Morphy Richards Illumination Kettle review: “fast enough for family life, but not flawless”

Price at time of testing: £65 | Check price at Morphy Richards, Amazon or Currys

My verdict

A kettle in a busy family kitchen gets no glory and no mercy. Ours certainly didn’t. After two years of heavy daily use, our old Russell Hobbs fast-boil kettle gave up - not entirely helped by my over-confident cleaning session that involved water getting into places it absolutely shouldn’t.

So the Morphy Richards Illumination 1.7 litre jug kettle in white (along with its toaster partner in this Morphy Richards kettle and toaster set) arrived at a time when morale - and caffeine levels - were low.

It matches the Morphy Richards Illumination Toaster and glows blue around the base while boiling, which is pleasing without being flashy. But performance matters more than mood lighting in our home - and looks only get you so far. Read on for my full verdict.

The kettle comes in three parts - the main kettle body, the power base and the lid

How I tested the Morphy Richards Illumination kettle

We used this kettle as our main family kettle for several weeks - morning teas, after-school hot chocolates and the constant background hum of “can I have a drink?”. We boiled different volumes, from the minimum fill to near full capacity, to see how speed and noise varied - all while monitoring whether there are temperature controls.

We paid attention to how easy it was to fill under the tap, how clear the water gauge was in real life (not showroom lighting), and how it felt to lift and pour when full. We also monitored how quickly it switched off at boiling point, how noisy it was in a working kitchen and how easy it was to wipe clean after daily use.

Finally, we considered whether it felt worth the mid-range price compared with other family kettles currently available.

Like the toaster, the light is a practical design feature to show whether it's on/off

How quickly does the Morphy Richards Illumination Kettle boil?

It’s respectably quick - at least, it’s quick enough for what we need. Though, it’s nowhere near as fast as our old Russell Hobbs kettle. Both DH and I took turns timing the kettle to boil two cups and it came in at just over 90 seconds. So, it’s not the fastest kettle I’ve used - our old one beat it on single-cup speed - but it’s quick enough for school mornings and evening hot chocolates.

It switches off promptly at boiling point, which is reassuring from an energy and safety perspective.

The limitation is the 500ml minimum fill. That’s roughly two cups, so you can’t just boil a splash for one drink. Meaning if you’re the only tea drinker in the house, it feels a tad inefficient. There’s also no variable temperature settings, so you can’t fine-tune for green tea or coffee. It’s a straightforward boil-only kettle.

For our home, it does the job - but I don't see it lasting for years to come

How well made is the Morphy Richards Illumination Kettle?

It has a painted metal body that feels solid and reasonably sturdy. The handle is comfortable enough, though not especially sculpted or ergonomic.

The removable lid makes filling under the tap easy, which feels practical rather than gimmicky - though it does stick a little due to the friction between the metal. The 360-degree base suits both left and right-handed use, and there’s cord storage to reduce worktop clutter.

However, the limescale filter is a weak point. If you live in a hard-water area, that’s something to consider (you might want to look at our kettles for hard water guide instead).

The measurements aren't easy to see under the handle during use

How easy is the Morphy Richards Illumination Kettle to use? 

Filling is straightforward, whether through the spout or by removing the lid entirely. You can hold it upright under the tap, which avoids awkward angling.

The water gauge, though, isn’t especially easy to read while filling. You may find yourself peering at it to check levels. It’s also not particularly quiet. It makes a slightly tinny, rattly sound while boiling. In a closed kitchen that’s fine. In an open-plan space, it may be more intrusive.

Thinking of upgrading other appliances? Our guides to the best slow cooker, best food processors and best microwaves might prove useful.

Is the Morphy Richards Illumination Kettle safe to use? 

It includes auto shut-off and boil-dry protection, and it switches off promptly at boiling point. The lid stays secure during pouring and it pours reasonably cleanly. It doesn’t dramatically drip, but it’s not precision-engineered either. The exterior does get warm, as most metal kettles do, so it’s not one to grab carelessly mid-boil.

As you can see, the kettle is already due a descaling clean

Is the Morphy Richards Illumination Kettle easy to clean?

Yes, it's fair to say that it's easy to clean. But while it's easy to do so, the kettle does require frequent descaling - something to consider if you live in a hard-water area.

The removeable lid has a pull ring, making it easy enough to access the inside of the kettle for a clean and descale. A simple wipe with a wet cloth is enough to clean the exterior - especially the exterior handle, which does show fingerprints.

Like the toaster, the kettle's box features Morphy Richards' new branding

Is the Morphy Richards Illumination Kettle good value for money? 

With an RRP of £55, it sits firmly in the mid-range. Though, if you opt for the kettle and toaster set, you’re looking at an RRP of £120. 

It’s quick to boil and easy to fill, but the high minimum fill, average handling and weak limescale filter hold it back. That said, if you’re buying the Illumination toaster and want a matching set, it’s a cohesive option. 

If performance and longevity in a hard-water area are your top priorities, there are stronger performers in our best kettles guide at similar prices.

In need of a compact kettle? Whether for camping or caravanning, our guide to the best travel kettles might help.

Side by side - the Morphy Richards Illumination toaster and kettle set

Final verdict: is the Morphy Richards Illumination Kettle the one for you? 

This is a decent, good-looking kettle that boils quickly and is simple to use. It isn’t exceptional, and it has some design compromises that are worth noting.

It keeps the tea flowing, which in this house is non-negotiable. But unlike the toaster in the same range, it doesn’t quite feel like a standout.

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.

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