Smeg KLF01 Retro Style Electric Kettle vs Smeg KLF03 Variable Temperature Kettle (2026)

✍️ By the 247Verdict Editorial Team📅 Updated 05 October 2026

Which is better? We compared both on score, owner ratings, pros and cons.

Smeg KLF01 Retro Style Electric Kettle

8.9/10 Great

4.6★ (9,800 owners)

1.7L, 2400W, 360° base, 50s boil, 7 colours. The kitchen statement kettle.

Full Review

Smeg KLF03 Variable Temperature Kettle

9.0/10 Excellent

4.6★ (8,400 owners)

7 temperature settings, keep-warm, 1.7L, retro design, 7 colours. The design kettle with precision.

Full Review

At a Glance

	Smeg KLF01 Retro Style Electric Kettle	Smeg KLF03 Variable Temperature Kettle
247Verdict Score	8.9/10	9.0/10
Owner Rating	4.6★ (9,800)	4.6★ (8,400)
Verdict	Great	Excellent
Capacity	1.7L	1.7L
Colours	7 options	7 (Smeg range)

Quick Verdict

This is a genuine draw — both score within 0.15 points of each other. Smeg KLF01 Retro Style Electric Kettle: 1.7L, 2400W, 360° base, 50s boil, 7 colours. The kitchen statement kettle. Smeg KLF03 Variable Temperature Kettle: 7 temperature settings, keep-warm, 1.7L, retro design, 7 colours. The design kettle with precision. Choose based on your specific needs. Check the current price on Amazon →

Pros & Cons Side by Side

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

Smeg KLF03 Variable Temperature Kettle

7 temperature presets optimise water for green tea (70°C), oolong, black tea and coffee separately
Keep-warm function maintains temperature for 20 minutes — useful for multiple cups
Iconic Smeg 1950s retro design in 7 colours coordinates with the full Smeg appliance range
1.7L capacity fills multiple mugs in one boil
8,400 Amazon reviews at 4.6★ validate the design-meets-function appeal

Premium pricing vs basic kettles — design and variable temperature command the cost
Variable temperature benefits only tea connoisseurs and pour-over coffee makers
Stainless body shows fingerprints

FAQ

Which is better, Smeg KLF01 Retro Style or Smeg KLF03 Variable?

Is the Smeg KLF01 Retro Style worth the extra cost?

The Smeg KLF03 Variable Temperature Kettle matches or exceeds it at a potentially lower price point.

Who is the Smeg KLF01 Retro Style best suited to?

1.7L, 2400W, 360° base, 50s boil, 7 colours. The kitchen statement kettle.

Who is the Smeg KLF03 Variable best suited to?

7 temperature settings, keep-warm, 1.7L, retro design, 7 colours. The design kettle with precision.

What are the main downsides of each?

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. Smeg KLF03 Variable Temperature Kettle: Premium pricing vs basic kettles — design and variable temperature command the cost; Variable temperature benefits only tea connoisseurs and pour-over coffee makers.

Do owner ratings agree with our verdict?

Largely, yes — Smeg KLF01 Retro Style Electric Kettle sits at 4.6★ from 9,800 verified Amazon owners, and Smeg KLF03 Variable Temperature Kettle at 4.6★ from 8,400.

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