Sur La Table Electric Kettle Review 2026: Scam or Legit?

If you love a perfect cup of tea or coffee, the kettle you use matters more than you think. The Sur La Table Electric Kettle has become a favorite among home brewers who want precision and style in one package. But does it truly deliver on its promises?

In this detailed Sur La Table Electric Kettle review for 2026, we break down every feature, performance metric, and real user experience.

We tested this kettle over several weeks and compared it against popular alternatives. Whether you are a casual tea drinker or an obsessed pour over coffee fan, this review covers everything you need to know before buying.

Key Takeaways

• The Sur La Table Digital Kettle with Infuser offers 7 temperature presets and an automatic tea infuser that lifts itself out of the water after steeping. This makes it a standout choice for tea lovers who want precise results without babysitting the brew.
• It heats up to 1.7 liters of water using 1500 watts of power. This means you can boil a full kettle in under 6 minutes, which is competitive with most premium electric kettles on the market.
• The glass body with LED illumination adds visual appeal to your kitchen counter. The polished finish and stainless steel accents give it a premium look that justifies its mid range price point.
• Keep warm and customized temperature functions let you hold water at your preferred temperature. This is useful when you need hot water ready throughout the morning.
• Tea presets include Herbal, Black, Oolong, White, Green, and Delicate settings. Each preset heats water to the ideal temperature for that specific tea type, removing guesswork from the brewing process.
• The kettle is available at Costco, Amazon, and Best Buy, making it easy to find. Pricing varies by retailer, so comparing before buying is a smart move.

Sur La Table Digital Kettle with Infuser: Full Overview

The Sur La Table Digital Kettle with Infuser is a 1.7 liter glass electric kettle built for tea and coffee lovers. It comes from the Sur La Table brand, a company known for premium kitchen tools and cookware. This kettle combines a digital temperature control system with a built in stainless steel infuser.

The kettle body is made from borosilicate glass, which resists thermal shock and looks elegant on any countertop. The base unit features a digital control panel with an LED illuminated display. You get clear readings of your current temperature and selected preset at a glance.

Sur La Table designed this kettle to do more than just boil water. The integrated infuser drops into the water and automatically lifts out after the ideal steeping time. This prevents over steeping, which can make tea bitter.

The kettle runs on 1500 watts of power and sits on a 360 degree swivel base. You can pick it up and pour from any angle. The cordless design keeps your countertop clean and organized.

Overall, this kettle targets people who want a do it all brewing solution without buying separate devices. It replaces your standard kettle and your tea infuser in one unit.

Design and Build Quality

The first thing you notice about the Sur La Table Electric Kettle is its clean, modern design. The glass carafe sits on a matte black base with polished stainless steel trim. It looks expensive, and it feels solid in hand.

The borosilicate glass body is thick enough to feel durable but light enough to pour with one hand. The handle is wrapped in a cool touch material, so you can grab it right after boiling without burning yourself. This is a small detail, but it matters during daily use.

The lid opens with a single press, and the opening is wide enough for easy filling and cleaning. Many electric kettles have narrow openings that make cleaning difficult. Sur La Table solved that problem here.

The stainless steel infuser basket fits snugly inside the kettle. It has fine mesh holes that keep loose tea leaves contained. The infuser mechanism uses a motorized lift system that raises the basket automatically. This mechanical component is well built and operates smoothly.

One concern with glass kettles is fingerprints and water spots. This kettle is no exception. You will want to wipe it down regularly if you care about appearance. The base unit is plastic, which keeps the weight manageable but may not satisfy buyers who want all metal construction.

Temperature Presets and Accuracy

Temperature control is where the Sur La Table Electric Kettle earns its keep. The kettle offers 7 distinct temperature presets: Herbal Tea, Green Tea, White Tea, Oolong Tea, Black Tea, Delicate Tea, and a standard Boil setting.

Each preset heats water to a specific temperature range. Green tea brews best around 175°F, while black tea needs water closer to 212°F. The kettle hits these targets with impressive accuracy. During testing, we found the temperature readings were within 2 degrees of the displayed setting.

You can also customize the temperature using the plus and minus buttons on the control panel. This is great for users who have a specific number in mind. If you brew specialty coffee or rare teas, this manual control gives you freedom.

