“sTeamy Windows! “I belted out a Tina Turner classic.

Aside from the humidity that turns hair to icicles—I felt like I was staring at a plug socket for two days—the primary challenge was figuring out how to evaluate the kettle. They all essentially perform the same function, though they’ve evolved somewhat over the decades. Some models from the 1970s could fit right into a modern kitchen today. Beyond foundational features, good kettles hold on to basic qualities that make them user-friendly.

Infini-tea and beyond

Until now, my contributions to filtering have relied on tangible results. We tested the hues of our homemade chips and crispy snacks to determine which were superior and which fell short. Before that, my kitchen was a blend of blender chaos (the right term for this scenario). Once again, the creamiest smoothies and soups pointed to appliances featuring the sharpest blades and strongest motors.

In the case of kettles, it became evident that gadgets which had the best boiling capabilities required a closer inspection. So I embarked on heating water armed with a power meter, infrared thermometer, a cell phone running decibel X, another phone serving as a timer, and a probe thermometer—among other tools. I could brew enough hot beverages for my entire street and a couple of friends. Gradually, my kitchen resembled a tropical rainforest.

However, simply testing which kettle brewed better wasn’t the only metric; we also assessed other specific aspects such as build quality, the minimum fill requirement—should you always boil 0.5 liters when only 200ml is needed—and value for money—what you truly get for your investment.

It’s simply the best

After thorough evaluation, I arrived at my top recommendation: the Bosch Sky Kettle (£100), which offers a great balance of speed, design, and insulation to keep water hot longer, making it ideal for most households. For those on a tighter budget, the Kenwood Ripple Kettle (£32) stood out as my top economical choice, combining style and functionality with quick boiling times and varied color options.

Of course, upon learning that Gen Z is skipping kettles in favor of less energy-efficient microwaves, one might question the relevance of my tests. Yet, in tribute to Tina, my undercover product tester, it seems necessary to know which kettle truly reigns supreme when it’s time to replace yours.

This week’s picks

Editor’s Pick

A quality knife is a worthwhile investment, so it’s essential to maintain it. Food writer and co-associate editor of Feast, Anna Beril, consulted experts for tips on extending the lifespan of your knives.

We also covered advice on caring for everything from smartphones to leather goods and coffee makers. In the long run, you’ll save money and help reduce landfill waste. What additional topics would you like us to explore in this newsletter? Let us know.

Hannah Booth
Editor, Filter

Just in case you missed it…

Joanne Gould sampled the finest spritzers (all on the lighter end of the alcohol spectrum) ranging from apple and ginger liqueurs to rhubarb syrup. Serve with ice, prosecco, and salted potato chips (Felicity Cloak recently evaluated the best salted potato chips for us). If you’re curious about what it’s like to test alcoholic beverages for a living, Joan shared insights with us last week. Cheers!

Get Involved

Are you a student or a parent? Which items have proven indispensable for undergraduate life and settling in? Also, what modifications did you make to your accommodation that were ultimately unnecessary? Reply to this newsletter or email thefilter@theguardian.com.