Hamilton Beach vs Kenwood Kettles

A budget jug from Hamilton Beach faces a step up in price from Kenwood. Hamilton Beach's HB1107 jug kettles are £17 each in black or white. Kenwood's models range from £27 for the cordless Abbey Collection 1.7-litre in white to £34 for the 1.7-litre 3000W kettle in blue, with the Ripple Collection 1.5-litre at £39 in Midnight Eggshell or white. The cheapest Kenwood is therefore £10 more than the Hamilton Beach jug.

Hamilton Beach's HB1107 has a 2200W element, water level indicator and auto shut-off, with a cordless jug that lifts off its base. Kenwood's blue 1.7-litre is a 3000W model with rapid boil and a 360-degree swivel base, while the Abbey Collection adds a removable limescale filter and flip-top lid. The Ripple Collection pairs a 3kW rapid boil with a wide spout and water windows. Kenwood offers more power and better filtration, while Hamilton Beach focuses on the basics.

Hamilton Beach suits students, first-time buyers and tenants who need a full-size kettle at the lowest price and do not mind a plastic body. Kenwood suits people who want a faster boil and a removable limescale filter, and who are prepared to spend a little more. A household that boils several litres a day will find the 3000W element saves time. A single person who uses the kettle a few times a day will be perfectly content with the Hamilton Beach. Kenwood's 3000W models also make a sensible step up for households that boil water throughout the day.

Bottom line: choose Hamilton Beach if you want the cheapest full-size 1.7-litre jug kettle at £17, choose Kenwood if you want a 3000W boil, a removable limescale filter and a choice of colours from £27 upwards.