iKettle - A Comprehensive Guide

With the growing popularity of smart home devices, it was inevitable that even the most mundane of daily rituals would get a technological level up. iKettle, one of the leading smart kettles on the market, makes boiling water less tedious, and easy for those who love their hot drinks. Whether or not you already have a smart home network, it’s certainly a great way to start your day.

If you’ve been thinking about getting an iKettle, this article will help you make an informed choice. With our comprehensive guide, we’ll show you the ins and outs of the iKettle 3^rd Generation.

The current iKettle is the third-generation of the product produced by a company named Smarter. Smarter is a UK-based smart home gadget manufacturer that produces connected devices for the kitchen. The company started gaining market attention in 2013 when it launched the first-generation of the iKettle.

Several years on, the iKettle, a Wi-Fi-enabled, app-controlled kettle is now on its third-generation, and continuing to bring convenience to tea and coffee lovers alike. The company has been the recipient of several industry awards, including the Design 100 and CES Award in 2017. The iKettle has become one of the bestselling kitchen smart products in the UK.

Smarter has over 3,000 stores across Europe, the UK, and North America offering its innovative products to consumers. The Smarter iKettle continues to provide its owners with water at the perfect temperature without the hassle of ordinary stovetop kettles.

With the Smarter SMKET01-US Electric iKettle, you can personally experience the convenience that a smart kettle can offer. Making hot water at the right temperature has never been easier.

Most other smart kettle products offer variable temperatures and remote control but don’t have the same connectivity as the iKettle. With the Smarter iKettle 3^rd Gen, you can easily integrate the device into an existing smart home network. Not only can you use a mobile app to control the iKettle but voice commands are also available. Using recipes from IFTTT further allows it to adjust to your needs.

Much of the iKettle 3^rd Gen’s functionality centers around the iKettle app. Users can download the mobile app via the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. Using the app, you can set a specific time schedule for the smart kettle to boil water. The temperature settings can be adjusted to any value between 68 and 212 degrees Fahrenheit, so you will always have the perfect temperature for the beverage you want to brew.

The mobile app even comes with a Formula Mode for making infant formulas for your child. You’ll never have to fuss over unwieldy stoves and kettles in the middle of the night again. All you need is to tap on the app and get the ideal hot water you need in no time.

When connected to a smart home network, the iKettle can detect when you’ve arrived home via your mobile’s signal. If desired, you can have hot water already starting to boil as you walk in the door.

The iKettle 3rd Gen has a built-in water sensor that sends information to the app to alert you if there’s not enough water in the kettle. With a simple glance at your phone, you can easily decide if the iKettle needs a refill. You can even use the app’s Wake Up Mode to wake you up via an alarm and start boiling water at the same time.

One of the negatives to iKettle’s mobile automation is that it depends a lot on the app for its features. You can still boil water manually using the button on the kettle, but all the other convenient factors like scheduling and specific temperature adjustments are limited to the app.

Some users have also reported that the iKettle has a tendency to suddenly disconnect from their Wi-Fi network. A stable network connection is needed if you want to enjoy continuous use of the iKettle. But, once it’s properly synced with your smart hub, making hot drinks couldn’t be simpler.

The Smarter SMKET01-US Electric iKettle may not be as expensive as many high-end smart kettles on the market, but it’s still a bit pricey. If you’re someone who only rarely drinks hot beverages, or doesn’t have stable Wi-Fi, then the cost may not be worth it. If you’re a coffee or tea aficionado, however, it may be the best thing you’ll ever buy.

Pros:

• Designed to fully integrate with smart home networks
• Works with Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant
• Precise temperature settings
• Boiling schedule can be set

Cons:

• Dependent on app for most features
• Stable Wi-Fi is a must
• A bit pricey

What’s in the Box?

