Boiling water shouldn’t feel like navigating a high-stakes science experiment, especially when you’re just starting your kitchen journey. That simple, everyday task – making tea, instant coffee, or a quick cup of noodles – can quickly become frustrating with the wrong tool. You might find yourself staring at confusing controls, waiting forever for a small amount of water to heat, or worse, dealing with a scalding accident because the kettle didn’t shut off properly. For beginners, the sheer number of electric kettles lining store shelves and filling online marketplaces can be overwhelming. What features actually matter? Is a fancy variable temperature setting worth the extra cost, or is a basic model perfectly sufficient? It’s easy to feel lost in a sea of wattages, materials, and marketing jargon.
The good news is that finding the perfect electric kettle for your beginner needs is far simpler than it seems once you know what to prioritize. This guide cuts through the noise and focuses solely on the essential considerations that will make your hot water experience effortless, safe, and genuinely enjoyable from day one. Forget complex technical deep dives or overwhelming feature lists; we’re zeroing in on the practical aspects that directly impact your daily routine. Whether you’re a student in a dorm, setting up your first apartment, or simply upgrading from an ancient stovetop pot, understanding these core principles will empower you to make a confident, smart choice without breaking the bank or getting bogged down in unnecessary extras. Let’s demystify the electric kettle together.
Top 10 Electric Kettles for Beginners
Detailed Product Reviews
1. CHEFMAN Electric Kettle - 1.2L 1500W Hot Water Tea Pot with Infuser, BPA Free, Auto Shut Off, Boil-Dry Protection, Removable Lid, LED Light, Cordless Glass Electric Tea Kettle – Stainless Steel
Overview: This compact 1.2L glass electric kettle from Chefman prioritizes speed and tea brewing convenience. Designed for quick hot water needs, it features rapid 1500W boiling and integrates a stainless-steel tea infuser for direct steeping. What Makes It Stand Out: The standout feature is the included removable tea infuser, allowing full-pot loose-leaf tea brewing uncommon in basic kettles. The illuminated blue LED indicator during heating and cordless 360° base enhance usability and visual appeal, while the glass body showcases the boiling process. Value for Money: Priced mid-range, it offers exceptional value for tea enthusiasts due to the infuser inclusion, eliminating a separate purchase. While capacity is smaller than competitors (1.2L vs. 1.7L+), the speed and specialized tea function justify the cost for its target user. Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths: Very fast boiling (~3 mins), integrated tea infuser, attractive LED lighting, cordless convenience, BPA-free. Weaknesses: Smaller capacity (1.2L) limits serving multiple people, glass construction requires careful handling, infuser may not suit all tea types. Bottom Line: Highly recommended for individuals or couples who prioritize loose-leaf tea brewing and desire a quick, stylish kettle; the infuser integration is a game-changer, though larger households may find the capacity limiting.
2. Cosori Electric Kettle, No Plastic Contact With Water, Wide Mouth For Easy Cleaning, Auto Shut Off, 1.7L Tea Kettle & Hot Water Boiler, Water Heater & Teapot, Borosilicate Glass, Black, 1500W
Overview: Cosori’s 1.7L glass kettle emphasizes purity and ease of maintenance. Its core promise is delivering clean-tasting water by ensuring zero plastic contact, combined with user-friendly cleaning features and reliable 1500W performance. What Makes It Stand Out: The completely plastic-free internal pathway (water touches only borosilicate glass and stainless steel) is its defining feature, appealing to health-conscious users. The wide mouth and dual-angle lid design significantly simplify cleaning compared to narrower-necked competitors. Value for Money: Positioned at a competitive price point, it delivers strong value by addressing a key consumer concern (plastic contact) effectively. The larger 1.7L capacity and focus on durability through easy cleaning offer better long-term utility than cheaper plastic-interior models. Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths: Zero plastic contact ensures pure taste/safety, wide mouth for effortless cleaning, fast boiling (<3 mins/cup), reliable auto shut-off, sleek black glass design. Weaknesses: Lacks integrated tea infuser, blue LED is absent (less visual feedback), base design less versatile than some. Bottom Line: An excellent, health-focused choice for those prioritizing water purity and hassle-free maintenance; the plastic-free construction and superior cleanability make it a top value pick despite lacking extra features.
