One of the earliest and most striking electric kettle designs was created in the early 20th century by Peter Behrens for AEG, marking the beginning of a long history in which function and form engaged deeply with the possibilities of industrial design.
Today, the kettle is no longer just a technical appliance, but a considered design object that reflects a wide range of styles, materials, and visual languages.
Selected electric kettles from the world of contemporary design
This selection includes pieces by designers such as Michele De Lucchi, Nendo, Michael Graves, and George Sowden, where the kettle becomes part of a domestic narrative. Some of the links are affiliate links; if you choose to make a purchase, a small commission helps support ARCHIVEofOBJECTS.
Plissé, Michele De Lucchi
The Plissé kettle, designed by Michele De Lucchi for Alessi, is part of a series of small kitchen appliances that also includes a toaster, blender, citrus juicer, and coffee maker. The entire line draws on the visual language of pleated fabric, with clear references to 1950s fashion. Made from thermoplastic resin and available in a range of colors, the kettle’s body features a surface of regular folds that enhance its graphic presence, giving the object a domestic yet sculptural character.
Sowden Electric Kettle, George Sowden
Hay, the Danish brand known for its collaborative approach and accessible yet carefully considered production, has become a key name in contemporary design. Among its most recognizable partnerships is the one with British designer George Sowden, a former member of the Memphis group. Sowden’s electric kettle stands out for its bold color combinations, simple forms, and well-finished plastic materials. Its playful yet controlled aesthetic is a signature of his design language. The kettle is part of a broader kitchen collection developed by Sowden for Hay since 2020.
Hot.it, Wiel Arets
Wiel Arets, a Dutch architect and theorist, is one of the most influential figures in contemporary design culture. As part of its collaborations with leading international designers, Alessi produced the Hot.it tea and coffee set with Arets, made entirely of stainless steel. The kettle, available in two sizes, is built around a pure cylindrical form, punctuated by an angular handle and a pronounced spout. Its name, slightly ironic, contrasts with the object’s pared-back design. More refined and less widely known than other Alessi products, Hot.it has attracted a discerning audience of collectors and design enthusiasts.
Toru, Nendo
Toru is an electric kettle designed by Nendo for Alessi, unveiled at the 2024 Salone del Mobile. The design is defined by a precise formal solution: the handle and spout emerge from a single metal element that cuts through the stainless steel body, giving the object its distinctive character. The name—“Toru,” meaning “to pass through” in Japanese—makes the construction principle explicit while introducing a subtle, controlled irony characteristic of Nendo’s work. The result is an exercise in synthesis, balancing functional rigor with visual lightness.
MG32 Electric Kettle, Michael Graves
Il bollitore elettrico MG32 di Alessi rappresenta l’evoluzione domestica dell’iconico bollitore a fischietto disegnato da Michael Graves nel 1985. Ne riprende la forma affettuosa e postmoderna, con il caratteristico beccuccio a uccellino, adattandola al funzionamento elettrico. Realizzato in acciaio inox e termoplastica, è dotato di base girevole a 360 gradi, spegnimento automatico e resistenza nascosta per facilitare la pulizia. Un aggiornamento tecnico che conserva l’anima narrativa e ironica del progetto originale.
Electric Kettle, SMEG
Smeg is an Italian company founded in 1948 in Guastalla, Emilia-Romagna, known for its appliances that combine technical innovation with a strong focus on formal language. Its 1.7-liter electric kettle echoes the soft, compact lines of the brand’s 1950s-inspired collection, featuring a painted steel body with chrome details. The wide, stable handle ensures a comfortable grip, the lid opens with a soft-release mechanism, and a lateral window shows the water level. The design emphasizes both ergonomic function and visual identity.
EM77 Electric Kettle, Eric Magnussen
The EM77 electric kettle revisits the design of the original thermal jug created by Erik Magnussen in 1977, a piece that has become emblematic of Danish design for its compact, essential form. Trained as a ceramicist, Magnussen consistently prioritized functionality and structural clarity, avoiding unnecessary ornament while achieving a refined elegance. The kettle preserves the proportions of the original, but incorporates an electric base with a concealed power supply and cord wrap. Made in Denmark, it’s designed for everyday use and long-term durability.