• iKettle 3^rd Gen Device
• iKettle 3^rd Gen base
• Setup Guide
• Safety Manual

SMARTHOME News Rating: 4.7 /5

Average Ratings Around the Web: 4.7/5

If you’re looking for a feature-rich smart kettle at a reasonable price, you’ll be hard-pressed to find one better than the iKettle. iKettle’s mobile controls, voice commands, and Wi-Fi connectivity are great examples of what the technology has to offer.

Many competitors claim the smart kettle title, but few offer the same connectivity as the iKettle. It will surely be a great addition to your kitchen, whether or not you already have an established smart home network.

The iKettle 3^rd Gen depends highly on its mobile app, which is available for both Android and iOS. The Smarter 3.0 app, which is named for the company itself, operates Smarter’s various connected kitchen appliances. If you own a Smarter Fridge Cam and a Smarter Coffee along with the Smarter iKettle, the app is an all-in-one kitchen device controller.

The app syncs easily with the iKettle and can be used to set up an IFTTT account to further increase the iKettle’s functionality. Controls are straightforward and easy to use. Because the Smarter app isn’t a dedicated iKettle application, it doesn’t offer as many in-depth smart controls as you’d expect. The IFTTT recipes can make up for this, but it would have been great to have them natively supported.

A lot of users have reported problems with the app, from compatibility issues, to the app not pairing with their devices. It should be noted that these complaints aren’t limited to just the iKettle, but apply to the Fridge Cam and Smarter Coffee as well. This has driven the app’s ratings down.

It does seem that the app makers reply to most of the complaints made. If a problem arises, customers can leave a review to reach out to the developers.

Google Play Rating: 2 / 5

Apple App Store Rating: 2 / 5

SMARTHOME News Rating: 3 / 5

With the Smarter app’s use of Electric Imp’s BlinkUp feature, setting up your iKettle 3^rd Gen is quick and easy. The app should automatically sync with your device, then you’re good to go. Below are a few quick instructions to take you through the process step by step:

1. Take the iKettle 3^rd Gen out of the box.
2. Set the iKettle Base on a flat surface and plug the cord into a nearby outlet.
3. Download the Smarter 3.0 app. Follow the sign-up procedure.
4. Once signed in, the app will ask you to choose a network, or create a new one.
5. Choose the iKettle 3^rd Gen from the list of products to add it. Alternatively, you can scan the barcode of your product to add it automatically.
6. Enter the location of the iKettle.
7. Enter your Wi-Fi SSID and password.
8. Turn the iKettle 3^rd Gen base over. You should see a blinking light.
9. Tap Next on the app.
10. Bring your mobile device near the iKettle 3^rd Gen base.
11. After a few seconds, your app should sync with the iKettle 3^rd Gen.

With the setup complete, you can now use the iKettle for boiling water. Before you do so, rinse it well and fill the jug. Allow it to boil, then throw out the water to remove any remaining chemicals that may have contaminated the iKettle during packaging. Repeat this process once or twice to fully clean the iKettle.

To use the iKettle, open the Smarter app. Once you choose the device at the opening screen, you’ll see a dial with a number in the middle. This is the default temperature setting in Celsius. Tapping the number in the middle will change it to degrees Fahrenheit. By moving your finger along the dial, you can set the precise temperature that you desire. Once you’ve done so, tap on Start to begin boiling.

Swiping to the left will bring up various modes that you can use on the iKettle:

• Wake Up Mode – Set a specific time for the iKettle to start boiling water automatically.
• Home Mode – The Smarter app will send out a signal that will alert the iKettle if you are near. This is handy if you want the device to start boiling when you get home.
• Formula Mode – This mode has a preset temperature that is suited for infant formulas.
• Replenishment – This mode logs onto the Smarter website and offers various coffee and tea products. If you’re in an area that is supported by the website, you can order tea and coffee products directly through the app.
• Notifications – Adjust the various alerts that the iKettle 3^rd Gen sends.
• Product Settings – Adjust the various settings applicable to your current active product. For the iKettle, you can set the desired temperature and how long the device keeps the water warm.
• About – Various details about the Smarter app.
• Support – Contact customer support.