3. Chefman Electric Kettle, 1.8L 1500W, Hot Water Boiler, Removable Lid for Easy Cleaning, Auto Shut Off, Boil-Dry Protection, Stainless Steel Filter, BPA Free, Borosilicate Glass Electric Tea Kettle
Overview: Chefman’s largest offering (1.8L) combines high capacity with rapid 1500W boiling in a stylish borosilicate glass design. It targets users needing to serve multiple servings quickly while maintaining aesthetic appeal on the countertop. What Makes It Stand Out: The generous 1.8L capacity is its primary differentiator, ideal for families or frequent entertaining. Combined with the blue LED indicator lights and stainless steel accents on the glass body, it offers both high utility and modern visual appeal in a cordless package. Value for Money: Provides good value for larger households due to its substantial capacity, boiling as fast as smaller models. While similar in price to 1.7L competitors, the extra 0.1L and consistent Chefman build quality offer tangible benefits for the slight premium. Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths: Largest capacity reviewed (1.8L), very fast boiling, attractive LED lighting and stainless accents, cordless convenience, BPA-free, reliable safety features. Weaknesses: Heavy when full, glass requires caution, no infuser included, wide base footprint. Bottom Line: Best suited for families or those regularly serving groups; the high capacity and speed make it highly practical, though solo users might prefer a smaller, more compact model for everyday use.
4. Mueller Rapid Boil Electric Tea Kettle 1.8L – Borosilicate Glass & Stainless Steel – BPA-Free Hot Water Boiler, LED Light, Auto Shut-Off, Boil Dry Protection Fast Water Heater – Kitchen Appliances
Overview: Mueller’s 1.8L kettle focuses on durability, speed, and user-friendly maintenance. It utilizes borosilicate glass and stainless steel for longevity and features a completely removable lid to address common cleaning frustrations. What Makes It Stand Out: The fully removable lid is a significant advantage, enabling thorough, effortless cleaning unreachable in kettles with fixed or partially accessible lids. Its “Rapid-Heat Technology” (1500W) promises notably faster boiling than microwaves or stovetops, backed by solid build quality. Value for Money: Offers strong value through its durable construction (glass + stainless steel), versatile 1.8L capacity, and the highly practical removable lid. It competes well on price with similar premium models, justifying cost via longevity and ease of care. Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths: Fully removable lid for superior cleaning, robust borosilicate glass/stainless steel build, very fast boiling, BPA-free, versatile for tea/coffee/oatmeal, blue LED indicator. Weaknesses: No integrated infuser, lid removal adds slight step to refilling, base lacks cord storage. Bottom Line: Highly recommended for users prioritizing easy maintenance and durability; the removable lid feature is a standout for hygiene, making it a practical, long-term investment for daily hot water needs.
5. OVENTE Electric Kettle, 1.7L Fast Boiling Water Heater for Coffee or Tea, BPA Free with Water Level Gauge, Auto Shut-Off, Boil-Dry Protection, Indicator Light and Removable Filter, Black KP72B
Overview: OVENTE’s 1.7L kettle emphasizes efficiency, safety, and US-based support. Operating at 1100W (slightly lower wattage), it focuses on reliable performance with a concealed stainless steel heating element and a 2-year warranty. What Makes It Stand Out: The concealed stainless steel heating element (vs. exposed coils) enhances durability and ease of cleaning. The strong selling point is the US-based customer service and the comprehensive 2-year warranty, providing significant buyer confidence uncommon in the category. Value for Money: Excellent value considering the 2-year warranty and US support, mitigating perceived risk. While boiling is slightly slower than 1500W models (due to 1100W), the durable concealed element and included removable spout filter offer long-term reliability worth the modest efficiency trade-off. Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths: Concealed durable heating element, 2-year warranty with US support, removable spout filter, BPA-free, water level gauge, cord storage on base. Weaknesses: Slower boiling than 1500W competitors (1100W), no LED lights, plastic accents less premium than all-glass models. Bottom Line: The top recommendation for peace of mind and longevity; the warranty, US support, and concealed element make it a smart, reliable choice for everyday use, especially for those valuing after-sales service over absolute maximum speed.
