Every September thousands of young people start college or university, which means making the major transition from living at home to moving out on their own. Moving out for the first time can be a daunting experience. You are suddenly responsible for your shopping, cooking, and cleaning – on top of starting a new and busy schedule.
Thankfully, there are only a few essential purchases that will help make your dorm room experience as positive as possible. One item on this must-purchase list is an electric kettle for your dorm.
Your electric kettle will become a huge life-saver as it quickly boils water for a much-needed cup of coffee or tea in those early hours of the morning. In addition, when you’re schedule starts to overflow with assignments and readings, your kettle will save you time boiling water for cooking and getting a quick meal in between classes.
On top of saving you time, electric kettles are compact and can fit on any flat surface. In small dorm configurations, it is understandably useful to have versatility on where the kettle sits. For these reasons, an electric kettle is a must-have purchase to complete any dorm room.
1. Best Overall: Miroco’s 1.5L Double Wall 100 Stainless Steel BPA-Free Cool Touch Electric Teea ASIN: B07MV2K5FY
Busy schedules stretching from early mornings to late nights call for a simple and efficient kettle. Miroco is your best choice for a modern, no-fuss, and dependable electric kettle, perfect for any dorm. You can choose from either classic black or fresh orange to add a vibrant accent to your room.
The interior is made entirely from stainless steel and all plastic is 100% BPA free. Miroco has also integrated a double wall design, which maintains a cool exterior temperature to prevent any scalding accidents during those groggy hours. They also reach international standards in electric kettle safety by incorporating the world-class British Strix thermostat and automatic shut-off.
You can easily fill, pour and clean this 1.5L kettle with its wide spout and large pop-open lid. In only 6-7 minutes, you’ll have a full pot of boiled water in this must-have electric kettle.
One downside to this kettle is that it is heavier compared to some other options. This makes pouring a bit more challenging. However, the large spout and ergonomic handle features make up for the extra weight.
Plus, a little extra weight makes this kettle more sturdy and durable over time than other kettles. Overall, if you’re looking to set up or upgrade your electric kettle, then this is your best choice for quality, efficiency, and design.
| Pros | Cons |
| Double-wall design – cool to touch Large pop-open lid | Heavier weight, which might be more difficult to pick up and pour |
2. Best Warranty Guarantee: HadinEEon’s 1.7L Glass Electric Kettle ASIN: B07S7CB7G2
If you’re moving out for the very first time, then HadinEEon’s Glass Electric Kettle is a good investment. It will be the first and last kettle you’ll need to purchase for your dorm over the following few college years. HadinEEon backs this claim with their three-year manufacturers’ warranty, so you’ll have peace of mind that your kettle will always be there for you when you need it.
The kettle has a contemporary design made with a combination of scratch-resistant glass and stainless steel. The glass pot comes makes cleaning super convenient, making sure you never miss a spot. There is an auto-shut-off built-in when the water reaches a boil, a safety feature you can’t get with a stove-top kettle. The kettle is also fast to heat – around 6 minutes to boil 1.5L of water.
They have also made the kettle easy to pour with an ergonomic design and a 360-degree swivel base so that you can grab the pot and set it down easily from any angle. One of the best features of this pot is its mesmerizing blue light that wraps around the base. While you heat your water, you are delighted with the cool blue light that also indicates when the water is finished by turning off.
The glass design can get hot as you boil water, which is one of the few drawbacks to this option. However, the beautiful blue LED display will let you know whether the kettle is turned on, so you’ll be less likely to hurt yourself.
