Are you a tea or coffee lover who can’t stand the thought of a trip without your favorite hot beverage? Do you often find yourself disappointed with the limited or non-existent tea and coffee facilities in hotels? If so, you’re in the right place. As a travel enthusiast and a firm believer in the necessity of a good cuppa on the go, I’ve delved deep into the world of Travel Kettles to bring you the ultimate guide. After extensive research and hands-on testing, I’m here to share my top recommendations and help you choose the perfect portable kettle for your travel needs.
If you’re short on time and just want a quick recommendation, my top pick is the Lakeland travel kettle. I’ve personally used this travel kettle on numerous trips and it has consistently delivered. Its durable stainless steel construction and BPA-free components provide peace of mind, and its compact size is perfect for packing.
Click here to shop Lakeland travel kettle on Amazon
For those who want a more detailed understanding of what makes a great travel kettle, keep reading! We’ll explore the key features to consider and dive into the specifics of the models I tested.
Why a Travel Kettle is a Must-Have for Savvy Travelers
As someone who cherishes a morning cup of tea, I understand the disappointment of arriving at a hotel room only to find subpar or non-existent tea and coffee making facilities. Often, even hotels that advertise these amenities provide capsule coffee machines with questionable tea pods that taste more like coffee-flavored disappointment. This was my motivation to find the best travel kettle. The thought of starting my day without a proper cup of tea during a three-week hotel stay spurred me into action.
My initial search for a small electric kettle in local stores proved surprisingly fruitless. The one option I found was bulky and unappealing, pushing me to explore the wider world of online shopping. This experience highlighted the need for a comprehensive guide to travel kettles, and that’s exactly what I’m here to provide.
Key Considerations When Choosing Your Travel Kettle
Before we dive into specific travel kettle reviews, let’s discuss the essential factors to consider. Understanding these aspects will help you navigate the options and choose a kettle that perfectly suits your travel style.
Size and Capacity:
Portability is paramount when it comes to a travel kettle. Look for models with a capacity of 500ml or less, especially if you are traveling solo or as a couple. A 500ml capacity is typically sufficient for two standard cups of tea, striking a balance between functionality and saving precious luggage space. If you need a larger capacity, consider a collapsible kettle to maximize space-saving.
Wattage:
Wattage, indicated by a number followed by “w” (e.g., 600w, 1000w), directly impacts boiling speed. Higher wattage means faster boiling. While it might seem like a minor detail, the difference in boiling time can be noticeable and appreciated when you’re eager for a hot drink. My tests of various travel kettles confirmed that wattage plays a significant role in boiling speed. Refer to the comparison table later in this article for specific wattage and boil times.
Dual Voltage:
For international travelers, dual voltage is a crucial feature. A dual voltage travel kettle can operate on both 200-240V (common in Europe) and 100-127V (common in North America). Always check the voltage requirements of your destination. This Wikipedia article is a helpful resource for checking voltage by country.
Material:
The material of your travel kettle is another important consideration, particularly regarding health and durability. Many kettles are made of plastic, some of which may contain BPA (Bisphenol-A). BPA is a chemical that has raised health concerns due to potential endocrine-disrupting properties. While the safety of BPA in food-grade plastics is debated, some users prefer to avoid it. Stainless steel is a BPA-free alternative that also offers enhanced durability, making it a robust choice for travel.
Plug Type:
Despite being designed for travel, travel kettles typically come with a standard plug for their country of origin (e.g., UK 3-pin plug). If you’re traveling internationally, you’ll likely need a travel adapter to use your kettle in different countries. I learned this the hard way when I arrived at a hotel without an adapter – a crucial detail easily overlooked! Don’t forget to pack a travel adapter; you can shop travel adaptors here.
My Search for the Best Travel Kettle: Lakeland vs. Kenwood
In my quest to find the best travel kettle, I explored numerous options online, primarily on Amazon. I narrowed down my choices by eliminating:
- Unbranded or “no-name” brands: While budget-friendly, reliability was a priority.
- Kettles with inconsistent information: Discrepancies in specifications between product descriptions and customer Q&A raised red flags.
- Kettles with poor reviews: Negative feedback and recurring issues were deal-breakers.
This process led me to focus on two reputable brands: the Lakeland travel kettle (stainless steel) and the Kenwood travel kettle (plastic). Both are well-known brands with positive customer feedback.
Side-by-side comparison of the Kenwood and Lakeland travel kettles.
I purchased both travel kettles and spent several weeks rigorously testing and comparing them. While durability requires longer-term use, both kettles remained functional throughout my initial testing period, which is already a positive sign compared to some less reliable products I’ve tested.
Both models include stackable accessories for easy transport, concealed heating elements, and dual voltage compatibility. Importantly, both also feature automatic shut-off, a crucial safety feature in a travel kettle.
