Whether you’re a hot tea aficionado or a big-time coffee drinker, you probably find yourself boiling water on the regular. Electric kettles are a great way to achieve a faster boil and gain more control over the heat and pour than, say, sticking water in the microwave or boiling it on your stovetop. How you define the best electric kettle, though, ultimately depends on what you plan to use it for.

Fellow's Stagg Electric Gooseneck Kettle may not look fancy, but it’s especially effective thanks to ... [+] its design that delivers a precise and even pour.

Love to cozy up with your favorite book and a cup of Earl Grey? Today’s electric tea kettles have a variety of temperature settings ideal for different teas, and some have filter baskets for brewing loose leaf. If you’d rather use this appliance for brewing a cup of coffee, look for a gooseneck model, which is ideal for slower, more precise pouring. 

If you’re not quite sure what you’ll use the kettle for, versatility is the name of the game. Luckily, there’s no shortage of options, whether you want a simple model without bells and whistles or a more expensive electric kettle decked out with special features. No matter what you choose, rest assured, most electric kettles will be a whole lot faster than boiling on the stove so you can enjoy your drink, oatmeal or pasta in record time. 

Should you need inspiration, look no further. Here are our favorite picks for the best electric kettles available on the market, including the best options for tea, coffee and everything in between.

Looking for a high-end kettle with lots of special features? This Breville model is a solid option. It comes equipped with five temperature options for different teas, French press coffee and plain boiling. Once it’s done heating, the built-in Keep Warm function keeps the water hot for up to 20 minutes so you can enjoy more than one cup of tea or wait a bit to make your coffee. It’s extra safe, too: The kettle automatically shuts off after achieving a boil, and it has a soft-open lid so hot water won’t splash. It comes in a handful of sleek, contemporary shades like this Damson Blue.

Form meets function in the Zwilling kettle, a highly rated option that features six precise settings including brewing coffee, making tea and warming up baby bottles and foods. Once you reach your desired temperature, you can keep your water hot for up to 30 minutes, thanks to the built-in Keep Warm feature. The kettle is equipped with a cool-touch body so it won’t feel scalding to the touch, and it has stainless steel lining on the inside for reduced limescale and simple cleaning. 

If you prefer the taste of pure, clean water that’s been boiled in glass, the Cosori is a convenient and aesthetically pleasing option. It’s made of scratch-resistant, food-grade borosilicate glass, so you’ll always know exactly how much water is in the kettle (and when it’s time to clean inside of it). There aren’t many bells and whistles, but the LED indicator lets you know when boiling is in process, and the kettle turns off 30 seconds after it reaches a full boil. Plus, the kettle has a wide mouth, which should make filling and cleaning a cinch. 

This high-end kettle may not look high-tech, but it’s especially effective thanks to its design. Reach for the Fellow Stagg—used by the 2016 U.S. and Dutch Brewers Cup champions—whenever you want a precise and even pour, such as a pour-over coffee. The kettle comes in six color options, including a warm pink, so you’re sure to find one that looks great in your kitchen.

If you’re looking for a fast, convenient option, look no further than the Hamilton Beach Electric Tea Kettle. Thanks to its rapid-boil system, it boils much faster than a microwave, but it’s safer to use than a stovetop tea kettle. It’s not only easier to use than tech-forward options—just flip the switch and wait—you’ll also enjoy a purer taste than other metal kettles, because this one’s equipped with a removable (and easy to clean) mesh filter. 

If effectiveness, speed and low price are your top priorities, you’ll like this cost-effective Black + Decker model. It’s larger than most budget kettles, with a 57-ounce capacity, and it’s equipped to produce a speedy boil. The kettle turns off automatically for added safety, and it’s cordless when it’s not on the base so you can pour without worrying about a cord. When you’re ready to clean it, just take out the accompanying anti-scale filter and wash.

If you’re a dedicated tea drinker, you know temperature matters when it comes to whipping up your favorite cup. The Cuisinart PerfecTemp kettle allows users to choose from six temperatures ideal for six different types of tea, so your drink will taste just right. The Keep Warm function ensures the water stays hot if you decide on a second cup later; it’s also easy to wash when you’re done, thanks to the removable scale filter. It’s also easy to use and maneuver thanks to its swiveling power base, plus a two-minute memory means it’ll stay on for two minutes after you remove it from the base (then resume its function once you put it back on). Keep in mind this kettle doesn’t come with a mesh filter for loose leaf, so it’s best if you have your own tea strainer or use tea bags.

If you just want enough water for a couple cups of tea or coffee—and you want a tea kettle that could also function as decor—you’ll love the Smeg mini kettle. It’s just big enough to make three cups of whatever you want to drink, so you can use it on your own or with a guest, then, conveniently wrap the cord under the base when you’re not using it. The kettle comes in seven colors, including a quirky mint green, so you can match it to your existing appliances (or add a fun pop of color to your space). 

With its modern look, the Mueller Ultra Kettle adds to any kitchen aesthetic so you can feel good leaving it out on the counter. It’s made of stainless steel and durable borosilicate glass so tea drinkers and coffee makers alike can enjoy the purest taste and most precise measurements. The SpeedBoil circuitry ensures a fast boil, and you’ll know exactly when your water is ready because the kettle automatically shuts off. It becomes cordless when you move it off the base, so you can easily pour water for your drink, oatmeal or whatever else you’re making.