Overall, this kettle is perfect for anyone who appreciates a good warranty backing up the quality of a newly purchased item. This kettle will last you those long few years in school and will be replaced if anything should happen.
| Pros | Cons |
| A three-year warranty 360-degree swivel base so you can pick up and set the pot down from any angle | Can be hot to touch because of the glass walls |
3. Best Aesthetic: AmazonBasics Electric Glass and Steel 1.7L Kettle ASIN: B07JZQ1MXT
Is there anything that could make your evening cup of tea any more tranquil? The answer to that question is yes – the mesmerizing blue light on AmazonBasic’s electric kettle. This kettle has a simple and sleek design and an extra-long power cord so you can easily set it up anywhere in your dorm. Not only does this kettle prepare your perfect hot beverage, but it also adds a beautiful new mood to your dorm room.
This kettle is a glass and stainless steel design with a large 1.7L capacity. They’ve also integrated important safety features, such as an auto shut-off and anti-boil-dry detection. This is one reason that makes electric kettles a better choice than stovetop kettles; they have specially integrated safety features to prevent any major accidents from occurring. So, your AmazonBasics electric kettle isn’t only a beautiful display of hypnotic blue light and boiling water – it will also boil your water quickly and safely.
The size of the opening and lid is on the smaller side compared to some other kettle designs, which can make cleaning more of a challenge. However, it’s a good idea to use a long cleaning stick with bristles so that you can properly get into the grooves of the kettle.
This is a simple and effective solution that will help you to get a good deep clean in the kettle whenever necessary. All in all, if you want to make your instant soups quickly – and in style – then this kettle is a perfect choice.
| Pros | Cons |
| Beautiful blue LED light surrounding the base of the pot Auto-shutoff and anti-boil-dry protection | Small lid opening, which can make cleaning a challenge |
4. Best Budget: AmazonBasics Stainless Steel Portable Electric Hot Water Kettle ASIN: B072DWYBL7
Setting up a dorm for the first time can be an expensive journey! If your budget is tight, look no further, another AmazonBasic kettle is here to save the day. AmazonBasic’s stainless steel electric kettle offers the best value for the lowest price. This 1L kettle comes in at just over $20 and will last you years to come as an essential in your daily routine.
You don’t have to compromise safety with this kettle. AmazonBasic’s have concealed the heating element and incorporated a standard automatic shut-off as well as anti-boil-dry sensors. They also guarantee all plastic is BPA-free, which means it won’t be harmful to your health. They have also included is a filter that can be easily removed for cleaning.
The entire kettle is stainless steel, with a small glass window that lets you see exactly how much water you’re boiling. The stainless steel design prevents the kettle from getting too hot to touch, which prevents any accidents from happening as you rush to get a hot cup of coffee between meetings and classes.
The only downside to this kettle is that it is quite a bit smaller than other kettles. If you only need to make a couple of cups of hot water, then this isn’t necessarily a downside. If you only have a small dorm space to work with, this smaller kettle might suit you better. Overall, this kettle offers the best value – a dependable, simple, compact kettle that fits the budget.
Unfortunately, this product is currently out of stock on Amazon. But it’s still worth checking out its price and availability in other stores.
| Pros | Cons |
| Best value for your budget BPA-free plastic | Small capacity – only 1L |
5. Largest Water Capacity: Mueller Premium Glass, 1.8L Electric Kettle with Speed Boil Tech ASIN: B07TZ5YHJN
If you’re looking for a large, high-quality kettle, Mueller has you covered. Mueller is a trusted brand, designed in Austria. Their electric kettle is made with glass and stainless steel, and also includes a blue LED light rimming the base for an extra visual display. At 1.8L, this kettle is the largest on this list. But don’t worry, you’ll still get your hot cup of tea in under 10 minutes.
Mueller’s kettle is constructed out of a glass, stainless steel, and plastic design. They have also used a British Strix thermostat for the most accurate automatic shut-off temperature gauge. They’ve also built in an anti-boil-dry sensor for added protection. The handle is made from a heat-resistant and sticky grip material so that the chances of an accident are minimized as much as possible.