6. OVENTE Electric Kettle, 1.5L Borosilicate Glass Countertop Water Heater and Boiler for Coffee or Tea, BPA-Free, Auto Shut-Off, Boil-Dry Protection, Removable and Washable Spout Filter, Black KG83B
Overview: The OVENTE KG83B is a stylish 1.5L glass electric kettle targeting users seeking aesthetics and functionality. It uses borosilicate glass and stainless steel for durability, featuring blue LED illumination during boiling and core safety mechanisms like auto shut-off and boil-dry protection. Ideal for tea, coffee, or instant meals, it emphasizes visual appeal alongside practicality. What Makes It Stand Out: Its striking blue LED halo and transparent borosilicate glass construction differentiate it from standard stainless steel models, offering a modern countertop statement. The combination of BPA-free materials, a removable spout filter, and 360° rotary base with cord storage enhances both safety and convenience. Value for Money: Priced mid-range, it justifies cost through premium materials, energy efficiency (50% faster than stovetop), and a 2-year US warranty. While glass requires more careful handling than metal, the aesthetic premium and reliable performance offer solid value for design-conscious buyers. Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths: Beautiful LED-lit design; fast boiling (7 mins for 1.5L); BPA-free and easy-clean filter; excellent safety features; US warranty. Weaknesses: Glass is less durable than stainless steel; smaller 1.5L capacity vs. competitors; LED light may be distracting in low light. Bottom Line: A visually appealing, reliable kettle for style-focused users prioritizing safety and efficiency. Best for smaller households, though the glass body demands cautious use. Highly recommended if aesthetics are key.
7. Seehot® 1.7L (57.oz) Electric Kettle with Thermometer, 1200W Large Electric Tea kettle with 304 Stainless Steel,Auto shut off,Hot water kettle Electric for Coffee&Tea-White
Overview: The Seehot 1.7L kettle combines retro styling with modern functionality, featuring a built-in physical thermometer for precise temperature control. Crafted from food-grade 304 stainless steel, it promises plastic-free water contact, fast boiling, and safety features like auto shut-off, targeting tea/coffee enthusiasts needing accuracy. What Makes It Stand Out: The real-time physical thermometer is its standout feature, allowing precise water temperature monitoring for optimal tea or coffee extraction—uncommon in kettles at this price. The retro design, ergonomic handle, and seamless stainless steel construction enhance both usability and durability. Value for Money: Offers exceptional value with its thermometer and 1.7L capacity at a competitive price. The stainless steel build ensures longevity over plastic alternatives, and the 5-7 minute boil time provides efficiency. It outperforms basic models by delivering barista-grade control without a premium cost. Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths: Accurate thermometer for perfect brewing; large 1.7L capacity; quiet 1200W operation; fully stainless interior; user-friendly 360° base. Weaknesses: Thermometer may lack digital precision; retro design might not suit all kitchens; no keep-warm function. Bottom Line: An excellent choice for precision-focused drinkers wanting café-quality results at home. The thermometer elevates it beyond standard kettles, making it a top recommendation for tea/coffee lovers seeking value and control.
8. OVENTE Electric Kettle, 1.7L Fast Boiling Water Heater for Coffee or Tea, BPA Free with Water Level Gauge, Auto Shut-Off, Boil-Dry Protection, Indicator Light and Removable Filter, White KP72W
Overview: OVENTE’s KP72W is a 1.7L white electric kettle designed for speed and safety, featuring a water level gauge, concealed heating element, and BPA-free construction. It prioritizes quick boiling (minutes for full capacity) and user convenience with auto shut-off and boil-dry protection, suitable for daily family or office use. What Makes It Stand Out: The integrated water level gauge—unlike external markings on many models—ensures precise, plastic-free filling visibility. Combined with OVENTE’s signature 2-year US warranty and concealed stainless steel heating element (for longevity), it balances practicality with reliability. Value for Money: Delivers strong value via its large 1.7L capacity, energy-efficient 1100W operation, and durable build. While similarly priced to competitors, the water level gauge and proven OVENTE reliability justify the cost, especially for users prioritizing ease of use over aesthetics. Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths: Clear internal water level indicator; fast boiling; 2-year US warranty; removable filter; compact cord storage. Weaknesses: Lacks advanced features like temperature control; white finish may show stains; no LED indicator beyond basic operation light. Bottom Line: A dependable, no-frills workhorse for efficient hot water needs. Ideal for practical users valuing speed and safety over high-tech extras. Recommended for households seeking straightforward, durable performance.
