Electric kettle, types and characteristics of this indispensable device

It is impossible to imagine a family dinner or a business meeting without green or black tea, coffee or cappuccino. To make hot drinks, you need a kettle and, although conventional kettles heated on a gas stove are more economical, many consumers choose an electric kettle. The main reason for this choice is to save time, in addition, it looks great and perfectly complements the interior of the kitchen. A good electric kettle is a very useful and very necessary thing, but not many know how to choose an electric kettle and which household appliance is better, because the variety of models simply amazes consumers. This review will help you cope more easily.

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How to choose an electric kettle?

When choosing a new household appliance, many buyers pay attention first to color, shape and design, and only then are interested in the characteristics of the device. Basically, the consumer is interested in how the electric kettle will look on the kitchen table, and not from what material the household appliance is made and how safe it is.

With this approach, it will not be possible to acquire high-quality and reliable household appliances, because for a device located in the kitchen, certain conditions must be met that ensure its reliable and safe operation during operation.

Important! Choose at the same time, using our tips, and teapot.

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Key selection criteria

The electric kettle does not require external heating, since its design contains an internal heating element. It is driven by electric current. And the rest is the same as a regular kettle: a water tank, a lid, a spout and a handle. The electric model also includes a stand and a wire for connecting to the network.

To answer the question which electric kettle is better, you need to familiarize yourself with the main characteristics of the device:

• Capacity.
• Electric kettle power.
• Type of heating element.
• Case material and heating flasks.
• Weight.
• The rate of heating and cooling.

Of course, a single universal combination does not exist. Therefore, you need to choose exactly those parameters that perfectly satisfy your needs. Consider the main selection criteria in more detail.

Capacity

The volume of dummies varies from 450 ml to 3 liters. The more boiling water your family or colleagues consume at work, the greater the capacity of the device you need:

1. A family of 3-5 people is recommended to purchase an electric kettle for 2 liters.
2. For one person who drinks one or two cups of a hot drink a day, a good 0.45 liter electric kettle.

Important! The time for heating the water does not depend on the volume of the vessel - both a half-liter kettle and a two-liter vessel will be heated for 1.5-3 minutes.

Electric kettle power

Power is one of the key parameters, since the main task of the device is to bring water to a boil in a short time:

1. For ordinary household models, the power of an electric kettle varies from 850 watts to 1500 watts.This indicator is enough to bring a two-liter kettle to a boil in 1.5-2 minutes (the heating time will depend on the material of the flask and the case).
2. Compact models up to 1 liter usually have a power of 1 kW, and some models have a power of 3 kW.

Important! Of course, the heating rate of water also depends on power. But you must remember that this is an additional load on the entire power system of your apartment. In addition, the high power of the electric kettle leads to additional energy consumption. Therefore, the pursuit of high parameters should have reasonable boundaries.

Type of heating element

In kettles that are powered by the network, two main types of element are used:

• Open, in which the spiral is in direct contact with water.
• Closed. For devices with a closed type, the bottom is a smooth metal surface, under which a heating element (spiral or disk) is hidden.

Pros and cons of open models

In models with an open heating element, the liquid is in direct contact with the spiral, therefore, the main condition for the safety of such devices is a sufficient amount of water. The advantages of devices with an open heating element include:

• Affordable price.
• Low noise.

Important! The disadvantages of the models include the inevitable accumulation of scale on spiral heating elements. Over time, the scum may crumble and fall into the drink.

Pros and cons of closed models

Electric kettles with a closed spiral or disk heat the water no worse than their counterparts, but it is much easier to take care of them, because the spiral does not come in direct contact with water. Advantages:

1. Such models are more durable.
2. Most devices can rotate and rotate 360 ​​degrees while standing on a stand.
3. A very important point is that in a closed kettle you can heat any amount of water, even the smallest, unlike an open spiral device, where the water should completely cover the heating element.

Important! The latest generation electric kettles are equipped with a hidden heating disc, to which electrical contacts are connected. Devices are even quieter than their "brothers", and the water is heated much faster. The only drawback is the higher price of such a device.