You also get to enjoy an LED blue light rimming the glass container, which indicates the kettle is turned on. This kettle is set apart from others by its very large 1.8L capacity. You’ll be able to boil enough water for a few cups of tea and cook your pasta for dinner. Plus, you’ll be able to get all of this done quickly and with the beauty of the blue LED light display.
One setback with this kettle is that it has a plastic spout. It is constructed with BPA-free plastic and is designed to tolerate boiling temperatures. However, the plastic spout may shorten the lifespan of this kettle. However, this will only change things slightly.
Overall, this is a well-made kettle and is the perfect size to make you, your roommates, and your friends a cup of coffee during late-night study sessions. If you know you’ll be boiling lots of water at a time, then Mueller is the best choice.
| Pros | Cons |
| Large capacity – 1.8L British Strix thermostat for auto-shutoff | Plastic spout, which can become worn out faster than a metal alternative |
Buying Guide
Chances are you will be picking up an electric kettle for your dorm. Electrics kettles are an essential, versatile gadget that you will be glad you have when you need that hot cup of your favorite beverage. They can easily be placed on any flat surface.
So, if you don’t have access to a kitchen inside your dorm room, at least you can easily make instant soups, coffees, or teas without having to leave your room. Being able to heat water in your room will save you time all on its own.
You’ll also make boiling more efficient since electric kettles can heat up super fast. All this is done with the best safety features, as well. For instance, the kettle will automatically turn off once the water reaches a boil, and it will detect whether there is water to prevent heating a dry kettle.
Glass or stainless steel?
There are a few features to consider when purchasing an electric kettle. First, you’ll want to know whether you prefer a glass or stainless steel kettle. Glass kettles usually have a blue LED light that adds a beautiful mood to any room.
On the other hand, stainless steel kettles are cooler to the touch, generally more sturdy, and give a simple and modern aesthetic. Both are great options, so it’s up to your preference.
How much water do you need to boil?
Second, you’ll want to consider the size of the kettle. If you only need a cup or two of hot water, then a smaller kettle might be best. This will not only be a cheaper way to go, but it will also save space in a small dorm room.
Any restrictions in the space that requires a special feature?
Finally, you can think about extra features that might be important for your unique situation. For example, the length of the power cord might make the difference as to whether or not the kettle will reach the tabletop. Since college is an expensive few years, warranties are also a good thing to consider to ensure you’ll have your kettle for as long as you need it.
In sum:
Living in a dorm can be a challenging time, especially if you’re living on your own for the first time and just starting school. It is always a good idea to make this experience as easy and enjoyable as possible. That’s why making a hot cup of your favorite beverage can be such a good thing – it’s good for the soul.
Electric kettles make this hot cup of joy easy and accessible. Since the kettle is compact, you’ll be able to find the perfect spot to rest it and heat water in under ten minutes. This is why an electric kettle is an essential purchase for any dorm room.
FAQs
Is a stovetop kettle better than an electric kettle?
Stovetop kettles can boil water to a higher temperature than electric kettles. Stovetops can also sustain that temperature is necessary. However, electric kettles can boil water faster than a stovetop.
To answer which one is better depends on your goals. If you need a few cups of boiled water, then the electric kettle is the way to go.
Which is better, a glass or stainless steel kettle?
There are benefits to both styles of kettles. Glass kettles are specially treated to endure high temperatures without any issues. It is useful to be able to see through the kettle when you need to clean the pot. Glass also allows some beautiful light displays.
However, stainless steel is generally more sturdy (especially if you are moving and transporting the kettle). Stainless steel will also not discolor or retain any taste or smell over time. However, it is more difficult to clean since it isn’t as visible as a glass kettle.
Overall, there are pros and cons to each style and a lot can come down to personal preference.
How do you know when to replace your electric kettle?
To know whether you should replace your electric kettle it is good to keep track of the time it takes to boil water. On average, a kettle should boil water in around five minutes. If you notice that the kettle is taking longer and longer to bring the water to a boil, then it probably means that it is time to get a replacement.
