The best kettles to save energy and speed up your cuppa, tested

Not all electric kettles are created equal. We boiled litres of water to find the best, from hard-water heroes to vintage-style, repairable and wi-fi connected models

The best air fryers, tried and tested for crisp and crunch

Despite the march of progress, the humble kettle remains a kitchen staple. It's what we turn to in times of strife, when spirits are flagging, or to start our day. And when a visitor calls, one of the first things we do is put the kettle on.

While many small appliances have evolved beyond their original form, the kettle's basic principles remain largely unchanged. Water goes in and heats up until a thermostat switches it off; the water then pours out, and we enjoy a cuppa. However, the technology that goes into a kettle has been slowly improving: better insulation to keep water hotter for longer and reduce reboils; different temperature settings to suit every drink from green tea to herbal brews; and more features such as filters and concealed elements to keep scale out of our cups.

Best kettle overall:
Bosch Sky kettle
_{76 at Amazon}

Best budget kettle:
Kenwood Ripple kettle
_{29.99 at Kenwood}

The forever kettle
Dualit Classic kettle
_{140 at Currys}

Best quiet kettle:
Zwilling Enfinigy Pro kettle
_{139 at Zwilling}

Best budget variable temperature kettle:
Lakeland Digital double-walled kettle
_{44.99 at Lakeland}