Dualit vs Smeg Kettles

Dualit and Smeg both put design alongside function. Dualit's range runs from the 72000 Lite 1.5-litre at £79 to the Architect brushed 72905 at £99. Smeg starts with the KLF05WHUK 0.8-litre mini kettle at £119 and the WKF01PK 2.3-litre 50s style whistling kettle in pink at £119, then the KLF04PBUK 1.7-litre with seven temperatures in pastel blue at £160 and the KLF03WHMUK 1.7-litre 3000W kettle at £189.

Dualit's Lite models have a rapid 3kW boil, a non-drip spout and dual measuring windows, while the Architect models add a limescale filter and a cordless base. Smeg's kettles have a 360-degree swivel base and anti-slip feet. The KLF04PBUK offers seven temperature settings with a stainless steel filter, the WKF01PK is a steam whistle with a cool-touch handle and a removable filter that suits all hob types, and the mini KLF05WHUK has a 1400W element and an auto shut-off.

The cheapest Smeg kettles start £40 above the Dualit 72000 Lite. Dualit suits buyers who want a standard 1.5-litre kettle with a non-drip spout and a metal finish at the lowest price. Smeg's 2.3-litre whistling kettle holds more than any Dualit kettle, which suits larger families. Smeg suits buyers who want a retro kettle as a feature piece, especially the 50s style whistling kettle, or who need a seven-temperature kettle for tea and coffee at different heats. The mini kettle at £119 suits a single person or a small kitchen, while the 1.7-litre models suit families.

Bottom line: choose Dualit if you want a 1.5-litre kettle with a non-drip spout from £79 to £99. Choose Smeg if retro styling and features such as seven temperatures or a steam whistle are the priority, from £119 to £189.