Best kettle for hard water 2024: stylish options to help avoid limescale
Is hard water causing a constant build-up of limescale in your kettle? Here are the best kettles for hard water areas as recommended by Mumsnet users.
By Lucy Cotterill | Last updated Feb 26, 2024
If you live in a hard water area such as London or the South East of England, minerals like calcium and magnesium in your tap water can leave your kettle prone to a build-up of unpleasant limescale. Limescale can not only taint the taste of your favourite morning brew, but it can also reduce the efficiency and lifespan of your kettle, meaning you may need to replace them more regularly.
The good news is that you can buy kettles with concealed elements and limescale filters which, when combined with regular cleaning and maintenance cycles, can help combat some of the challenges of hard water.
To bring you our pick of the best kettles for hard water, we sought out tried-and-tested reviews from Mumsnet users, gaining insights into the kettles they’ve used in their own homes in hard water areas. Combining their verdicts with the views of industry experts and consumer champions, we bring you our round-up of the best hard water kettles to suit every budget and lifestyle.
Looking for more Mumsnetter-approved buys for a tidy kitchen? Don’t miss our guides to the best glass cleaner and oven cleaner.
Best kettle for hard water uk: at a glance
Russell Hobbs Brita Purity Glass Kettle
Concealed element
Brita Maxtra+ Filter Cartridge reduces limescale build-up
Illuminates blue during use
Clear indicator to advise when it's time to change the filter
Powerful with rapid boil
'1 cup' feature for energy efficiency
Maximum 1-litre/4-cup capacity is less suited to large households
Need to buy replacement filters every four weeks
Price on writing: £45 | Capacity: 1 litre | Speed: Unspecified | Power: 3000W | Filter: Yes, replaceable BRITA filter
A stylish glass kettle with polished silver accents, this Russell Hobbs Brita Purity Kettle not only looks visually pleasing on your kitchen counter - it’s also particularly effective at dealing with the challenges of hard water.
With an included Brita water filter, the Brita Purity Kettle helps reduce unwelcome limescale and chlorine, as well as absorbing copper and lead that can affect the taste of your tea and coffee. To continue reaping the benefits, the filter will need to be replaced regularly - roughly every four weeks depending on how often you use your kettle. While the clever built-in indicators will notify you when it’s time to replace, it’s worth factoring in the cost of the Brita replacement filters, which work out around £4.50 each from Amazon (buy here).
This kettle is simple to use, with an anti-splash ‘Perfect Pour’ spout and a 360° base with integrated cord storage to ensure a clean and uncluttered worktop. We love the blue illumination that glows when the kettle is boiling, while the glass design allows you to visually see how much water is left inside.
The useful ‘one cup’ feature is a welcome addition to prevent water and energy wastage. However, if you’re a big household or use your kettle for cooking or entertaining, you may prefer one of our options below that can hold a larger volume of water.
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Quick boil time
Large viewing window
Choice of five colourways
Makes up to seven cups from a single boil
A detachable, easy-clean filter
The viewing window shows litres of water rather than cups
Large capacity means it can be quite heavy when full
Price on writing: £32 | Capacity: 1.7 litres | Speed: One cup in under 45 seconds | Power: 3000W | Filter: Yes, detachable
With a choice of five colourways and complimenting items in the Tower Cavaletto range, this Which? Best Buy kettle is an eco-friendly choice that also makes an affordable addition to your kitchen. A great choice for hard water areas, this kettle has a removable fine mesh filter that helps successfully keep limescale at bay when cared for correctly.
Thanks to the minimum fill level of just 235ml, the Tower Cavaletto is ideal for a single user working from home, while its 1.7-litre capacity can also cater for up to seven guests in just one boil. With a large viewing window, you can also clearly see the volume of water left inside, however, it would be more useful if the gauge was in cups as opposed to litres.
