We recommend kettles with a CHOICE Expert Rating of at least 75%, and 80% for ease of use. Poor reliability can also be a factor in not recommending a model; that's based on member feedback.

The CHOICE Expert Rating is made up of ease of use (40% weighting), noise (40% weighting), boil performance (10% weighting) and energy efficiency (10% weighting).

We score the following equally weighted factors: controls, filling, pouring, removing/replacing on the base, water level indicator, balance and handle comfort.

We measure the noise at the halfway point when boiling one litre of water.

Based on the time taken to boil one litre of water.

Based on the energy required to boil one litre of water, from a temperature of about 22°C.

Noise is measured 50cm away from the kettle as it reaches boiling point. For comparison, a typical conversation is carried out at about 60dB, while city traffic is measured at around 80dB.

Shop Ethical rates the environmental and social impact of the company (not the product) using independent sources. This rating is not included in our total score. The rating ranks from A (highest) to F (lowest); N/A means there is no rating for that company.

Kettle brand reliability is based on responses from 3721 members in 2016. We ask whether they have run into a problem with their appliance in the last 12 months. Not all brands have scores as we require a minimum of 50 responses per brand. Note: Kmart Anko was surveyed as Kmart/Homemaker (name has now changed).

Kettle brand satisfaction score is based on how satisfied 3721 surveyed members are with their purchases, from a scale of excellent to terrible. Not all brands have scores as we require a minimum of 50 responses per brand. Note: Kmart Anko was surveyed as Kmart/Homemaker (name has now changed).

The claimed country of manufacture for this model.

This is the manufacturer's recommended retail price. You can often get a better price by shopping around.

The main material of the kettle. Some stainless steel models are coated and may come in different colours or finishes.

Removable or hinged.

Weight of kettle when empty.

The diameter of the kettle's opening.

How wide the kettle's base is.

How much water the kettle can hold.

The minimum level of water required for operation.

Manufacturer's stated wattage.

Whether the filter, which is the mesh that filters out the limescale from the water, can be removed for cleaning.

Means the kettle can swivel on the base, rather than be locked into position. This makes it easier to remove from and return to the base, and easier to use for left-handed people.