As convenient as electric kettles are, they're also pretty unsexy. Aesthetically, I'll take an enamel tea pot on the stovetop over a plastic pitcher on the counter any day. But recently, a gorgeous electric kettle has changed all that. Part of Krups's Silver Art line of appliances, this 2-quart vessel, with an appealing streamlined bell shape, has an elegant chrome finish and ultra-stylish faux-wood detailing that remind me of wood-trimmed silver art deco tea sets. Though it's lovely to look at, this powerful kettle is also a work horse: 2 quarts of water seem to boil in no time, and like most good electric kettles, it shuts off automatically when it's done.

Krups BW600 Silver Art Kettle, $79.99 at Krups.com