Shape and weight

When choosing an electric kettle from the position of the body shape and its mass, it must be remembered that a heated kettle contains several liters of boiling water, which is dangerous to joke with. Therefore, the device should be as comfortable as possible for the hand. And for security, it is better to choose a model with a cover lock. Even if you drop the kettle, the water will not spill.

The weight of the device also matters. If the kettle is heavy, then it is much easier to drop, and this can lead to sad consequences. The lightest devices are made of plastic and metal, and the most weighty ones are made of ceramic and glass. Heavy devices include models in which the bulb is made of glass and the body is made of metal.

For most people, the design of the device is also of great importance, because it will always stand on the table and should be a full-fledged piece of kitchen interior. In shape, teapots are divided into:

1. A jug is the most popular and very compact model.
2. Cone or penguin. Manufacturers of devices claim that it is such kettles that heat water much faster and hold the required temperature longer.

Stand and cord

Stands for the device case come in two types:

• Stationary, with rigid fixation. The teapot, in this case, is installed in a special connector (socket) and has only one single possible position.
• Free installation, the so-called stand “pirouette”. The teapot on such a stand is able to rotate 360 ​​degrees.

Important! Previously, even before they came up with the idea of ​​using stands for the device, the cord was attached directly to the case, which was inconvenient, because the cord interfered with pouring water into the cups. Modern models of electric kettles are equipped with special compartments for storing the cord.

As for the cord itself, it is short in all models, and this does not apply to savings, because it is about security. If the cord was long, then it could easily be touched, and pull the kettle along with boiling water. Even if you take the kettle with the base, the cord will never reach the floor, which means that you will not step on it and will not trip over with boiling water in your hands. For the same reason, it is recommended that the device be placed next to a power outlet, and not use extension cords and carrying. In a separate publication on our website, we described in detail how to install an outlet in the kitchen on an apron.

Thermopot - a kettle with the possibilities of a thermos

A device that is designed not only to heat water, but also to maintain a given temperature, is called a thermal stream. Such devices have a large volume, which can reach 5 liters. They consist of an inner flask, which serves as a thermos, and an outer casing.

Although the thermal sweat has a larger volume than a classic electric kettle, its power is much less. The energy consumption while maintaining a given temperature is minimized thanks to a special heat-insulating flask.

Important! The delayed start function, which allows the water to heat up to a specified temperature by a certain time, will also help save energy and time.

Thermopots have several temperature conditions:

1. 95 degrees for black tea and coffee.
2. 80 degrees for green tea.
3. 60 degrees for baby food.

Important! Thermopot is an ideal solution for receiving guests, for office workers and for families with children who need a constant supply of warm water to prepare the milk mixture. If you are seriously thinking about buying this device, follow the link and find out TOP best thermal pots.

Additional device functions

All electrical appliances have very high safety requirements, a kettle in this sense is no exception. It is important to choose a device for water heating with a number of the following functions:

• Automatic shutdown of heating when boiling water or removing the device from the base. This function eliminates the likelihood of energy consumption, will prevent a dangerous situation.
• Lock (fixation) of the lid of the kettle.
• Water filtration function. Models with such a function are more expensive, however, you will be sure that you are drinking a clean drink, without the impurities with which ordinary tap water is saturated. In any case, the water used for food is best pre-cleaned. We have prepared a separate review in which you will learn how to choose filters for water purification in the apartment.
• Descaling filter. A filter in the form of a small mesh covering the opening of the nozzle of the vessel will prevent solid particles of scale from getting into the cup.
• Heated water to a certain temperature. Families with small children will appreciate this feature.
• Digital thermostat. Thanks to this option, you will not only be able to heat the water to the required temperature, but will also be able to maintain its state for a given time.
• Sound signal. On some models, a signal sounds when the kettle is boiling. This option can come in handy if you are doing several things at the same time and you don’t have the opportunity to monitor the heating of the water or you may forget that you turned it on.

