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7 Best Small Electric Tea Kettles and Travel Kettles in 2023 Reviewed

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A good electric kettle is essential kitchen equipment, but bigger isn’t always better. Oversized pots take longer to boil, and the steeping temperature is never quite right if they’re not filled to capacity.

Whether you’re making tea for two or want an extra cup for yourself, you can enjoy full-sized features in a more efficient package.

Space friendly and portable, our recommended small electric kettles will put a warm drink in your hand and a smile on your face.

Our recommendations for Best Small Electric Kettle:

Best Small Electric Kettles Reviewed

We chose 7 different types of small electric kettles to be reviewed in this guide.

Whether you are looking for the best compact option for preparing your morning tea at home or the most portable travel electric kettle, we have something that suits your needs.

Best Overall: Taylor Swoden Small Electric Kettle with Tea Infuser

Taylor Swoden’s electric kettle is a pint-sized powerhouse. Ideal for dorms, offices, hotel rooms, and small kitchens, its 1-liter capacity is plenty for two plus warm-ups.

If you like loose leaf tea, then this is a great option because it comes with a stainless steel infuser.

Taylor Swoden Small Electric Kettle with Tea Infuser

Specifications:

  • Power: 1,100 watts
  • Volume: 1 L / 34 oz
  • Materials: Borosilicate Glass and Stainless Steel (BPA-free)
  • Dimensions: 8.1″ x 6.1″ x 8.4″ (L x W x H)
  • Weight: 1.9 lbs
  • Infuser Included: Yes

The Taylor Swoden kettle is engineered for safety. Its carafe is made of shatterproof, food-safe glass. All plastic parts are BPA-free, and none of them touch your water when you boil it.

The removable pot sits on a fully enclosed element that heats water in minutes. When it reaches the boiling point, the kettle shuts off automatically. Press the keep-warm button, and it maintains the temperature at 176°F (80°C) for a quick second cup.

The anti-scald handle stays cool to the touch. Generously sized, it has a secure feel in your hand. It has a big spout for an easy pour, and the lid opens wide for easy cleaning. Overall, the design is simple and practical.

If you’re looking for a bulletproof kettle to toss in your car or backpack, there are better choices. This model is sturdy but breakable and requires a standard household outlet.

Still, it’s small enough to fit in a suitcase and offers the comforts of home. Perfect for the extended traveler, its features rival kettles twice the price.

Pros

  • Boils water fast
  • Excellent value for money
  • Made with high-quality materials
  • Good safety features
  • Has a keep-warm function
  • Comes with a tea infuser

Cons

  • Not the most durable option for traveling

Best Travel Electric Kettle: Loutytuo Foldable Travel Electric Kettle

Collapsible silicone kettles are a mainstay among campers. But this model takes it a step further with plug-in convenience.

The Loutytuo travel electric kettle is lightweight and dissembles in seconds. Keep it nestling safely in a zippered carry case and bring it along wherever you go!

Loutytuo Foldable Travel Electric Kettle

Specifications:

  • Power: 700 watts (110V/220V)
  • Volume: 0.5 L / 17 oz
  • Materials: Food Grade Silicone and 304 Stainless Steel (BPA-free)
  • Dimensions (folded): 5.9″ x 5.5″ x 2.0″ (L x W x H)
  • Dimensions (unfolded): 6.5″ x 5.5″ x 5.1″ (L x W x H)
  • Weight: 1.4 lbs

When it’s folded, this is one of the smallest electric kettles you find. Full-featured, the 700-watt heating element boils a half-liter (17 oz) of water in 3-5 minutes — faster than you can find a drive-thru.

This kettle offers all the convenience of standard kettles, including a stay-cool handle and boil-dry protection. When the water temperature drops to 167 °F, the kettle automatically keeps it warm.

Whether you’re at home or on the road, tuck it in a drawer, bag, or glove compartment for hot water anytime, anywhere. Dual-voltage, it works in the US and abroad.

Available in 5 different colors, the silicone is flexible, food-safe, and simple to clean. It may not be as durable as a steel kettle, but the advantages of the collapsible design can’t be overstated — it compresses to just 2 x 6 inches. It’s the ultimate in go-anywhere convenience.

Pros

  • Very portable
  • Easy and safe to use
  • Dual voltage functionality
  • Available in 5 different colors
  • Comes with a handy carry bag

Cons

  • The silicone might develop crack over time

Best Travel Kettle for Car: Uniox Vacuum-Insulated Car Electric Kettle

Start your trip with the Uniox car kettle and a hot cup of coffee.

Compatible with most cup holders, it’s a must-have for trail enthusiasts. Welcomed in dry, wooded areas where campfires are prohibited, it’s ready to use in seconds.

