Kettles and toasters are everyday essentials, and small features make a big difference over years of use.
Kettles
Capacity and minimum fill
Most full-size kettles hold around 1.5 to 1.7 litres. The minimum fill matters more for saving energy: a low minimum fill (one cup) means you only boil what you need. Boiling only the water you need is one of the simplest ways to save energy.
Speed and power
UK kettles are typically rated at up to 3kW. Higher wattage boils faster, but the total energy needed to heat the same amount of water is very similar, so the bigger saving comes from boiling less water.
Features worth considering
- Variable temperature: useful for green tea, coffee and baby formula preparation.
- Keep-warm setting: handy, but uses extra energy.
- Limescale filter: a removable, washable filter helps in hard-water areas.
- Quiet boil: some models are noticeably quieter.
- Clear water window visible from both sides for left and right-handed users.
Toasters
Slots and sizes
- 2-slice vs 4-slice: 4-slice models with independent controls let you toast two different breads at once.
- Long slot: good for artisan loaves and sourdough.
- Wide slots: fit thicker bread, bagels and crumpets.
Controls
- Browning control with a clear scale.
- Defrost, reheat and bagel settings (bagel mode toasts one side more than the other).
- High-lift lever so you can remove smaller items safely.
Cleaning
A removable crumb tray is essential. Check it slides out easily.
Matching sets
Many brands sell kettles and toasters as matching sets. They look smart together, but it is worth checking that both appliances have the features you need rather than choosing on looks alone.