What is a kitchen without a kettle & toaster?! I mean I personally don’t drink tea and I don’t eat bread, so why do I need either? Or do I?!
Well, whether it’s a comforting cup of tea & toast for a visiting friend or family member (and Valentina’s daily toasted VEDA), or filling up a hot water bottle or boiling water to cook with, these truly are kitchen essentials.
In the UK we drink more than 165 million cups of tea a day – something that we couldn’t manage with our trusty kettles, but with so many to choose from, which one should you go for? We have chosen our top picks - those that function easily, are quick to boil/toast, comfortable to use and, most importantly to me, they look nice, obviously!
I guess like a best friend, a good kettle & toaster should be reliable, long-lasting and completely dependable! Here are my faves:
Dualit classic 72820 kettle: £119 Toaster: £199.99
This British-made kettle is a registered Quiet Mark appliance, and its “whisper boil” function certainly lives up to its name – it’s as quiet as they come. It also ticks all the boxes when it comes to design and function; the kettle sturdily fits into its base with barely a wobble, it pours smoothly, and has a comfortable, ergonomically-designed silicon grip handle. It has a window which measures capacity in litres (maximum 1.7L) and cups, so you can fill it with the exact amount of water you need, and save time, energy and wastage in the process. Its 3000W output means it’s efficient, even when boiling seven cups of tea. This kettle and toaster also looks the part; its stylish chrome and copper finish making it a stylish addition to any home.
The toaster parts are all fully repairable and replaceable meaning it will last a lifetime.
Russell Hobbs and Emma Bridgewear collection £69.99-£79.99
Two stylish new breakfast ranges launched last year thanks to an exciting collaboration between two of the UK’s leading household brands - Russell Hobbs and Emma Bridgewater.
The Russell Hobbs and Emma Bridgewater ranges feature the recognisable and much-loved Polka Dot and Toast & Marmalade patterns. The striking designs are available on two flagship Russell Hobbs’ products including; 2 slice and 4 slice toasters, and 1.7 litre and 1.5 litre kettles.
With both companies sharing a reputation for quality, design and craftmanship and products made for the heart of the classic British home, the charming designs on the new range will add a cheerful touch to any kitchen. The classic black and cream of the Toast & Marmalade design will easily complement any colour scheme, and the soft, multicoloured Polka Dots will inject some brightness and fun in to the kitchen. The perfect present for an Emma Bridgewater fan!
The Polka Dot and Toast & Marmalade kettles will be available for £79.99, with the 2 slice and 4 slice toasters available for £69.99 and £79.99 respectively. The range will be available to buy from exclusively selected retail partners.
DeLonghi distinta flair 1.7L kettle silver KBI3001.S: kettle: £124.99 toaster: £102.99
With its matte grey and chrome colourway (it’s also available in blue), this DeLonghi kettle and toaster look sleek on a countertop – and it’s slight, too. Despite the kettle having a 1.7L capacity, it’s actually quite small, great for those with modest-sized kitchens. Its boil is slightly on the noisy side when compared to other models on the market, but the kettle is comfortable to fill and pour – its wide, drip-free spout pours well. Handily, it has a light either side, which turns off when the water has boiled, so would suit both left and right-handed users.
Morphy Richards rose gold collection 102040 traditional kettle & toaster both £34.99, Currys
Available in ocean grey and midnight blue, this good-looking kettle and toaster is far more than just style over substance. Thanks to its 3000W output, the kettle boils efficiently, while also handling a capacity of 1.5L. It conveniently denotes two, four and 8 cup measurements on its display window, and with the handle situated above the spout, you have complete control when it comes to pouring. It doesn’t have the quietest boil, but it’s not the loudest either – you can still have a conversation while you’re waiting to make your brew.
Prestige 1.7L Eco Kettle and toaster set £79.99 Prestige
Definitely a kettle worth considering for its low cost and good performance scores. It's lightweight, so won't strain your wrist and it boiled water quickly, both on its minimum and maximum capacity. It has a useful, 360-degree swivel base, an illuminated water gauge, and for safety it has boil dry protection. The only drawback is that it's not the most sleek looking kettle!
Bugatti ViaRoma £99
Sleek style your thing? This ViaRoma kettle will be right up your street. Made from 18/10 stainless steel, this highly polished kettle will make a real statement. With a whistle function to let you know it’s boiled, this kettle is an essential in any modern kitchen.
The stunning Inspire collection from Russell Hobbs will add a touch of style to any kitchen work surface this winter, with three new on-trend colourways being added to the range.
The kettle has a perfect pour spout, so there’s no messy spills, and sits on a 360° base for ease of use. It also features quick boil technology, boiling one cup in 55 seconds, making it perfect for an eco-friendly household – and those who need a cuppa in a hurry!
Everyone has their own perfect slice of toast. The Inspire toasters both feature an extra lift function, so toast can be checked on without cancelling its cycle, and variable browning control, perfect for individual toast preferences.
The Inspire Kettle is RRP £39.99, the Inspire 2 Slice Toaster £34.99 and the Inspire 4 Slice Toaster £49.99. The Inspire range is available to buy in major retailers nationwide including John Lewis and Amazon, with the new colourways exclusive to DSG and Currys.
Smeg 50s retro KLF03BLUK kettle: £114, toaster £116 AO
Like the rest of the brand’s kitchenware range, this kettle and toaster is chic, sturdy, and offers a touch of retro-inspired fun. As you’d expect, it’s available in a range of colours, from classic to bright, all of which carry the brand’s trademark sheen. The kettle has a fast boil powered by 3000W, a simple press-button lid and a smooth pour. Smeg lovers will certainly not be disappointed. And I am one of them!
Alessi Plissé kettle £79.00
Add structure and form to your kitchen with the Matt Black Alessi Plissé Electric Kettle designed by Michele De Lucchi. The unusual pleated design of this electric kettle reflects its name 'Plissé' meaning fabric that has been treated to form creases. Starting off with folded paper, Alessi then created the 3D shape in thermoplastic resin, creating this haute couture look. A truly high-end, stylish kettle, ideal for a modern home decor, it is also available in white.
Siemens breakfast set toaster £100 each
Siemens toasters and kettles are designed for those who appreciate beauty. At breakfast, the focus should be on enjoyment. That starts with making toast, boiling water and brewing coffee in a state-of-the-art kitchen appliance. Innovative technologies ensure that tea water is at the right temperature and toast is browned to perfection. And they look good. Siemens has combined cutting edge technology with a distinctive design language: high-end materials, a clear, modern design idiom and harmonious colours. For example, stainless steel brightens up at the breakfast table. Its pleasant feel, fine gleam and easy care make it a design classic that Siemens uses in a variety of ways. In combination with the colours white, dark grey, black or dark red, stainless steel catches the eye, making a simple yet elegant impression. With Siemens appliances, breakfast is not just a culinary delight – it’s also an aesthetic delight.