Finding the best travel kettle for Europe is easy if you are travelling from the UK. Standard UK travel kettles work perfectly as a travel kettle for Europe in Spain, France, Portugal, Greece, and the rest of continental Europe. The voltage is the same (220-240V), so your travel kettle for Europe will boil at full speed. The only thing you need is a plug adapter.
I have taken the same Russell Hobbs travel kettle for Europe to a dozen countries. It works identically to how it works at home.
Do UK Kettles Work in Europe?
Yes. Here is why:
Specification
UK
Europe
Voltage
230V
220-240V
Frequency
50Hz
50Hz
The voltage is effectively identical. A UK kettle plugged into a European socket (via adapter) will work exactly as it does at home — same speed, same power, no issues.
You do not need a dual-voltage kettle for Europe. Dual voltage is only necessary for destinations with 110-120V power (USA, Canada, Japan, parts of South America).
What You Do Need: A Plug Adapter
European sockets are different from UK sockets. You need a UK-to-Europe plug adapter to connect your kettle.
Standard EU adapters cost £3-10 and work across most of Europe:
- Spain, Portugal, France, Germany, Italy, Greece, Croatia, etc.
Exceptions:
- Switzerland uses Type J (slightly different)
- UK obviously uses Type G
A universal adapter covers all bases if you travel widely.
Best Travel Kettle for Europe Options
Best Overall Travel Kettle for Europe: Russell Hobbs 23840
[
Russell Hobbs 23840 Compact Travel Electric Kettle
View on Amazon.co.uk
](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07B96BQM6?tag=trvell-21)
The Russell Hobbs compact travel kettle is the most popular travel kettle for Europe choice for UK travellers.
Specs:
- Capacity: 0.85L (2-3 cups)
- Power: 1000W
- Voltage: 220-240V (UK/Europe only)
- Weight: ~600g
- Includes: 2 cups, 2 spoons, carrying bag
Price: ~£15
Why it’s good: Reliable, well-known brand, reasonable size, includes accessories. Big enough for two people, small enough to pack easily.
Downside: Single voltage — works in Europe but not in the US or Japan.
Best for Light Packing: Collapsible Silicone Kettle
Collapsible kettles fold flat for packing, saving significant space.
Specs:
- Capacity: 0.5-0.6L
- Weight: ~300-400g
- Voltage: Usually dual (110-240V)
- Folds to ~5cm height
Price: ~£15-25
Why it’s good: Takes up minimal space when folded. Often dual-voltage for worldwide use.
Downside: Slower to boil than rigid kettles. Silicone can retain odours if not cleaned properly.
Best with Accessories: Lakeland Travel Kettle Set
The Lakeland travel kettle comes as a complete kit with cups, spoons, and storage.
Specs:
- Capacity: 0.5L
- Dual voltage: 110-240V
- Includes: 2 beakers, spoons, divided container, carrying bag
Price: ~£30
Why it’s good: Complete set for two people. Dual voltage for worldwide travel (overkill for Europe but handy if you travel further).
Downside: More expensive. Smaller capacity.
Budget Option: Basic 0.5L Travel Kettle
Generic travel kettles are widely available for under £10.
Price: ~£8-12
Why it’s good: Cheap. Does the job.
Downside: Build quality varies. Check reviews. May lack auto shut-off or boil-dry protection.
Comparison Table
Kettle
Capacity
Weight
Voltage
Price
Best For
Russell Hobbs 23840
0.85L
600g
220-240V
~£15
Most travellers
Lakeland Set
0.5L
500g
110-240V
~£30
Complete kit
Collapsible silicone
0.5-0.6L
300g
110-240V
~£20
Light packers
Budget generic
0.5L
400-500g
Varies
~£10
Budget trips
Features to Look For
Essential:
- Automatic shut-off (safety)
- Boil-dry protection (prevents damage if empty)
- Concealed element (easier to clean)
Nice to have:
- Travel cups included
- Carrying bag
- Compact size for packing
Skip these:
- Temperature settings (unnecessary for tea/coffee)
- Keep-warm function (just reboil)
- Fancy materials (plastic is lighter and works fine)
Packing Your Kettle for Europe
Weight considerations:
Airlines like Ryanair and easyJet have strict hand luggage limits. A travel kettle (500-600g) plus adapter adds noticeable weight.
If flying budget airlines with small free bags, pack the kettle in checked luggage or a Priority cabin bag.
Where to pack it:
Travel kettles are allowed in hand luggage. Keep it dry and empty to avoid liquid restrictions.
Bring the adapter:
Do not forget your EU plug adapter. The kettle is useless without it.
Do You Actually Need One?
Yes, if you:
- Stay in budget accommodation, Airbnbs, or hostels without kettles
- Cannot function without proper tea or coffee
- Travel for extended periods
- Stay in self-catering apartments
No, if you:
- Stay in mid-range or chain hotels (they usually provide kettles)
- Do not drink hot drinks
- Travel ultra-light
- Prefer café coffee
Most European hotels at 3-star and above provide kettles. Budget accommodation often does not. Check your booking before deciding.
European Countries: Kettle Compatibility
All of these countries work with UK voltage (220-240V) kettles:
Country
Voltage
UK Kettle Works?
Spain
230V
Yes
France
230V
Yes
Portugal
230V
Yes
Italy
230V
Yes
Greece
230V
Yes
Germany
230V
Yes
Croatia
230V
Yes
Netherlands
230V
Yes
Austria
230V
Yes
Switzerland
230V
Yes
Turkey
220V
Yes
Every country in Europe uses compatible voltage. You only need an adapter, never a converter. The IEC World Plugs reference confirms European voltage compatibility.
Tips for Using Your Kettle in Europe
1. Test before you travel. Make sure your kettle works at home before packing it.
2. Bring a spare adapter. Adapters are cheap and easy to leave behind. Pack two.
3. Empty completely before packing. Water counts as liquid at airport security.
4. Descale regularly. Hard water in southern Europe builds limescale quickly. Pack descaling sachets for longer trips.
5. Check Airbnb kitchens first. Many European Airbnbs provide kettles. Check the listing photos before packing yours.
Summary
For European travel from the UK:
- Standard UK travel kettles work across Europe (same voltage)
- You need a UK-to-EU plug adapter
- The Russell Hobbs 23840 is the most popular choice
- Collapsible kettles save space for light packers
- Check if your accommodation provides a kettle before packing
Related
- Best Travel Kettles
- Can You Take a Travel Kettle in Hand Luggage?
- Lakeland Travel Kettle Set
- Europe Plug Adapter Guide
