Amazon Basics Electric Kettle Review

This kettle is not the fanciest on the market, but for what it lacks in demeanor it makes up for in price, efficiency, and simplicity. The biggest selling points are its remarkably quick boiling speed, the generous 1.7 L capacity suitable for multiple servings or large recipes, and its highly affordable price point. This combination establishes it as a great value proposition for anyone needing boiling water fast, sometimes in substantial quantities. Its stainless steel body is notably slimmer than many other high-capacity kettles. Combined with a slimmer, well-positioned handle, it offers a better-than-average in-hand feeling during use. It incorporates some plastic components: a clear window on the side serves as a water level indicator, and the lid is lined with black plastic. All in all, the Amazon Basics kettle reliably performs its essential function: boiling water fast at the flick of a switch.

Boiling Speed

The Amazon Basics electric kettle distinguishes itself prominently by being the fastest boiling kettle evaluated in our tests. Under specific test conditions (high elevation facility, starting water temperature of 57°F), it took a mere 2 minutes and 40 seconds to bring 500 mL of water to a rolling boil. This exceptional speed is a major advantage for users who value time and efficiency.

Temperature Accuracy for Green Tea

The Amazon Basics kettle truly embodies its “Basics” name in this regard, as it is fundamentally a simple on/off device. It lacks the necessary hardware or settings for precise temperature adjustment, meaning it cannot be set to specific lower temperatures that are ideal for delicate teas like green tea directly. It boils water, and that's it.

Temperature Accuracy for Coffee

Similar to the limitation for green tea, there is no built-in temperature adjustment feature on this model for optimizing coffee brewing temperatures (typically just below boiling). However, users can allow the fully boiled water to sit for a minute or two after the kettle switches off, letting it cool slightly to reach a temperature more suitable for methods like French press or pour-over coffee.

Pour Feel

While the pouring experience cannot realistically compete with the specialized control and ergonomic joy offered by gooseneck kettles, the Amazon Basics kettle stands out as one of the better-performing pitcher-style kettles tested regarding its feel in hand during pouring.

This surprisingly decent feel is largely attributed to its design choices. Despite sharing a large capacity with other pitcher-style kettles, its stainless steel construction avoids the weight often associated with glass-walled models. This relative slimness, coupled with a less bulky handle and positioned closer to the kettle's center of gravity, results in better balance and a more comfortable, controlled feel compared to other high-capacity kettles evaluated.

Ease of Use

Operating this kettle is exceptionally straightforward. The user interface consists of a single, prominent switch located at the base. This switch lights up when the kettle is turned on, providing clear visual feedback, and automatically turns off with an audible click once the water reaches a boil.

The primary drawback concerning ease of use relates to refilling. The lid mechanism doesn't permit a full 90-degree opening; it opens only slightly more than halfway. This limited opening angle often means tilting the kettle slightly under the faucet to fill it easily is necessary, which can be a minor inconvenience, depending on the sink setup.

Precision Pouring

Consistent with the Pour Feel assessment, pitcher-style kettles, such as the Amazon Basics, are generally outperformed by gooseneck kettles when it comes to the precise pouring required for specific applications, like pour-over coffee. Within the pitcher-style category, however, the Amazon Basics performs relatively well.

As demonstrated in the video below, while lacking the elegance and pinpoint accuracy of a gooseneck spout, the Amazon Basics kettle maintains a reasonably defined and controlled stream of water. The stream doesn't significantly break until it is approximately 7 inches away from the tip of the spout. Despite this decent performance for its style, it remains not the ideal choice for pour-over coffee enthusiasts who require the fine motor control afforded by a gooseneck design, but it's among the best in its pitcher-style class.

Should You Buy the Amazon Basics Kettle?

You should consider buying the Amazon Basics Electric Kettle if your primary needs are boiling water quickly, handling large volumes, and achieving this with straightforward operation at a budget-friendly price. It excels in these core functions. However, if you require precise temperature control for different beverages (such as specific teas or optimized coffee brewing) or the pinpoint pouring accuracy of a gooseneck kettle for methods like pour-over coffee, this basic model will not meet your needs.

What Other Electric Kettles Should You Consider?

If the limitations of the Amazon Basics model are dealbreakers, you should explore other electric kettles. Consider models that offer variable temperature control settings, such as the OXO Brew Gooseneck or the Breville IQ, if you require specific temperatures for tea or coffee. If precise pouring for methods like pour-over coffee is essential, look specifically at gooseneck kettles such as the Fellow Stagg EKG, which are designed for superior flow control.

Value

The Amazon Basics Electric Kettle represents a strong value proposition. Its combination of industry-leading boiling speed, large capacity, simple operation, and notably low price point makes it an excellent choice for users prioritizing function and affordability over advanced features. It delivers reliable performance for the fundamental task of boiling water without unnecessary complexity or cost.

Conclusion

The Amazon Basics Electric Kettle is a highly functional and efficient appliance that lives up to its name. Its standout features are its exceptional boiling speed, generous 1.7-liter capacity, and user-friendly single-switch operation, all offered at an attractive price. While its stainless steel construction offers a relatively slim profile and a decent pour feel for a pitcher-style model, it lacks features like temperature control and the precision pouring capability of gooseneck models. The lid's limited opening angle is a minor usability drawback. Ultimately, it's a no-frills workhorse that reliably and rapidly boils water, making it a great value for users who use their kettle for tea and coffee and cooking.