Whether you’re a frequent traveler looking for an easy way to enjoy a hot cup of tea or coffee on the go or you simply want a compact kettle that doesn’t take up much space at home, choosing a travel kettle with the right capacity for your needs is important. With travel kettles available in capacities ranging from 0.5 liters up to 1.7 liters or more, it can be tricky to figure out what size is best for you.
In this ultimate guide, we’ll walk you through how to determine the ideal capacity based on your travel habits, drink preferences, and more. We’ll also provide recommendations on top-rated travel kettles across a range of capacities.
Read on for tips and advice to help you find a travel kettle with the perfect amount of space to boil water for your hot beverages!
Factors to consider when choosing travel kettle capacity
There are a few key factors to think about when deciding what capacity travel kettle is right for you:
How many drinks do you typically make at once?
Consider if you usually just make a single cup of coffee or tea when traveling or if you need to boil enough water for multiple beverages at the same time.
If you’ll often be making drinks for yourself plus a partner or friend, a larger capacity kettle of around 1 liter or more is likely best. But if you’re usually just making solo cups, a smaller 0.5-0.75 liter kettle should suffice.
What types of beverages do you usually make?
The type of hot drinks you plan to make can also impact what size kettle you need. For example, a single cup of black coffee may only require 6-8 oz of water, while a mug of tea is typically 8-12 oz.
And if you make French press coffee, you may need as much as 16-32 oz of water for multiple cups. So think about your go-to drinks when traveling and how much water they require.
How much space do you have in your luggage?
Since travel kettles are designed to be portable, the amount of room you have in your luggage is a practical consideration. If you’ll be packing it in a small carry-on, you likely won’t want a full 1.7-liter kettle taking up space. But if you regularly check a bag with room to spare, a larger kettle may be feasible. Consider the kettle capacity that makes the most sense based on your luggage constraints.
Will you use the kettle for more than just travel?
Some people purchase a travel kettle solely for trips, while others opt for a small kettle to have on hand at home or the office too. Think about whether you see yourself using a travel kettle in your everyday life. If so, you may want a slightly bigger capacity, like 1-1.5 liters, so it can pull double duty. But if not, a smaller 0.5-1 liter option just for travel is probably sufficient.
How quickly do you need to boil water?
Travel kettles with larger capacities tend to have faster boiling times, as there’s more power in their heating elements. Smaller kettles may take a couple of extra minutes to reach a full boil. So if you want water to heat up lightning fast, consider opting for a higher capacity 1 liter+ kettle. But if you don’t mind a slightly slower boil time, a 0.5-0.75 liter kettle is fine.
By keeping these factors in mind as you shop, you’ll be equipped to select a travel kettle capacity that caters to your personal needs and preferences. Now let’s look at some of the top kettles in popular size ranges.
Best travel kettles with 0.5 liters (16 oz) capacity
Here are great options for compact 0.5-liter travel kettles:
- BrewGo Travel Kettle: Ideal for the avid traveler, this kettle boasts a unique foldable design and rapid boil technology, holding up to 0.6 liters. Its stainless steel construction ensures durability, while the safety lock lid and automatic shut-off feature provide peace of mind. Perfect for small spaces and on-the-go brewing.
- Bodum Bistro Electric Kettle: With a sleek design and precise temperature control, this kettle quickly heats up to 16 oz of water. The cordless pouring makes it easy to use anywhere.
- Mueller Austria Gooseneck Kettle: Excellent for pouring control. This kettle has a precise spout and holds up to 0.5 liters. It has helpful safety features too, like auto shut-off.
- Dash Rapid Egg Cooker: Though designed for eggs, this all-in-one appliance doubles as a kettle holding up to 16 oz of water with an auto shut-off function. The included poaching tray pulls out for easy pouring.
- Willow & Everett Electric Gooseneck Kettle: This kettle is on the smaller side at 0.45 liters but still fits about 3 cups. The stainless steel design is stylish and the swivel base makes pouring simple.
Best travel kettles with 0.75 liters (24-28 oz) capacity
When you need to boil a bit more water, these 0.75-liter travel kettles are ideal:
- Ovente Glass Electric Kettle: Watch the water boil through the glass in this modern cordless kettle. It shuts off automatically after boiling up to 26 oz of liquid.
- Bonavita 1.0L BV382510V: Though designed for brewing pour-over coffee, this compact kettle with a precise spout can also boil up to 27 oz of water for tea, instant foods, and more.
- CHEFMAN Electric Glass Kettle: With auto shut-off and a wide open spout, this glass kettle heats up 1 liter but has interior markings showing measurements for 26 oz and other capacities.
- Cusimax Electric Kettle: The 1.1-liter capacity yields roughly 28-30 oz of water. Conveniently, this lightweight kettle has four temperature presets for different types of tea.
