Glass vs Stainless Steel Kettle: Which is Best?

Glass kettles

Glass kettles are made from tempered glass or borosilicate glass – both of which are heat-resistant materials that can handle high temperatures of up to 170°C. Most electric kettles will only usually boil at slightly over 100°C. Tempered glass and borosilicate glass don’t rust or oxidize either.

Glass kettles are the most stylish kettles available on the market, thanks to their modern designs and transparent glass bodies. However, they’re not as widely available as plastic or stainless steel kettles, and only select retailers stock them. Besides often taking pride of place on modern benchtops, glass kettles are also easier to keep clean than stainless steel or plastic kettles, since glass isn’t sticky and tends to attract less residue.

Advantages of glass kettles

• Easy to check water levels through glass
• Easier to clean with less limescale build-up
• Sophisticated, minimalist design

Cons of glass kettles

• Heavier than stainless steel kettles
• Prone to breaking if dropped or knocked
• Typically more expensive

Stainless steel kettles

As the name suggests, stainless steel kettles have a body (mainly the jug & handle) made of stainless steel, which is highly durable and resistant to corrosion. These are the most affordable and popular types of kettles available on the market (besides plastic kettles). You can buy them from most appliance retailers and department stores. Stainless steel kettles come in various designs, sizes, colours, and capacities to suit most households.

Advantages of stainless steel kettles

• More durable (less likelihood of breaking)
• Lightweight
• More designs and models available

Cons of stainless steel kettles

• Can feel hot on the exterior, even with a double-walled design
• No transparent body to check water levels
• Require regular rinsing to avoid residue sitting on the bottom

Which is safest?

Glass kettles can’t rust and are free from metal residue. This means they don’t have the associated problems of metallic taste, rusting, and releasing heavy metals into boiling water − many people consider them better for your health and the environment. Glass versions are also better for tea brewing and can be safely used in the microwave. On the other hand, stainless steel is still being lauded as the safest material for a kettle. Either way, make sure that any kettle you buy is free of plastic parts.

Which has more features?

Glass and stainless steel kettles may be different on the exterior, but share similar specs and safety features. Some to look out for include an auto-off switch, a water level indicator, a 360° swivel base, a push-button lid release, and an anti-scale filter. Most kettles also come with auto shut-off and thermal cut-off safety protection. Glass kettles also typically feature an illumination LED light.

Which is more durable?

Stainless steel kettles are more durable than glass kettles in the long run. This is because a) stainless steel is virtually indestructible and b) because it has a longer life cycle than glass and most other materials, especially under high or extreme temperatures. Stainless steel has superior long-life properties that don’t diminish over time or with use.

Which is cheaper?

Stainless steel kettles are much cheaper to buy than glass kettles, with prices starting from around $30 for basic models from The Warehouse or Kmart. On the other hand, most glass kettles cost upwards of $75. Be aware that there are some glass kettles available for closer to $50, however, they are typically a combination of glass, stainless steel and plastic, meaning you’ll lose some of the benefits mentioned above.

Which is better?

Stainless steel kettles are tough to beat when it comes to durability, affordability, and all-around functionality. They also come in a wide range of designs, colours, and sizes to suit all households. However, glass remains the safest material for heating water since it keeps the water pure and does not leech.

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About the reviewer of this page

This report was reviewed by Canstar Content Producer, Caitlin Bingham. Caitlin is an experienced writer whose passion for creativity led her to study communication and journalism. She began her career freelancing as a content writer, before joining the Canstar team.