The Smeg and Breville electric kettles represent two different philosophies in kitchen appliance design: Smeg prioritizes iconic, 1950s retro aesthetics, while Breville focuses on modern, high-tech functionality and precision engineering. Smeg offers a stunning visual statement piece in a variety of colors, whereas Breville delivers a sleek, feature-rich workhorse with variable temperature controls for tea and coffee enthusiasts.
Here's a detailed comparison to help you decide which of these premium kettles from Smeg and Breville is the right choice for your kitchen countertop.
Smeg Electric Kettle
The Smeg kettle is a masterclass in style, created for those who believe kitchen appliances should be as beautiful as they are functional. It boasts an unmistakable 1950s-inspired silhouette, a high-gloss color finish, and polished chrome details, making it a focal point in any kitchen. While its primary function is to boil water, its main selling point is its contribution to your home's decor.
- What it is: A retro-style electric kettle designed primarily for its striking aesthetic appeal and solid build quality.
- Key features: 1.7 L (7 cup) capacity, powder-coated steel body, soft-opening lid to prevent steam splashes, 360° swivel base, and an auto shut-off at 212°F.
- Price: Around $150–$200
- Style: Iconic mid-century modern design with a rounded body and a robust handle. Available in a wide spectrum of colors from pastel pink and green to glossy black and chrome.
- Materials/Construction: The body is made of durable stainless steel with a glossy powder-coated finish and polished chrome accents. The construction feels substantial and high-quality.
- Pros: Stunning design that elevates kitchen decor. Wide range of beautiful color options. High-quality materials and solid build. Simple and intuitive to operate.
- Cons: Lacks advanced features like variable temperature control. Higher price point for basic functionality. Finish can be prone to fingerprints.
The Smeg Electric Kettle is perfect for the design-conscious user who wants a simple, reliable, and exceptionally beautiful kettle to complement their kitchen's style.
Shop this product: smeg.com/kettles
Breville Smart Kettle
The Breville Smart Kettle is built for performance and precision, designed for tea aficionados, pour-over coffee lovers, and anyone who understands that different beverages require different water temperatures. It features a modern, stainless steel design packed with smart features that give you complete control over the brewing process. It's less of a statement piece and more of a precision tool.
- What it is: A high-performance electric kettle with variable temperature settings for optimal brewing of various teas and coffees.
- Key features: Multiple pre-set temperature settings for black, green, white, and oolong tea, as well as French press coffee. It also includes a "keep warm" function that holds the temperature for 20 minutes and rapid boil technology.
- Price: Approximately $100–$180
- Style: Modern and minimalist. The clean lines and brushed stainless-steel finish give it a sleek, professional look that fits seamlessly into contemporary kitchens.
- Materials/Construction: Built with high-grade brushed stainless steel and durable BPA-free plastics for the water window and internal components, ensuring long-lasting performance.
- Pros: Excellent for tea and coffee lovers due to precise temperature control. "Keep warm" feature is incredibly convenient. Boils water very quickly. Great value for the advanced features it offers.
- Cons: Utilitarian design isn't as visually striking as the Smeg. The controls can be more complex than a simple "on/off" kettle. Limited color options.
The Breville Smart Kettle is the ideal choice for those who prioritize function, convenience, and the perfect cup of tea or coffee over aesthetic flair.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/en/products/tea-makers.html
Smeg vs. Breville Kettle Comparison
Style & Aesthetic
This is the most significant difference between the two kettles. The Smeg kettle is an art piece. Its design is intentionally nostalgic, bold, and decorative, designed to be seen and admired. You choose a Smeg not just for hot water, but for the pop of color and retro charm it adds to your countertop.
Breville’s aesthetic is modern, sleek, and understated. The brushed stainless steel and clean lines are meant to blend into a contemporary kitchen, reflecting a tool-like efficiency. It looks sophisticated and professional, but it doesn't demand attention in the same way the Smeg does.