- Bodum Melior Gooseneck Electric Kettle: For fantastic pouring control, this stylish gooseneck kettle holds 27 oz of liquid. The cozy handle and minimalist design make it pleasing to use.
Best travel kettles with 1 liter (34 oz) capacity
For making 3-4 cups of coffee or tea at once, 1-liter travel kettles are ideal:
- Fellow Corvo EKG Electric Kettle: With variable temperature control, you dial in and a hold mode to maintain temperature. This modern kettle is perfect for pour-over coffee and loose-leaf tea on the road. The 1-liter capacity provides approximately 4 cups.
- COSORI Electric Gooseneck Kettle: Excellent for its precise pouring spout, this kettle features 5 preset temperatures and boils up to 34 oz for multiple drinks. The stainless steel body is durable.
- Mueller Premium 1500W Kettle: With fast boiling and convenient features like a stay-open press switch and auto shut-off, this 1-liter kettle is great for daily home or travel use.
- Bonavita Metropolitan Electric Kettle: The polished design and 1-liter capacity of this Bonavita kettle make it great for use at home or in hotel rooms. The wide-open spout allows for quick pouring.
- OXO BREW Adjustable Temperature Kettle: Though better suited for home, this 1-liter kettle with easy-to-read temperature settings can also travel nicely. The hold-temperature mode keeps the water hot for 30 minutes.
Best travel kettles with 1.5-liter (51 oz) capacity
For larger groups or batches of drinks, these 1.5-liter+ travel kettles are winners:
- Zojirushi Micom Water Boiler & Warmer: This multi-purpose kettle not only boils water but has an insulated carafe that keeps it piping hot for hours, perfect when traveling. The 51 oz capacity provides about 4-5 cups.
- Hamilton Beach 40865 Glass Electric Kettle: Featuring a removable mesh filter for tea, this spacious glass kettle holds 1.7 liters of water with clear volume markings printed on the side. Auto shut-off prevents boiling dry.
- Secura SWK-1701DB: With a removable stainless steel infuser and dual temperature controls, this 1.7-liter kettle is excellent for loose tea on the go. The blue LED light illuminates while the water heats.
- Breville BKE530XL: This stylish 1.7-liter kettle from Breville comes in a variety of colors and offers precise degree temperature control for the perfect cup of any hot drink. The 360-degree base is convenient.
- Cuisinart CPK-17: This bestselling brushed steel kettle contains a whopping 1.7 liters of water. The wide spout, concealed heating element, and LED indicator light make it easy to use at home or away.
Key features to look for by capacity
Beyond just size, there are certain features that are extra useful in travel kettles, depending on their capacity:
- 0.5 liter capacity: Prioritize sleek, compact design, precise pouring, and ease of use with one hand. Fast heating also helps speed things up.
- 0.75-liter capacity: Look for cordless operation, capacity markings, and smart features like preset temperatures for tea and auto shut-off.
- 1-liter capacity: Opt for fast boiling times, ergonomic handles, and versatility to prepare both coffee and tea. Models with temperature control allow customization.
- 1.5+ liter capacity: Large capacities call for keep-warm functions to maintain temperature. Also useful are removable filters, precise water windows, and bright indicator lights when boiling.
Bonus considerations for picking the perfect travel kettle
Beyond just thinking about capacity, keep these extra factors in mind when selecting a travel kettle:
- Ease of cleaning: Look for removable limescale filters and kettles where the lid can be fully opened to allow cleaning inside. Dishwasher-safe models are a plus.
- Portability: Lightweight kettles under 2 lbs are ideal. Fold-down handles and cords that wrap around the base also improve portability.
- Durability: Opt for stainless steel or glass bodies, which can better withstand travel. Plastic kettles may crack more easily. Silicone handles also help.
- Automatic shut-off: For safety, choose kettles with auto shut-off within 30 seconds after boiling. This prevents a forgotten kettle from burning up.
- Quiet boiling: Kettles that heat quietly are better for small hotel rooms. High-quality stainless steel interiors reduce noise.
By factoring in all these elements – capacity, key features, and bonus considerations – you’re sure to find the perfect travel kettle to meet your unique needs!
Conclusion
Choosing the ideal capacity for a travel kettle requires some reflection on your own habits – how many drinks you make at once, your go-to beverages, luggage space, and usage beyond just travel. Use this guide to narrow down the capacity range that makes the most sense for you. We’ve highlighted top-rated kettles in popular capacities ranging from 0.5 liters up to 1.5+ liters.
Look for models with useful features based on their size. And don’t forget design factors like durability, ease of use, quietness, and portability, which all make a travel kettle truly functional.
With the pointers in this guide, you can find a travel kettle with just the right amount of capacity to make your trips more enjoyable. Happy sipping!