9. Cocinare Barista Collection Gooseneck Electric Kettle, ±1℉ Precise Temperature Control for Pour-Over Coffee & Tea, Quick Heating 1500W, Stainless Steel Interior, 0.9L (Matte Black)
Overview: Cocinare’s Barista Collection gooseneck kettle is engineered for pour-over coffee and tea connoisseurs, offering ±1°F temperature precision, a 1-hour keep-warm function, and a 0.9L capacity. Its S-shaped spout and 1500W power cater to meticulous brewing rituals, backed by professional barista endorsements. What Makes It Stand Out: Unmatched temperature accuracy and the gooseneck spout provide exceptional pour control—critical for pour-over methods. The 1-hour keep-warm function and stainless steel interior (versus glass) ensure consistent, pure-tasting results, distinguishing it from basic kettles. Value for Money: Premium-priced but justified for serious coffee enthusiasts. The precision, build quality, and professional pedigree (47 countries, 100+ competitions) offer superior value versus entry-level models. It’s an investment for those committed to mastering brewing techniques. Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths: Lab-grade temperature control; perfect pour consistency; 1-hour keep-warm; durable stainless steel; award-winning design. Weaknesses: Small 0.9L capacity limits batch brewing; steep price for casual users; no large-family utility. Bottom Line: The definitive choice for pour-over aficionados demanding barista-level results. While overkill for casual use, its precision and reliability make it indispensable for coffee purists. Highly recommended within its niche.
10. COSORI Electric Kettle, Plastic-Free Interior, 2 Lid Opening Angles, Easy to Clean, Automatic Shut Off & Boil-Dry Protection, Stainless Steel Tea Kettle, Hot Water Boiler & Heater, 1.7L, 1500W
Overview: The COSORI 1.7L kettle emphasizes purity and user-centric design with a 100% 304 stainless steel interior (including spout, lid, and filter), dual lid angles, and 1500W rapid heating. It targets health-conscious users seeking easy maintenance and plastic-free boiling, backed by auto shut-off safety. What Makes It Stand Out: Its completely plastic-free water path—verified by an internal stainless steel water level indicator—sets it apart, eliminating plastic taste risks. The dual lid angles (30° for safety, 70° for cleaning) solve common usability pain points, enhancing daily practicality. Value for Money: Excellent value for a fully stainless steel kettle. The 1500W speed, thoughtful lid design, and COSORI’s reputation for durability outperform cheaper plastic-lined models. It’s a cost-effective upgrade for those prioritizing long-term safety and ease of use. Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths: Entirely plastic-free interior; innovative dual-angle lid; rapid 1500W heating; clear internal water markings; superior heat retention. Weaknesses: Blue LED indicator is basic; no temperature control; minimalist design lacks visual flair. Bottom Line: A top-tier choice for users prioritizing health and simplicity. The plastic-free construction and smart lid design make it a standout for everyday reliability. Highly recommended for families or offices seeking safe, easy maintenance.
Understanding Your Core Needs
Before diving into specs, it’s crucial to reflect on how you’ll actually use your kettle. This foundational step prevents buyer’s remorse and ensures your new appliance perfectly fits your lifestyle.
Assessing Your Daily Water Volume
How much hot water do you realistically use at one time? Consider your typical routine: Are you usually making a single cup of tea or coffee, or do you often need to boil water for multiple servings, instant soup packets, or even small cooking tasks? Choosing a capacity significantly larger than your daily needs wastes energy and takes longer to heat smaller amounts. Conversely, a kettle that’s too small means constant refilling, defeating the purpose of convenience. For most solo beginners, a 1.0 to 1.5-liter capacity strikes the ideal balance.
Evaluating Your Primary Hot Beverage
What will you primarily brew? If your go-to is black tea or instant coffee, near-boiling water is essential, making a standard kettle perfect. However, if you’re exploring green teas, white teas, or certain pour-over coffees, you might benefit from precise temperature control. These delicate beverages often require water significantly below boiling (e.g., 160°F-185°F) to avoid bitterness. While not mandatory for absolute beginners, considering your potential future interests can guide whether a basic or variable-temperature model better suits your trajectory.