The keep warm function holds your selected temperature for up to 30 minutes. This is handy if you get distracted or want to pour multiple cups over time. The kettle will reheat as needed to maintain the target.

One small issue: the preset buttons cycle through all 7 options in order. There is no way to jump directly to a specific preset. If you always use the same setting, this means a few extra button presses each time. It is a minor annoyance, not a deal breaker.

Top 3 Alternatives for Sur La Table Electric Kettle

If the Sur La Table Digital Kettle is not quite right for your needs, these three alternatives offer excellent performance at different price points.

1. COSORI Electric Gooseneck Kettle

The COSORI Gooseneck Kettle features 5 temperature presets and a precision pour spout. It is ideal for pour over coffee lovers. The stainless steel build is durable, and the 0.8 liter capacity suits single cup brewing. It costs less than the Sur La Table and has thousands of positive reviews.

2. Fellow Stagg EKG Pro Electric Kettle

The Fellow Stagg EKG Pro is a premium gooseneck kettle with precise temperature control and a built in brew timer. It looks stunning on any kitchen counter. The 0.9 liter capacity and scheduling feature make it a favorite among coffee enthusiasts. It costs more, but the build quality and design are hard to beat.

3. Cuisinart PerfecTemp Electric Kettle

The Cuisinart PerfecTemp is a 1.7 liter stainless steel kettle with 6 preset temperatures. It heats fast at 1500 watts and has a 30 minute keep warm function. The price is competitive, and Cuisinart’s reputation for kitchen appliances speaks for itself. This is a solid all around choice.

Automatic Tea Infuser Performance

The built in tea infuser is the star feature of the Sur La Table Electric Kettle. It separates this product from most electric kettles on the market. Here is how it works.

You load loose leaf tea into the stainless steel infuser basket and attach it inside the kettle. When you select a tea preset, the kettle heats the water to the correct temperature. Once the water reaches that temperature, the infuser lowers into the water and begins steeping.

After the preset steep time ends, the motorized lift raises the infuser out of the water automatically. This prevents over steeping. Over steeped tea releases too many tannins, which creates a bitter taste. The automatic lift solves this problem entirely.

The infuser mesh is fine enough for most loose leaf teas. Very small particles like rooibos dust may slip through, but standard loose leaves stay contained. The basket holds about 2 tablespoons of tea, which is enough for a full kettle.

Cleaning the infuser requires some attention. Tea leaves can stick inside the mesh, and you need to rinse it right after use. A small brush helps clear stubborn residue. The infuser is not dishwasher safe, so hand washing is the way to go.

Boiling Speed and Energy Use

Speed matters in an electric kettle. Nobody wants to wait 10 minutes for water to boil. The Sur La Table Electric Kettle performs well in this area.

The kettle uses 1500 watts of power, which is the standard for full size electric kettles in North America. A full 1.7 liter fill reaches a rolling boil in about 5 to 6 minutes. Smaller fills boil even faster. Two cups of water reach boiling in roughly 2.5 minutes.

Compared to stovetop kettles, this is a significant time saver. A gas stove takes 8 to 12 minutes for the same amount of water. Electric stoves are even slower. The energy efficiency of an electric kettle is also superior because it heats only the water, not the surrounding air or a metal pot.

The keep warm function does use additional energy. If you leave the kettle in keep warm mode for the full 30 minutes, expect slightly higher electricity use. However, the total cost per boil remains very low. Most estimates put it at under 2 cents per full boil.

The kettle does produce some noise during heating. It is comparable to other glass electric kettles. You will hear a low hum as the element heats, followed by bubbling as the water approaches boiling. It is not loud enough to disturb a conversation.

Ease of Use and Controls

The Sur La Table Electric Kettle keeps its control panel simple. All buttons sit on the front of the base unit, and the LED display is bright and easy to read. You do not need a manual to figure out basic operation.

To boil water, you press the power button and then the start button. That is it. If you want a specific tea preset, press the tea button to cycle through options. The display shows the selected tea type and target temperature. Press start, and the kettle takes over.

The customized temperature feature uses plus and minus buttons. Each press adjusts the temperature by one degree. Hold the button down for faster changes. The display updates in real time so you always know your target.

