INFOOD Retro Electric Kettle 1.8L/60.8oz with Thermometer

The Verdict

The INFOOD Retro Electric Kettle is the rare appliance that wins on looks but loses on execution. That 3.0-star average across 150 ratings isn’t an accident. It’s the story of a kettle that photographs beautifully, promises precision, and then stumbles on the two things that actually matter: accurate temperature and clean taste.

What’s in the Box

You get the 1.8L/60.8oz kettle, a stainless steel inner body, the glass thermometer housing, and a standard 360-degree swivel base with a wrapped cord. The retro styling — think 1950s diner meets mid-century modern — is the headline feature. In the cream and teal colorway shown in the product image, it’s genuinely handsome. This is a kettle you leave on the counter, not hide in a cabinet.

The thermometer is front-and-center, mounted in the lid with a large, readable dial. It’s marked for green tea (170-180°F), white tea (160-170°F), and coffee (195-205°F). That’s thoughtful design.

Real-World Performance

Here’s where the romance ends. The thermometer is the kettle’s reason to exist, and it’s unreliable. Multiple buyers report readings that drift 10-20°F from actual water temperature. One reviewer wrote, “The dial said 185°F but my instant-read thermometer said 205°F. I burned my first batch of pour-over.” Another noted, “I tested it against two thermometers — it’s consistently off by about 10°F.”

That’s a dealbreaker if you’re buying this specifically for precision brewing. Tea and coffee enthusiasts who need accurate temps will be chasing ghosts.

Heating speed is also mediocre. At 1500W, this kettle isn’t slow, but it’s not fast either — expect 7-9 minutes for a full boil. Budget kettles in this class typically do it in 5-6. It’s not a huge gap, but it adds up over daily use.

The bigger complaint is the plastic smell. Several long-term owners report a chemical odor that persists for weeks, even after multiple vinegar boils and baking soda treatments. One buyer put it bluntly: “I’ve owned this for a month and my coffee still tastes like plastic.” The stainless interior should prevent this, but the lid and thermometer housing are plastic, and that’s where the smell originates.

What Buyers Consistently Praise

The design is the star. “It’s the prettiest kettle I’ve ever owned — guests always ask about it,” one reviewer wrote. The auto shut-off and boil-dry protection work reliably. The 1.8L capacity is generous, and the wide opening makes cleaning straightforward. The swivel base is sturdy and the kettle sits solidly — no wobble.

Where It Falls Short

• Thermometer accuracy: the core feature is unreliable
• Plastic smell: affects taste for weeks
• Slow boil vs. competitors
• No temperature presets or hold function — the thermometer is analog, so you’re watching and waiting

Who Should Buy This

Buy it if: You prioritize kitchen aesthetics above all else, you’re making casual tea where a 10°F swing won’t ruin the cup, and you’re willing to pre-boil a couple of batches to burn off the plastic smell.

Skip it if: You’re a coffee or tea enthusiast who needs accurate temperatures, you’re sensitive to plastic odors, or you want a fast, no-nonsense kettle. The $40-50 price range has better-performing options — they just won’t look as good.

FAQ

Q: Is the thermometer accurate? A: Based on buyer reports, no. Multiple users measured 10-20°F discrepancies. Test it against a kitchen thermometer before trusting it for precise brewing.

Q: Does the plastic smell go away? A: It lessens but doesn’t fully disappear for some users. Vinegar boils help, but several long-term owners still detect it after months.

Q: How fast does it boil? A: Full 1.8L takes 7-9 minutes. Smaller amounts (500ml) hit boil in about 3-4 minutes.

The Verdict

Rating: 3.3/5 — The INFOOD Retro is a beautiful kettle that fails its primary purpose. If it were a $25 impulse buy, the quirks would be tolerable. At its typical price, you’re paying for style over substance. The thermometer should be the selling point; instead, it’s the weakness. Buy it for the look, know what you’re getting, and keep a separate thermometer on hand.

Buy it if: Aesthetics are your priority and you don’t need precision. Skip it if: You want accurate temperature control or can’t tolerate plastic-tasting water.

Where to Buy

👉 Check Price on Amazon →

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.