Considering Your Kitchen Space and Setup
Take a hard look at your counter space and power source. Compact kettles are ideal for small kitchens, dorm rooms, or office setups. Measure the area where it will live! Also, ensure you have a reliable, easily accessible electrical outlet nearby – running an extension cord for a high-wattage appliance like a kettle is a significant safety hazard and should never be done. Cord storage (wrap-around vs. detachable) also impacts tidiness.
Key Features That Impact Your Experience
Beyond basic boiling, several features directly influence usability, safety, and longevity. Knowing which ones matter most helps you avoid paying for gimmicks.
The Power of Wattage: Speed vs. Practicality
Wattage is the single biggest factor determining how quickly your water boils. Higher wattage (typically 1500W in standard US models) means faster boiling times – often cutting minutes off the wait. While ultra-high wattage models exist, standard 1500W kettles offer the best balance of speed and compatibility with most home circuits. Don’t be lured by marginal wattage increases; focus on consistent, reliable performance within standard limits.
Material Matters: Durability, Safety, and Aesthetics
The interior material contacting your water is critical. Stainless steel is the most common, durable, and generally considered the safest option, offering good heat retention. Glass kettles provide a sleek look and allow you to see the water level easily, but ensure they are made from high-quality, heat-resistant borosilicate glass and have proper thermal insulation to prevent external burns. Avoid plastics labeled for food contact unless they are explicitly BPA-free and designed for high heat; lower-quality plastics can potentially leach chemicals or impart odors over time.
Essential Safety Mechanisms You Can’t Skip
Safety should never be an afterthought. Look for these non-negotiable features: Automatic shut-off is mandatory – it turns the kettle off immediately once the water reaches a boil or if the kettle is empty, preventing dangerous overheating and dry-boiling. Boil-dry protection works hand-in-hand with shut-off, ensuring the kettle won’t operate without sufficient water. A secure, cool-touch handle and lid are vital to prevent accidental burns during pouring. Also, check for a locking lid that won’t accidentally pop open while lifting or pouring.
Navigating Controls and Usability
How you interact with your kettle daily affects satisfaction. Simplicity is often key for beginners, but some smart features add genuine value.
Simplicity of Operation: On/Off vs. Advanced Controls
For pure beginners focused on speed and ease, a straightforward on/off switch is often ideal. It minimizes confusion and potential errors. More complex interfaces with multiple buttons or digital displays can be intimidating initially and increase the chance of malfunction. However, if variable temperature is important to you (as discussed earlier), a well-designed interface with clear temperature selection is a usability feature, not just complexity.
The Pouring Experience: Lid Design and Spout Flow
A smooth, drip-free pour makes all the difference. Look for kettles with a wide opening for easy filling and cleaning. The spout design should be narrow and well-defined to direct the water stream precisely into your cup or mug, minimizing splashes and spills. A hinged or flip-top lid that stays securely closed during pouring but opens easily for filling is vastly preferable to small, fiddly lids that are hard to clean or prone to leaking.
Cord Convenience: Wrap vs. Detachable
Consider how the cord manages on your counter. A wrap-around cord storage system integrated into the base keeps things tidy but means the cord is always attached. A detachable cord offers maximum flexibility for storage and travel but adds a small component you can lose. Ensure whichever type you choose allows the kettle to sit securely on the base without straining the cord connection.
Maintenance and Long-Term Value
A kettle that’s a chore to clean or breaks quickly isn’t a good investment, no matter the initial price.
Effortless Cleaning: Interior Access and Descaling
Regular cleaning is essential for performance and taste. A wide mouth makes scrubbing the interior much easier than narrow-necked designs. Look for models where the heating element is fully exposed or removable; hidden elements trap limescale and are incredibly difficult to clean properly. All kettles in hard water areas require periodic descaling (using vinegar or citric acid solutions); ease of this process is a major factor in long-term satisfaction.
Build Quality Indicators Beyond the Price Tag
Don’t judge solely by cost. Examine the weight and heft – a very lightweight kettle might feel flimsy. Check the sturdiness of the handle attachment and lid mechanism; they should feel solid, not wobbly. The base should be stable and not slide easily on the counter. High-quality plastic feels dense and smooth, not thin or scratchy. These subtle cues often predict longevity better than brand names alone.
