Russell Hobbs Illuminating Kettle 21600 vs Smeg KLF01 Retro Style Electric Kettle (2026)
Which is better? We compared both on score, owner ratings, pros and cons.
Russell Hobbs Illuminating Kettle 21600
1.7L glass, blue illumination, rapid boil, 360° base. The classic budget kettle.
Full Review
Smeg KLF01 Retro Style Electric Kettle
1.7L, 2400W, 360° base, 50s boil, 7 colours. The kitchen statement kettle.
Full ReviewAt a Glance
| Russell Hobbs Illuminating Kettle 21600 | Smeg KLF01 Retro Style Electric Kettle | |
|---|---|---|
| 247Verdict Score | 8.6/10 | 8.9/10 |
| Owner Rating | 4.5★ (28,400) | 4.6★ (9,800) |
| Verdict | Great | Great |
| Capacity | 1.7L | 1.7L |
| Power | 3000W | 2400W |
Quick Verdict
Both are strong choices, but the Smeg KLF01 Retro Style Electric Kettle edges ahead with a 8.9/10 vs 8.6/10. 1.7L, 2400W, 360° base, 50s boil, 7 colours. The kitchen statement kettle. That said, the Russell Hobbs Illuminating Kettle 21600 is worth considering if 1.7L glass, blue illumination, rapid boil, 360° base. The classic budget kettle. Check the current price on Amazon →
Pros & Cons Side by Side
Russell Hobbs Illuminating Kettle 21600
- Blue illumination through the glass body shows water level and boiling progress clearly
- 1.7L rapid boil at 3000W boils a full kettle faster than most competitors
- Glass body shows limescale deposits clearly — prompts more regular descaling
- 360° base allows pick-up from any angle
- Under £30 — the most affordable quality kettle available
- No temperature control — boiling only (Sage Smart Kettle needed for precision)
- Glass requires more careful handling than stainless alternatives
- Cable tidier gets in the way for some counter configurations
Smeg KLF01 Retro Style Electric Kettle
- Iconic retro Italian design is the most aesthetically pleasing kettle available
- 7 colour options match any kitchen aesthetic — cream, red, black, pastel green, pastel blue, pink, white
- 2400W boils 1.7L in 50 seconds — fastest domestic kettle heating
- Soft open lid prevents lime scale splashing
- 360° base allows left or right-hand use
- Premium price purely for aesthetics — Russel Hobbs boils water identically for £20
- Lime scale visibility on coloured finishes shows more than on silver alternatives
- Heavier than basic alternatives at 1.1kg
FAQ
Which is better, Russell Hobbs 21600 or Smeg KLF01 Retro Style?
Both are strong choices, but the Smeg KLF01 Retro Style Electric Kettle edges ahead with a 8.9/10 vs 8.6/10. 1.7L, 2400W, 360° base, 50s boil, 7 colours. The kitchen statement kettle. That said, the Russell Hobbs Illuminating Kettle 21600 is worth considering if 1.7L glass, blue illumination, rapid boil, 360° base. The classic budget kettle.
Is the Russell Hobbs 21600 worth the extra cost?
The Smeg KLF01 Retro Style Electric Kettle matches or exceeds it at a potentially lower price point.
Who is the Russell Hobbs 21600 best suited to?
1.7L glass, blue illumination, rapid boil, 360° base. The classic budget kettle.
Who is the Smeg KLF01 Retro Style best suited to?
1.7L, 2400W, 360° base, 50s boil, 7 colours. The kitchen statement kettle.
What are the main downsides of each?
Russell Hobbs Illuminating Kettle 21600: No temperature control — boiling only (Sage Smart Kettle needed for precision); Glass requires more careful handling than stainless alternatives. Smeg KLF01 Retro Style Electric Kettle: Premium price purely for aesthetics — Russel Hobbs boils water identically for £20; Lime scale visibility on coloured finishes shows more than on silver alternatives.
Do owner ratings agree with our verdict?
Largely, yes — Russell Hobbs Illuminating Kettle 21600 sits at 4.5★ from 28,400 verified Amazon owners, and Smeg KLF01 Retro Style Electric Kettle at 4.6★ from 9,800.
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