Smeg Kettle Review: Variable Temperature (October 2026)
The Smeg Variable Temperature Kettle suits tea and coffee drinkers who want adjustable heat and a retro stainless steel design. Its 1.7 L capacity and 20-minute keep-warm function fit multiple servings, while its 4 lb weight and hand-wash care are worth considering.
On this page (7 sections)
- What does the Smeg kettle offer?
- Is the Smeg Variable Temperature Kettle worth it?
- How do the Smeg, KitchenAid and Aarke compare?
- What should you consider before buying the Smeg?
- What do the temperature and keep-warm settings mean for daily use?
- What safety and upkeep features does it have?
- Should you choose the Smeg kettle?
The Smeg Variable Temperature Kettle suits tea and coffee drinkers who want adjustable heat and a retro stainless steel design. It holds 1.7 L, offers settings from 122°F to 212°F, and keeps water at the selected temperature for up to 20 minutes.
Its capacity and controls make it a flexible choice for multiple servings. The trade-offs are a 4 lb weight and hand-wash care, so compare those details with your kitchen routine before choosing it.
What does the Smeg kettle offer?
The Smeg kettle combines variable temperature control, a keep-warm function and 1.7 L capacity. Its stainless steel body has a vintage-inspired design, with a 360° swivel base and integrated cord storage.
Smeg Variable Temperature Kettle 1.7L: Best for retro style and heat control
- 1.7 L capacity
- 122°F–212°F temperature range
- Keep-warm function up to 20 minutes
- Stainless steel construction
A variable-temperature kettle with a 1.7 L capacity, a keep-warm function and a retro-inspired stainless steel design. Consider it if those features suit your routine and the hand-wash care works for you.
Pros
- Adjustable temperature from 122°F to 212°F
- Keeps the selected temperature for up to 20 minutes
- Removable limescale filter
- 360° swivel base with cord storage
Cons
- Hand-wash care
- Heavier than the listed KitchenAid alternative
- Larger capacity than the Aarke
The temperature range runs from 122°F to 212°F. Smeg describes the controls as suitable for green tea, black tea and pour-over coffee, but the right setting depends on the drink and your preference.
A removable limescale filter sits at the spout, and the soft-open lid uses a push button. The kettle also has automatic shut-off and boil-dry protection, which turns it off when it reaches boiling or is empty.
Is the Smeg Variable Temperature Kettle worth it?
The Smeg is worth considering if you'll use its temperature settings and keep-warm function often. Those controls are more useful when you make drinks that call for different water temperatures or prepare several servings in a short span.
Its 1.7 L capacity can work for a household or a coffee and tea routine with multiple pours. If you mainly heat water for one cup, a smaller kettle may take up less room and better match your usual amount.
The retro-inspired finish is another reason to shortlist it, especially if you want the kettle to be visible on the counter. Style is a personal preference, though; compare the control range, capacity and care instructions first.
Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for. For a broader set of temperature-control options, see our guide to electric tea kettles with temperature control.
How do the Smeg, KitchenAid and Aarke compare?
The Smeg offers the clearest stated keep-warm feature, the KitchenAid shares its 1.7 L capacity, and the Aarke has the smallest capacity in this comparison. Their temperature and care details help narrow the choice.
| Kettle | Capacity | Temperature detail | Distinguishing feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smeg Variable Temperature Kettle 1.7L | 1.7 L | 122°F–212°F | Keeps selected temperature for up to 20 minutes |
| KitchenAid KEK1701 Temp Control Kettle | 1.7 L | Variable control; range not stated here | Removable washable limescale filter |
| Aarke Kettle 1.2L | 1.2 L | 104°F–212°F | Double-wall construction and memory function |
KitchenAid KEK1701 Temp Control Kettle: Best for a familiar 1.7 L alternative
- 1.7 L capacity
- Variable temperature control
- Removable washable limescale filter
- Detachable swivel base
A 1.7 L variable-temperature alternative with a washable limescale filter and a detachable swivel base. Its listed weight is 3 lb, compared with 4 lb for the Smeg.
Pros
- Same stated 1.7 L capacity as the Smeg
- Removable washable limescale filter
- Detachable swivel base
- Automatic shut-off after boiling
Cons
- No temperature range is stated here
- Hand-wash care
The KitchenAid may suit you if you want a 1.7 L kettle with variable temperature control and a washable limescale filter. Its stated weight is 3 lb, compared with 4 lb for the Smeg, but a temperature range isn't specified here.
