The Haden Heritage and Smeg 50's Retro Style kettles both offer a charming, vintage aesthetic, but they cater to very different buyers based on price, material quality, and brand positioning. Haden provides an accessible, budget-friendly option with a classic retro look made from plastic and metal, while Smeg is a premium, design-forward statement piece crafted from high-grade stainless steel with a price tag to match.
Here's everything you need to know to decide which of these stylish kettles belongs on your countertop.
Haden Heritage Kettle
The Haden Heritage Kettle embodies the charm of classic British design, offering a nostalgic and colorful appliance at a very accessible price point. As a heritage brand, Haden focuses on combining reliable, everyday functionality with a vintage aesthetic, making their kettles a popular choice for those who want to add a pop of personality to their kitchen without overspending.
- What it is: A retro-inspired electric kettle designed for everyday use, with a focus on affordability and style.
- Key features: 1.7-liter capacity, rapid boil technology, removable water filter for easy cleaning, water level window, and automatic shut-off with boil-dry protection.
- Price: $30 to $60, depending on the retailer and specific color.
- Style: A classic, vintage look reminiscent of mid-century British kitchens. Features rounded shapes, prominent temperature gauges on some models, and chrome accents.
- Materials/Construction: The body is typically made from painted steel with a plastic base and handle. The interior contains a stainless steel heating element.
- Pros: Very budget-friendly. Available in a wide variety of cheerful, attractive colors. A reliable performer for daily boiling needs. The lightweight design makes it easy to handle and pour.
- Cons: The build quality is functional rather than luxurious, with more plastic components than premium models. The paint can be prone to chipping over the long term. Does not have the same brand prestige as high-end alternatives.
This kettle is ideal for budget-conscious shoppers, students, or anyone who loves a retro aesthetic and needs a dependable, attractive appliance for daily use.
Shop this product: amazon.com/Haden-Heritage-Electric-Stainless-Indicator/
Smeg 50's Retro Style Kettle
The Smeg kettle is more than just an appliance, it's a design statement. Known for its iconic 1950s Italian-inspired aesthetic and superior engineering, this kettle is a luxury item for design-savvy homeowners. Its smooth curves, vibrant colors, and premium all-metal construction have made it a coveted centerpiece in modern kitchens around the world.
- What it is: A high-end, design-focused electric kettle known for its iconic retro style and premium build quality.
- Key features: 1.7-liter capacity, soft-opening lid to prevent splashing, 360-degree swivel base, concealed heating element for easy cleaning, and auto shut-off at 212°F.
- Price: $150 to $250, with special editions and finishes priced higher.
- Style: An unmistakable 1950s retro style with a sleek, polished, and minimalist profile. It's designed to be a visual accent piece.
- Materials/Construction: The entire body is crafted from high-grade stainless steel with a powder-coated finish for color. The handle, base, and spout are made from polished chrome.
- Pros: Exceptional build quality and durable all-metal construction. Iconic and beautiful design that enhances kitchen decor. Available in an extensive range of colors and finishes (polished, matte, metallic). Holds its value well due to brand recognition.
- Cons: Significantly more expensive than most other kettles. Its steel construction makes it heavier than plastic models. The primary value is in a design you must be willing to pay a premium for.
The Smeg kettle is for those who view kitchen appliances as part of their home's decor and are willing to invest in superior quality and timeless design.
Shop this product: smeg.com/products/KLF03CRUS
Haden vs. Smeg Kettle Comparison
Materials & Construction
The most significant difference lies in the materials. A Haden kettle is designed for affordability, using a painted steel or durable plastic body with a plastic handle and base. While perfectly solid for daily chores, it doesn't feel like a luxury item.
The Smeg kettle, by contrast, is built to last with a heavy powder-coated stainless steel body and polished chrome accents. The weight, seamless finish, and details like the soft-opening lid all contribute to a premium feel that justifies its higher price point. Smeg's focus is on creating a durable, long-lasting investment piece.
Style & Aesthetics
While both are "retro," they interpret the style differently. Haden embodies a more charming, quaint, British vintage look. Its colors are cheerful, and its design feels warm and nostalgic, fitting perfectly in a country-style or eclectic kitchen.