Uniox Vacuum-Insulated Car Electric Kettle

Specifications:

  • Power: 80/120 watts (DC 12V)
  • Volume: 0.348 L / 12 oz
  • Materials: Food Grade Silicone and 304 Stainless Steel (BPA-free)
  • Dimensions: 3.1″ x 3.1″ x 10.1″ (L x W x H)
  • Weight: 1.2 lbs

Have your cake and eat it too with Uniox’s vacuum-insulated kettle. How does it work?

It’s ingenious.

A 348 ml vacuum-insulated mug is mounted on a power base. Plug it into your lighter or other 12V port, and let it work its magic. Choose from high or low wattage settings — water boils in 12-16 minutes and stays warm for hours. An LED panel displays the temperature.

From everyday to emergency use, anyone with a car can benefit from this kettle. In addition to hot drinks, it’s also great for preparing dehydrated freeze-dried meals.

So skip the ties this holiday season, and show your love with a gift that keeps on giving.

Pros

  • Great option for roadtrips
  • Durable and convenient design
  • The outside surface stays cool to touch
  • Has a digital temperature display

Cons

  • Takes a while to boil water

Compact Gooseneck Kettle: Cosori Stainless Steel Electric Gooseneck Kettle

From its quality build to its genteel styling, Cosori’s gooseneck kettle is one to write home about. Sublime for home or office, it’s the perfect example of form meeting function.

Cosori Stainless Steel Electric Gooseneck Kettle

Specifications:

  • Power: 1200 watts
  • Volume: 0.8 L / 27 oz
  • Materials: Food Grade Stainless Steel (BPA-free)
  • Dimensions: 11.65″ x 9.37″ x 7.64″ (L x W x H)
  • Weight: 3.5 lbs

Petite but powerful, the 1200-watt heating element boils a full kettle in 3-5 minutes. This variable temperature electric kettle lets you choose from 5 temperature presets for gently-warmed white tea to steaming hot joe. The precision British STRIX thermostat makes a perfect brew.

Made of 100-percent food-grade stainless steel, the interior is plastic-free — it’s safe enough for making baby formula. Automatic shut-off and boil-dry features add an extra measure of protection. Well-balanced, it has a precision and leak-proof pour.

Available in black matte and brushed stainless finishes, the kettle’s pear-shaped body is more challenging to clean than others. Not everyone’s hand can squeeze in comfortably with a sponge. But while it’s worth noting, it’s far from a deal-breaker.

This expertly finished kettle is an excellent value and proof that good things come in small packages.

Pros

  • Has 5 one-touch temperature settings
  • Stylish design
  • Precise pour
  • Great for coffee and different types of teas

Cons

  • A bit hard to clean from inside

Looking for more options like this? Check out our guide with the best electric gooseneck kettles.

Small and Convenient: Plazala Portable Electric Travel Kettle

Boil water anywhere with this portable electric kettle. Perfect for one, it provides the ultimate convenience in a single-serving size.

Small and Convenient: Plazala Portable Electric Travel Kettle

Specifications:

  • Power: 300 watts
  • Volume: 0.35 L / 12 oz
  • Materials: 304 Stainless Steel
  • Dimensions: 3.5″ x 3.5″ x 7.5″ (L x W x H)
  • Weight: 1 lb

Made of 304 stainless steel, this mini electric kettle provides a healthy way to heat water. Odor-resistant, it holds 350 ml, or 12 ounces, and can carry coffee or tea.

It’s rugged and shock-resistant, so you can toss it in your bag without worrying about damage. The smooth white finish is baked on and scratch-resistant.

All you need at your destination is a 110V outlet, and you’re minutes away from your favorite hot beverage. The one-button operation couldn’t be simpler — it shuts off automatically after the water reaches the boiling point.

Light on bells and whistles, this kettle won’t win awards for its features, but what it does, it does well. If you want a personal electric kettle that boils water without a 20-page instruction manual, you’ll enjoy its simplicity.

Pros

  • Easy to use
  • Very compact and lightweight
  • Made with durable stainless steel

Cons

  • Only boils enough water for one person

Stainless Steel Mini Electric Kettle: Eglaf Electric Travel Kettle

Is the coffee in the break room nasty?

Forget it! Eglaf’s electric travel kettle turns any cubicle into a personal oasis.

Water boils in 8 minutes or less — the handle and the body of the kettle stay cool. Insulated, the stainless steel liner and spout are non-toxic and stain-resistant. The lid and base detach for easy cleaning.

Eglaf 0.5L Small Electric Travel Kettle

Specifications:

  • Power: 800 watts
  • Volume: 0.5 L / 17 oz
  • Materials: 304 Stainless Steel
  • Dimensions: 6.5″ x 4.2″ x 6.5″ (L x W x H)
  • Weight: 1.83 lb

Operating this mini kettle is straightforward. The on-off button is on the handle. Thumb operated, for convenience, your hand is never exposed to heat.

