The electric kettle — a simple yet revolutionary device — transformed how people heat water at home, in cafés, and in workplaces. It replaced the open-flame kettle with a faster, safer, and more energy-efficient alternative. But who exactly invented it?
This article explores the origin, evolution, and innovation behind the electric kettle — from its first prototype in the 19th century to the modern smart kettles made by manufacturers like Shenbao, known for their advanced safety and heating technologies.
The world’s first electric kettle was invented in 1891 by the Carpenter Electric Company of Chicago, USA.
It used a separate heating chamber where water was heated indirectly.
It took nearly 12 minutes to bring water to a boil.
There was no automatic shut-off, so users had to unplug it manually.
Though simple and slow by modern standards, this invention marked the beginning of electric water heating technology — a major shift from fire-based methods.
In the 1920s and 1930s, electric kettles became more common in Europe and North America. Companies began improving efficiency and safety, adding:
Immersed heating elements to speed up boiling.
Metal housings for durability.
Better insulation to reduce heat loss.
However, the most important innovation was yet to come.
In 1955, British engineers Bill Russell and Peter Hobbs created the K1 automatic electric kettle, the world’s first model that turned itself off after water boiled.
Introduced automatic steam-triggered shut-off.
Integrated the heating element directly with the kettle body.
Dramatically improved safety and convenience.
This design became the foundation of every modern electric kettle produced since then.
| Decade | Key Development | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 1890s | Carpenter Electric’s prototype | Introduced electric water heating concept |
| 1920s–30s | Metal and ceramic designs | Improved durability and speed |
| 1955 | Russell Hobbs K1 | Added automatic shut-off safety |
| 1970s | Concealed heating plates | Easier cleaning and longer lifespan |
| 1990s | Cordless 360° bases | Convenience and portability |
| 2000s–Today | Smart kettles with temperature control | Precision and energy efficiency |
Today’s kettles can boil one liter of water in under three minutes — a process that once took more than ten.
Modern electric kettles are faster, safer, and smarter than ever before. Advanced designs include:
Double-wall insulation to keep exteriors cool.
Auto shut-off and boil-dry protection for safety.
Variable temperature control for different teas and coffees.
Concealed stainless-steel heating plates that resist corrosion.
Manufacturers like Shenbao integrate all these technologies into their stainless-steel and Glass Kettles, providing users with fast, efficient, and worry-free boiling.
Shenbao is part of the long tradition of kettle innovation, offering models that combine heritage and technology.
Triple safety protection: steam shut-off, dry-burn prevention, and thermal fuse.
Energy-efficient heating elements: boil water quickly with minimal power.
Stainless-steel or borosilicate glass interiors: safe and hygienic for daily use.
International certifications: CE, CB, GS, RoHS, and LFGB compliance.
These features ensure that Shenbao’s kettles uphold the same principles that drove the original inventors — efficiency, reliability, and safety.
The electric kettle was first invented in 1891 by Carpenter Electric Company, then perfected in 1955 by Russell Hobbs with the first automatic shut-off model. Since then, the design has evolved into the modern high-speed, energy-saving appliances we use today.
Companies like Shenbao continue that legacy, developing certified, high-performance kettles that deliver rapid boiling and long-term reliability for homes, offices, and hotels worldwide.
From 1891 to today — the electric kettle’s journey reflects over a century of innovation, efficiency, and safety.