Smeg 0.8L Mini Kettle, Retro 50's Style, Anti-Slip Base, Auto Shut Off, 1400W, Black vs 0.8L Mini Kettle, Retro 50's Style, Anti-Slip Base, Auto Shut Off, 1400W, Cream — Comparison

The Smeg KLF05BLUK and the Smeg KLF05CRUK are the same 0.8-litre, 1400W mini kettle at £119 each, with a 360-degree swivel base, safety shut-off and a water level indicator. The difference is the finish: the KLF05BLUK is black and the KLF05CRUK is cream. Neither model is cordless, and neither has a hot water dispenser.

Because these are colour variants, the choice comes down to your kitchen and taste rather than performance. Buyers describe the retro 50s styling as the main draw, and several chose it to match a Smeg toaster. Owners find it sleek, easy to handle and not too heavy, although one found it heavier than expected. Both colours share the same capacity and element, so the decision is purely visual.

Reviewers say the kettle boils quickly and is fairly quiet, though one mentions it is a little noisy while boiling. Expense is a common comment, but most buyers feel the build quality justifies the price. The one serious complaint is a kettle that started leaking after a month, so check the base and seals as soon as it arrives.

Bottom line: choose the Smeg KLF05BLUK if you want a black finish for a modern or monochrome kitchen, and choose the Smeg KLF05CRUK if you prefer a cream finish. The price and performance are the same at £119, so pick on colour.