Apparently, cult kitchen brands are out. From fancy coffee machines to colourful Dutch ovens and kettles that are simply too expensive for what they do, experts reveal most people come to regret splurging on middle class kitchen gadgets. They suggest these items end up unused, take up space and quietly contribute to a 'gadget graveyard'. Smeg, Le Creuset and more, have been described as overpriced gimmicks you shouldn't spend your money on. I disagree. Here's why.
An Insider's Perspective
As an ex-homes magazine writer and editor, I've had my hands on a fair share of these coveted goods. I've written reviews on luxury bedding, chef-approved pans, high-end vacuums and more. I've also used a lot of high street versions that do look just as good. But they've failed in a few areas: quality, timelessness and aesthetic appeal.
The best example? The iconic Smeg kettle. It's kitsch, classic and one of the best kettles on the market. At about double the average price of a kettle rated 4 stars or higher, it is an investment, but its lightweight design, swivel base and unbelievably emblematic retro look makes it worth the spend.
Smeg Retro Kettle: At a Glance
- Capacity: 1.7L (7 cups)
- Dimensions: 8.2L x 6.9W x 9.7H centimetres
- Weight: 2 kg
- Price: £139.94 from Debenhams, £149.99 from John Lewis, £150 from Argos
What We Love
- Style: Classic and timeless, it doesn't lend itself to trends that might go out of style. It also comes in 14 different colours that will look great on any kitchen worktop.
- Ease of Use: Lightweight, with a 360 swivel base, soft-close lid and neat cable holder, making a cup of tea couldn't be easier.
What Could Be Better
- Price: Is double the price of an average kettle in the UK.
Full Review
Smeg's kettle continues to be best-selling, and after testing it for a good few months after moving into my new home, I can see why. Standout features are its 360 swivel base and soft opening lid. While this may seem simple, most kettles do not offer such convenient features. It's easy to use and will look great on any kitchen worktop. Despite an obvious nod to 1950's kitchen trends, the Smeg style is classic and timeless. Aside from its matching toaster, the cult brand has withstood battles against high street alternatives.
Performance
The Smeg kettle is as functional as it is beautiful. In fact, I would describe this kettle as the easiest to use. And while you might be thinking 'how hard can a kettle be to use', it's these 'nice to have' functionalities that do justify the high price tag. It's super lightweight, despite its durable design which makes filling it up a simple task for those that don't want to do a workout every time you cook pasta, or have more than one guest over. The soft close lid is also not something to take for granted. The kettle boils above average speed and retains heat well, meaning you might save a bit on your energy bill. The best part? It's very quiet. As someone who has a small flat with an open plan kitchen/living space, quiet appliances are non-negotiable. Nevertheless, if there is one key takeaway from the testing period - it's that a kettle HAS to be hard-wearing. It puts in more effort than most kitchen appliances (well, maybe not my air fryer). I think I flicked the boil button at least twice a day, every day, since early March, and it still looks, and feels brand new. Compared to other kettles, this was impressive. I noticed a few water marks and limescale build up in cheaper models. This is mainly thanks to its built-in filter. You should descale a kettle every 4-6 weeks to maintain efficiency. Smeg actually advises to descale every 2-3 months.
Style
We've established the Smeg kettle is more than your standard kettle, when it comes to actually making the perfect cup of tea. But we cannot ignore its iconic, forever aesthetic design as what really earns its place on your countertop. It's true, no one purchases a Smeg because of its technicalities, but because it instantly elevates a kitchen, new or old. I had my Smeg kettle in the classic black colourway, which may seem boring compared to the 14 colour options, including pastels, matte and a very trendy chrome. The rest of my appliances are black, and I prefer a minimalist look. It may emulate a 1950's design, but its versatility means it'll look great in any kitchen, no matter the interior style or size. I have a smaller kitchen, with less worktop space, which is why I also love the neat cable tie feature.
How Do People Rate It Online?
Most people agree. Across various retailers like John Lewis and Argos, the Smeg kettle is reviewed as a solid 4.5 stars. The majority compliment its statement design as the major selling point, with features such as the 360 swivel base and built-in filter as added touches that make the kettle better than others they've owned. They recommend buying the higher spec model which has variable temperature control settings, making it useful for those who like their tea at a certain temperature, or have energy efficiency in mind.
How Does It Compare to Other Kettles on the Market?
While it's certain a Smeg kettle is best for design, there are other contenders when it comes to value for money and price. The Russell Hobbs Inspire kettle is often quoted as the best value for money. It is a fraction of the cost of Smeg, is simple to use and has proven reliable from long-standing customers. The Dualit classic kettle is also one that's rated highly online. Slightly more attractive than the Russell Hobbs, it offers a stylish design and is sure to make a great cuppa.
How We Test and Why Trust Us
Louise has been testing lifestyle and consumer goods for almost 5 years. After working at Homes & Garden magazine as well as Ideal Home and Living Etc as their Ecommerce Editor, she knows a thing or two about interiors and home products. Now with a team of rigorous editorial testers, she takes a look at the trending products to see whether they're really worth the spend - or just an overhyped fad. She tested the Smeg retro kettle for over a month, evaluating speed to boil and temperature accuracy, ease of use and where possible, its ability to keep water warm. Product materials and capacity are also taken into consideration, to get a true measure of capabilities. Finally, value for money and build quality were considered - is this kettle going to stand the test of time? Does it have easily replaceable parts? Is it worth its price tag?
My Verdict
I do believe that sometimes, it's worth paying a little extra for the things we use so frequently, like a kettle, especially if you're someone who values aesthetics and interior design. I also believe in balance. Since it is simply unrealistic to just shop based on how items may look in your kitchen, and how often you might use them, I suggest considering the other kitchen appliances you can afford to get rid of instead. I decided to ditch my toaster, for example. Being in the office everyday and rarely toasting bread on the weekends meant my toaster was going unused. Rather than buying Smeg's retro matching kettle and toaster set (although that would have been very satisfying) I decided I didn't need one. Either way, if you're a practical pro, who can't justify a higher price tag for something that 'does the same thing', then yes, it is just a kettle, and you should probably stick to a highly-rated Amazon find.