Features & Performance
Breville is the clear winner on a functional level. The ability to select specific temperatures is essential for brewing different types of tea correctly - too hot and you'll scorch delicate green tea leaves, too cool and you won't extract the full flavor of black tea. The "keep warm" feature is another huge advantage for households where people may need hot water at different times over a short period.
The Smeg, in its standard models, is a straightforward kettle. It boils water to 212°F and shuts off. It does this effectively and reliably, but it lacks any of the advanced controls found on the Breville. Performance-wise, it's a beautiful, premium version of a basic kettle.
Materials & Construction
Both kettles are built to last using high-quality materials. They both primarily use stainless steel for their bodies. Smeg’s standout feature is its beautiful, thick powder-coated enamel finish, which feels premium to the touch. Breville's heavy-grade brushed stainless steel is robust and resistant to rust and stains, aligning with its durable, workhorse identity. Both kettles feel sturdy and well-made, and you’re unlikely to be disappointed with the build quality of either.
Price & Value
While similarly priced, their value propositions are very different. With the Smeg kettle, a large portion of the cost is for the Italian design, brand name, and aesthetic quality. You're investing in a piece of kitchen decor.
With Breville, the price is justified by its advanced technology and superior functionality. You're paying for precision engineering, convenience features, and the ability to make better-tasting hot beverages. In terms of features per dollar, Breville offers far greater value.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both kettles are excellent products, but they cater to very different needs and priorities.
Choose the Smeg if:
- Aesthetics are your top priority and you want an appliance that doubles as kitchen decor.
- You have a retro, mid-century modern, or eclectic kitchen style.
- You want a wide variety of colors to choose from to match your personality or home.
- You only need a simple, reliable kettle for boiling water and don’t care about advanced temperature controls.
Choose the Breville if:
- You are a tea or coffee connoisseur who needs precise water temperatures for the perfect brew.
- You value high-tech features, speed, and convenience like a "keep warm" function.
- Your kitchen has a modern, minimalist, or contemporary aesthetic.
- You want the best performance and most features for your money.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Smeg and Breville kettle?
The core difference is style versus function. The Smeg kettle is a design-first appliance known for its iconic 1950s retro look and vibrant colors. The Breville kettle is a function-first appliance known for its modern design and advanced features like variable temperature control and a 'keep warm' function.
Are Smeg kettles worth the money?
They are worth the price if you highly value aesthetic design and build quality. You are paying a premium for the distinctive Italian style, much like you would for a designer handbag. Functionally, it's a basic kettle, but its visual appeal is unmatched.
Which kettle boils water faster?
In general, Breville models with rapid boil features tend to boil water slightly faster due to powerful heating elements designed for speed and efficiency.
Do Smeg kettles have variable temperature controls?
The standard, most popular Smeg kettle (Model KLF03) does not have variable temperature options. Smeg does offer a separate, more expensive model that includes this feature, but it's not their flagship design.
Which brand is more durable?
Both brands are renowned for high-quality construction and should last for many years. Smeg focuses on a substantial, heavy feel with its enameled steel body. Breville focuses on precision engineering for consistent, long-term performance. Neither is a poor choice in terms of durability.
Is the Smeg kettle's finish hard to clean?
No, the smooth, glossy finish on a Smeg kettle is quite easy to wipe clean with a soft, damp cloth. Like any high-gloss appliance, it will show fingerprints more readily than brushed stainless steel.
Which kettle is better for tea lovers?
The Breville is hands-down the better choice for serious tea lovers. Its ability to heat water to the precise temperature required for different tea varietals (like green tea at 175°F vs. black tea at 212°F) will result in a dramatically better-tasting cup.
Is there a significant size difference on the countertop?
Both have similar capacities (1.7L), but their shapes are different. The Smeg has a wider, more rounded body, which may give it a slightly larger footprint. The Breville tends to be more upright and cylindrical, making it a bit more compact on a crowded counter.
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