Beyond the "Beautiful" Name: Drew Barrymore’s Surprising Kettle Masterpiece
Drew Barrymore’s name evokes images of iconic roles in films like Never Been Kissed and Charlie’s Angels. It’s a name synonymous with charm and talent, but when it comes to kitchenware, it’s easy to be skeptical. Celebrity endorsements often feel like gimmicks, masking mediocre products with star power. So, when faced with testing an electric kettle from Beautiful, Barrymore’s kitchenware brand, my initial response was hesitant.
As a self-proclaimed electric kettle enthusiast and WIRED’s resident electric kettle expert, I’ve meticulously tested countless models, each a unique tapestry of size, spout, material, and features. My top picks typically hail from established brands like KitchenAid, Breville, Cuisinart, and Fellow. The Beautiful kettle, on the other hand, was an unknown entity, a potential outlier in a familiar landscape.
However, I was pleasantly surprised. Despite my initial reservations, this electric kettle defied expectations. It surpassed its celebrity-endorsed status to become a genuine contender, even earning the coveted top spot in our Guide to Best Electric Kettles.
Dainty and Discreet: A Design that Delights
My kettle journey always begins with aesthetics. This is an appliance that will grace your countertop and be seen by all. It doesn’t have to be extravagant, but it shouldn’t be an eyesore either. Counter space dynamics demand a compact design. The Beautiful kettle checks all these boxes, and then some.
The available color palette is a delightful surprise, with options like lavender, cornflower blue, sage green, and thyme green, offering a refreshing alternative to traditional muted tones like oyster gray, porcini taupe, and black sesame. I opted for the black kettle, finding its sleekness a good match for my Zwilling toaster. While not as visually charming as the pastel hues, it exudes a sophisticated simplicity. The matte finish, though, is susceptible to fingerprints, but a quick wipe with a microfiber cloth or even a wet paper towel easily resolves the issue.
The Beautiful kettle’s hidden gem is its touch-activated display. When plugged in and turned on, the display emerges, showcasing a minimalist array of controls: power button, preset tea options (white, green, oolong), boil water option (212 degrees Fahrenheit), keep-warm function, and plus and minus buttons for customizable temperature settings. The buttons are exceptionally responsive, reacting to the lightest touch.
The display’s brilliance lies in its disappearing act. It only appears when needed, a welcome departure from the clunky and visually jarring knobs, buttons, or dials found on traditional kettles. This design element appeals to the aesthetically inclined, seamlessly blending the kettle into your home décor, whether it’s in use or unplugged. The integrated display also contributes to a more compact footprint, eliminating the need for a separate control unit.
Functionality and Safety Take Center Stage
With a generous 1.7-liter capacity, this kettle easily brews up to seven cups of tea, sufficient for families of four or roommate-filled apartments. Safety is a significant consideration, and the Beautiful kettle delivers on this front with its insulated, double-walled body. This feature prevents accidental burns, both for yourself and those around you, eliminating the need for constant "be careful" warnings that often accompany traditional kettles. The auto-shutoff feature provides an extra layer of safety assurance.
The Beautiful kettle boils water with impressive speed. The company claims a sub-seven-minute boil time for a full pot, but my experience consistently reveals a slightly quicker five and a half minutes. The Keep Warm function maintains the water temperature for up to 30 minutes, a godsend for forgetful folks like myself who occasionally lose track of a simmering kettle.
Ease of use is paramount, and the Beautiful kettle excels here as well. The handle provides a secure grip even when filled with water. The 360-degree swivel base grants effortless picking up and placing, regardless of the kettle’s position on the counter or table.
A Note on Corrosion: Addressing Concerns
While my experience has been entirely positive, online reviews mention occasional corrosion occurrences on the stainless steel interior. Though I haven’t encountered this issue personally, it serves as a reminder for meticulous maintenance. Regularly descaling to address potential mineral deposits or grainy sediment is recommended to ensure a lasting, clean kettle.
A Final Verdict: Worth Its Weight in Tea
The Beautiful kettle, with its touch-activated display, double-walled body, adorable design, quick boil time, preset modes, and affordable price point of $45, offers a comprehensive package that rivals pricier kettles. I’ve been using it for over six months, and it continues to hold its position as my top pick. My initial skepticism has transformed into genuine admiration. Drew Barrymore, I apologize for underestimating you.
This is not just a celebrity-endorsed product; it’s a thoughtfully designed, genuinely functional, and aesthetically pleasing electric kettle that deserves its place in any kitchen. Drew Barrymore’s Beautiful kettle is more than just "beautiful"; it’s a testament to the potential for quality and innovation, even within a seemingly saturated market.
