Cuisinart CPK-17P1 Electric Kettle vs Mainstays 1.7L Electric Kettle

The Cuisinart CPK-17P1 is the better kettle for anyone who drinks tea or French press coffee and wants water at a chosen temperature, not just boiling. Its six presets, 30-minute keep warm and stainless steel body are features the Mainstays kettle does not attempt. The Mainstays is a plain boil-only kettle in plastic, and owners report it works fine for a year or two but some taste plastic in the water and see the casing flake. Reviewers rate both well, but the Cuisinart's 3-year warranty and sturdier build make it the one to step up to.

• Choose the Cuisinart CPK-17P1 if you brew green, white or oolong tea, use a French press, or want a stainless steel kettle with preset temperatures and a keep-warm timer.
• Choose the Mainstays 1.7L if you only need boiling water, want a light plastic kettle with a locking lid, and are fine replacing it after a couple of years.