Edition #3 — The Hotel Room Kettle
A real headache for project managers and a time drain for operators: selecting operational supplies and equipment (OS&E) in high-end hotel projects often feels like running an obstacle course. This long, meticulous task usually falls on the operations teams, who aim to deliver a seamless and consistent guest experience. Yet, they also have to work alongside the architect, who will naturally defend their aesthetic vision—sometimes at the expense of usability or durability.
In-room coffee machines, courtesy trays, kettles, bathroom hooks, scales… These are all essential to guest comfort, yet paradoxically some of the hardest items to choose. Not because they’re scarce, but because the right models—those that are stylish, robust, designed for heavy use, and aligned with the hotel’s brand—are often buried in an overwhelming market.
To support hospitality professionals in navigating the complexity of OS&E selection, FIGURZ launched a monthly series: a regular guide to help operators distinguish between household, professional, or simply unsuitable options—and make better choices, faster.
After covering coffee machines and courtesy trays in our first editions, let’s turn to another in-room essential: the kettle.
An Essential, Yet Often Poorly Chosen
Often considered a basic amenity, the kettle is in fact used multiple times during a stay—sometimes as intended… sometimes less so. (I once found instant noodles stuck to the bottom of one.)
Introduced into hotel rooms in the 1970s, the kettle now shares space on the courtesy tray with coffee amenities. For many travelers, it’s part of a morning ritual: making tea, coffee, or simply hot water. When well integrated, it blends naturally into the room’s atmosphere. But when poorly chosen, inadequately cleaned, or damaged, it quickly becomes both a visual and functional nuisance.
A Bit of History
The kettle hasn’t always been the electric appliance we know today. Its ancestors, known as coquemars, were used as early as the 12th century in fireplaces to keep water simmering.
It was in 20th-century England—the Western kingdom of tea—that the electric kettle first appeared in hotels, giving guests the ability to recreate a familiar ritual in the comfort of their rooms.
By the 1970s, it was progressively adopted by international hotel chains such as Holiday Inn and Novotel. It became a standard that empowered guests, enriching their experience at minimal cost. Before then, hot water was delivered to rooms by room service.
Since 2012, kettles have been mandatory in 4- and 5-star hotels under Atout France standards. And since the 2021 revision, they are also required in 3-star hotels.
Which Product to Choose?
High-end, but far from discreet — Sapper Alessi
An iconic kettle, famous for its whistle that activates at 100°C. More than just an appliance, it’s a design piece that adds refinement to the guest experience. While costly, it offers a true signature—both visual, with its polished steel finish, and auditory (also available without the whistle, to avoid alerting the entire hotel when someone makes tea).
Premium and elegant — Fellow Corvo EKG Electric Kettle
Minimalist design, precise temperature control, and premium finishes. Perfect for tea lovers and upscale instant coffee drinkers, it combines modernity, performance, and prestige. A fitting choice for hotels that want to elevate their brand image while maintaining subtlety.
Economical and functional — JVD Duchesse 0.8L Brushed Steel
Compact, energy-efficient, and durable, it meets essential needs while staying simple and reliable. Ideal for mid-range hotels or those with tighter budgets. Made by a trusted hospitality supplier.
Colorful and affordable — Create Kettle
Available in various colors, this kettle adds a touch of modernity or playfulness to rooms. Compact, practical, and well-designed, it adapts seamlessly to different decorative concepts.
Hygiene and Maintenance
Because it comes into direct contact with water, the kettle is prone to scale buildup and bacteria. A simple tip: boiling water for 3–5 minutes before first use helps eliminate residual germs and impurities. For hotels, a strict cleaning protocol and regular wear checks are crucial to maintaining a spotless image.
Pro tip: Before making your final choice, check whether the kettle can easily be filled from the bathroom sink—otherwise it might end up in the “design fails” hall of fame.
In Summary
More than just an accessory, the kettle has become a hotel standard. It’s one of those small details that strongly influence how guests perceive in-room comfort. Choosing the right model—one that matches the property’s positioning and is well maintained—directly contributes to guest satisfaction.
Coming Up Next…
In our next edition, we’ll explore another discreet yet essential detail for guest comfort: the bathroom hook—the small fixture that makes a big difference.