While both kettles are capable of making tea, one emerged as the clear winner. Although the Kenwood travel kettle has its merits, the Lakeland travel kettle is the one I confidently recommend and will be taking on my travels.
Update: Several months after my initial review, my Lakeland travel kettle continues to be a reliable source of hot water on my trips. All components are still working perfectly, and I appreciate the included accessories and convenient carry bag. It remains my top recommendation for a travel kettle.
Travel Kettle Comparison Table
For a quick overview of the key features of each travel kettle, refer to the comparison table below:
| Feature | Lakeland Travel Kettle | Kenwood Travel Kettle |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Stainless Steel | Plastic |
| Capacity | 0.5 Liters | 0.5 Liters |
| Wattage | 1000W | 650W |
| Boil Time (500ml) | 3.5 minutes | ~5 minutes |
| Dual Voltage | Yes | Yes |
| Accessories | Carry Bag, 2 Cups, 2 Spoons, Container | 2 Cups, 2 Spoons |
| Water Window | No | Yes (Dual) |
| Spout Filter | No | Yes |
Lakeland Travel Kettle: My Top Pick
Lakeland travel kettle – my recommended best travel kettle
Lakeland, a reputable British kitchenware brand, immediately appealed to me. Supporting a local business was a bonus. The stainless steel body of this travel kettle was a major selling point, offering both durability and peace of mind regarding BPA. Stainless steel feels more robust, which is reassuring when considering the rigors of travel.
Initially, I was concerned that a stainless steel travel kettle might be significantly heavier than a plastic one. However, the Lakeland kettle is only negligibly heavier (20g) than the plastic Kenwood model. Even with all accessories packed inside, the Lakeland is only slightly heavier due to the inclusion of an extra container for tea, coffee, or sugar, which I found to be a useful addition. Combined with its faster boiling time thanks to the 1000W wattage, the Lakeland travel kettle became the clear winner. While slightly pricier, the quality and features justify the investment.
Lakeland Travel Kettle in Detail:
Inside view of the Lakeland travel kettle.
Lakeland travel kettle in hand, showing its compact size.
Height comparison of the Lakeland travel kettle.
Weight of the Lakeland travel kettle with accessories.
Pros of the Lakeland Travel Kettle:
- Stainless Steel Construction: Durable and BPA-free (mostly). Only the lid’s plastic comes into contact with steam.
- Comprehensive Accessory Kit: Includes a carry bag, sugar/tea container, and two cups and spoons, adding significant value and convenience.
- Fast Boiling: 1000W power boils 500ml in just 3.5 minutes.
Cons of the Lakeland Travel Kettle:
- No Water Window: Requires looking inside to check the water level.
- Slightly Inaccurate Water Level Marker: The 500ml marker is slightly high; avoid filling to the marker to prevent spillage.
- Plastic Cups: Cups are plastic and may not be BPA-free. Consider using a separate BPA-free travel mug.
For US readers, you can find a very similar travel kettle on Amazon US.
Kenwood Travel Kettle: A Solid Plastic Alternative
Kenwood is a brand I trust, having used their kitchen appliances for years. This trust was a key factor in considering the Kenwood travel kettle.
This small travel kettle has a sleek design and is slightly taller than the Lakeland model. A notable feature is the removable spout filter, which helps prevent limescale from pouring into your drink – a feature missing in the Lakeland. The dual water windows also make it easy to monitor the water level.
However, I was disappointed by the inaccurate maximum water level marker, which is set at 450ml despite the advertised 500ml capacity. The boiling time was also slower compared to the Lakeland. While these issues don’t render the kettle unusable, they are worth considering. If boiling speed and material are less of a concern, the Kenwood travel kettle is a decent alternative.
Kenwood Travel Kettle in Detail:
Inside view of the Kenwood travel kettle.
Kenwood travel kettle in hand for size reference.
Height of the Kenwood travel kettle.
Weight of the Kenwood travel kettle with accessories.
Pros of the Kenwood Travel Kettle:
- Dual Water Windows: Easy to check water level without opening the lid.
- Spout Filter: Helps to filter out limescale.
Cons of the Kenwood Travel Kettle:
- Inaccurate Capacity Marker: Max level marker is misleadingly high (450ml actual capacity at marker).
- Slower Boiling Time: Takes approximately 5 minutes to boil 450ml.
- Plastic Construction: Made of plastic and not guaranteed BPA-free.
For US readers, a similar plastic travel kettle is available on Amazon US.
Conclusion: Pack a Travel Kettle and Enhance Your Trips
Investing in a travel kettle is a game-changer for any traveler who values their hot beverages. Having the ability to quickly and easily boil water in your hotel room provides a level of comfort and convenience that is often overlooked. Whether you prioritize stainless steel and fast boiling like the Lakeland, or prefer the features of the Kenwood, a travel kettle is an essential travel companion. Say goodbye to disappointing hotel tea and coffee and hello to enjoying your perfect cuppa wherever your adventures take you!
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