The Smarter 3.0 app, although functional, doesn’t have that many features to fully take advantage of the iKettle 3^rd Gen’s capabilities. Luckily, there are some handy IFTTT recipes that integrate well with your other smart devices. Here are some of them:

1. Boil water by asking Alexa.
2. Boil water by asking Google Assistant.
3. Add a widget to your mobile device and tap it to boil water.
4. Send a text message to your device when your iKettle finishes boiling.
5. Connect to your Nest Cam and start boiling in formula mode when your baby wakes up.
6. Connect to your Hue lights and make them blink when your iKettle has finished boiling.
7. Connect to Glance clock and display a message when your iKettle has finished boiling.
8. Connect to a LaMetric device and have it give a notification when your iKettle is done boiling.
9. When iKettle is done boiling, receive a text message and have your Hue Lights change color.

Be sure to check the IFTTT Smarter page frequently to see if any new IFTTT recipes have been added to the list.

The Smarter iKettle 3^rd Gen was released to the US market on January 17, 2021. This initial launch gave US customers access to the original iKettle design, a stainless steel kettle with a black base. There are some other designs available for the iKettle 3^rd Gen, but they are only available via Amazon UK. These designs are a lot more expensive than the US version. If you still wish to get these different versions, here are the options available:

• Dark Gray and Chrome
• Light Gray and Chrome
• White and Chrome

These designs are available for $166.45 each. There is also a Limited Edition version available on the Smarter iKettle webpage which offers the device in a White and Gold design. This version is priced at £129-$179.

Below are some of the more commonly asked questions about the iKettle, and smart kettles in general.

1. Is the iKettle compatible with Google Assistant?
   Yes. The iKettle is fully compatible with Google Assistant and can be set up easily by doing the following:

• Open your Google Assistant app.
• From the screen, choose Home control.
• Tap on the + icon to see all available Google services.
• Find Smarter iKettle and tap on it.
• Log in to your Smarter account when prompted by the Google app.
• Home control will now add the iKettle to its device list.
  
  From here you can use voice controls to use and adjust the iKettle. Saying “OK Google turn on/off the kettle” will power the iKettle on or off. Asking Google to turn up/down the kettle temperature by a certain number of degrees will adjust the boiling temperature. Asking it to set the kettle temperature to a certain degree will start it to boil until it reaches that temperature.

2. Is the iKettle compatible with Alexa?
   Yes. The iKettle 3^rd Gen is fully compatible with Amazon’s Alexa. To setup the device for Alexa, follow these steps:

• Open your mobile Alexa app.
• On the Skill Search bar, type in Smarter and tap on search.
• Choose the Smarter iKettle 3.0 skill.
• Tap on Enable.
• You’ll now be asked to link your Smarter account. Enter your details.
• Proceed to login.
• Alexa will begin searching for devices connected to your Smarter app.
• Alexa will now show you all the devices connected to your smart network.
  
  As with Google Assistant, you can now use Alexa voice commands to control your iKettle’s temperature settings, scheduled boiling times, and much more.

3. Does the iKettle work with HomeKit?
   Not yet. Although Smarter has promised to integrate the HomeKit into its app so that it can work seamlessly with the iKettle, they have yet to deliver on that promise. However, the company has developed Siri Shortcut integration with the iKettle that allows customers to use Siri to control the device. To enable Siri Shortcuts on the iKettle, follow these steps:

• Open the Smarter 3.0 app.
• Choose your iKettle 3^rd Gen device.
• Click on the dots icon on the top right corner of the screen.
• From the menu tap on Siri Shortcuts.
• Select which shortcut you want to use.

4. is iKettle 3^rd Gen easy to set up?
   The latest generation of the iKettle may be a little harder to set up when compared with the previous models, but it’s still a relatively simple process. As per the steps detailed in the setup section above, all you need is to download the app, then use the BlinkUp feature to sync the device with your mobile app. The only difference between the third gen and the previous models is that you have to manually enter the Wi-Fi router name of your network.

