A travel kettle lets you make tea, coffee, or instant noodles anywhere with an electrical outlet. Whether you need one depends entirely on how you travel and how much you care about your morning brew.
Do You Need One?
Yes, if you:
- Stay in budget accommodation without kettles
- Camp or stay in self-catering places
- Can’t function without proper tea/coffee
- Travel long-term and want to save on café costs
- Need hot water for instant meals
No, if you:
- Stay in hotels (most have kettles, especially in the UK and Europe)
- Don’t mind hotel room coffee
- Travel light and can’t spare the space
- Are happy using café coffee
Most mid-range hotels provide kettles. Budget hostels and Airbnbs often don’t. If you’re staying somewhere without one and can’t face another day of tepid hotel-room Nescafé, a travel kettle solves the problem.
What to Look For
Capacity
| Size | Cups | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 0.5L | 2-3 | Solo travellers |
| 0.8L | 3-4 | Couples |
| 1.0L | 4-5 | Families |
Smaller kettles pack easier but boil less water. Choose based on how many people need hot drinks.
Voltage
Single voltage (UK 220-240V): Only works in the UK and countries with the same voltage (most of Europe, Australia, much of Asia and Africa).
Dual voltage (110-240V): Works worldwide, including the USA and Japan where voltage is 110-120V.
If you’re only travelling within Europe, single voltage is fine. For worldwide travel or the Americas, get dual voltage.
Features Worth Having
- Automatic shut-off – Essential for safety
- Boil-dry protection – Prevents damage if switched on empty
- Concealed element – Easier to clean than exposed coils
- Travel cups/bag included – Some sets include cups that nest for storage
Features That Don’t Matter
- Temperature settings (you’re making tea, not precision brewing)
- Keep-warm functions (just boil again)
- Fancy materials (plastic is lighter and works fine)
Recommended Options
Best Overall: Russell Hobbs 23840
The Russell Hobbs compact travel kettle is a reliable choice at a reasonable price. It’s small (0.85L), lightweight, includes two cups and spoons, and has automatic shut-off. Single voltage (UK), so for UK/Europe travel only.
Price: ~£15
Best for Worldwide Travel: Lakeland Dual Voltage
The Lakeland travel kettle set switches between 110V and 240V, making it suitable for worldwide use including the US. Includes cups and a carrying bag.
Price: ~£30
Budget Option: Generic 0.5L Travel Kettles
Numerous budget options exist under £10. They work, but build quality varies. Check reviews before buying.
Using Your Travel Kettle
Before first use: Boil and discard water 2-3 times to remove any manufacturing residue.
Voltage check: If you have a dual-voltage kettle, make sure it’s set correctly for your destination before plugging in.
Don’t overfill: Fill only to the maximum line. Overfilling causes boiling water to spill.
Let it cool: Wait a few minutes after boiling before packing – the base stays hot.
Descale regularly: Limescale builds up faster in travel kettles due to their small size. Use a descaling solution or white vinegar every few uses.
International Considerations
| Destination | Voltage | UK Travel Kettle Works? |
|---|---|---|
| Europe | 220-240V | Yes |
| USA/Canada | 110-120V | No (need dual voltage) |
| Australia | 230V | Yes |
| Japan | 100V | No (need dual voltage) |
| Southeast Asia | 220-240V | Yes |
If travelling to 110V countries with a 220V kettle, it won’t work properly – it’ll heat very slowly if at all. Get a dual-voltage model or buy a cheap kettle on arrival.
Alternatives
Immersion heater: A heating coil you dip directly into a cup. Smaller and cheaper than a kettle, but slower and less safe.
Hotel kettle: Most hotels above budget level provide kettles. Call ahead if unsure.
Buy locally: If you’re staying somewhere long-term, buying a cheap local kettle might be easier than carrying one.
Verdict
A travel kettle is a worthwhile investment if you regularly stay in accommodation without kettles and value your hot drinks. The Russell Hobbs is a solid choice for UK/Europe travel; for worldwide use, get a dual-voltage option.
If you only travel occasionally and stay in decent hotels, you probably don’t need one – but if you’ve ever suffered through a morning without proper tea, you know the value of guaranteed hot water.
