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The humble electric tea kettle often gets overlooked as an appliance for dorm rooms, but it’s one of the most versatile things a college student can have.
Most dorms don’t typically have a kitchen, which makes it awkward to prepare food, even if a student wants to do so. For many, the solution is a small microwave, but it’s much bulkier than a kettle and not always appropriate.
Electric tea kettles usually have an automatic shutoff feature which is very useful for distracted college students. These can be used for a lot of college staples, obviously for tea or coffee, but also oatmeal, instant noodles, soup, etc. Here are some of the best models for dorm rooms.
Electric Tea Kettle for Dorm Reviews
COSORI Electric Kettle, Water Boiler & Tea Heater
We’re starting out with one of the strongest contenders. This kettle has a whopping 1.7-liter capacity so you’ll never find yourself having to make double batches. It also looks great with its stainless steel and glass construction.
Like most good electric kettles, this one is cordless, so you can remove it from the base entirely when you’re ready to pour. It also has a series of safeguards installed to prevent the base from overheating or remaining on when there’s no water in the kettle.
The high-quality borosilicate glass resists scratching and scuffing exceptionally well.
But perhaps the most appealing part about this kettle for students is the 90-day money-back warranty and lifetime support from the manufacturer.
The only downside is, ironically, what also makes it an appealing choice. It’s a glass kettle so it requires a little extra impact care.
Pros
· A strong heating element boils very quickly
· The steel/glass design is universally appealing
· Money-back warranty and lifetime support
Cons
Glass can shatter if dropped or slammed hard
Brentwood KT-1780 1.5L Stainless Steel Cordless Electric Kettle
The Brentwood is perfect for the student who needs something functional that will deliver consistently without too many frills and features. A simple, stainless steel kettle with a strong 1000-watt heater that produces hot water in short order. It’s the quintessential dorm room appliance.
There really isn’t very much that can go wrong with this kettle. The swivel base allows it to turn 360-degrees so it can fit comfortably into any nook. It has a simple on/off interface — simply fill it with water, flip the switch on and you’ll get boiling water in minutes.
To prevent accidents, it has an automatic shut-off feature and boil-dry protection. All the plastic is BPA free and the brushed steel body is easy to scrub clean.
Pros
· Very simple and easy to use
· Sturdy construction can easily withstand dents and dings
· One-year manufacturer’s warranty
Cons
· No built-in thermometer
· Doesn’t have a fill gauge
Miroco 1.5L Double Wall Electric Kettle
If you’re looking for style, function, and affordability in one convenient package, then look no further — this is the kettle for you. The Miroco has plenty of great features that belie its price point, starting with an insulation layer to keep the outside of the kettle from ever getting too hot to touch.
The outside layer is made of BPA-free plastic but no part of that layer ever touches the water. The inside layer is all food-grade stainless steel.
The accents created by the steel on the all-black plastic surface give it a sleek modern look. It also has a swivel lid and the opening diameter is as large as the inner reservoir’s, making it very easy to fill and clean.
Maybe the best feature for an impatient student is its 1500-watt heater. It boils water in as little as five minutes and the 1.5-liter capacity is plenty for even the thirstiest users.
All this is supported by Strix thermostat technology, the world leader in kettle controls, which makes sure it shuts off when the water boils and gives it boil-dry protection.
Pros
· The sleek design is sure to impress
· The 1500-watt heater boils water in a flash
· Wide opening allows easy cleaning and filling
Cons
· Not cordless
· The lid is attached and cannot be removed
Cuisinart CPK-17 PerfecTemp
This is the perfect kettle for hardcore tea lovers. It has a series of features that make it easy to brew a perfect cup of your favorite kind of tea.
On the handle, you’ll find a set of buttons to choose the temperature of the water. The buttons are conveniently labeled with the type of tea that the temperature is recommended for.
On top of being the perfect accessory for the tea aficionados, it’s a great kettle with a lot to praise. It’s made of brushed stainless steel with the only exception being the inside of the handle.
The wide opening makes cleaning easy and the heating element is concealed under a plate which prevents lime and calcium buildup. At this price point, you won’t find a better kettle for your dorm.
Pros
· Preset temperature settings for teas
· Backlit water fill level window
· Removable scale shield for easy cleaning
Cons
The lettering on the preset buttons starts to fade with extended use
Hamilton Beach 1.7 Liter Electric Kettle
This is another simple kettle that emphasizes function and gets the job done. Hamilton Beach is among the most reliable brands for home appliances and it shows with this kettle.
The design is simple but elegant and features an all-steel exterior with a prominent water level window on the side. It also has a push-button lid and it’s fairly light, which makes it easy to handle with one hand.
It has all the safeguards you’d expect from a good electric kettle including automatic shut-off and boil-dry protection. It’s a convenient and effective kettle in a neat package that any student would love.
Pros
· Simple and intuitive, not a lot can go wrong
· Large water level window
· Push-button lid
Cons
The water comes into contact with the BPA-free plastic
Final Words
These are among the best kettles for a dorm. Most students will value a simple and functional kettle over an embarrassment of features but there are options here for everyone.
For those looking to inject some style into their dorm, the Miroco kettle is just the thing. Tea lovers will appreciate the options on the Cuisinart PerfecTemp. And for those who just need a kettle that delivers water reliably, there’s the Brentwood kettle.