Best Electric Kettles for Cooking
Who says kettles are just for boiling water? From eggs to veggies, these versatile electric kettles are perfect for small kitchens and dorm rooms!
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The Versatility of Electric Kettles for Cooking
If you live in a small apartment, dorm, or travel frequently like I do, you’ll quickly realize just how handy an electric kettle can be. Beyond boiling water for tea or coffee, it’s a surprisingly versatile tool for cooking simple meals.
For example, I found that the easiest way to boil eggs isn’t on the stove but actually in an electric kettle! You can check out my guide on boiling eggs in an electric kettle for a step-by-step technique.
But eggs aren’t the only thing kettles can handle - they’re also great for boiling veggies, dumplings, pasta, and more. They save time, space, and effort, making them ideal for anyone with limited kitchen equipment or constantly on the go.
Not all kettles are made for cooking though. In this article, I’ll walk you through the features that make an electric kettle perfect for cooking, share my top product recommendations and cooking tips, and answer some FAQ’s.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Electric Kettle
First, let’s talk about the 5 key factors that I look for when picking a kettle that can double for cooking:
1. Capacity
Go for at least 1.5 to 2 liters capacity - big enough to cook multiple eggs or veggies simultaneously.
2. Material
Stainless steel or glass is the way to go. They're durable and safer for cooking.
Avoid plastic kettles for cooking as they can warp over time.
3. Concealed Heating Element
Kettles with concealed elements are so much easier to clean, and you won’t get food stuck on the heating element.
This is a must-have feature for boiling eggs too - if the eggs touch the element, they can crack, making a mess you’ll want to avoid!
4. Auto-Shutoff & Variable Temperature Settings
Auto-shutoff is a great safety feature and helps with timing things like boiling eggs.
Bonus points if the kettle has a “Keep Warm” function or adjustable temps for longer boils or different types of tea - but it’s not a dealbreaker if it doesn’t.
5. Wide Opening
A wide opening makes it much easier to add food, stir, and clean - especially when dealing with food residue after cooking.
Removable lids are even better for extra access.
My Favorite Electric Kettles for Cooking
1. Best Electric Kettle For Boiling Eggs
Chefman Electric Kettle with Removable Lid
Why I like it:
Removable lid: The lift-out design makes it easy to add food and clean, perfect for cooking.
Removable tea infuser: Not just for tea - this infuser can hold 2-3 eggs, making it super handy for cooking. It’s even mentioned by reviewers to boil eggs, just make sure to run it under cold water before handling.
Keep warm function: Keeps water hot for up to an hour before shutting off, ideal for foods that require longer cooking times like potatoes. Lifting the kettle off its base turns off the Keep Warm function.
Lights up: LED lights turn red while boiling then switch to green, indicating it’s now in Keep Warm mode.
Cordless: The 360-degree swivel base lets you lift the kettle without moving the whole unit, making filling and cleaning a breeze.
1.8-liter capacity: Big enough to boil up to 12 eggs directly in the kettle at once.
Fast boiling: With 1500 watts of power, it can boil water in just 3 minutes - perfect for quick cooking.
Safety features: Auto-shutoff and boil-dry protection make it worry-free.
2. Best Budget Electric Kettle for Cooking
COSORI Speed-Boil Electric Kettle
Why I like it:
Material: Made with high-quality borosilicate glass and 304 stainless steel, this kettle ensures water and food stay safe from plastic contact. Unlike others with plastic internal parts, this one’s base, lid, and filter are all stainless steel for easy cleaning and safety.
Wide opening: Its wide mouth design makes it easy to add ingredients like eggs or veggies directly into the kettle, and cleanup is simple afterward.
Stylish and functional: Available in a variety of colors - red, white, subtle green, and black - this kettle adds a touch of style to any kitchen.
Cordless: The 360-degree swivel base allows you to lift the kettle without hassle, making it easy to fill and clean without moving the base.
Lights up: A blue LED light indicates when the kettle is heating and turns off when the water is ready.
1.7-liter capacity: This kettle holds enough water to cook multiple eggs or small meals like noodles or veggies. The manufacturer even recommends it for oatmeal, soup, and noodles.
Fast boiling: With 1500 watts of power, it boils water in about 3 minutes, making it perfect for quick meals.
Safety features: It comes with auto-shutoff and boil-dry protection for worry-free use.
3. Best Travel-Friendly Electric Kettle
Loutytuo Collapsible Silicone Electric Kettle (Dual Voltage)
Why I like it:
Material: Made of food-grade silicone with a stainless steel base, this kettle collapses into a flat disc, making it incredibly portable for travel. The cord detaches, and the handle folds down to save space. It weighs less than 1.5 pounds and includes a handy carrying bag.
Removable lid: The lift-out lid makes adding ingredients and cleaning really easy - perfect for small cooking tasks while on the go.
Dual voltage: Equipped with 110V/220V dual voltage, you can use this kettle worldwide. Just switch the voltage on the bottom before using it in your intended country. It comes with a three-prong plug, so be sure to bring an adapter if needed for international sockets.
600 ml capacity: Though smaller than other kettles on this list, this kettle can still boil 4 eggs at once or heat soup for solo travelers. It’s ideal for making hot drinks or small meals while on the road. Many reviewers love using it in hotel rooms, while camping, or in an RV.
Safety features: Auto-shutoff when the water reaches a boil and boil-dry protection ensure safe operation. If the water cools to 75°F, it reheats automatically. To disable this, simply switch it off after boiling.
4. Best Durable Electric Kettle
COSORI Double Wall Insulated Electric Kettle
Why I like it:
Durable materials: This kettle is built to last with a dual-wall design that keeps it cool to the touch and helps maintain heat inside. The stainless steel outer shell and 100% food-grade 304 stainless steel interior, lid, and spout ensure every surface in contact with water is safe for cooking and cleaning. Plus, with no glass components, you won't have to worry about breakage.