5. What countries is the iKettle available in?
   Officially, the iKettle is supported in the UK, EU, Australia, and North America. Delivery is free if you buy from the official Smarter iKettle store and order from the US or UK. Of course, you can just buy the device from Amazon and have it delivered if your country isn’t on the list, but be prepared to pay shipping fees.
6. When is the iKettle 4th generation being released?
   Although it’s been more than three years since the iKettle launched the 3^rd generation of its iKettle line, there has been no news of the release of a fourth iteration. There’s no doubt that the developers at Smarter are working on designing new ways to improve the current iKettle, but so far, no news has been forthcoming.
   
   It’s inevitable that a new model for the iKettle line will eventually be released, but until Smarter announces something, the 3^rd Gen will remain the latest product.
7. How can I change the name of my iKettle in the app?
   The Smarter 3.0 app will ask you to name the iKettle 3^rd Gen during setup. If you don't, it will give the device a default name. If you wish to change this name after you’ve already set up the mobile app, you can do the following:

• Open the Smarter 3.0 mobile app.
• Swipe to the left until you see the Features page.
• Tap on About.
• You’ll see the device name on the top. Tap on the pencil icon.
• Enter your desired name, then tap on OK.
• Your iKettle should now have a new name.

8. What happens if there’s no water when the iKettle is turned on?
   The iKettle is made with several safety features built-in, including a dry boil prevention system. Whenever the iKettle is turned on, the water sensors determine the amount of liquid inside the kettle. If it detects that there isn’t enough water, the iKettle automatically turns off within 16 to 20 seconds and notifies you via the Smarter app.
   
   It’s important to note that even a few seconds of dry boiling can damage your iKettle. Therefore, it should be avoided. Always double check to see if there is water inside the kettle before turning it on, and before activating the Home or Alarm mode.
9. How do I reset my iKettle?
   If you wish to reset the current Wi-Fi and app, you can do so by following these instructions:

• Remove the iKettle jug from the base.
• While the base is still plugged in, press the button on the bottom and hold until you hear three beeps.
• Unplug the base from the power outlet.
• Wait for about ten seconds.
• Plug the iKettle base back to the power outlet.
• The iKettle 3^rd Gen should be reset and you can restart the setup as detailed in the steps above.
  
  Note that the light will still blink green even after the reset process, but if you have followed the steps as detailed here, the iKettle 3^rd Gen will still be ready for setup.

10. Do smart kettles use a lot of electricity?
    They can, but smart kettles are relatively more energy efficient than most other methods of boiling water. A smart kettle, or even an ordinary electric kettle, is designed to boil water quickly. The direct contact of the water with the heating element means that every little heat is lost in the transfer of energy. Boiling water using an electric stove or even a microwave isn’t as effective as an electric kettle.
    
    Even with the large wattages that many smart and electric kettles have, the speed at which they boil water means that they use less energy in the long run. Sure, a smart kettle can use a lot of electricity, especially if you boil water often, but it would be considerably higher if you used another electric appliance.

1. My iKettle is shutting down before water boils, what’s wrong?
   If your iKettle 3^rd Gen is shutting itself down before the water reaches the temperature you set, limescale may have built up in the kettle. You’ll need to clean the jug before you start boiling again. To clean the limescale from the iKettle, do the following:

• Fill the kettle with equal parts white vinegar or lemon juice and water.
• Leave the mixture inside the kettle for at least one hour.
• Once an hour has passed, start the iKettle and let it boil.
• After the liquid boils, empty the jug.
• Rinse the jug thoroughly.
  
  You can re-boil another jug full of water then throw that away to make sure no vinegar/lemon juice traces remain. Once done, your iKettle 3^rd Gen should be limescale-free and resume proper boiling.

