Alessi KettlesUpdated 5 hours ago

Find the Perfect Alessi Kettle for You: A Buyer's Guide

The simple act of boiling water can become a refined experience with an Alessi kettle. Renowned for their distinctive design and quality craftsmanship, Alessi kettles offer a diverse range, from traditional stovetop models with enchanting whistles to elegant and efficient electric versions. This guide will help you navigate the Alessi kettle collection to find the perfect one that fits your kitchen and lifestyle.

To make the best choice, carefully consider these key factors:

Traditional or Electric: What's Your Style?

The first major decision is the type: do you prefer the classic charm of a stovetop kettle or the speed of an electric one?

• Traditional (Stovetop) kettles evoke a timeless elegance and don't require an electrical outlet. This makes them extremely versatile, perfect for any kitchen or even for outdoor use on suitable heat sources. Many traditional Alessi kettles are distinguished by their delightful whistles that signal boiling, adding a touch of playfulness and a unique sensory experience to the process. Imagine the iconic whistle announcing your next cup of tea!
• Electric kettles, on the other hand, offer speed and convenience. They heat water quickly and turn off automatically once the boiling point is reached, eliminating the need for monitoring. Some Alessi electric models offer additional features, such as temperature control, which is ideal for preparing different beverages at their optimal temperature, from delicate green tea to ground coffee.

Capacity: How Much Water Do You Need?

The amount of hot water you need is a crucial factor. Alessi kettles are available in different capacities to meet every need:

• Small (approx. 100 cl): Perfect for those living alone or in a couple, ideal for preparing a few cups at a time. Think of models like the 9093/1 or the Plissé MDL06/1.
• Medium (approx. 170-200 cl): Suitable for small families or when entertaining a few guests. Here we find classics like the 9093, Il Conico, 9091, 3909, Tea Rex, and the Plissé MDL06.
• Large (250 cl): The best choice for large families or those who love to host frequent gatherings and need large quantities of hot water (e.g., the Bulbul).
• Compact (80 cl): Ideal for single servings or small spaces, like the Hot.it model.

Material and Design: An Expression of Your Style

Alessi kettles are made with high-quality materials, primarily 18/10 stainless steel, known for its durability and elegant lustre. But design is the true signature of Alessi, with each kettle bearing the unique style of its renowned designer.

Traditional Kettles:

If you love iconic and recognised design, you must consider the 9093 model by Michael Graves. With its playful bird-shaped whistle and comfortable thermoplastic resin handle, it's a functional piece of art. The 9093 kettle is one of Alessi's best-selling objects worldwide. The design of this kettle, created by Michael Graves in 1985, blends cultured influences from European Art, American Pop, and references to pre-Columbian cultures. This highly personal visual language of Graves is responsible for the extraordinary success the kettle has enjoyed since its production year. A cultured and elegant object, yet at the same time playful and fun: when the water boils, the little bird sings, inevitably bringing a smile to your face. It's available in the standard 200 cl size, in a smaller 100 cl version (9093/1) with different colored whistles and in a total black version. Born from Michael Graves’ desire to create an “American design”, the 9093 kettle celebrates its fortieth anniversary in 2025. For the occasion, a new and elegant all-black version pays tribute to this object, internationally renowned as one of the icons of contemporary design. The deep black colour exalts the kettle’s unmistakable design, creating a lively contrast with the orange bird taken from Graves’ colour palette.

All three versions are suitable for induction.

For those who prefer a minimalist and geometric design, Il Conico by Aldo Rossi is the emblem of its creator's architectural style. Made of 18/10 stainless steel, it is also suitable for induction and is produced in a 200 cl capacity.

The 9091 by Richard Sapper stands out for its elegant and functional design in 18/10 stainless steel with a black PA handle. But what truly makes it unique is its special melodic brass whistle. It's not a simple hiss but produces a more harmonious sound, offering a distinctive and sophisticated auditory experience when the water reaches the boiling point. The whistle consists of two small pipes where pitch pipes are inserted, reproducing the notes E and B. Richard Sapper created it, inspired by a childhood memory, the poetic sound of boat sirens on the Rhine River: because the melody that accompanies the steam's exit should be pleasant, not anxiety-inducing like a typical kettle whistle. The 9091 kettle is a multi-sensory object that will not interrupt a moment of pleasure with a hiss, but with an enveloping melody. This model also has an induction-suitable steel base and is produced in a 200 cl capacity.

If you are looking for unique whistles that add a touch of flair:

The 3909 by Michael Graves and Virgil Abloh Securities (Limited Edition of 999 pieces) is a vibrant purple version of the 9093, with a matching purple PA handle and whistle. A collector's item, suitable for induction (200 cl). With a mix of different cultural aspects, the 3909 design kettle takes you directly to America. The phenomenon of basketball and its multicultural imagery, an integral part of Abloh's personal history, meets the world of design and its codified references. The completely redesigned whistle takes the shape of a basketball player powerfully dunking, while the handle and knob colours light up in an intense purple.

The Tea Rex by Michael Graves is another interpretation of the 9093, with a whistle that represents a fanciful prehistoric reptile with a coppery metallic finish. It is also suitable for induction (200 cl). Michael Graves' kettle is internationally recognised as one of the icons of contemporary design, thanks to its mix of pop and postmodern language. For the kettle's thirtieth anniversary, Graves redesigned the whistle, transforming the little bird into a fascinating mythological and futuristic creature: a dragon, a flying dinosaur. A symbol of strength and good fortune in Chinese culture, the dragon was chosen as a good omen for those who place it in their kitchen.