Two-level open lid: You can open the lid to 45° with the push of a button to avoid hot water splashing, or lift it to 80° for easy food addition and cleaning access.
Fast boiling: With 1500 watts of power, it can boil 1.5 liters of water in just 3 to 6 minutes, making it perfect for cooking tasks that need quick boiling.
1.5-liter capacity: Big enough to boil 8 eggs or handle larger cooking tasks like making a double portion of soup.
Safety features: Boil-dry protection and auto shut-off ensure the kettle turns off when the water boils or if there’s no water inside. The double-wall design also prevents the exterior from becoming too hot to touch.
5. Best Feature-Packed Electric Kettle
Aroma 16-in-1 Multi-Use Kettle
Why I like it:
Multi-functional: With 16 preset heat settings, this kettle is perfect for everything from brewing various types of tea to making soups, baby formula, and more.
Delay timer & Keep Warm functions: You can set the delay timer for up to 9 hours, ensuring you have hot water ready for tea when you wake up or after dinner. The Keep Warm function maintains your chosen temperature (113-193°F) for 1-8 hours, making it great for keeping soups warm or even for making homemade yogurt (recipe included).
Accessories: Includes a stainless steel tea infuser, a glass stew pot, and a recipe guide. The stew pot sits inside the kettle for gentle cooking tasks like melting chocolate or making fondue, while less delicate foods like boiled eggs, stews, or veggies can be cooked directly in the kettle.
Removable lid with silicone seal: The lid’s silicone seal ensures a tight fit to keep heat in while cooking, but it’s also easy to remove for adding ingredients or cleaning.
Cordless: The 360-degree swivel base lets you easily lift the kettle without having to move the entire base, making filling and cleaning really simple.
1.5-liter capacity: Large enough to boil up to 8 eggs or cook a meal for two people at once.
Safety features: The auto-shutoff ensures the kettle turns off after boiling, and it can automatically switch to Keep Warm mode, then shut off once the timer ends.
Kettle Feature Comparison at a Glance
Electric Kettle Cooking Tips
Timing is Everything
Electric kettles heat quickly, so keep an eye on cooking times. For example, eggs take about 5-10 minutes after boiling depending on how soft or hard you prefer them.Vegetables or noodles cook much faster, so be ready to start a timer as soon as the water comes up to a boil.
Cooking Eggs in a Kettle
Read my article on How to Boil Eggs in Your Electric Kettle for step-by-step instructions.Vegetables
For cooking vegetables like carrots or broccoli, cut them into smaller pieces to ensure even cooking.You can steam them in an infuser basket or boil them directly in the water.
Boiling other Foods
Your electric kettle can easily boil dumplings, hotdogs, or pasta.After the water boils and the kettle shuts off, add your food and restart the kettle to keep it cooking until tender (about 3-7 minutes).
The "Keep Warm" function won’t maintain a simmer, but it can keep hotdogs warm until you're ready to eat.
Don’t Overfill the Kettle
Always stay below the kettle’s max fill line, especially when cooking food inside.Overfilling can cause spills and may reduce heating efficiency.
Cleaning After Cooking
To keep your kettle fresh, always clean it after cooking.Use warm, soapy water to wash the inside, paying attention to any food residue. Rinse thoroughly to remove soap, then dry it completely before storing.
Avoid submerging the base or getting water on the electrical components.
Avoid Cooking Sticky Foods
Stay away from cooking sticky foods like oatmeal directly in the kettle, as they can stick to the surface and become difficult to clean.Instead, boil water and pour it over instant oatmeal in a separate bowl for easier cleanup.
Experiment with Recipes
Electric kettles are versatile! You can try cooking soft-boiled eggs, quick soups, or even boiling pasta.For slow-cooking items like stews or potatoes, the “Keep Warm” or low-heat settings are perfect for gentle, consistent cooking.
FAQ’s
What types of foods can I cook in an electric kettle?
You can cook a variety of foods that require boiling, such as:
Vegetables such as corn on the cob, broccoli, carrots, or potatoes
Instant noodles
Dumplings
Hotdogs
Pasta
Brothy soups or stews
Instant oatmeal or couscous: pour hot water from the kettle over them in a separate bowl
How do I clean my electric kettle?
Wash with warm, soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and dry to maintain freshness.
Avoid submerging the base or getting water on the electrical components.
To prevent mineral buildup, occasionally descale your kettle with a mixture of vinegar and water or a descaling solution.
Is it safe to leave food in the kettle while it’s cooking?
Yes, but it’s best to monitor your food to prevent boiling over or any other issues.
Don’t overfill the kettle, and set a timer to avoid overcooking.
What should I avoid cooking in my electric kettle?
Don’t cook sticky foods like oatmeal directly in the kettle, as they can cling to the internal surfaces and be difficult to clean.
Can I boil milk in an electric kettle?
While you can technically heat milk in an electric kettle, I don’t recommend it.
Milk can scorch and bubble over, leading to a mess.
It’s safer to heat milk in a saucepan on the stove or in the microwave, where you can monitor the temperature more easily.
A Versatile Cooking Tool for Small Spaces
Electric kettles are versatile tools that can do way more than just boil water!
They’re perfect for cooking single or double portions, especially in smaller spaces like dorms or hotel rooms. Personally, I love using them for boiling eggs instead of a pot on the stove.
When I was in Bali, our rental villa didn’t have much kitchen equipment, so the electric kettle was just way easier to use. I discovered this handy kitchen hack there, and loved it so much that I’ve never gone back to boiling eggs the “normal” way again!
Have you ever cooked food in an electric kettle? What are some of your favorite things to cook or heat? Let me know in the comments below!