2. My iKettle failed to connect to the app, what do I do?
   If your Smarter 3.0 app and iKettle sync aren’t properly connecting, you can try the following solutions:

• Make sure that your router is near both your mobile device and the iKettle. You can move the iKettle away later once they have synced.
• Make sure that you’re using a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network. If you have a dual-band router, make sure it’s set to 2.4 GHz and not 5 GHz. The iKettle isn’t compatible with 5 GHz routers.
• Check that you entered both your SSID or Wi-Fi name and password correctly.
• Make sure that the light at the bottom of the base is flashing before you start app sync. If it’s not, remove the plug from the electric outlet, wait a few seconds, then plug it back in.
• The BlinkUp setup relies on the flashing light to sync with your mobile app, so make sure that your mobile device is directly on the blinking light to start the sync.
• Make sure that your mobile’s screen brightness is set to maximum before beginning sync.

3. I want to connect the iKettle 3^rd Gen to another Wi-Fi network, what do I do?
   Reset the kettle as detailed in the FAQ above. You can’t register the iKettle to a new network until the current network is erased from the iKettle’s memory.

The iKettle isn’t the only smart kettle on the market, and you may be interested in a few alternatives that you can choose from. We’ll introduce you to some of the products that you may come across when you search for smart kettles and show how they compare to the iKettle 3^rd Gen.

Appkettle was once a product that directly competed with iKettle in terms of features and convenience. With its own mobile app and voice control support via Alexa, it was a smart kettle that featured more than just variable temperature settings.

Sadly, the Appkettle is no longer available as the company has discontinued its production. You might still come across some individual stocks from time to time, but buying one isn’t recommended. The app server is no longer available, and thus the mobile app can’t be used anymore. The only way to control an Appkettle, even for old users, is through IFTTT commands. Needless to say, customer support or warranty is no longer available for the product.

The WeeKett is another smart kettle that lives up to the name. Featuring a mobile app, voice activation via Google Home and Alexa, and adjustable dials in the base, it’s a worthy competitor to the iKettle. Unfortunately, the WeeKett company is based in Edinburgh, Scotland, and has yet to set up distribution in North America. Their website limits shipping to the United Kingdom, and stocks are currently pre-order only.

There are listings on Amazon UK, but stocks are currently unavailable. Once they’re restocked, you can purchase one set for yourself, provided you’re willing to pay international shipping fees.

The Sage Smart Kettle, available in the US from Harrod’s, is a 1.7 Liter, 2,400-watt smart kettle with variable temperature settings and a 20-minute keep warm timer. Unlike the previous products, this smart kettle doesn’t have Wi-Fi functionality or a mobile app. The device can’t be operated remotely, and it has no voice activation or smart home integration.

It’s a great product if all you’re looking for is a quick way to boil water at a specific temperature, but at $119.00 you’d expect more features than it offers.

One of the more aesthetic smart kettles available, the Fellow Stag EKG+ has been used in brewing competitions and coffee shops alike. It’s a favorite among baristas as it’s a very stylish kettle. This style comes at a very steep price though, and at $230 you’d expect more from the Fellow Stag EKG+ than variable temperature settings, but that’s what it offers.

There’s a mobile app that can control the kettle remotely, but as it’s only Bluetooth activated, you’ll need to be within a certain distance to use it. There is no Wi-Fi integration or voice activation, so it won’t work with your other smart devices. It’s great if you have money to burn and you like how it looks, but as a smart kettle it lacks a lot of features available to other products.

This is a smart kettle that doesn’t live up to the "smart" moniker. Although it claims to have an app, you can only use it to see the current temperature of the water inside, and not adjust anything. You can’t even start the kettle via the app – all operations are done manually. The app will notify you when the boiling is done, but that’s pretty much all it is – a smart thermostat add-on to the Mi Kettle.

With the iKettle 3^rd Gen, it’s never been easier to fix yourself a hot drink. With the convenience that this feature-rich smart kettle brings, you’ll always have the hot water you need, when you need it.

Do you have any experiences with the iKettle 3^rd Gen? Do you know of any tips and tricks in using this handy smart kettle? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.