We compared two 1.7 litre electric kettles that sit at opposite ends of the price range: the retro-styled Smeg KLF03 and the fast-boil Russell Hobbs Inspire 24360.
What we looked at
Design, capacity, lid and base features, stated boil claims, filter and guarantee, and price.
The verdict
If you want a retro, design-led kettle with a soft-opening lid and don't mind paying more than four times as much, the Smeg KLF03 is the statement pick. If you'd rather spend far less on a 3kW fast-boil kettle with an illuminated water window, a removable anti-scale filter and a stated 2-year guarantee, the Russell Hobbs Inspire is the clear value option.
A retro statement kettle with a soft-opening lid and swivel base, but it costs over four times as much and lists no boil claim.
A 3kW fast-boil kettle with an illuminated water window, removable filter and a 2-year guarantee, at a fraction of the price.
Smeg KLF03 Retro Style Kettle (Black, 1.7L) — Best Design
Intended for: Marketed as a retro-style 1.7 litre kettle (7 cups) with a soft-opening lid, a water level indicator, a 360-degree swivel base and auto shut-off at 100 degrees.
What we liked
- Retro Smeg design that doubles as a kitchen statement piece
- 1.7 litre capacity, stated as 7 cups
- Soft-opening lid
- Water level indicator and a 360-degree swivel base
- Auto shut-off at 100°C
Worth knowing
- Costs more than four times as much as the Russell Hobbs Inspire on these listings
- The listing highlights give no boil-time claim or guarantee details
Best for
- Buyers who want a design-led kettle that suits a retro kitchen
- Anyone who values a soft-opening lid
- People who see the kettle as a countertop centrepiece
Not ideal for
- Budget-conscious buyers
- Anyone who wants stated boil-time and guarantee details
Russell Hobbs Inspire 24360 Electric Kettle (White, 1.7L, 3kW) — Best Value
Intended for: Marketed as a 1.7 litre, 3kW fast-boil kettle in premium textured plastic with chrome accents, a removable washable anti-scale filter, an illuminated water window and a 2-year guarantee.
What we liked
- A fraction of the Smeg KLF03's price on these listings
- 3kW fast boil, with a stated 45 seconds to boil one cup
- Easy-view water window with blue illumination when it boils
- Removable, washable anti-scale filter, and cord storage in the 360-degree base
- 2-year guarantee, plus 1 more year when you register it online
Worth knowing
- Plastic body with chrome accents rather than a statement design like the Smeg
- The 45-second claim is for one cup, not a full kettle
Best for
- Budget-conscious buyers who want a fast, well-featured kettle
- Anyone who wants a stated guarantee and a removable anti-scale filter
- People who want an illuminated water window
Not ideal for
- Anyone who wants a retro, design-led look
- Buyers who want a soft-opening lid
