Morphy Richards Compact Travel Kettle review: “a small, practical kettle that’s far more useful than you expect”

RRP at time of testing: £25 | Check price at Amazon or Morphy Richards directly

My verdict

There are two types of people in this world. Those who happily use a hotel kettle without a second thought, and those who give it a quick side-eye and boil it a few extra times first. I’m somewhere in the middle. Not refusing outright, but I’m definitely cautious.

That same hesitant streak is probably why a compact travel kettle like this makes sense. After using it a couple of times a week for the past two months, not just on trips but at home, I’ve got a clear sense of where it earns its place.

Simply put: it’s a small, practical kettle that’s far more useful than you expect. Not one for big households or long-haul travel, but for camping, events or quick brews at home, it’s quietly brilliant.

Lightweight and easy to handle, even one-handed

How I’ve tested Morphy Richards’ travel kettle

I’ve been using this kettle a couple of times a week over the past two months. It’s come along to a PTA fundraising event, been used at a Scouts meetup and has had a regular spot in our kitchen when it’s just me and my husband working from home.

Morphy Richards Compact Travel Kettle: what’s in the box?

You get the kettle and two cups. That’s it. There are no unnecessary extras, which feels about right for something designed to be thrown in a bag and taken out again without much thought.

Everything in the box - kettle, cups and the basics, nothing unnecessary

Is this travel kettle by Morphy Richards good quality?

This is where it slightly wrong-foots you. At first glance, it does look a bit… lightweight. Not flimsy exactly, but you wouldn’t call it substantial. And yet, in use, it feels surprisingly safe and reliable.

It’s been carted around to various events and used regularly at home, and I’ve never felt nervous about using it. The auto shut-off and boil-dry protection do their job quietly in the background, which is exactly what you want. It’s a good reminder that not everything needs to feel heavy to be trustworthy.

The cups are compact but perfectly usable for a quick brew

Is the Morphy Richards Compact Travel Kettle easy to use? Easy to clean? 

Very. It’s about as straightforward as kettles get. Fill it, switch it on, pour and the red light shines to indicate it’s boiling. The smaller size actually makes it quicker to deal with when you just want a single cup rather than filling and boiling a full kettle out of habit.

One unexpected bonus is how manageable it is. My almost six-year-old was able to help me make a brew under supervision, which says a lot about the size and weight. It’s easy to lift, easy to pour and doesn’t feel unwieldy. In fact, it’d be a good option for anyone living with arthritis or similar ailments who might struggle lifting something heavier. 

Cleaning is equally low effort. The hinged lid makes it simple to fill and rinse out, and because you’re boiling smaller amounts, it hasn’t built up any limescale as quickly as a standard kettle we’ve tested recently, like the Equip and Signature kettles. There isn't a limescale filter so you'll want to keep a close eye inside - though, given the nature of the kettle, you'll likely clean this out a lot more than you would your usual kitchen kettle as you'd need to clean it before packing it away.

That said, if hard water is an issue for your area, take a look at our guide to the best kettles for hard water.

The indicator light lets you know it’s boiling - simple but effective

Is Morphy Richards’ travel kettle a noisy kettle? 

It’s nothing out of the ordinary, IMO. It sounds like a kettle, but because it’s only boiling 0.5L, it’s over and done with fairly quickly. I’ve used it early mornings and during events without it feeling intrusive. If you're on the hunt for something that is quiet, though, check out our best quiet kettles guide.

Is Morphy Richards’ travel kettle worth the money?

With an RRP of £25, it is admittedly dearer than the best overall travel kettle that features in our guide from Russell Hobbs. That said, while they sit in the same budget bracket, they’re aimed at slightly different uses. 

Morphy Richards’ is about simplicity and portability. It’s small, lightweight and is easy to store and carry. The trade-offs are what you’d expect (no dual voltage, fixed cable, limited capacity). For that price, it feels fair - especially so if you can pick it up at a discount (I’ve seen it reduced to £18 before). 

Russell Hobbs’ offering, on the flip side, offers a larger capacity, dual voltage and makes a better option for trips abroad. It’s less compact, but more versatile and can make multiple drinks at once. 

A basic switch, but that’s all you need - no overcomplication here

Who is this travel kettle most suited for - and who should avoid it? 

This is one of those products where context is everything.

I reckon it works really well if you:

• go camping or have children in Scouts or a similar club (so, a lot of camping in your future)

• need something portable for events 

• want a second kettle for home working days or guest bedrooms

• are short on space in your kitchen

I can absolutely see it living in a caravan kitchen, if I ever manage to win that particular domestic negotiation with DH. Where it falls short is travel abroad. It doesn’t have dual voltage and it’s not collapsible, so it’s not the most suitcase-friendly option if you’re flying. Though, I imagine you’d manage to pack it if you stuffed a few socks inside. 

And if you’re thinking of using it as your main household kettle, don’t. Two cups at a time won’t get you far in a busy family kitchen. For regular use at home, I’d recommend taking a look at Morphy Richards’ Signature or Illumination kettles instead. 

A closer look at the lid and inside - simple, no-fuss and easy to fill

Comparison of travel kettles: Morphy Richards vs other brands

Over on our best travel kettles guide, you’ll find several options that are similar to Morphy Richards’ travel kettle. You’ll also find some that have features that this kettle lacks. Choosing the right one for you depends entirely on how frequently you plan to use your travel kettle, where you want to use it and whether you need it to collapse or not. 

The hinged lid opens fully, which makes filling and pouring straightforward

Final verdict: is this the travel kettle for you?

This is a classic case of a product that doesn’t look like much but ends up being surprisingly handy. It’s small enough to store anywhere, light enough to carry around without thinking and practical enough to earn regular use rather than gathering dust.

The fixed cable is a minor annoyance, and it won’t replace your main kettle, but for under £30 it does exactly what it sets out to do.

If your life involves camping trips, community events or the occasional need for a quick, contained tea setup (like when your in-laws stay in your guest room), it’s well worth having.

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

All Mumsnet product reviews are written by real parents after weeks of hands-on testing. We never accept payment for coverage, and our verdicts are independent and honest. We may earn a small commission through affiliate links, which helps fund our work - but it never influences our opinions.

All prices are correct at the time of writing.

Read next: Our guide to the best kettles, including budget picks and quieter models