Aarke Kettle 1.2L: Best for a smaller steel kettle
- 1.2 L capacity
- 104°F–212°F temperature range
- Double-wall construction
- Memory function
A smaller stainless steel kettle with multiple temperature settings, double-wall construction and a memory function. Choose it when 1.2 L suits your usual servings better than the Smeg's 1.7 L.
Pros
- Temperature settings from 104°F to 212°F
- Double-wall construction
- Memory function for preferred settings
- Removable stainless steel limescale filter
Cons
- Smaller capacity than the Smeg and KitchenAid
- Hand-wash care
The Aarke's 1.2 L capacity is smaller than the Smeg's, and its stated temperature range starts lower at 104°F. It has double-wall construction and a memory function, so consider it if those features matter more to you than making several servings at once.
For another temperature-control review, compare the Fellow Stagg kettle. If you want a larger-capacity alternative, read our Cosori kettle review.
What should you consider before buying the Smeg?
Check capacity, counter space, weight and care before deciding. The kettle measures 9 in long, 8 in wide and 10 in high, and it weighs 4 lb.
The 1.7 L capacity is helpful when you make several drinks, but it can be more than you need for occasional single servings. Think about how much water you usually heat and where you'll keep the kettle between uses.
The Smeg is listed for hand washing. If you prefer appliances with dishwasher-safe parts, factor that into your choice and follow the care instructions for the kettle and filter.
Its 1400 W heating element is described as fast boiling. Boil time can depend on how much water you add, its starting temperature and other conditions, so don't assume a single time for every use.
What do the temperature and keep-warm settings mean for daily use?
The Smeg's settings let you choose temperatures between 122°F and 212°F, instead of always heating water to boiling. Its keep-warm function maintains the selected temperature for up to 20 minutes.
That can be convenient if you prepare a second cup shortly after the first or want to pause between pours. The function has a stated time limit, so plan to reheat water if your routine takes longer.
For tea and pour-over coffee, use the temperature guidance for your drink and adjust to taste. A kettle with controls gives you options, but it doesn't choose a setting for every tea or coffee method.
If temperature is your main reason for shopping, our guide to choosing an electric kettle for tea covers how control options can fit different tea routines.
What safety and upkeep features does it have?
The Smeg has automatic shut-off and boil-dry protection, along with a removable limescale filter. These features address different everyday needs: the shut-off responds to boiling or an empty kettle, while the filter can be removed for care.
Follow the manual for filling, cleaning and descaling. Limescale buildup depends partly on your water, so inspect the kettle and filter as part of regular care instead of waiting for a thick layer to form.
The included removable filter helps reduce impurities, but it does not replace cleaning. If scale is a concern in your area, see our guide to white buildup in an electric kettle for what it is and how to address it.
Should you choose the Smeg kettle?
Choose the Smeg if you want a 1.7 L kettle with temperature settings up to 212°F, a keep-warm function and retro-inspired stainless steel styling. Choose the KitchenAid if you want a 1.7 L alternative with a washable filter and a lower stated weight.
Pick the Aarke if a smaller 1.2 L capacity, a lower starting temperature and a memory function better fit your routine. Compare those specific differences with your usual servings and care preferences before you buy.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Smeg Variable Temperature Kettle worth it?
The Smeg may be worth considering if you want adjustable temperature from 122°F to 212°F, a 1.7 L capacity and a retro-inspired stainless steel design. Its keep-warm function holds the selected temperature for up to 20 minutes.
Decide whether those features fit your routine and whether hand-wash care is acceptable.
What temperatures can the Smeg kettle reach?
The Smeg Variable Temperature Kettle has adjustable settings from 122°F to 212°F. That gives you options below boiling as well as a setting up to boiling temperature.
Choose a setting for the drink you are making, and follow the kettle's instructions for filling and operation.
How much water does the Smeg kettle hold?
The Smeg kettle has a 1.7 L capacity, described as 7 cups. That can suit multiple servings, though the amount you pour per cup varies.
If you usually make one or two drinks, compare the smaller 1.2 L Aarke before choosing a larger kettle.
How does the Smeg compare with the Aarke kettle?
The Smeg holds 1.7 L and has temperature settings from 122°F to 212°F, while the Aarke holds 1.2 L and ranges from 104°F to 212°F. The Smeg also has a keep-warm function for up to 20 minutes; the Aarke has a memory function.
Choose based on capacity and which feature you prefer.