Warranty Coverage as a Confidence Signal
A longer, comprehensive warranty (e.g., 1-2 years) generally indicates the manufacturer’s confidence in the product’s durability and reliability. Pay attention to what the warranty covers – does it include parts and labor? While not a guarantee against failure, a solid warranty provides valuable peace of mind, especially for a beginner making their first significant kitchen appliance purchase.
Making Your Final Decision
Armed with this knowledge, the selection process becomes straightforward and stress-free.
Balancing Budget with Essential Features
Set a realistic budget range after identifying your must-have features (like automatic shut-off, appropriate capacity, and safe materials). It’s wise to allocate slightly more for core safety and durability features rather than spending extra on non-essential bells and whistles. A reliable, safe kettle within your means is always better than an overly complex or cheaply made one that frustrates you or breaks prematurely.
Reading Between the Lines of Reviews
When researching, focus reviews on recurring themes related to the features that matter to you. Pay close attention to comments about safety mechanisms working consistently, ease of cleaning, build quality over time, and accuracy of temperature control (if applicable). Be wary of isolated extreme opinions; look for patterns in user experiences, especially regarding longevity and reliability. Ignore reviews fixated on features you’ve already determined aren’t important for your needs.
Trusting Your Instincts on Usability
If possible, see the kettle in person. How does the handle feel in your hand? Is the lid easy to open and close? Does the weight feel balanced when lifted? Does the base feel stable? These tactile experiences are impossible to gauge online and significantly impact daily satisfaction. If buying online, prioritize models with clear descriptions and videos demonstrating operation and pouring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How much wattage do I really need for a fast boil? Standard 1500-watt kettles offer the optimal balance of speed and safety for typical home use in regions with standard voltage. Higher wattages aren’t usually necessary or compatible and don’t provide a dramatic enough speed increase to justify potential circuit issues.
Is a glass kettle safe to use, or will it get too hot? High-quality glass kettles made from borosilicate glass with proper double-wall insulation or heat-resistant coatings on the outer surface are designed to stay cool enough to touch safely during operation. Always verify the specific safety features before purchasing.
Do I absolutely need variable temperature control as a beginner? No, it’s not essential for beginners primarily making coffee, black tea, or instant beverages that require boiling water. Focus on core safety and usability first. Consider variable temperature only if you specifically plan to brew delicate teas or certain coffees requiring precise lower temperatures.
How often should I clean my electric kettle? Rinse the interior with clean water after each use. Perform a thorough cleaning with a mild descaling solution (like vinegar and water) every 1-2 months, or more frequently if you have hard water, to prevent limescale buildup which affects performance and taste.
Can I put anything other than water in an electric kettle? No. Electric kettles are designed solely for boiling water. Adding tea leaves, coffee, milk, soup, or other substances can damage the heating element, create a fire hazard, cause leaks, and is extremely difficult to clean properly.
Why does my kettle take longer to boil a small amount of water? Most kettles have a minimum fill line for safety (to prevent dry-boiling). Using significantly less water than the kettle’s capacity means the heating element has less mass to heat, but the thermostat and auto-shutoff are calibrated for the full range. It might feel slower relatively, but it’s generally efficient within its design parameters.
How do I know if my kettle has adequate boil-dry protection? Reputable kettles always include both automatic shut-off (at boiling point) and boil-dry protection (if operated empty). Check the product specifications explicitly for these terms. Never test it by running the kettle dry, as this can permanently damage safety mechanisms.
Are stainless steel kettles better than plastic ones? Stainless steel interiors are generally preferred for durability, heat retention, and avoiding potential plastic taste/odor, especially with prolonged use. If choosing a plastic kettle, ensure it’s explicitly BPA-free and made from high-temperature resistant food-grade plastic designed for kettles.
What’s the most common reason electric kettles stop working? The most frequent failure points are the automatic shut-off thermostat mechanism (often due to limescale buildup interfering with sensors) or the heating element burning out, usually accelerated by not descaling regularly in hard water areas.
Is it safe to leave an electric kettle plugged in when not in use? Yes, it’s generally safe to leave it plugged in, as modern kettles draw no power when not actively boiling. However, for maximum safety and energy consciousness (minimizing “vampire” drain from the base indicator light, if present), unplugging it is a good habit, especially if you won’t use it for an extended period. Always ensure the cord isn’t damaged.