My kitchen counter is prime real estate. Anything that lives there full time has to earn it, and a pretty kettle absolutely does. The pastel retro shape from Smeg is the one everyone pins, so I went looking for Smeg kettle alternatives that look just as charming.
The Smeg 50’s style kettle runs roughly $177 to $230, depending on the store. That’s a lot for something that boils water. So here are 5 retro kettles from Walmart and Amazon, starting at about $38, each checked for its current price and rating.
Why Everyone Loves the Smeg Kettle
It turns a small appliance into decor. The rounded body, glossy finish and chrome details feel like a 1950s diner in the best way. For reference, the Smeg kettle is about $177 at Walmart and around $230 on Amazon right now.
- Curvy retro body: The soft, rounded shape is instantly recognizable.
- Pastel colors: Mint, cream, pink and baby blue look sweet on a counter.
- Chrome accents: Shiny trim adds that vintage sparkle.
- Generous size: It holds enough for a few mugs of tea at once.
- Easy to love: It looks good in photos, which is half the appeal.
What to Look for in a Smeg Kettle Alternative
A kettle gets used every single day, so looks are only part of the story.
- Capacity: 1.5 to 1.7 liters covers most families.
- Interior: A stainless steel interior keeps water from touching plastic.
- Safety: Auto shutoff and boil dry protection are must haves.
- Handle: A cool touch handle matters when you’re rushing in the morning.
- Color: Pick a shade that works with your cabinets, not just the trend.
Also, think about the spout and lid. A wide lid opening makes filling and cleaning easier, and a drip free spout saves your counters.
How Retro Kettles Fit Different Kitchens
A pastel kettle is a fun way to add color without repainting anything. Mint and blue pop against white cabinets, while cream feels soft and warm with wood tones.
If your kitchen is more modern, a black or stainless kettle with copper or gold accents gives you the vintage curve without the candy colors. And if you already have a colorful mixer or toaster, try matching the kettle for a coordinated look.
Electric or Stovetop: Which Retro Kettle Is Right for You?
Smeg makes both electric and stovetop kettles, and so do many brands that copy the retro style. Electric kettles are faster, and most shut off on their own once the water boils. That’s a big plus on chaotic mornings.
Stovetop kettles have their own charm, especially the whistling kind. They don’t take up an outlet, and they work on gas or electric ranges. However, you have to stay nearby, and some aren’t compatible with induction cooktops.
All five picks here are electric, because they offer the best mix of speed and safety for everyday use. If you prefer a stovetop kettle, look for an enamel or stainless body and a heat resistant handle.
The 5 Best Smeg Kettle Alternatives
Every price and rating below was checked on the retailer’s page today. Both can shift, so click through for the latest.
Beautiful 1.7L One-Touch Electric Kettle, $39.88
Drew Barrymore’s Beautiful line has a huge fan base, and this kettle shows why. The soft, rounded shape and creamy White Icing color look high end on any counter.
It has more than 8,000 ratings at Walmart with a 4.6 star average. That’s the strongest track record in this roundup.
Best for: The most loved pick.
West Bend 1.7L Retro-Style Electric Kettle, $37.99
This West Bend kettle has the classic curved body and a sweet powder blue finish. It’s a 1500 watt, 1.7 liter kettle, so it heats a full pot quickly.
Shoppers rate it 4.8 stars, though from a smaller group of about 40 ratings. At around $38, it’s the lowest price here.
Best for: The best price.
Hazel Quinn Retro Electric Kettle, $47.70
Hazel Quinn’s 1.7 liter kettle is all about vintage charm, with a rounded body and a temperature gauge on the front.
It averages 4.5 stars from more than 2,000 ratings on Amazon. It also comes in several pretty colors.
Best for: A vintage look with lots of reviews.
Haden Dorset 1.7 Liter Electric Kettle, $69.95
Haden is a British brand known for retro appliances. The Dorset pairs a black body with copper accents, which feels a little more grown up than pastel.
It holds 4.8 stars from about 57 ratings. Choose this one if you want vintage style that still looks sleek.
Best for: A modern kitchen.
ASCOT Electric Kettle, $50.99
The ASCOT kettle has a stainless steel interior and a curved retro shape. It’s 1.5 liters, slightly smaller than the others, which suits a couple or a single tea drinker.
It has more than 1,000 reviews with a 4.1 star average.
Best for: Smaller households.
A Quick Note on Kettle Safety
Any electric kettle should have automatic shutoff and boil dry protection. Those features cut the power when the water boils or if the kettle runs empty. Check the product details for both before you buy.
Also, place the base away from the edge of the counter and keep the cord tucked back, especially if you have little ones or curious pets. A kettle full of boiling water is heavy, so a sturdy, cool touch handle really matters.
How to Style a Retro Kettle on Your Counter
A pretty kettle deserves a little vignette. Here are easy ways to make it look intentional.
- Tea corner: Set the kettle on a wooden board with a canister of tea and two favorite mugs.
- Color story: Repeat the kettle color once more nearby, like a tea towel or a small vase.
- Coffee bar: Pair it with a pour over cone and a glass jar of beans.
- Keep it clear: Leave some empty space around it so it reads as decor, not clutter.
Love coordinated appliances? My Smeg toaster alternatives make a perfect match. For pretty cookware, see my Caraway cookware alternatives.
How to Keep Your Kettle Clean
Hard water leaves white scale inside kettles over time. Every few weeks, fill yours halfway with equal parts water and white vinegar. Let it sit for an hour, then boil, empty and rinse well.
Wipe the outside with a soft cloth and a little dish soap. Skip abrasive scrubbers, especially on glossy painted finishes, because they can scratch.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is similar to the Smeg kettle?
The Hazel Quinn Retro Electric Kettle and the West Bend Retro-Style Kettle both share the rounded 1950s shape. The Beautiful One-Touch Kettle is a softer, modern take with thousands of strong reviews.
Does Walmart have a Smeg kettle look alike?
Yes. Walmart carries the West Bend Retro-Style Kettle for about $38, the Beautiful One-Touch Kettle for about $40 and the Haden Dorset for about $70.
Is the Smeg kettle worth the price?
It’s iconic and well designed. Still, these options deliver a similar retro look for a fraction of the cost, and several have thousands of reviews behind them.
What size kettle should I buy?
A 1.7 liter kettle fills about six to seven mugs, which is plenty for most families. A 1.5 liter kettle like the ASCOT works well for one or two people.
Final Thoughts
For the most proven choice, go with the Beautiful One-Touch Kettle. The West Bend Retro-Style Kettle is the best value at about $38. If you want vintage curves in a darker, more modern color, the Haden Dorset is the standout.
Refreshing your kitchen? Don’t miss my Always Pan alternatives.
Discover more designer look alikes in my ultimate guide to designer alternatives for less.
Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you purchase after clicking through the link.
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