Stylish stainless steel design
Large seven-cup capacity
Keep warm function
Range of temperature settings to suit different hot drinks
Cordless jug on 360° base
Costly
Cup measurements can be hard to read in low light
Minimum level of two cups per boil
The limescale filter is not as effective as some hard water kettles
Price on writing: £99 | Capacity: 1.7 litres | Speed: Unspecified | Power: 2400 W | Filter: Yes, built in
This striking stainless steel kettle may not come cheap, but with five different temperature presets, it can serve your drinks at exactly the right temperature for the best flavour and experience - ideal for those tea and coffee connoisseurs. It even has a ‘keep warm’ function, which maintains the water temperature and prevents the need to reboil. No wonder it won the top spot for variable temperature on our overall best kettles round-up too.
A cordless jug sitting on a 360-degree swivel base, the Sage Smart Kettle is ideal for both left and right-handed users, with a large easy-grip handle and soft close lid that reduces the risk of splashing and steam burns.
While the water window can be a little tricky to read in low light, it allows you to avoid wastage by filling it with only as much water as you need - whether that's your morning brew before breakfast or a seven-cup coffee catch-up with friends. It’s worth mentioning, however, that the minimum water level is two cups, so if you’re catering for one, you’ll inadvertently be boiling more than you need.
While the limescale filter isn’t as effective as some, this stainless steel design is quick and easy to clean, making it a smart choice for hard water areas when cared for correctly.
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Concealed element and removable limescale filter
Three-year guarantee
LCD temperature display
Matching toaster available
Temperature button beeps which may be annoying to some
Temperature adjustments may not be used regularly
Price on writing: £89 | Capacity: 1.7 litres | Speed: Unspecified | Power: 3000W | Filter: Yes, removable
A brushed stainless steel design with polished chrome details, this modern electric kettle from Cuisinart comes in four stylish colourways, each with a matching four-slice toaster for those seeking a coordinating set for their kitchen.
Whether you’re opting for a comforting cup of tea after a long day or an energising coffee to kick start your morning, the Cuisinart has multiple temperature options ranging from 85°C to 100°C, which are easy to select using simple buttons on the handle.
We love the illuminated water window that lets you see how much water remains inside and the LCD display which clearly shows the temperature, so you won’t waste valuable energy reheating water unnecessarily.
For hard water areas, the concealed element in this kettle results in less limescale build-up, while the easy-to-remove filter makes maintenance simple and stress-free.
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Effective limescale filter and concealed element ideal for hard water areas
Available in a choice of four metallic colourways
1.7-litre capacity can serve up to seven cups per boil
Water level window so you don't boil more than you need
Coordinating toaster
Heavy when full
The view of the water level gauge is blocked by the handle
Some reviewers found the kettle to be noisy
Pricey
Price on writing: £70 | Capacity: 1.7 litres | Speed: Approx 70 seconds for 1 cup | Power: 3000W | Filter: Yes, removable
If you’re seeking a more retro look for your kitchen, but don’t want to sacrifice on modern features, you can’t go wrong with the De'Longhi Icona range of metallic jug kettles. Available in a choice of four colourways including silver and gold, purple (plum) and blue (teal), they also have a coordinating toaster range if you wish to complete the set.
The De'Longhi Icona Kettle can boil as little as one cup at a time (ideal for reducing water and energy use), or for cooking and larger gatherings can be filled to a capacity of 1.7 litres (around seven cups). It’s worth noting that it can be quite heavy when full, and the view of the water gauge is somewhat restricted by the handle, however, checking it carefully when filling can ensure you never boil more water than you need.
For those in hard water areas, the De'Longhi Icona is also easy to look after and maintain, with a concealed heating element and a limescale filter that’s completely removable for cleaning.
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Stylish design
Matching toaster available
Concealed element
Viewing window with measurements in cups
Interchangeable panels
Costly
Heavy
Noisier than some
Smaller capacity than some other models
Price on writing: £95 | Capacity: 1.5 litre | Speed: Unspecified | Power: 2300W | Filter: Yes, removable
If you live in a hard water area but are seeking a kettle that can last the test of time, Mumsnet users and reviewers speak incredibly highly of the Dualit Architect Kettle. With a modern and stylish design, this stainless steel kettle has a removable filter and concealed element that helps keep water away from the heat source, reducing the risk of limescale damage that can affect your kettle’s performance over time.
