Found the Holy Grail of Kitchen Gadgets at Aldi (And It's Making John Lewis Look Ridiculous)

By HOAR Team 5 July, 2025 5 mins read 80 Views

Listen, I've been burned by budget kitchen gadgets before. That £15 food processor from 2019 that literally exploded? Yeah, still finding plastic bits behind my radiator.

But this time feels different. Aldi just dropped a Smart Kettle for £29.99 that's basically identical to the £99.95 Sage version at John Lewis. I'm talking seventy quid cheaper for what appears to be the same bloody thing.

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Why I'm Actually Excited About a Kettle (God Help Me)

The thing lands in stores July 13th, and honestly? I've already set three phone alarms. This isn't just another kettle – it's got that sleek stainless steel finish that won't make your kitchen look like a student flat. More importantly, you can control it from your phone via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

My flatmate Jake's response when I told him: "So you're telling me I can start the kettle from bed?" Exactly.

The temperature display lets you set anywhere between 40°C and 100°C. Perfect for those fancy green teas that need precise temps, or just regular builder's brew at full blast. Plus there's a keep warm function – no more of that awkward shuffle back to the kitchen when you realize the water's gone cold again.

We're All Terrible at Making Tea (Apparently)

Aldi did this research that's honestly quite depressing. We drink 127 million cups of tea daily in this country, yet 22% of people are still putting milk in first. Twenty-two percent! That's like... basic tea physics, people.

The "correct" method (according to 78% of respondents): water first, tea bag steeps for two minutes until it's that perfect toffee brown colour. Semi-skimmed milk to bring it down to 57°C. English Breakfast remains king with 67% of the vote.

I feel personally attacked by the stat about colleagues being the worst tea makers (45% said this). Sarah from accounting, if you're reading this – we need to talk about your brewing technique.

The John Lewis Comparison That Made Me Laugh

Here's where it gets interesting. John Lewis sells the Sage Smart Kettle for £99.95. Same smart features, same app control, same temperature settings. The main difference? About seventy pounds and a fancier brand name.

Now, I'm not saying Sage isn't quality – they make brilliant stuff. But when you're looking at essentially identical functionality... well, my bank account has opinions.

Office Tea Politics Are Real

The research revealed something we all knew but never admitted: office tea is universally awful. Meanwhile, your mum apparently makes the best brews (28% approval rating), followed by partners at 57%.

Also, 40% of us have a "special mug" that supposedly makes tea taste better. Mine's a chipped ceramic thing from a Cornwall holiday in 2017, and yes, it absolutely makes a difference. Don't @ me.

Three-quarters of tea drinkers give specific instructions when someone offers to make a cuppa. Strength, milk quantity, sugar preferences, even which mug to use. We're basically tea dictators, and honestly? Good.

Will This Thing Actually Work?

That's the £29.99 question, isn't it? Aldi's track record with kitchen gadgets is... mixed. But the specs look solid, teh features match premium models, and if it lasts even two years, you're still ahead financially.

Plus, imagine the satisfaction of telling people your app-controlled kettle cost less than a decent night out. That's worth something, right?

Mark your calendars for July 13th. And maybe set those phone alarms too – knowing Aldi's special buys, these'll be gone faster than you can say "builders' brew."

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What are the different types of money?

The main types of money include commodity money, which is based on physical goods like gold or silver; fiat money, which is government-issued currency not backed by a physical commodity; and digital currency, which exists electronically and is often decentralized, such as cryptocurrencies.

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Statistics

A survey by the American Psychological Association found that 72% of Americans reported feeling stressed about money at some point in the past month.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American spends about $1,500 per year on coffee.
As of 2021, the average student loan debt for recent graduates was approximately $30,000, according to the Federal Reserve.
Research by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that individuals who receive financial education are 25% more likely to save than those who do not.
In 2020, the average retirement savings for Americans aged 60 to 69 was approximately $195,000, according to Fidelity.
According to a survey by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), about 66% of Americans could not correctly answer four basic financial literacy questions.
As of 2021, the average American household had approximately $8,400 in credit card debt, according to Experian.
According to the World Bank, around 1.7 billion adults worldwide remain unbanked, lacking access to basic financial services.

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How To Plan for Major Expenses

Planning for major expenses requires careful thought and budgeting. Start by identifying upcoming significant costs, such as home repairs, medical expenses, or a new vehicle. Research the estimated costs associated with these expenses, and create a timeline for when the payments will be due. Develop a savings plan by determining how much you need to set aside each month to meet your goal by the target date. Consider using a high-yield savings account to earn interest on your savings. Regularly review and adjust your plan as needed, ensuring you stay on track to meet your financial obligations without incurring debt.