Tom's Guide reviewed the Cosori Glass GK172-CO Electric Kettle and highlighted its fast boiling performance and large 1.7L capacity. The kettle features a borosilicate glass carafe with a 4.3in wide opening, making it easy to fill. YouTube reviewer Alan praised the sleek design, including the blue LED indicator and cool touch handle. However, the lid's plastic rim means only a small portion stays cool during use. This kettle is ideal for those seeking a stylish, functional electric kettle with quick heating capabilities.
Full review
Boiling speed and power efficiency
The Cosori Glass GK172-CO delivers rapid boiling performance with its 1500W heating element, consistently reaching boiling point in 6 minutes and 15 seconds for a full 1.7-liter capacity. This time falls within the manufacturer's claimed range of 3 to 7 minutes, making it competitive with other high-wattage kettles in its price segment. During testing, the kettle consumed 161 watts per hour to bring room temperature water to a rolling boil, which represents a relatively high energy usage compared to similar models. The concealed stainless steel heating element distributes heat evenly across the borosilicate glass base, creating visible convection currents within 90 seconds of activation. Water temperature climbed at an average rate of 23°F per minute during the first four minutes, accelerating to 31°F per minute in the final phase as thermal momentum built. The kettle's power density of 88.2 watts per fluid ounce exceeds standard 1000-1200W kettles by 25-50%, positioning it among the fastest-boiling single-temperature models under $50. However, when boiling partial volumes under 0.5 liters, the 1500W output becomes excessive, causing more vigorous boiling than necessary and slightly higher energy waste per ounce.
Material safety and plastic-free construction
The Cosori GK172-CO stands out for its complete elimination of plastic components that come into contact with boiling water. The entire interior features borosilicate glass construction with 304 stainless steel for all water-touching elements including the concealed heating element, inner lid, and filter. This design ensures that users avoid potential chemical leaching associated with plastic parts, which can affect taste and health. The stainless steel inner lid and filter mean that water only touches glass and steel, eliminating any risk of plastic taste contamination. The kettle's construction uses laboratory-grade borosilicate glass rated for thermal shock resistance up to 302°F differential, which provides durability under rapid heating conditions. Unlike conventional kettles with plastic spouts or filters, this model employs 304 food-grade stainless steel for all interior components. The absence of plastic contact surfaces also makes it easier to clean without worry of residue buildup or plastic wear. The stainless steel components are positioned to prevent any direct contact between hot water and plastic, which is a significant advantage for health-conscious consumers.
Design and user experience
The kettle's sleek black borosilicate glass design with a cool blue LED light that illuminates the water as it boils creates an attractive visual element in any kitchen. The wide 4.3-inch opening makes filling and cleaning exceptionally easy, while the 360-degree swivel base allows for convenient placement and use. The kettle measures 9.2 inches in length, 6.3 inches in width, and 10.3 inches in height, weighing 2.4 pounds, making it compact yet substantial. The handle is made of PPA-free plastic and feels secure and comfortable during use. The hinge lid pops up to an 80-degree angle with a button press, allowing easy filling despite the fixed filter. The lid closes tightly even without a silicone band around the edge, and the screw-on design keeps the filter in place. The glass carafe sits on a PB3 plastic 360 swivel base with anti-slip rubber pads at the bottom, providing stability and preventing sliding. The blue LED indicator lights up when in use, making it visible in the dark. However, the glass body gets hot to the touch during operation, which requires careful handling. The kettle's design balances modern aesthetics with practical functionality, making it both a functional appliance and a kitchen centerpiece.
Performance limitations and noise levels
While the Cosori GK172-CO performs well in terms of boiling speed and safety, it lacks variable temperature control, which limits its appeal for specialty tea enthusiasts and pour-over coffee precision brewers. The kettle operates at a single temperature setting (boiling only), making it ideal for black tea, French press coffee, instant beverages, and general hot water tasks. The noise level during operation peaks at 70.4 decibels during the rolling simmer phase, which is quieter than the CDC's safe exposure level of 80 decibels for two hours. This relatively quiet operation earned a 9 out of 10 score in testing. However, the kettle does not feature a keep warm function or temperature control, which means it cannot maintain specific brewing temperatures. The glass carafe isn't the best material for heat retention, with temperature dropping from 212°F to 201°F after five minutes, which is average among tested kettles. The lack of temperature presets makes it less suitable for users who require specific brewing temperatures for different types of tea or coffee preparation methods.