We love the interchangeable panels (sold separately) that allow you to refresh the look and feel of your kettle if you decide to overhaul your kitchen colour scheme.
While it has a smaller capacity than some, this sustainable choice has a clearly marked water gauge that helps you to only boil what you need - between one and five cups at a time. It’s not the quietest of the kettles featured, however, and can be relatively weighty when full.
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Breville Brita HotCup Hot Water Dispenser
Speedy 50-second boil
Select from nine different cup sizes
Permanent limescale filter
Energy efficient - only boils the water it uses
Drip tray
A traditional kettle may be more efficient when making drinks for large groups
Price on writing: £75 | Capacity: 1.8 litres | Speed: Less than 50 seconds for 1 cup | Power: 3000W | Filter: Yes, Brita
Ideal for busy parents who have always got their hands full, the Breville Brita HotCup Water Dispenser makes an energy-efficient choice, only boiling the water it dispenses at the touch of a button. Simply select from one of nine different cup sizes and dispense boiling water in less than 50 seconds - ideal when you’re a little more pressed for time.
With a stainless steel design, convenient drip tray and Brita filter system, cleaning is also a breeze, making it easy to maintain even with the challenges of hard water.
The 1.8-litre water tank has a capacity for up to nine cups of tea, so it is a convenient working-from-home accompaniment, however, you may find a traditional kettle more suitable for larger gatherings of friends and family.
Eco-friendly design made from bio-based plastics
Compact design takes up less space despite high volume
Useful cup markers to help reduce waste waste
Substantial capacity
Doesn’t boil as quickly as some more powerful kettles
Visibility of the viewing window is restricted by the handle
Price on writing: £50 | Capacity: 1.7 litres | Speed: Unspecified | Power: 2200W | Filter: Yes, removable
If an eco-friendly kettle is high up on your wishlist, the Philips' Eco-Conscious Jug Kettle is certainly worth considering. Part of a wider Collection range that also includes a toaster, coffee maker and blender, this stylish kettle is moulded from sustainable bio-based plastics to create a minimalist yet durable design.
Alongside its green credentials, this large-capacity kettle has a built-in anti-limescale filter which helps minimise the impact of hard water during frequent use.
While this less powerful kettle doesn’t boil quite as quickly as some of the rapid boil options above, it can boil up to seven cups at a time, with a water indicator gauge to reduce unnecessary water and energy waste.
What is hard water?
Hard water is water that has a high mineral content and is most commonly found in London and the South East of England. The presence of minerals such as calcium and magnesium in water can result in a build-up of limescale deposits on home appliances such as kettles, washing machines, regular-sized or slimline dishwashers, plus much more.
If you live in a hard water area (you can check this via this hard water map), you need to carry out regular maintenance of your kettle to help prevent limescale build-up and prevent performance issues.
How to choose the best kettle for hard water
To pick the best kettle for hard water, here are some things you may want to consider:
Material - What is the kettle made from? Plastic kettles can be durable and hard-wearing but are often a little more challenging to clean. Stainless steel kettles tend to be the most resistant to corrosion and water damage, while glass kettles allow you to visually see when there is a build-up of limescale starting to occur.
Concealed elements - Kettles with concealed elements tend to be less susceptible to limescale, mostly because the part that heats up doesn’t make contact with the water. While exposed elements tend to heat up a little bit quicker, they can be more challenging to clean.
Filter - Does the kettle have a limescale filter? Some kettles have removable limescale filters that can trap any impurities in the water. Permanent filters need to be cleaned regularly by hand, whereas others, such as the Brita Purity Kettle need to be replaced around once a month.
Cup measurements - Kettles that have a water gauge and allow low-volume boils can not only reduce the amount of energy and water used, but they can also prevent limescale build-up by only boiling the amount of water that you need.