Ergonomically designed for a spill-free pour, the automatic shut-off and boil-dry features ensure safe use at home, work, or on the road.

Less than seven inches tall, this kettle fits anywhere — store the power cord in the pot for travel.

Available in deep blue, light blue, and pink, it adds a welcomed touch of color in any space. With a half-liter capacity, it may be among the smallest electric kettles on the market. But its full-sized features and affordable price will fast make it your new favorite.

Pros

  • Ergonomic design
  • Good safety features
  • Available in 5 different colors

Cons

  • Outside of the kettle gets hot when boiling water

Best Immersion Heater: Lewis N. Clark Electric Stainless Steel Immersion Heater

Minimalists, may I have your attention?

If an electric kettle is just another small appliance you don’t want in your home, why not consider an immersion heater? Little more than a submersible heating element, it boils water quite fast, cools in seconds, and fits in your pocket.

Lewis N. Clark Electric Stainless Steel Immersion Heater

Specifications:

  • Power: 125/500 watts (110-120V/220-240V)
  • Materials: Stainless Steel
  • Dimensions: 1.25″ x 1″ x 4.7″ (L x W x H)
  • Weight: 4 oz

Each coil has a clip that fits onto the side of any mug or a tea cup. Plug it in, and it can warm and rewarm drinks after they cool — as long as they’re a thin consistency.

Submerge it in your cup, and pull it out just before it boils. It takes finesse, but there’s no easier way to make a hot beverage.

Intertek ETL listed, these immersion heaters are absolutely safe. Loved by travelers worldwide, just follow the instructions.

Note that you should always supervise the heater when it’s in use. So if you live or work in a high-distraction environment, a kettle with an automatic shut-off may be a better choice.

Otherwise, you can score this convenient two-pack of quality immersion heaters for half the price of a kettle. It’s a bargain.

Pros

  • Super portable
  • Very affordable
  • Works in the US and abroad

Cons

  • Must be supervised when in use
  • On 110-120V mode the power is only 125 watts

Buying Guide For Mini Electric Kettles for Travel and Home

Any small appliance should make your life easier.

Before you buy, consider the features that will best fit your lifestyle.

Portability

The first thing to ask yourself is whether you are just looking for a small kettle to use at home or if you are looking for a travel kettle.

Some kettles are compact enough for small spaces yet not really portable. Ideal for the small kitchen or office, they boast the same advanced features as larger kettles but with a modest footprint.

Other models are engineered for the road with portable charging capability. Their smaller capacity makes them perfect travel companions as long as you have a compatible power source from a standard electrical outlet to a 12V car battery.

If you like to keep your options open, some small kettles do double duty. By combining more rugged materials with flexible charging options, they transition from home to suitcase with ease.

Design

Small electric kettles come in five popular styles:

  • Regular: Regular compact kettles have the same shape and function as high-capacity kettles. Made of the same materials, they’re just petite and more affordable versions of their larger cousins.
  • Collapsible: Collapsible kettles have a metal base and an accordion-like silicone top. Remove the power cord and handle and they compress down to a few square inches.
  • Gooseneck: If you want conventional style in a smaller size, consider a compact gooseneck electric kettle. Prized for their conventional pour, they offer both looks and performance.
  • Car Kettle: Car kettles resemble travel mugs. Plug them into your vehicle’s cigarette lighter or other DC power source — they boil water in minutes for tea, coffee, baby formula and more. Most are not compatible with the AC outlets in homes and hotels. Nomads, check the dimensions to make sure they fit in your cup holders.
  • Immersion Heater: Equipped with AC or car plugs, immersion heaters are the ultimate portable gadget. Lower the submersible coils onto a cup and they heat thin liquids almost instantly.

Size and Capacity

Kettles should be small enough to fit in your space yet still make enough tea.

Multiply the size of your favorite cups — 4-, 6-, 8- or more ounces — by the number of people you typically serve to find the ideal capacity. An ounce of water is lost to evaporation for every cup you boil, so upsize if it makes sense.

Materials

Plastics can leach toxins into the water when heated, so stick to kettles made of glass, ceramic or stainless steel.

For travel, we like steel for its durability.

On the other hand, silicone is inert, safe, and flexible — it won’t shatter. But collapsible kettles may develop cracks in the creases from repeated compression.

Safety

Any small appliance should be safe, wherever and whenever it’s used.

Look for these valuable safety features in your next electric kettle:

  • A stable, tip-resistant base
  • Shatterproof materials
  • Ergonomic, anti-scald handles that stay cool when the kettle is heated
  • Textured, slip-resistant grips
  • Automatic shut-off
  • Boil-dry protection that prevents a dry kettle from overheating
  • UL or similar safety-assurance certifications

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