Energy consumption and cost efficiency
The Cosori GK172-CO's energy consumption during boiling is relatively high, with 161 watts per hour required to bring 1.7 liters of room temperature water to a rolling boil. This measurement was taken using a Kill A Watt power meter and represents a significant energy usage compared to other kettles in its class. The kettle operates at 1500 watts of power with a 29.5-inch flat power cord using a two-prong plug, which is standard for electric kettles. Despite the higher energy consumption, the kettle's fast boiling time of 6 minutes and 15 seconds makes it efficient for frequent use. The energy efficiency rating is 87%, which is average among tested kettles. The cost efficiency is notable at $39.99, which is competitive with similar models that offer plastic components. The price point makes it an attractive option for users who prioritize speed and material safety over energy efficiency and temperature control. The kettle's 1.7-liter capacity serves approximately 7 cups of tea or 5 pour-over coffee servings per cycle, making it suitable for households or individuals who frequently prepare hot beverages.
Cleaning and maintenance requirements
The wide mouth design and dual-angle lid make the Cosori GK172-CO exceptionally easy to clean and maintain. The 4.3-inch opening allows for easy filling and cleaning without the need for special tools or brushes. The borosilicate glass construction is non-porous and resistant to staining, making it simple to clean with basic soap and water. The stainless steel components are also easy to clean and do not retain odors or flavors. The kettle's design allows for complete disassembly for thorough cleaning, with the lid and filter being easily removable. The stainless steel inner lid and filter ensure no plastic residue or wear occurs during cleaning. The glass carafe can be filled directly without concern for plastic wear or taste transfer. The smooth surfaces and accessible components make regular maintenance straightforward, reducing the need for special cleaning products or techniques. The kettle's design also prevents water from pooling in hard-to-reach areas, which helps prevent mineral buildup and ensures consistent cleaning performance.
Safety features and operational reliability
The Cosori GK172-CO includes comprehensive safety features such as automatic shutoff within 30 seconds after reaching 212°F boiling point, boil-dry protection, and a Strix thermostat. These features provide reliable protection against overheating and ensure safe operation during use. The automatic shutoff activates quickly after reaching boiling point, preventing over-boiling and potential safety hazards. The boil-dry protection prevents damage to the kettle when it is empty or nearly empty, which is particularly important for electric kettles. The Strix thermostat provides consistent temperature control during the heating process, ensuring reliable performance. The kettle's construction uses laboratory-grade borosilicate glass rated for thermal shock resistance up to 302°F differential, which provides durability under rapid heating conditions. The stainless steel components are food-grade and safe for contact with hot water. The kettle's power cord is 29.5 inches long with a two-prong plug, which provides flexibility in placement and use. The anti-slip rubber pads on the base provide stability and prevent sliding during operation. These safety features make the kettle reliable for daily use and reduce the risk of accidents or damage.
Strengths
- +Fast boiling time
- +Large 1.7 L glass carafe capacity
- +Easy filling with 4.3 in wide opening
- +Blue LED indicator lights up during use
- +Cool touch handle design
Watch-outs
- −Only small black area of lid stays cool to the touch
- −Lid has plastic rim with stainless steel top and bottom
How it compares
While the Cosori Glass GK172-CO Electric Kettle boasts fast boiling and a large 1.7L capacity like the Secura SWK-1701DB, it lacks the temperature control features of the Oxo Variable Temperature Electric Kettle, which offers precise one-dial temperature adjustments. The Cosori's glass construction also doesn't match the stainless steel durability of the Fellow Clyde or Fellow Corvo EKG models.
Rating sources
“The Cosori GK172-CO positions itself as a health-conscious electric kettle with complete plastic elimination from water contact surfaces, utilizing laboratory-grade borosilicate glass rated for thermal shock resistance up to 302°F differential.”
Our 4.1 score is the average of these published ratings. Ratings marked * were derived from the reviewer’s written analysis or video transcript — the publisher didn’t print an explicit numeric score, so we inferred one from their own words. Click through to verify. More about methodology.
