The Best Travel Electric Kettles For Solo Travelers

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Chances are, you are looking for the best portable electric kettle if you are an avid traveler and need your morning coffee or a relaxing cup of piping hot tea. For me, warm lemon water is my morning go-to. I drink it on an empty stomach at least 30 minutes prior to eating any solid food. It aids in my digestion and has become a part of my morning routine. It is something I just started doing a few years ago but was very hard to do when I travel, that is until I started packing a mini travel kettle on most of my trips.

I first started using a portable travel kettle during some long car camping road trips to do more than just drink. It’s perfect for boiling water for instant noodles and dehydrated soups, especially when car camping without a fridge. You can even boil eggs in a mini travel kettle so long as it does not have exposed coils on the bottom. (more on how to do that later in the post)

Having a portable water boiler on your travels can make a world of difference. I’ve tried a few travel kettles over the years and have a few favorites. After doing a lot of research, I knew what I wanted in a small electric kettle. Here are a few things to look for when searching for the best electric kettle.

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What to Look For in an Electric Travel Kettle

Boiling Speed: Look for a kettle that boils water quickly. Most good electric kettles will boil water in around 3-4 minutes and some may even have a speed boil feature.
Temperature Control: Some kettles offer variable water temperature settings, which can be useful for different types of beverages (e.g., green tea, coffee).
Material: Stainless steel kettles are durable and easy to clean, while a collapsible kettle is often made of silicone.
Safety Features: An automatic shut-off feature and a boil-dry protection feature are important for safety and longevity.
Ease of Use: Consider the handle design, pour spout, and whether it has a detachable power cord for easy storage.
Compact Size: If you will be packing it in your suitcase, look for a small travel kettle that does not take up much space. A lightweight, collapsible design is perfect for packing light.
Dual voltage kettle: This is important if you are traveling abroad. With a dual-voltage kettle, you can switch to the proper voltage. Otherwise, you will need a proper power converter to use your portable kettle.

American appliances run on 110 volts, while European appliances are 220 volts. Most gadgets are “dual voltage,” which means they work on both American and European currents. If you see a range of voltages printed on the item or its plug (such as “110–220”), you’re OK in Europe.

You only need a converter if you’re using a device that cannot convert 110V to 220V. Today’s smartphones, tablets, and most devices are able to withstand both 110V and 220V electricity without damage because they’ve been manufactured as dual voltage appliances.

The Best Travel Kettle: balbali Travel Kettle Electric

The best travel kettle for me has been the balbali Travel Kettle and more recently the balbali dual voltage travel kettle. Out of the four electric kettles I have used, this stainless steel kettle has been the easiest to use, and is the perfect size for solo travels heating a single portion.

This stainless steel travel kettle is a one-button boiler with an auto shut-off feature once the water gets to a rolling boil. It can heat up to 12 oz (about 1.5 cups of water) at one time, perfect for a solo traveler. I recommend a larger capacity electric kettle for couples, small groups, or anyone needing to heat up more than a single serving of water, but this 12 oz water boiler is perfect for me.

This was the first mini kettle I’ve ever owned, and it still works great. I use it for road trips when I want to cook food in the car. It needs a standard power outlet, so I use my portable battery, a Jackery, to power it. There is an updated version of this little kettle that includes a dual voltage switch and electronic temperature reader, which I purchased for international travel. It is a great choice for a multi-functional travel water kettle.

If you do not have a Jackery, you can buy a plug inverter like this one to use any standard plug inside a car. It’s a 12V DC to 110V AC Car Converter. This is an awesome tool for charging laptops and other larger devices in the car.

Additional Top Rated Travel Kettles to Consider

There are many different travel kettles out there. Here are a few more options that I have tried and that have worked great.

The On-Board Electric Mixing Cup

Great for road trips! This electric tea kettle comes with an automobile power cord that plugs into a cigarette lighter. It’s perfect for anyone strictly using it inside a car, although you can also use it in a hotel room by purchasing the conversion cord for standard outlets. It has a digital reader and a mixing function for stirring a hot drink.

I never used the stir function but it is one of the only travel electric kettles that is made for a car outlet. It comes in a 12 oz size so it is perfect for a solo road trip.

ShineMe Foldable Electric Kettle

This one is ideal for packing in a suitcase and international travel. It has a voltage switch (but you need a tool to turn the switch), comes with a convenient carrying case, and includes a collapsible cup and outlet adapter with a detachable power cord. It holds up to 555 ML of water or about 2.5 cups, so it is great for couples or small groups. I usually only boil about a cup at a time, so the smaller hot water kettle is sufficient for me.

The dual voltage switch; I found a nail clipper worked well to switch the voltage.

Even though it is collapsible, it is a little bulky when in the case, but it is still an ideal compact travel kettle for more than a single serving. It also comes with an outlet adapter, so you can use it in any country.

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These electric travel kettles really make travel life easier! I am so glad I started traveling with mine. It helps cut costs on meals, keeps my mornings happy, and saves time when I am hungry but do not want to go to a sit-down dinner. No matter what version you choose, I bet you will love it too!