wasn’t a problem with this kettle, which had the numbers listed to one side.

Best: For traditionalists

Rating: 9/10

• Capacity: 1.7l

Tower has done a brilliant job of blending tech and tradition with this kettle, which has a generous 1.7l capacity. Yes, this kettle looks like its rightful home is a stove top, but behind its vintage exterior is plenty of tech, including a whopping 3,000W of power for fast, quiet boils and an easily removable limescale filter (most are so tricky to remove we simply don’t bother).

We were reassured by the lid’s tight seal, too – we’ve come across too many kettles with hinged lids that pop open unexpectedly, but there was zero risk of this happening with this one. Partial to a spot of colour coordination? Pair it with the renaissance toaster, which has the same black-and-chrome styling.

Best: For clear control

Rating: 9/10

• Capacity: 1.7l

We loved the ridged design of this space-aged kettle. All too often, the kettles with the largest capacities are the ones with the least appealing designs, so this one was a breath of fresh air. Every single component, from the base to the switch, has a wonderfully sturdy feel, and we were impressed with the quick boiling times – it took 45 seconds to boil two cuppas, a process aided by the presence of bright red water level tags (inside the kettle) which meant we could fill it with the precise amount needed, and not a drop more. We were sceptical about the claims relating to the splash-minimising spout, but we stand corrected – the kettle’s perfectly-formed pourer kept the water flow exactly where we needed it.

Best: For an ultra-modern look

Rating: 9/10

• Capacity: 1.7l

This kettle bears an uncanny resemblance to a UFO – in a good way. With its shapely, streamlined profile and glossy finish (which is much lower maintenance than we feared) it’s a kettle which commands attention, but which is more than up to the task in hand. A wide, clear water capacity window makes it easy to check water levels and keeps things refreshingly simple by listing only the number of cups you’ll get, rather than measurements. Afterall, how many of us really know how many millilitres are in the average mug? The handle was a joy to hold – something we can’t remember saying about a handle before, admittedly, but it’s well-deserved praise in this case, thanks to its smooth feel and generous proportions.

Best: For vintage styling

Rating: 8/10

• Capacity: 1.7l

This is the supercar of kettles – it roared to life straight away, and we were impressed with the fast boiling time. It’s another kettle with a handle placed over the lid, rather than on the side, but its high arch removes the risk of accidental burns. The water capacity window was one of the largest we’ve come across – a rarity in a world where these windows appear to be getting smaller, in general. Other highlights include the spout, which still minimised splashes despite its larger size, and the shorter cable – most people keep their kettles close to the power point, and unnecessary, excess lengths of cable are our biggest bugbear.

Best: For tea connoisseurs

Rating: 8/10

• Capacity: 1.5l

If you’re a diehard tea fan, this kettle might just be your dream machine. In a nutshell, it’s a temperature control kettle designed specifically for brewing tea. It has eight pre-set programmes for varieties which include sencha, white, jasmine, green and black tea. We also loved the row of lights which go out, one after the other, to indicate the progress towards the pre-set optimal brewing time, as well as the ease of use.

Best: For sleek styling

Rating: 8/10

• Capacity: 1.5l

The first thought which came to mind when we unboxed this kettle was that we’d been sent a cafetiere instead. Luckily we hadn’t, and the kettle – and its quirky design – soon won us over. It’s not the largest model, but that’s precisely why we love it – it’s perfect for one or two-person households, and there’s even a handy one-cup marker to ensure you don’t boil more water than you need if you’re planning on a solo caffeine fix. The limescale filter is another one which is incredibly easy to remove, and we appreciated the fast, quiet boils, too.

Best: Quiet kettle

Rating: 8/10

• Capacity: 1.7l

There’s not a huge amount to be said about this kettle – it does what it says on the tin, and doesn’t disappoint when it comes to noise levels as, even when full, it’s amazingly quiet. The blurb states that it’s 75 per cent quieter than the average model, and we’re inclined to agree. Put it this way: when used alongside our current kettle, which is long overdue a replacement and produces a sound similar to an aircraft taking off, we could barely hear it. Despite its larger capacity, it somehow seems to take up less space, thanks in part to a compact design. From the clear capacity window with its cute cup symbols to its smooth, flat lid, it’s all about simplicity with this one – which, let’s face it, is no bad thing.

Best: For speedy boiling

Rating: 8/10

• Capacity: 1.7l

This kettle, which has a classic, elegant look, won us over with its fast boiling times – flick the switch and the process starts straight away. We were able to boil enough water for two cups of tea in just under 30 seconds. However, we’d love to have seen a slightly more rugged base. Not because we’re fans of adding weight for no reason, but because this one felt slightly flimsy, and we’d prefer certain parts – especially the base, which is subject to most wear and tear – to feel a little tougher. That said, bonus points are awarded for the wide, splash-banishing spout and the bright light on the on/off switch.

Best: For ultra-modern kitchens

Rating: 8/10

• Capacity: 1.7l

We’re assuming the name of this kettle stems from the fact it bears a slight resemblance to a ballerina’s tutu, although we could be totally wrong. Does that mean this kettle makes a better cuppa? No. But it does make it one of the most stylish kettles we’ve come across – one which looks like its natural home is a post-modern Palm Springs crash-pad. It also brews a perfectly good cup of tea, and has a reassuringly solid feel which hints at a superior lifespan.

Best: Small kettle

Rating: 7/10

• Capacity: 800ml

This small, cute kettle (and yes, we did just say that about a kitchen appliance) costs more than most full-size ones. Although, if you’re a fan of vintage gadgets, it’s highly likely this will be your dream model. We’re big fans of its glossy finish and streamlined shape, as well as the speed with which it brought water to a boil given its lower wattage of 1,400.

In summary? Yes, it’s expensive but Smeg is the gold standard when it comes to retro kitchen gadgets, and this powerful kettle is a reminder that there’s substance – as well as style – to its designs.