The DeLonghi and Smeg kettles serve the same purpose, but they appeal to vastly different tastes and budgets through their design philosophy. DeLonghi kettles offer a modern, minimalist aesthetic focused on high performance and user-friendly features at a mid-range price, while Smeg kettles are premium, retro-inspired statement pieces prized for their iconic 1950s style and bold color options.
Here’s a detailed comparison of these two popular Italian appliance brands to help you decide which kettle belongs on your countertop.
DeLonghi Kettle
DeLonghi focuses on blending sleek, contemporary Italian design with everyday functionality. Their kettles are known for being reliable, easy to use, and well-suited for modern kitchen environments. Prioritizing performance, DeLonghi often includes practical features like precise temperature settings and rapid boiling in thoughtfully designed, ergonomic packages.
- What it is: A line of high-quality electric kettles that combines modern aesthetics with reliable performance and advanced features.
- Key features: Rapid boiling, multiple temperature settings for different teas, 360-degree swivel base, auto shut-off, and boil-dry protection.
- Price: Ranges from approximately $70 to $150.
- Style: Modern and minimalist. Features smooth curves, metallic accents, and often comes in matte or gloss finishes like black, white, and stainless steel.
- Materials/Construction: Built with durable stainless steel, high-quality BPA-free plastics, and occasionally glass, designed for longevity and daily use.
- Pros: More affordable than Smeg, excellent performance and functionality for the price, design that easily blends into contemporary kitchen decor, often includes helpful features like water level indicators and anti-scale filters.
- Cons: Lacks the bold, decorative appeal of Smeg, a less extensive color palette, with a focus on neutral tones.
A DeLonghi kettle is a great choice for those who want a high-performing, stylishly modern appliance that prioritizes function without a premium price tag.
Shop this product: delonghi.com/en-us/products/kitchen-appliances/kettles
Smeg Kettle
Famous for its iconic 1950s retro designs, a Smeg kettle is as much a piece of kitchen decor as it is a functional appliance. The brand has built its identity around distinctive style, vivid colors, and a premium feel, making its products a favorite among design-conscious consumers who want their appliances to make a statement.
- What it is: A premium, designer electric kettle known for its unmistakable vintage, 1950s-inspired look.
- Key features: Soft-opening lid, 360-degree swivel base, auto shut-off at 212°F (100°C), concealed heating element, and a removable limescale filter. Variable temperature models are also available.
- Price: Ranges from approximately $100 to $200.
- Dimensions: Standard household capacity models are typically 1.7 liters (or 7 cups).
- Style: Retro 1950s aesthetic with rounded shapes, bold and pastel colors (cream, pink, pastel blue, red, etc.), and polished chrome details.
- Materials/Construction: Features a high-quality painted metal or polished stainless steel body, giving it a substantial and premium feel.
- Pros: Iconic and beautiful design that enhances kitchen decor, available in a huge range of colors to match personal style, excellent build quality and premium finish, can be coordinated with other Smeg appliances for a cohesive look.
- Cons: Significantly more expensive, round shape takes up slightly more visual space on a counter, the value is more in its design than in groundbreaking features.
The Smeg kettle is for the person who wants to inject personality and color into their kitchen and is willing to invest in a stylish appliance that doubles as a piece of art.
Shop this product: smeg.com/products/small-appliances/kettles
DeLonghi vs. Smeg Kettle Comparison
Style & Aesthetic
This is the most significant difference between the two brands. DeLonghi’s aesthetic is modern, sleek, and understated. Its kettles use a mix of materials like stainless steel and textured plastic to create a sophisticated, contemporary feel that fits seamlessly into most kitchens without calling too much attention to itself. The color palette sticks to versatile neutrals - blacks, whites, silvers, and sometimes a muted accent color.
Smeg, in contrast, is entirely about statement-making style. Its design language is unapologetically retro, defined by the soft curves, powder-coated colored steel, and chrome branding of 1950s Americana. With a wide range of colors from pastel blue to bright red, a Smeg kettle is designed to be a focal point on your counter.