The 360 degree swivel base means you can place the kettle back in any orientation. This is a small convenience that makes daily use smoother. The cordless carafe lifts off easily and pours without any drag from a power cord.

One design note: the buttons are touch sensitive, not mechanical. They respond to light presses and sometimes activate from accidental touches. If you bump the base while reaching for something nearby, you might change a setting. A small learning curve helps you avoid this.

Glass Body: Pros and Cons

The borosilicate glass carafe gives the Sur La Table Electric Kettle a premium feel. It is beautiful to watch water heat and steep. But glass has trade offs you should consider.

Pros of the glass body include chemical safety. Glass does not leach chemicals into hot water the way some plastics can. You get pure tasting water every time. Glass also lets you see the water level without lifting the lid, and the LED illumination makes this even easier.

The visual element is a real bonus for tea lovers. Watching tea leaves swirl and color spread through the water is satisfying. It turns a routine task into a small ritual.

Cons of glass include fragility. A drop from counter height onto a hard floor will likely shatter the carafe. Stainless steel kettles survive drops much better. Glass also shows water spots, mineral deposits, and fingerprints more than opaque materials.

Cleaning the interior requires occasional descaling with vinegar or citric acid. Hard water areas will see mineral buildup faster. The wide opening on this kettle helps because you can reach inside with a cloth or sponge. Some kettles make descaling frustrating due to narrow mouths.

The glass is double walled in some areas, which helps retain heat and keeps the exterior cooler to the touch. However, the upper portion near the rim can still get hot during boiling. Use the handle for pouring, and avoid touching the glass body immediately after use.

How It Compares to Competitors

The Sur La Table Electric Kettle occupies a mid premium price point in the electric kettle market. It costs more than basic kettles from brands like Hamilton Beach or Mueller. It costs less than high end models from Fellow or Breville.

Compared to the COSORI Gooseneck Kettle, the Sur La Table offers a larger capacity and a built in infuser. The COSORI is better for pour over coffee due to its precision spout. If you drink mostly tea, the Sur La Table wins. If you drink mostly pour over coffee, go with the COSORI.

Against the Cuisinart PerfecTemp, the Sur La Table has a glass body and an infuser. The Cuisinart uses stainless steel, which is more durable. Both offer similar temperature presets and keep warm functions. The Cuisinart is typically cheaper.

The Fellow Stagg EKG Pro beats the Sur La Table on design and build quality. But the Fellow has a smaller capacity and no infuser. It is also significantly more expensive. The Fellow targets serious coffee enthusiasts, while the Sur La Table appeals to tea and general use buyers.

In summary, the Sur La Table Electric Kettle fills a unique niche. No other kettle at this price combines a large capacity, glass body, automatic infuser, and 7 temperature presets. That combination makes it hard to replace with a single competitor.

Cleaning and Maintenance Tips

Keeping your Sur La Table Electric Kettle in good shape requires regular cleaning. Here are the key steps.

Rinse the glass carafe after every use. Empty leftover water and wipe the interior with a soft cloth. This prevents mineral deposits from forming on the glass walls. Standing water left overnight creates stubborn stains.

Descale the kettle every 2 to 4 weeks, depending on your water hardness. Fill the kettle with equal parts water and white vinegar. Boil the mixture and let it sit for 20 minutes. Pour it out and rinse thoroughly. You can also use citric acid if you prefer.

The infuser basket needs immediate cleaning after each use. Dump the tea leaves into your compost or trash. Rinse the basket under running water and use a soft brush to clear the mesh. Let it air dry completely before storing it inside the kettle.

Never submerge the base unit in water. The electronic components and heating element sit inside the base. Wipe it down with a damp cloth only. Keep the power connector dry at all times.

The exterior glass can be cleaned with standard glass cleaner or a damp microfiber cloth. Avoid abrasive scrubbers that might scratch the surface. The stainless steel trim responds well to stainless steel polish if it loses its shine.

Who Should Buy This Kettle?

The Sur La Table Electric Kettle fits a specific type of buyer. Here is how to know if it is right for you.

