Breville Smart Kettle Luxe review Best electric kettle for tea lovers

Description

Aesthetic Appeal and Build Quality

The Breville BKE845BSS Smart Kettle Luxe immediately catches the eye with its brushed stainless steel finish that screams sophistication. It’s not just a kettle; it’s a statement piece for your kitchen. I’ve placed it next to my coffee machine, and it looks like they were made to complement each other. The design feels solid and premium, with a sturdy handle that’s comfortable to grip. At 3.86 pounds, it has just the right heft without being cumbersome to lift. One small detail I appreciated is the soft-opening lid, which prevents splashback—such a thoughtful touch. While it’s undeniably attractive, I did notice that the stainless steel finish is a bit of a fingerprint magnet, so keeping it spotless takes some effort.

Intelligent Temperature Settings

This isn’t just a one-temperature, boil-and-go kind of kettle. The five temperature settings for black, green, white, and oolong teas, as well as French press coffee, are a game changer. I tested this feature extensively, and the results were fantastic. Brewing green tea at the precise temperature made it taste noticeably better—less bitter and more aromatic. The easy-to-use, pre-programmed buttons simplify the entire process, and I love how seamlessly they work. However, I did wish for a custom temperature setting for those who might want to experiment beyond the pre-set options.

Functional Highlights

Beyond the fancy temperature controls, the “Keep Warm” function stood out as incredibly practical. Whether I was distracted by a phone call or simply savoring my first cup, I never had to worry about the water cooling down too quickly. This feature keeps the water at the ideal temperature for up to 20 minutes, which is a lifesaver when multitasking. The 360-degree base with cord storage is another thoughtful addition, making it easy to move the kettle around the kitchen without any cord mess. Breville really nailed the convenience factor here.

Positives

Key Benefits:

• Sophisticated design with a brushed stainless steel finish.
• Five temperature settings tailored for various teas and coffee.
• Soft-open lid to prevent splashes and burns.
• Keep warm functionality for extended usability.

Areas of Concern

Critiques:

• The stainless steel finish attracts fingerprints, which can be annoying for neat freaks like me.
• Lacks a customizable temperature setting for those who want more control over their brews.

Performance and Daily Use

Using this kettle daily has been a breeze. The 1500-watt power ensures quick heating, and the 7-cup capacity is more than enough for hosting friends or brewing multiple cups in one go. I was particularly impressed with how evenly it heats the water across all settings. The soft top lid is another feature I didn’t know I needed until I used it—it eliminates the risk of scalding from escaping steam. However, if you’re someone who rushes through tasks, the base could use a more slip-resistant grip to make placement easier.

Competing Products

Comparing it to other electric kettles, such as the Cuisinart PerfecTemp and the Fellow Stagg EKG, I found that Breville’s Smart Kettle Luxe strikes a good balance between functionality and design. The Cuisinart offers similar temperature controls but lacks the premium feel and aesthetic of this kettle. On the other hand, the Fellow Stagg excels in precision and is a favorite among pour-over coffee enthusiasts, but it comes at a significantly higher price point. The Breville Smart Kettle Luxe feels like the perfect middle ground—it’s stylish, functional, and reasonably priced for what it offers.

Cost Efficiency

For what you’re getting—precise temperature controls, sleek design, and practical features like a keep-warm function—this kettle offers great value for money. While it’s not the cheapest option on the market, the premium build and thoughtful design justify the higher price tag. If you’re serious about tea or coffee, this is an investment that pays off in daily enjoyment. Even if you’re just someone who drinks hot water with lemon, the intuitive features and user-friendly design make it worth considering.

Additional information