Black & Decker 1.7L Stainless Steel Electric Cordless Kettle

A fast, no-frills kettle that gets the basics right

I’ve been using the Black & Decker kettle as my daily hot-water workhorse for tea, pour-over prep, and quick cooking tasks. It’s a simple, 1500 W, 1.7 L electric model that prioritizes speed and convenience over bells and whistles. After weeks of use, I’ve come away impressed by how quickly it boils, how easy it is to live with, and where its compromises show up.

Design and build

The exterior is stainless steel with a clear water window, so you can see fill levels without popping the lid. The body has clean lines and a neutral finish that blends in with a typical stainless-appliance kitchen. As with most metal kettles, the sides get hot during and immediately after boiling, so you’ll want to use the handle and keep it away from the edge if you have kids around.

The handle is comfortable and stays cool to the touch. The pull-up lid lifts easily and, usefully, can be removed for cleaning or to speed cooling between back-to-back boils. Inside, there’s a small mesh filter at the spout to catch scale, and you’ll notice a few plastic components around the spout and level window. The kettle sits on a 360° swivel base that feels stable and makes it easy to park the kettle from any angle.

On the base, there’s cord wrap for storage. The usable cord length is on the short side; in my kitchen it reached about a foot and a half from the outlet to where the base could sit comfortably. That’s fine on a counter with an outlet nearby, but if your setup demands a longer run, plan accordingly or use a short, heavy-duty extension.

Fit and finish are generally tidy at this price. The lid mechanism is light and clips in—functional, but not premium. The stainless exterior cleans up with a quick wipe, though it does show fingerprints and water spots if you let droplets dry on it.

Speed and everyday performance

Speed is the headline here. With a 1500 W element and a clearly marked “Rapid Boil” zone for 1–3 cups, the kettle excels at small batches. My measured times, starting with 70°F tap water:
- 1 cup (8 oz): about 75 seconds
- 2 cups (16 oz): about 2 minutes
- 1 liter: just over 4 minutes
- Full capacity (1.7 L): a little under 6½ minutes

These are strong results for this class. The automatic shutoff hits promptly after a rolling boil, and there’s boil-dry protection if you accidentally switch it on empty. The power switch is straightforward, with a small indicator light that lets you know it’s actively heating.

Pouring is controlled and drip-free at typical angles. The spout filter catches the worst of limescale bits when you’ve let maintenance slide, which I appreciated during a hard-water week. The kettle isn’t insulated, so the water cools normally once off the boil. There’s no keep-warm mode and no temperature control; if you care about specific brew temps, you’ll be eyeballing it or using a thermometer.

Noise is what you’d expect from a stainless kettle: a low hum building to a vigorous hiss at boil. It’s not whisper-quiet, but it’s not intrusive in a normal kitchen. There are no beeps at the end—just the click of the auto-shutoff.

Usability and ergonomics

Day to day, the kettle is easy to live with:
- The water window’s markings are accurate and easy to read.
- The removable lid makes cleaning out the interior simple.
- The 360° base means you can grab and drop it with your left or right hand without thinking.
- The handle angle keeps knuckles away from steam.

The kettle feels balanced with up to about a liter of water. At 1.7 L, it’s understandably heavier, but still manageable for careful pouring. The spout has a predictable flow, which helps when filling narrow-necked French presses or pour-over kettles.

One note on the lid: it’s a light plastic that snaps in and out. I didn’t have issues during testing, but it doesn’t convey the same ruggedness as a metal-hinged lid. Treat it gently and avoid forcing it while hot and under steam pressure.

Taste and interior materials

Out of the box, I washed the kettle, ran two full boils, and discarded the water. After that, I didn’t notice any lingering plastic aroma in everyday use. The interior does include some plastic parts around the spout assembly and level window; if you’re seeking a fully stainless interior with no plastic contact, this isn’t that design.

The anti-scale filter does a decent job catching larger flakes, but keep in mind it’s not a fine filter. If you have hard water, routine descaling is essential both for taste and for preventing visible mineral bits in your cup.

Cleaning and maintenance

Mineral buildup is a fact of life for any kettle, especially with hard water. This one is easy to maintain:
- Descale monthly (or more often if you see white crust or cloudiness) with a 1:1 white vinegar and water solution. Bring to a boil, let sit 15–20 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with two quick boils of fresh water.
- Pop out the spout filter and soak it in the same solution, then rinse.
- Wipe the exterior with a damp microfiber to prevent water spots. If you see faint tea-colored specks after heavy use, they’ve been mineral spots in my case; a vinegar wipe cleared them.

The water window can haze if you use abrasive pads. Stick to soft cloths and mild soap. Because the lid is removable, getting a hand inside to wipe down the interior is easier than on many competitors.

Safety and heat management

Auto shutoff and boil-dry protection worked reliably in testing. The base is stable, and the handle remains cool. The stainless body gets hot, so give it a minute or use care when repositioning the kettle after a full boil. Steam vents from the lid and spout normally; avoid opening the lid immediately after boiling.

There’s no lock on the lid, but it seats securely. I didn’t experience any splashing or lid lift during pouring.

What it isn’t

This is a basic on/off kettle designed to boil water quickly and safely. It doesn’t have variable temperature presets, a keep-warm mode, a gooseneck spout, or a double-wall insulated body. If you brew delicate green teas or need 200°F water on demand for coffee, you’ll be doing a little timing or using a thermometer. If you want a silent boil or a cool-touch exterior, you’ll need a different style.

Also, the effective cord length is modest, and several interior components are plastic. Those are trade-offs to be mindful of depending on your preferences and kitchen layout.

The bottom line

The Black & Decker kettle does exactly what most people need an electric kettle to do: it boils water fast, pours cleanly, and shuts itself off without fuss. The 1–3 cup rapid-boil markings and removable lid make it practical for both single mugs and bigger batches, and the swivel base with cord wrap keeps countertop clutter in check. Maintenance is straightforward, and the included spout filter is a nice touch for scale-prone areas.

The compromises are understandable for the price: a hot exterior, a lightweight lid mechanism, short cord reach, and some interior plastic. None of those were deal-breakers for me, but they’re worth noting if you’re chasing premium build touches or fully plastic-free internals.

Recommendation: I recommend this kettle for anyone who wants a fast, affordable, and easy-to-use daily driver for tea, coffee prep, and general kitchen tasks. It’s especially well-suited if you value speed for small batches and don’t need temperature control or keep-warm. If you require a longer cord, a cool-touch body, or a completely stainless interior, you’ll be happier stepping up to a different design. Otherwise, this is a solid, dependable pick that gets the fundamentals right.