Hamilton Beach 40998 Review: Is a 1-Liter Kettle Enough?
30-second verdict
A compact $24.99 stainless kettle that boils one liter at a time, made for tea for one or two, not a crowd.
Buying Guide Notes · First published:
Compiled from public sourcesWritten using published specs and user feedback.
Sources and verification status
Verification status: compiled from public sources; not hands-on tested
Data updated:
A stovetop kettle can feel slow on a weekday morning, and a mug of water may heat unevenly in the microwave. The Hamilton Beach 1 Liter Electric Kettle (ASIN B00ZPN3O2I, model 40998) is a small brushed stainless steel kettle with a black handle, black lid and round cordless base. It's sized for a few cups of tea or one pot of pour-over rather than a family pasta pot.
It has a tapered stainless body, a vertical water window under the black handle, a push-button black lid and a separate round power base.
When a 1-Liter Kettle Makes More Sense Than a Big One
This size suits small apartments, dorms, offices and anyone who usually boils two or three mugs at once. In r/tea's favorite-kettle thread, one commenter calls the Hamilton Beach 1 L a low-profile workhorse that is hard to knock over.
It's a good fit for tea for one or two, instant oatmeal or French press coffee for two. It's less ideal if you want variable-temperature presets for green tea, a keep-warm mode or a 1.7-liter capacity for a household.
Practical Take: Is $24.99 Fair for a Basic Stainless Kettle?
Shoppers comparing small kettles often ask about capacity, how much plastic touches the water, cord length and lid heat. When we checked Amazon.com (Nov. 5, 2026), the 40998 was $24.99, sold by Amazon, with a 4.6-star average from 14,291 ratings. Prices change often.
Amazon lists a 1500 W heater for a 120 V outlet, a concealed heating element, a removable mesh filter, auto shutoff and boil-dry protection. Those are the basics most buyers look for in this price range.
Alternatives include glass 1-liter kettles from Hamilton Beach, Cosori and Fellow gooseneck models with temperature control, and larger 1.7-liter stainless kettles. This one is the simple, one-button option.
There is no temperature dial. If you brew delicate green or white tea, you may want a variable-temperature model instead, or let the water rest for a minute after the kettle clicks off.
Several owner reports describe the lid and rim getting hot after a boil, so lift the kettle by the handle and open the lid with care.
Customer feedback also mentions a short cord on the base, so plan to place it near an outlet.
The mesh filter catches scale flakes in hard-water areas. Descaling with a vinegar or citric acid solution now and then helps keep the inside clean; Amazon's description says hand wash only.
The water window helps you avoid overfilling. Filling only what you need also boils faster.
Because the base is separate, you can carry the kettle to the table without dragging a cord along.
Do not immerse the kettle or base in water; wipe the outside with a damp cloth.
If you mainly need hot water for one mug at a time, a 1-liter kettle takes less counter space than a family-size model.
What Users Say
On r/tea, one commenter says they used a 40998 several times a day for years and liked that the hot water touches almost no plastic. A r/BuyItForLife thread has a similar long-use story about a closely related Hamilton Beach 1-liter model. These are individual comments, not controlled reviews.
Similar Alternatives
- Hamilton Beach glass 1-liter kettle: same size, see-through body
- Variable-temperature gooseneck kettles: better for pour-over and green tea, higher price
- 1.7-liter stainless kettles: more water per boil, bigger footprint
Bottom line: the Hamilton Beach 40998 (B00ZPN3O2I) is a heavily reviewed, simple 1-liter kettle for small households. Consider its capacity, hot lid and short base cord before buying. Check the model number on Amazon before ordering.
Specs
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product | Hamilton Beach 1 Liter Electric Kettle (40998 / B00ZPN3O2I) |
| Look | Brushed stainless body; black handle, lid and base |
| Capacity | 1 liter |
| Power | 1500 W, 120 V |
| Dimensions / weight | About 8.1"L × 5.5"W × 7.9"H; 2 lb (Amazon) |
| Safety | Auto shutoff, boil-dry protection, concealed element |
| Included | Kettle, cordless base, removable mesh filter |
| Warranty | 1 year (Amazon) |
| Price note | About $24.99 on Amazon at check time; prices change |
| Ratings | Amazon about 4.6★ from 14,291 ratings at check time |
Pros
- Small footprint suits dorms, offices and small kitchens
- Cordless base, auto shutoff and boil-dry protection
- Large review count and a simple one-button design
Cons
- No temperature presets or keep-warm mode
- Lid and rim can get hot after boiling
- Base cord is short, so it needs a nearby outlet
FAQ
How much water does it hold? Up to 1 liter, roughly four standard mugs.
Can I set a temperature for green tea? No. It boils and shuts off; there is no temperature control.
Can I wash it in the dishwasher? No. Amazon's description says hand wash; do not immerse the kettle or base.
Does it work outside the US? It is built for a 120 V outlet; check voltage before using it elsewhere.
Is the filter removable? Yes. The mesh filter at the spout lifts out for rinsing.
Sources
Where to buy
$24.99 | See price on Amazon →
Check the details on the seller's page before you buy.
Price and purchase links
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