The Pito by Frank Gehry is a sculptural kettle made of stainless steel. The handle and the melodic mahogany stopper are in the stylised shape of two darting fish. The melody produced by the whistle is equally unique; it sounds like a whale's song. Gehry transforms a kitchen utensil into a fascinating poetic object (180 cl capacity, not suitable for induction).

The Bulbul by Achille Castiglioni is a new kettle imagined from the rounded shape of a curling stone: it features an original way of handling, almost suggesting an invitation to play by sliding it on the kitchen counter. Bulbul demonstrates Achille Castiglioni's extraordinary ability to translate qualities and functions from objects belonging to completely different fields into a project. A game of transfers that has often given life to the equally famous ironic dimension of many of his works. It has a capacity of 250 cl, a black PA handle and whistle, and stands out for its unique and functional design. Suitable for induction.

Electric Kettles:

For a modern take on a classic, the MG32 by Michael Graves is the electric counterpart to the 9093, retaining its iconic shape but with a stopper on the spout instead of a whistle. This is because electric models automatically turn off once the water boils, making the whistle unnecessary.

For Alessi, it represents the meeting point between great design and large-scale production methods, a meeting point persistently sought by Michael Graves, applying his personal visual code that blends influences from Art Deco to Pop Art to the language of cartoons. It is available with a 150 cl capacity. The version with a European plug is available in light blue, white, and black, while the version with a Swiss plug is available in black.

If you're looking for sculptural elegance, the Plissé by Michele De Lucchi is characterised by its elegant pleated thermoplastic resin body. Inspired by the world of high fashion, this three-dimensional kettle is an object to be admired and proudly displayed. Add a touch of elegance and functionality to your kitchen with the Plissé kettle, designed by Michele De Lucchi with clear references to his architectural background and predisposition for craftsmanship and sculpture.

The standard Plissé (MDL06 170 cl) is available with a European plug (white, black, gray, red, green, blue), with a British plug (white, black, gray, green and blue), with a Swiss plug (white, black, gray, red, also available with a Swiss adapter in blue), and with an American plug (white, black, green).

The standard Plissé (MDL06/1 100 cl) is available with a European plug (white, black, gray, red, green, blue), with a British plug (black, green), with a Swiss plug (white, black, gray, green, and red, also available with a Swiss adapter in blue), and with a American plug (white, black).

The Plissé with temperature control (MDL21 170 cl) is available with a European plug (white, black, green, blue), with a British plug (black, white), with a Swiss adapter (black, white), and with an American plug (white, black).

For a minimalist design, the Toru by Nendo features a clean and sober design in 18/10 stainless steel with a black thermoplastic resin handle, lid, and spout. "Toru" in Japanese means "through": in Nendo's design fantasy, the handle of this new electric kettle becomes a spout, playfully passing through the steel volume of the body. An ironic yet intellectual approach to composition that softens the metallic material without affecting its refined aura. Dedicated to those who seek high functionality and durability in their appliances, but also fine materials and elegant lines. Available with European and British plugs (2000-2400W, 170 cl) and a version with an American adapter (1500W, 170 cl).

With the strength of a design that blends multiple influences, from Art Deco to Pop Art, the kettle designed by Michael Graves has spanned four decades, re-emerging over time in new versions. In 2025, to celebrate its fortieth anniversary, it is enriched with the MG32 Temperature Control variant, equipped with temperature control, expanding its uses and offering the ideal solution for all those occasions when boiling water would be excessively hot. The new MG32 with Temperature Control is made of colored 18/10 stainless steel, black, and has a handle and base in thermoplastic resin and the well-known orange bird-shaped stopper. Available with European, Swiss, and British plugs.

For compact functionality available in a Swiss plug version only, Hot.it by Wiel Arets is a small, elegant kettle in stainless steel with a black thermoplastic resin handle and lid (80 cl).

Induction Compatibility: A Must for Some Kitchens

If you have an induction hob, it's essential to ensure that the chosen kettle is indicated as "suitable for induction." Most traditional Alessi stainless steel kettles are suitable for induction cooktops. Always look for the specific indication of a steel bottom or a magnetic steel bottom suitable for induction.

Special Features (Electric Kettles):

Alessi electric kettles often offer features that enhance the user experience:

• Automatic shut-off: All Alessi electric kettles are equipped with automatic shut-off for safety and convenience.
• Temperature control: Some models offer adjustable temperature settings, ideal for preparing different types of tea and coffee at their optimal temperatures.
• Plug type: Carefully check the available plug types (European, British, Swiss, American) for electric kettles to ensure compatibility with your local power outlets. Plug availability may vary by colour and model.

Quick Selection Guide:

For classic charm and the iconic whistle sound, explore traditional stovetop kettles like the 9093, Il Conico, Tea Rex, and Bulbul. If you're looking for a playful and colourful touch, consider the 9093 in its various iterations or the limited edition 3909. For a truly unique auditory experience, the 9091 by Richard Sapper offers a distinctive melodic brass whistle. For a sculptural design, the Pito kettle stands out with its wooden accents and melodic whistle.

If your priority is fast preparation, choose from the electric kettles: the iconic MG32, the elegant Plissé, or the minimalist Toru.

For small families or those living alone, the 9093/1 or the smaller capacities of the Plissé and Hot.it might be ideal. For larger families or when hosting guests, the Bulbul offers a generous capacity.

For induction hobs, look for models that explicitly state "magnetic steel bottom suitable for induction."

By carefully considering all these factors, you can confidently choose the Alessi kettle that will not only boil water efficiently but also add a touch of unique Italian design to your kitchen.

Important Note: Always check the most up-to-date colour availability for each plug type with your trusted Alessi retailer or on the official Alessi website, as stock and regional availability may vary.