Best electric kettle

Types of electric kettles

The electric kettle is a common kitchen appliance with a closed, cylindrical form. When the kettle is heated, water inside it either boils or becomes very hot. When finished, the steaming kettle can be used to fill cups with tea, coffee, or any other beverage. Modern kettles heat water quickly because of how well the coils inside them transfer heat. A best electric kettle is an important tool for making different kinds of hot beverages in many homes.

Depending on their electric power, kettles can be divided into two categories. The first type is the common electric kettle, which takes up counter space in the kitchen; the other type is a travel mug kettle. The travel mug kettle is small, portable, and lightweight. It also works from a car power outlet or on flights. This type of kettle is also known as an immersion heater kettle because it heats up water immediately when a metal coil that is connected to the power supply is placed inside the liquid. The effect of the immersion coil heater kettle and a common kettle is the same - it boils the water inside it.

Electric kettles also differ from one another based on their body materials. Plastic kettles are budget-friendly options for any household, while glass kettles are more costly. Glass kettles are more expensive because they are more durable than plastic kettles. Kettles with metal bodies are the most long-lasting type of kettle available. It requires less effort to maintain kettles with metal bodies, too.

Body material is just one way kettles differ. A common feature found in most kettles is the automatic shut-off function. As soon as the water inside boils, this feature immediately turns off the kettle. Anti-slip feet on kettles with plastic bases are another characteristic. When the kettle is in use, these anti-slip feet stop it from moving around.

Functions & Features of Electric Kettles

With its many perks, like convenience and energy efficiency, an electric kettle is a good choice for fast boiling. It holds many functionalities and features that differ from one model to another to improve the user's experience and safety.

• Auto Shutoff: When the water reaches the boiling point, the electric kettle turns itself off. If the kettle does not have this automatic shutoff feature, the water inside may evaporate entirely, and the kettle may catch fire. When the water has boiled, the kettles will shut off on their own. Many kettles will turn off and emit a beep to alert the user that the water is boiling and ready.
• Manual control: Users may manually control the temperatures of the kettles to their liking. By keeping the water heated at a specific temperature, users can prepare their tea or coffee precisely according to their specifications.
• Capacity: Electric kettles come in a variety of sizes and capacities, ranging from 1 to 1.7 Liters or even higher, depending upon the demand. Higher capacity kettles are often preferred because they can boil water for more than one meal and for guests when they come over.
• Temperature settings: No one wants to boil water at 100 degrees Celsius for making pasta. Different temperature settings are required for different meals or teas. For instance, green tea requires water at about 80 degrees. In contrast, black and English breakfast tea boil water at 100 degrees, to name a few. Specific electric kettles have settings for different types of teas, and some even come with a built-in temperature gauge.
• Heating Elements: There are two different kinds of heating elements in electric kettles. One is exposed, like in pots and pans, where the water is heated directly. The other type, which is concealed, is under the base of the kettle. This type is often preferred because it heats the kettle quickly, and there are fewer lime scale deposits.
• Boil Dry Protection: The boil dry protection feature on the kettle turns it off before the water evaporates completely. This protects the kettle from getting burnt or damaged.

Scenarios

The kettle has many uses, from everyday tasks to creative projects. Boiling water for tea is only one of the many: Electric kettles heat water quickly for tea, coffee, ramen, and oatmeal."

• Offices: Electric kettles are excellent for workplaces where people need hot water for beverages and food. Employees can make tea and coffee easily without staff or faculty help. The low simmering noise of electric kettles is more pleasant than the whistling sound of stovetop models.
• Hostels: Travelers often stay in places like hostels with shared kitchens. A small electric kettle is a good choice because it heats water quickly and is more efficient than using stovetops. Guests can boil water for instant noodles or hot drinks anytime.
• Busy Households: In homes where many people share chores, electric kettles make heating water convenient. Each person can use it to make their drinks or food without relying on others.
• Beverage Stations: Electric kettles are ideal for creating special beverage stations in homes or offices. Once set up, they provide hot water for various drinks throughout the day.
• Outdoor Activities: Kettles are perfect for camping, picnics, or travel. Camping kettles can be placed directly over a campfire, or if using propane camping stoves, check compatibility first.
• Boats: Marine kettles are designed specifically for boats or marine use. Features like sturdy builds are made to withstand rocking and vibrations, brackish water tolerance, and simple power source connections. Sometimes, they have additional safety features for higher fire risks.
• Sports: Sports equipment kettles can refer to kettles specifically designed for sports team or athletic facility use. They are often larger capacity kettles that have quick heating to meet the demands of serving multiple people.
• Heating Pads: Kettles can be used to warm heat-retaining pads by filling them with warm water first. The warm, moist towel created can be draped over sore muscles for additional therapeutic effects. Some portable electric kettles also double as heating pads or blankets.
• Art Supplies: Electric kettles are sometimes used in art supply preparation. They can be used to boil water for mixing or preparing certain art mediums, inks, paints, or dyes that require hot water for the best results.
• Beauty Treatments: Kettles are ideal for at-home beauty treatments like facials. Using a kettle to heat water quickly is more convenient than stovetop or other methods.

How to choose best electric kettle

• Material of kettle:

  The electric kettle's body material influences its safety and durability. Generally, electric kettles are made of glass, plastic, or stainless steel. While plastic kettles are more affordable, they may not be as durable as kettles made of glass or stainless steel. Also, plastic kettles tend to retain heat poorly, so the water inside cools down quickly. On the other hand, stainless steel kettles are durable and excellent heat conductors but may get hot, so they require careful handling. Glass kettles will not get too hot, but they can break easily if handled carelessly.

• Kettle capacity:

  The best electric kettle for a specific user will depend on the user's needs and preferences. A kettle with a 1 - 1.5 litre capacity is ideal for residential use, while a kettle with a 1.5 - 2 litre capacity is suitable for larger families. Kettles with a capacity above 2 litres are ideal for commercial use. No matter the situation, it's essential to choose an electric kettle with a capacity that won't need constant refilling.

• Power and boiling rate:

  The best electric kettle for a specific buyer will depend on the buyer's boiling speed preferences. Some users may value a rapidly boiling kettle above anything else, while others may not mind waiting a few extra seconds for the kettle to boil. Kettles with a higher wattage tend to boil water faster, while kettles with lower wattage are slower.

• Safety features:

  Safety features are important for preventing kitchen accidents. Kettles with an auto shutoff feature prevent the kettle from boiling when there is no water inside. Boil dry protection also prevents the kettle from boiling when empty to reduce fire hazards. Additionally, electric kettles with cool touch handles and pots minimise burns and scalding.

Q&A

Q1: Does using an electric kettle consume more energy?

A1: The electric kettle is a wonderful energy-saving tool because it boils water faster than any other approach. Kettles are made to bring water to a rolling boil in the least amount of time possible.

Q2: What type of kettle is most durable?

A2: Electric kettles with stainless steel bodies are long-lasting and resistant to rust, dents, and chipping. Unlike other materials, they have no danger of leaching into the water and are less likely to retain tastes or odors.

Q3: Can I put cold water in a hot electric kettle?

A3: Yes, it is acceptable to pour cool or room-temperature water into a hot electric kettle. However, avoid adding ice-cold water to a recently boiled kettle to prevent thermal shock and cracking.