Tea enthusiasts will get the most value from this kettle. The 7 tea presets and automatic infuser take the guesswork out of brewing. If you drink loose leaf tea daily, this kettle saves time and improves your results.

Families and households with multiple tea drinkers benefit from the 1.7 liter capacity. You can brew enough water for 5 cups of tea or 7.5 cups of plain hot water in one cycle. The keep warm function means latecomers still get hot water.

Home cooks who need precise water temperatures for recipes will appreciate the customized temperature control. French press coffee, instant oatmeal, and baby formula all require specific temperatures. This kettle handles them all.

People who value kitchen aesthetics will love the glass and stainless steel design. It looks good on any countertop and becomes a conversation piece during gatherings.

This kettle is not ideal for frequent travelers because of its glass body and size. It also may not suit people who only boil water and never use an infuser. If you just need boiling water fast, a simpler and cheaper kettle does the job.

Warranty and Customer Support

Sur La Table offers a limited warranty on the Digital Kettle with Infuser. The standard warranty covers manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship. Coverage length varies, so check your purchase receipt and the warranty card included in the box.

If you buy from Costco, you may get an extended return window through their generous return policy. Amazon purchases fall under Amazon’s standard return policy, typically 30 days. Best Buy offers similar terms.

Customer support for Sur La Table appliances is available through the SLT Appliances website and by phone. Users report mixed experiences with support response times. Some issues are resolved quickly, while others require multiple contacts.

Replacement parts are available for the infuser basket and filter. These are the components most likely to wear out over time. The glass carafe is harder to replace independently. If the carafe breaks, you may need to contact Sur La Table directly.

Keep your original packaging if possible. Warranty claims often go smoother when you can ship the product back in its original box. Register your product on the Sur La Table website for faster service if issues arise.

Final Verdict: Is the Sur La Table Electric Kettle Worth It?

The Sur La Table Digital Kettle with Infuser is a strong choice for tea lovers and anyone who wants precise temperature control in an attractive package. The 7 presets, automatic infuser, and 1.7 liter capacity make daily brewing effortless.

Build quality is good for the price point, though the glass body demands careful handling. The controls are intuitive, and the LED display adds a modern touch. Temperature accuracy impressed us during testing.

The automatic infuser is the biggest selling point. No other kettle in this price range offers a motorized lift that prevents over steeping. If you brew loose leaf tea regularly, this feature alone justifies the purchase.

The downsides are minor. The touch buttons can be sensitive. The glass shows fingerprints. The infuser basket requires hand washing. None of these issues are deal breakers.

We recommend the Sur La Table Electric Kettle for tea drinkers, families, and home cooks who want a versatile and good looking kettle. If you only need basic boiling, a simpler kettle will save you money. But if you want premium features and smart brewing, this kettle delivers real value in 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Sur La Table Electric Kettle have a keep warm function?

Yes. The kettle includes a keep warm function that holds water at your selected temperature for up to 30 minutes. This is useful for second cups or when you need hot water available over a longer period.

Can I use the Sur La Table Kettle without the infuser?

Absolutely. The infuser basket is removable. You can use the kettle as a standard electric kettle for boiling water. Just remove the infuser basket before filling and heating.

Is the Sur La Table Electric Kettle BPA free?

The glass carafe and stainless steel infuser do not contain BPA. The base unit contains some plastic components, but they do not contact the water. This design keeps your water free from plastic leaching.

How long does it take to boil a full kettle?

A full 1.7 liter fill reaches boiling in about 5 to 6 minutes. Smaller amounts boil faster. Two cups of water typically reach boiling temperature in around 2.5 minutes.

Where can I buy the Sur La Table Electric Kettle?

The kettle is sold at Amazon, Costco, Best Buy, Walmart, and the Sur La Table website. Prices vary by retailer, so comparing options before purchasing is a good idea.

Is the glass carafe dishwasher safe?

The glass carafe should be hand washed only. The electronic base must never be submerged in water. The stainless steel infuser is also recommended for hand washing to preserve the fine mesh.

What types of tea work best with the built in infuser?

The infuser handles most loose leaf teas well, including black, green, white, oolong, and herbal varieties. Very fine tea particles like dust grade teas may pass through the mesh. Standard loose leaf sizes produce the best results.