2024 - What's new in kettles

It's wonderful to see so many innovative kettles coming onto the market in 2024. Manufacurers have increasingly incorporated advanced technology and unique features, there are a wide variety to choose from. Here are some of the key innovations seen this year:

Smart Kettles with IoT Integration

The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to a network of physical objects, or "things," that are embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies to connect and exchange data with other devices and systems over the internet. These "things" can be anything from everyday household items, like kettles and refrigerators, to industrial machines and smart city infrastructure. So, how does this apply to kettles?

Many kettles are now compatible with smart home ecosystems, such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple's Siri. This allows users to control the kettle with voice commands or through a dedicated smartphone app, offering features like remote boiling, and temperature control.

The Alexa Smart Kettle produced by Swan is a great example, and they have clearly linked its appeal to that of the teasmade, because it features on the teasmade category of their shop! To buy one on Amazon click the image below. If you prefer, you can buy the Alexa Smart Kettle direct from Swan.

Some of these kettles are part of a larger ecosystem of smart kitchen appliances that work together to schedule and streamline cooking and beverage preparation. For example, they can communicate with smart coffee makers or toasters to ensure all components of a breakfast are ready at the same time.

Click here to see the WeeKett model which is compatible with Amazon, Alexa, Google, and Siri.

Energy Efficiency and Eco Friendly Features

New models incorporate advanced Rapid Boil Technology heating elements that boil water faster, saving time and reducing energy consumption.

There's a trend towards using more sustainable and eco-friendly materials in the construction of kettles, such as BPA-free plastics, stainless steel, and glass.Click here to see the Philips Eco Conscious Edition Kettle 5000 on Amazon.

Health and Safety Features

Some kettles now include built-in water quality sensors that can detect the purity of the water and alert users if the water quality is poor.

Auto Shut-off and Boil-Dry Protection are not new features, but in recent years they have been refined for greater reliability and safety, reducing the risk of accidents in the home.

Minimalist and Modern Designs

Many kettles now feature sleek, modern designs that complement contemporary kitchen aesthetics. I rather like the gooseneck designs. They might be a little slower to pour, but they are fantastic at directing the flow, and a joy to watch. Click here to see the Dualit model on Amazon.

New colours and textures

I'm loving some of the unique finishes being applied to modern kettles, such as matt black, copper, and pastel colours. But how about a decorated kettle? I've always rather liked the Emma Bridgewater and Laura Ashley kettle designs, like this VQ China Rose design.

Now there are many more unique patterns available. This retro styled Hazel Quinn kettle was designed by Eduardo Recife.

Novelty Designs

There are all kinds of novelty kettles on the market. I particularly love the cute look of this Fashome penguin kettle, and it even has some useful features such as the keep warm functionality.

Transparent Designs and LED Indicators

Transparent glass kettles with LED lighting are proving popular this year. The LED lights often change color based on the temperature, offering a new level of aesthetic appeal. They also provide a somewhat superfluous visual cue so you can see when the water is boiling. Click here to see the Tower LED model on Amazon.

Integrated Infusers

Some kettles come with built-in tea infusers, allowing users to brew tea directly in the kettle.

Temperature Hold Function

This feature updates the traditional tea urn. It lets you maintain the water at a specific temperature for a certain period, which is especially useful for making multiple cups of tea or coffee over a longer period.

Portable and Travel Kettles

For travellers and those with limited space, collapsible kettles made of food-grade silicone have become more popular. They are lightweight, compact, and easy to pack. Click to see this Sammart model on Amazon.

Battery-operated kettles designed for outdoor use seem to have a broadening appeal. Some can be charged via USB, making them ideal for camping or travel.

These innovations in kettles reflect a broader trend towards smart, efficient, and user-friendly kitchen appliances, catering to the needs of tech-savvy consumers who value convenience, safety, and design.

Those same consumers, in fact, who valued teasmades in decades gone by...

Sheridan