Boil dry protection - Many kettles now feature boil dry protection, which prevents the kettle from boiling when the water level is too low.
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How to clean and descale a kettle
Cleaning your kettle regularly can not only improve the taste of your morning coffee, it can actually improve the efficiency and lifespan of your kettle too, so you’ll need to replace it less regularly.
Whilst the prospect of cleaning and descaling your kettle may be a little daunting, it’s actually relatively straightforward - and can be done so with ingredients you may already have in your home.
Prepare a mix of equal parts water and white vinegar - enough to fill around three-quarters of your kettle’s water tank.
Boil the kettle before leaving to cool completely or simply leave for a few hours to allow the acid in the vinegar to get to work.
Drain the mixture away and rinse out.
If stubborn limescale remains, use a scrubbing brush or old toothpaste to remove any excess.
Boil again with clean water and repeat a few times to ensure no vinegar or limescale residue remains.
“Vinegar works really well. You need to use the clear vinegar, known as white vinegar, not the brown malt stuff you put on chips. Fill your kettle up enough to cover the scale, pour in a very generous amount of vinegar, and leave for a few hours. You'll need to rinse out the kettle, fill it up and boil it once or twice afterwards, pouring away the water. You can repeat if it doesn't all come off the first time.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user DramaAlpaca)
How can I prevent limescale in my kettle?
While it is hard to avoid limescale completely when living in a hard water area, there are some steps you can take to prevent it:
Only boil as much water as you need - This uses less energy and prevents water from sitting stagnant between kettle boils.
Use filtered water - Boiling filtered water can help remove the calcium and magnesium build-ups found in tap water.
Regular cleaning - Cleaning your kettle regularly can take action on limescale before it has the chance to fully form across your kettle’s surfaces.
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How we chose the best kettle for hard water
Recommendations from real parents
As always, we first looked at what Mumsnetters on our Housekeeping forum were recommending. To find the best kettle for hard water, we first sought the trusted opinions of Mumsnet users, getting their feedback on the kettles that they rate, recommend and use in their own kitchens, noting the ones that performed well in hard water areas. We looked for products with crucial features such as concealed elements and limescale filters, which Mumsnet users praised for their ease of use and stress-free maintenance.
We also looked out for any negative reviews, where Mumsnet users highlighted kettles that they felt were poor quality, overpriced or failed to keep limescale at bay during regular use.
Expert opinions
Next up, we considered reviews and feedback from trusted industry experts. We want to be confident that the products we recommend are fit for purpose and excel when making your favourite hot drink, so we looked out for award-winning products or those that were well regarded in the marketplace, including those recommended by consumer champions.
Authentic consumer reviews
Finally, to bring you our definitive list of the best hard water kettles on the market, we thoroughly investigated genuine, in-depth customer reviews on retailer sites such as Amazon, John Lewis, and Argos to get wider consumer experiences regarding the products on our shortlist, so you can be confident our selection will make the the perfect brew every time, whether you're a coffee connoisseur or a green tea aficionado.
About the author
Lucy Cotterill is a mum of two and a Content Writer at Mumsnet, specialising in baby, child and lifestyle product reviews and round-ups. Having written product reviews on her own blog Real Mum Reviews since 2012, Lucy loves to research and explore the pros and cons of products, scrutinising reviews and consumer feedback to help people make confident purchases.
Working from home four days a week, Lucy is well acquainted with her own kettle – the Dualit Architect, which is still going strong despite regular use – so she was keen to seek out the best kettle for hard water for Mumsnetters. She’s also written several Mumsnet home and kitchen guides including the best kettle and toaster set, best steam generator irons and best budget washing machines, to name but a few.
Originally from a HR background with a degree in Business Studies, Lucy developed a real passion for blogging and writing when her children were young, going on to write for several online publications including US parenting site Pregistry and the Evening Standard. When she’s not manically tapping the keys of her laptop, Lucy loves nothing more than to cosy up with her Kindle and enjoy the latest thriller, or compete in Nintendo Switch rallies with her daughters aged six and 10.
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