Hamilton Beach vs Smeg Kettles

Two very different kettle buyers are considered here, with Hamilton Beach at the budget end and Smeg at the design end. Hamilton Beach's HB1107 jug kettles cost £17 each in black or white. Smeg's models run from £119 for the KLF05 0.8-litre mini kettle and the WKF01 2.3-litre whistling kettle, to £160 for the KLF04 1.7-litre in Pastel Blue and £189 for the KLF03 1.7-litre 3000W in white. The cheapest Smeg is £102 more than the Hamilton Beach.

Hamilton Beach's HB1107 has a 2200W element, a water level indicator and auto shut-off. Smeg's KLF03 is a 3000W kettle with a limescale filter and 360-degree base, while the KLF04 adds seven temperature settings, a swivel base, anti-slip feet and a stainless steel filter. The KLF05 mini has a 1400W element and auto shut-off. The WKF01 is a 2.3-litre steam whistling kettle with a cool-touch handle, suitable for all hob types. Smeg is about design and features, while Hamilton Beach is about price.

Hamilton Beach suits students, offices and first homes that need a cheap, dependable full-size kettle. Smeg suits design-led buyers who want a kettle as a decorative centrepiece and are happy to pay for a retro 50s look and temperature choices. A family that wants a stovetop whistling kettle will prefer the WKF01, while a single person who needs something compact may prefer the 0.8-litre KLF05. The Hamilton Beach is the one to choose if the kettle will mostly be kept out of sight.

Bottom line: choose Hamilton Beach if you want a full-size 1.7-litre jug for £17 with no fuss, choose Smeg if you want temperature settings, a stainless filter or a retro 50s design and can spend between £119 and £189.