Kenwood Dusk Kettle review: "simple, functional, but nicer to live with"

RRP at time of testing: £55 | Check price at Argos, Amazon or Kenwood directly

My verdict

This is one of those kettles that quietly gets on with things while looking far nicer than it strictly needs to. It’s quick, it’s calmer to live with than most and it doesn’t have any annoying quirks.

It won’t win over people who want all the bells and whistles, and the colour won’t be for everyone. But if you want a reliable, good-looking kettle that doesn’t shout at you first thing in the morning, it’s a very solid choice.

How I’ve tested the Kenwood Dusk Kettle

I used the Kenwood Dusk kettle in my kitchen for a week, making multiple rounds of tea and coffee each day for me and my husband. That’s morning rush, mid-afternoon slump and the inevitable “just one more” in the evening. In other words, exactly how most kettles live or die.

Kenwood Dusk Kettle: what’s in the box?

Nothing surprising here. You get the kettle, the base and a quick start guide. No unnecessary extras, which feels about right.

You get what you need for a standard kettle - the cable tidy with attached cable, kettle body and lid

First impressions of the Kenwood Dusk Kettle

Straight out of the box, it’s a good-looking thing. The matte finish gives it a slightly more grown-up feel than your average glossy kettle and the rounded shape softens it a bit.

The twilight purple version I tested has that slightly shimmery, colour-shifting look. It’s interesting without being garish, although it didn’t quite sit naturally in my kitchen. I kept thinking a white or cream version would be easier to slot in (like the brand’s Dawn kettle), but then that’s not really the point of this Dusk range. It’s clearly designed to be seen.

I tried out the twilight purple colour - which is a lovely design, but clashes with my kitchen

Is the Kenwood Dusk Kettle a good design? Is it durable?

In terms of build, it feels sturdy enough without being heavy or clunky. The handle has a metal detail that makes it feel a touch more premium than basic plastic kettles, and the base has the same finish so it looks cohesive.

The matte coating is lovely, though I’d keep an eye on how it ages if you’re in a hard water area. Darker finishes tend to show marks more readily, so it’s worth checking our guide to the best kettles for hard water too.

One small but genuinely appreciated detail is the cable tidy. It’s easy to adjust and tuck away without wrestling it into place, which is a minor thing until you’ve fought with a few awkward ones and lost patience entirely.

The lid can be removed entirely, which is great for easy filling but you do need to place the lid somewhere while doing so

Is the Kenwood Dusk Kettle easy to use?

Yes, and this is where it quietly wins. The lid is fully removable rather than a hinged flip-top, which makes filling it quick and straightforward. No awkward angles under the tap, no half-open lids getting in the way. Though, you do need to place it on the countertop while you fill the kettle.

It pours cleanly, and the overall balance feels right in your hand. No sense that it’s going to tip or slosh.

The biggest difference, though, is the noise. It’s noticeably quieter than other kettles I’ve tested recently, particularly compared to Morphy Richards models, so it’s one to consider if you’re after one of the best quiet kettles. You still hear it, obviously, but it’s less aggressive. Early mornings feel slightly less hostile as a result.

The curved design is soft and the detailing adds a hint of luxe

Who is this most suited for? Who should avoid it?

This will suit you if:

• Your kettle lives on the worktop and you care what it looks like

• You want something straightforward that just works

• You appreciate a quieter appliance, especially in open-plan spaces

You might want to skip it if:

• You prefer very neutral appliances that disappear into the background

• You want temperature settings for different drinks

• You’re shopping purely on price

As mentioned, you won’t get temperature settings for different drinks here, so if that matters to you, have a look at the best temperature control kettles.

The limescale filter can be easily removed for washing - clicking it back in is a little fiddly

How long does it take to boil 500ml? 

In my testing, it took around 50 seconds to boil 500ml, which is enough for two cups.

That’s genuinely handy day to day. You’re not always filling the kettle to the top, and it means a quick round of tea doesn’t turn into a wait.

The cable tidy is one of the easiest I’ve tried recently - no broken nails here

Comparison of Kenwood kettles: Dawn vs Dusk vs Elegancy

Within Kenwood’s range, the Dusk kettle sits firmly on the design-led side rather than the tech-heavy end.

Compared to more basic Kenwood kettles, you’re paying a little more for the finish and overall look. Compared to their higher-end models, you’re missing out on features like temperature control. It’s very much the middle ground: simple, functional, but nicer to live with.

If you’re buying with looks in mind and want everything to match, you may also want to browse the best kettle and toaster sets.

The metallic accents are a lovely addition that elevates the kettle’s design

Final verdict: is it the right kettle for you? 

The Kenwood Dusk kettle doesn’t try to reinvent anything, and that’s part of its appeal. It boils water quickly, it’s quieter than most and it looks good doing it.

After a week of constant use, what stood out most was how easy it was to live with. No annoying lid, no drips, no excessive noise. Just a kettle that gets on with the job.

If you like the look and you don’t need fancy features, it’s a sensible upgrade from a bog-standard model. If the colour doesn’t work in your kitchen, though, you may find yourself wishing for something a bit more understated.

About the author

Rebecca Roberts (aka Beccy) is our resident lifestyle expert with a practical focus on sleep, wellness and everyday comfort. She’s equally at home tackling frank, NSFW‑adjacent topics as she is road‑testing kitchen appliances, mattresses and vacuums that work for real parents. A former editor of LJMU’s Looprevil Press, she cut her teeth in journalism in 2010, earned a post‑grad diploma in Journalism and later led editorial at ExpatWoman in Dubai before joining Mumsnet. As a mum of two, she writes with the time‑poor, sleep‑deprived in mind - honest product reviews, realistic routines and products that make parents’ lives easier.

When she’s not at her desk, she’s probably product‑testing with her two helpers, corralling a PTA or walking her two dogs up and down country lanes.

About Mumsnet reviews

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All prices are correct at the time of writing.

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