The Hamilton Beach 40868 is a 1.7 L glass-bodied kettle running at 1500 W, priced at $55.18. Its 4.4-star rating is strong but drawn from only 201 reviews, so the sample is small compared to Hamilton Beach's other models.
Buyers who want a glass kettle with full 1500 W power from a known American kitchen brand, and who prefer the clean visual of seeing the water inside. The polished black finish at 8.88 x 8.88 x 11.88 inches reads as a countertop-worthy piece.
Skip if
If you want proven volume behind the ratings before buying, 201 reviews is a thin sample, there are glass kettles in this price range with 10,000 to 30,000 reviews to draw from. Also skip if you are price-sensitive; competitors offer comparable specs for $25 to $35 less.
Capacity 1.7 L
Carafe / container Kettle
Wattage 1500 W
Material Glass
Finish Polished
Color Black
Priced 49% above the category median ($36.99 across 92 tracked models)
Our scorecard
4.3/5overall
Owner rating4.4/5
4.4 average across 201 owner ratings
Popularity1.0/5
201 owner reviews, fewer than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other coffee makers, kettles and brewers we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
Hamilton Beach is one of the more recognized names in American countertop appliances, and the 40868 carries that reputation into a glass-body kettle design. At 1500 W it hits the standard power level for fast boiling, and the 1.7 L capacity is the household-standard volume that fits most scenarios from two to five mugs per fill.
The glass construction in polished black is the visual differentiator here. Glass lets you see exactly how much water is inside and tends to look cleaner on a countertop than opaque plastic. The polished finish reads closer to a premium product than the brand's lower-priced brushed stainless models.
At $55.18, this costs roughly double what competing glass kettles from Hamilton Beach's own lineup charge. The 4.4-star rating is genuinely positive, but with only 201 ratings, the signal is less definitive than you would get from a model with thousands of reviews. For buyers already familiar with Hamilton Beach's quality and willing to pay for the glass-plus-brand combination, it is a reasonable choice. For everyone else, the price-to-evidence ratio is worth comparing against the alternatives.
Pros
1500 W, full-power fast boil
1.7 L glass body lets you see water level clearly
Polished black finish looks premium on the counter
4.4-star rating with no major complaints from available reviews
Established Hamilton Beach brand and support
Cons
Only 201 ratings, thin evidence base relative to price
At $55.18, considerably more expensive than similar-spec competitors
Glass requires more careful handling than stainless
Performance notes
1500 W heating element in a 1.7 L glass-body kettle. Operates at 120 V. Dimensions are 8.88 x 8.88 x 11.88 inches, one of the taller footprints in the category. Polished black finish. Weight not listed in specs.
What buyers say
The 4.4-star average is credible but the 201-review pool is small, meaning it carries less statistical weight than higher-volume models. Buyers who have reviewed it appear satisfied with build quality and aesthetics; the main friction is price relative to what similarly-priced or cheaper glass kettles offer.
Why does the Hamilton Beach 40868 cost more than other Hamilton Beach kettles?
The glass body construction and polished black finish appear to be the primary factors. Other Hamilton Beach kettles at lower prices use stainless steel or plastic bodies.
Is a glass kettle harder to maintain than stainless steel?
Generally yes, glass shows water spots and mineral buildup more visibly and requires careful handling to avoid impact cracks. Regular descaling is recommended regardless of material.
Does the 40868 have temperature presets?
No temperature control features are listed in the published specifications for this model. It appears to be a standard boil-and-shut-off kettle.
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