Best retro electric kettles

Top pick: Smeg KLF03. It's the kettle most people picture when they say "retro" — the 1950s silhouette, a 1.7-litre jug, 360° swivel base and a choice of pastel finishes. It's the one to buy if you want the look to be the point and you're happy paying for the design.

Who the others suit:

• Smeg 50's Retro Mini — same styling in a smaller 0.8-litre body; best for one or two cups at a time or a short counter.
• West Bend 1.7L Retro-Style — the value pick: classic shape, big capacity, and the strongest owner ratings of the bunch.
• Mecity Retro 1.7L — cream, off-white finish if you want the vintage look without the Smeg price.
• Culinary Chef porcelain with thermometer — for tea drinkers who want to read the water temperature.
• Hazel Quinn double-wall — cool-touch sides, good around kids.

Skip the 220–240 V Smeg listings if you're in the US — they won't work on US outlets.