Alessi Plissé Electric Kettle Black 1.7 l

A kettle that looks good on the worktop too, with the signature pleats of the Plissé range. This large size is handy for a full teapot, a few bowls of instant soup or if you cook often and need hot water quickly for pasta or vegetables. The black is understated and sleek, and suits any kitchen, from white and light wood to dark and industrial.

Plissé was designed by Michele De Lucchi for Alessi, inspired by pleated fabric. The pleats give the plastic body a soft, textile-like look and also provide grip. The kettle sits on a base on which it can rotate, so you can pick it up from any side, left- or right-handed. It switches off automatically when the water boils, and a small window shows how much water is left.

Combine it with the toaster and other appliances from the Plissé range for a kitchen that looks calm and coherent. Descale it now and then with some vinegar or citric acid, especially if you live in a hard-water area, and it will keep working well for a long time. A lovely gift for a wedding, a housewarming or someone who starts every morning with a cup of tea.