Materials & Construction
Both brands use high-quality materials, but for different effects. DeLonghi focuses on practicality with durable stainless steel interiors and well-made plastic components for handles and bases that remain cool to the touch. The construction feels solid and engineered for frequent, everyday use.
Smeg also uses a stainless steel interior but wraps it in a thick, painted steel body that gives the kettle its signature look and hefty, premium feel. The finishes are durable but require slightly more care to prevent scratches on the beautifully colored exterior.
Price & Value
DeLonghi offers better straightforward value. With prices generally landing between $70 and $150, you are paying for reliable performance, good build quality, and useful features like variable temperature controls. It’s a workhorse appliance with a modern look that feels appropriately priced for its capabilities.
Smeg Kettle Kettles offer an iconic design and brand prestige, putting a premium on aesthetics. Their kettles, typically priced from $100 to $200, perform well and boil water efficiently, but a significant portion of the cost is for the unique style. The value here is in having a piece of functional art for your kitchen.
Who Each One Works Best For
A DeLonghi kettle is ideal for the practical-minded consumer who appreciates clean, modern design. It's for someone who wants their appliance to perform its function reliably, look good doing it, and blend nicely with other contemporary kitchen items. If you prioritize features and performance-per-dollar, DeLonghi is the logical choice.
A Smeg kettle is for the design enthusiast who sees their kitchen as an extension of their personal style. It’s for someone curating an aesthetic, whether it's retro, eclectic, or just filled with color. If you are willing to spend more for an appliance that brings you joy every time you look at it, the Smeg is a worthy investment.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both brands produce excellent kettles, but they cater to very different kitchen styles and priorities.
Choose a DeLonghi Kettle if:
- You prefer a clean, modern, and minimalist design that seamlessly fits any contemporary kitchen.
- Functionality, reliability, and price are your most important considerations.
- You want features like variable temperature control without paying a high premium.
- Your budget for a high-quality kettle is under $150.
Choose a Smeg Kettle if:
- Aesthetic appeal is your top priority and you love a retro, 1950s-inspired look.
- You want your kettle to be a decorative statement piece and provide a pop of color.
- You are willing to spend more for an iconic design and premium brand name.
- You are building a set of matching Smeg appliances.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between a DeLonghi and Smeg kettle?
The main difference is their design philosophy and price point. DeLonghi kettles feature a modern, minimalist style focused on functionality at a mid-range price. Smeg kettles have an iconic, retro 1950s design and come in many colors at a premium price.
Are Smeg kettles worth the money?
If you value design and aesthetics highly, then yes. A Smeg kettle is a durable, well-made appliance that also serves as a beautiful piece of kitchen decor. If you only care about boiling water as quickly as possible, you may find better value from other brands.
Which kettle boils faster, DeLonghi or Smeg?
Both brands offer rapid-boil features and have comparable performance in this area. Most standard 1500-1800 watt kettles will boil a full pot in a few minutes, so boiling speed is generally not a major differentiator between them.
Do DeLonghi kettles have temperature control?
Yes, many higher-end DeLonghi models offer precise, variable temperature control. This feature is perfect for tea lovers who need different water temperatures for brewing green, white, or black tea correctly.
How do you clean a painted kettle like a Smeg?
The exterior of a Smeg kettle should be cleaned with a soft, damp cloth to avoid scratching the painted finish. Dish soap can be used for greasy spots, but avoid abrasive cleaners. The interior should be descaled regularly using a commercial descaler or a vinegar-water solution.
Which brand offers more color options?
Smeg offers far more color options than DeLonghi. Smeg is famous for its wide array of vibrant pastel and bold colors, while DeLonghi primarily focuses on blacks, whites, and metallic finishes like stainless steel.
Which kettle is more durable?
Both brands are known for good build quality. DeLonghi’s use of durable plastics and stainless steel makes it very robust for everyday wear and tear. Smeg’s steel body is also very sturdy, though its painted surface may be more susceptible to scratches if not handled with care.
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