Smeg presents a sleeker, more polished vision of 1950s Italian modernism. Its iconic silhouette is instantly recognizable and serves as a deliberate piece of countertop decor. It works not just in retro kitchens but also as a colorful counterpoint in minimalist and contemporary spaces. Where Haden is charming, Smeg is chic.
Price & Value
There's no contest when it comes to price. Haden kettles typically cost between $30 and $60, offering incredible value for a stylish and functional appliance. Its value is in its accessibility - you get a great look and reliable performance for a very low price.
A Smeg kettle costs between $150 and $250, putting it firmly in the luxury category. Its value isn't simply in boiling water, it's in the design, the quality of materials, the brand prestige, and the durability of an all-metal appliance. It's an investment in your kitchen's aesthetic.
Who Each One Works Best For
The Haden kettle is the perfect choice for someone who loves the retro look but has a practical budget. It's ideal for first-time homeowners, renters who want to personalize a space without a huge investment, or anyone who simply needs a reliable kettle that looks good.
The Smeg kettle is for the design-conscious consumer who believes kitchen appliances should be as beautiful as they are functional. It's for those curating a specific look in their home and who are willing to pay a premium for top-tier materials and iconic style that lasts.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both kettles successfully combine modern function with retro style, but they are built for different priorities and budgets.
Choose the Haden kettle if:
- You are shopping on a firm budget.
- You want a charming pop of vintage color without a high price tag.
- You need a dependable, functional kettle for daily use.
- You prefer lighter appliances that are easy to handle.
Choose the Smeg kettle if:
- Design and aesthetics are your top priority.
- You are willing to invest in premium, durable materials for longevity.
- You want an iconic statement piece for your countertop.
- You value the feel of a heavier, more substantial all-metal appliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between a Haden and Smeg kettle?
The primary differences are price and materials. Haden is an affordable, budget-friendly kettle typically made of painted steel and plastic, while Smeg is a premium luxury kettle crafted entirely from stainless steel and chrome, retailing for three to four times the price.
Is the Smeg kettle worth the money?
Whether it's "worth it" depends on your priorities. If you value iconic design, superior build quality, and a durable appliance that serves as a piece of decor, then yes. If you just need to boil water reliably and want a retro look, the high price is likely not justified, and Haden offers better value.
Which kettle boils faster?
Both kettles use modern rapid-boil technology with similar wattages, so boiling times for a full 1.7-liter pot are comparable. Neither has a significant performance advantage in boiling speed for everyday use.
How do you clean these kettles?
The exterior of both can be wiped clean with a damp cloth. For the interior, both require periodic descaling to remove mineral buildup, especially in areas with hard water. You can do this with a vinegar-water solution or a commercial descaling product.
Which brand offers more color options?
Both Haden and Smeg are known for their wide color palettes. Smeg often has an edge with more finish options, including matte black, polished chrome, and collaborations with designers like Dolce & Gabbana, but both brands offer a fantastic selection of classic and vibrant hues.
Can I buy a matching toaster from both brands?
Yes, both Haden and Smeg have built their brands around suites of matching small appliances. You can easily find a toaster, coffee maker, or blender in the same color and retro style to create a cohesive look.
Which kettle is more durable?
The Smeg kettle is more durable due to its all-metal construction. Its stainless steel body is less prone to damage than the painted metal and plastic components found on the Haden, making it a better choice for long-term longevity.
Do both kettles have automatic shut-off features?
Yes, both kettles come equipped with standard safety features, including an automatic shut-off when the water reaches boiling point and boil-dry protection that turns the kettle off if it's switched on without water inside.
At Interior Insider, we're dedicated to curating the best in home decor, interior design, and home essentials to help you discover brands we think you'll love. Every brand we feature is independently selected by our editorial team based on quality, design, and craftsmanship. When you make a purchase through our links, Interior Insider may earn a commission - which helps support our small team and allows us to continue bringing you inspiration and expert advice for creating your perfect space.
Looking for more inspiration? Explore our curated design guides to find your next favorite piece.
