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How we test speed

How quickly the kettle boils one litre of water.

How we test controls

Size, brightness and position of buttons and markings.

How we test pouring

A five star kettle will only pour water from the spout, not from the surrounding lid, and will not drip after use.

How we test water window/gauge

We rate how easy it is to see the water level.

How we test cleaning

We check the outer surfaces of kettles for dirt traps and rate whether they are quick to show fingermarks and smudges.

How we test quietness

How noisy the kettle is when boiling and how irritating the sound is. Quieter and less obtrusive kettles get higher star ratings.

How we test overboil time

How quickly the kettle turns itself off after reaching boiling point, saving time and electricity. Better kettles have shorter overboil times, and the best switch off immediately.

How we test minimum fill

How much water you need to fill the kettle with to be able to use it - better kettles have lower minimum fill amounts and clearly display the minimum level.

How we test limescale filter

How effective the filter is at trapping limescale and how easy it is to remove, clean and replace it.

How we test opening and closing lid

We consider how the lid is opened, how easy and smooth this is to do and how much force is needed to close it again.

How we test filling

We rate the ease of filling the kettle, both through the lid opening and the spout where possible.

How we test handle

Five star kettles have a handle that is well designed and comfortable to hold, suiting all hand sizes.

How we test handling

We rate the weight and balance of the kettle, when full and empty, and assess the ease of returning it to its base.