Can you buy a silent kettle?
Unfortunately, there is no kettle on the market currently that is 100% silent.
By their very nature, as they boil your water, you can expect some vibrations, a hum from the heating element and an expulsion of steam once it’s finished. If you’re worried about noise levels, however, kettles with quiet boil features offer the quietest operation.
What is a quiet boil kettle?
Quiet boil kettles utilise features such as double-wall insulation, gradual heating, diffuser rings, or ‘quiet boil technology’ to minimise the noise generated during use. Some quiet kettles will also have Quiet Mark certification, independently tested and praised for their low volume during use.
Is a hot water dispenser quieter than a kettle?
Sometimes, but they’re slower per mug and take up more space. If you mostly make single drinks through the day, a hot water dispenser could suit you; if you want simplicity and a lower upfront cost, a quiet kettle wins.
What to consider when choosing a quiet kettle
Here are some things you may want to consider when choosing a quiet kettle for your kitchen:
Quiet noise level – Some kettles will list their decibel rating (with under 60dB being considered quiet). If they don’t look for the phrase ‘quiet boil, whisper boil or low hum, which indicates quieter operation. You can also look for kettles with Quiet Mark certification – these products have been independently tested for their noise levels.
Material and design – Do you prefer a glass, plastic or stainless steel kettle? Does the kettle have a matching toaster? Stainless steel kettles are more resistant to corrosion and water damage; however, plastic is often more affordable. Double-walled designs tend to provide more insulation from noise as your water boils. Short on space or heading away? A compact travel kettle can be a smarter fit than a full-size jug.
Suitability for hard water areas – If you live in a hard water area where your appliances are susceptible to limescale, look for features such as concealed elements or removable limescale filters, which can trap and remove impurities from your water.
Capacity and measurements - What is the overall kettle capacity, and is there a minimum boil level? A kettle that can serve six to eight cups is the most efficient when preparing for guests; however, clearly marked ‘cups’ and one cup boils are ideal for solo users working from home. The clearer the water gauge, the more control you'll have over water and energy consumption.
Are quiet kettles more energy-efficient?
Not by default. Efficiency comes from boiling one cup, clear cup markers, and decent insulation - all things many quiet kettles also include. If you’re upgrading small appliances to save on bills, our best air fryers guide covers the most energy-savvy cookers for weeknight meals.
About the author
Lucy Cotterill is a mum of two and a Content Writer at Mumsnet, specialising in baby, child and lifestyle product reviews and round-ups. Having written product reviews on her own blog Real Mum Reviews since 2012, Lucy loves to research and explore the pros and cons of products, scrutinising reviews and consumer feedback to help people make confident purchases.
Working from home four days a week and an early riser, Lucy is familiar with tentatively preparing her morning brew for fear of waking the kids. She’s also written several Mumsnet kitchen appliance guides including the best kettle and toaster set and the best kettles for hard water areas.
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