Important! Today, manufacturers of household appliances, taking care of our health, and taking into account the quality of tap water, produce electric kettles with 1, 2 and 3 filters. If the device does not have a water purification filter, then these are, as a rule, cheap and low-quality models. When choosing a device, be sure to pay attention to the degree of filtration.

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Materials

For the characteristics of the materials, we highlighted a separate chapter of the article, since in addition to general features, there are also the most common questions of consumers:

• which electric kettle is better - ceramic or glass;
• which kettle is better - plastic or metal.

General characteristics:

1. Plastic. The advantage of plastic models is the ease and variety of colors. In addition, such devices do not get very hot during operation and cool slowly. The disadvantages of plastic devices include the following: poor-quality plastic during the heating process can emit harmful chemicals that degrade the taste of ready-made drinks and also negatively affect human health. Find out, what to do if the new kettle smells of plastic.
2. Metal. Metal teapots made of steel or aluminum are distinguished by strength, durability and a stylish, original design. Very often they are complemented by soft color illumination of the case or base, which gives such devices a special charm and color. The disadvantages of metal devices include a high price, as well as the ability to burn your hands while heating the device. A metal appliance cools faster also than all the others, and in order for the body metal to retain its appearance longer, it must be properly and accurately cleaned using special tools.
3. Glass. Glass vessels are chemically safer and look very attractive. However, this is not the best choice for those who do not like to wash dishes, as the scum that forms on the glass teapot is clearly visible. In addition, glass devices are quite heavy and fragile, and they heat up much longer. The price of glass models is higher than plastic ones, but nonetheless very democratic.
4. Ceramics. Ceramic models are quite safe. Although they heat up much longer, they consume more energy at the same time, but they better and longer maintain the temperature of heated water. A good, beautiful ceramic appliance will decorate any kitchen with its impressive appearance, but it must be remembered that it can crack or break when dropped.

Which kettle is better - plastic or metal?

Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages. About the characteristic features of devices made of various materials, we talked about above.

There are certain nuances that become known from consumer reviews:

1. It is worth noting that the disadvantage of plastic models is the unpleasant odor that appears when heated, and this smell can come from both water and the kettle.
2. Metal appliances sometimes have a faint smell and smack of metal, but much less often than plastic models.
3. Metal dummies have another drawback - a strong heating of the surface, which, if negligent, can be burned.
4. The price of metal models is much higher than plastic ones, however, they serve much longer and it is much simpler and easier to take care of metal devices.

Important! Many manufacturers offer consumers a combined model - a metal kettle in a plastic shell. A model of this type combines all the advantages of two materials. But it must be remembered that if two materials are used, then when heated they will expand in different ways, which means that water can flow at the junction of these materials.

Which electric kettle is better - ceramic or glass?

Not so long ago, electric kettles with a glass bulb have gained popularity. Such models are considered to be more environmentally friendly than plastic and metal models, but so far they are few in the consumer market.

Important! Companies such as Rolsen, Polaris, Scarlett, Bork release this model.

What are the nuances here:

1. Many manufacturers, in order to protect fragile glass, very often put it in a plastic shell.If you saw just such a model - consider that this is the best electric kettle.
2. If you decide to choose a glass teapot for the home, then pay attention to the handle. It must be made of plastic, as the metal part will become very hot.
3. Ceramic teapots have the same drawback as glass teapots - fragility. In addition, ceramics are heated for a long time, but the ceramic bulb also keeps heat longer. According to customer reviews, ceramics adversely affect the taste of tea.
4. Plus, in ceramic models there is no transparent insert showing how much water is left in the kettle. Therefore, to estimate the amount of liquid without opening the lid will not work.
5. If you decide to choose a ceramic model of a teapot, then remember that its volume does not exceed 1.2 liters, and the bulb is much heavier than a metal one.

Important! There are also few ceramic models of electric kettles on the market, their firms offer: Tefal, Rolsen, Vitek.

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Which company is better? Browse Popular Brands

The most popular among consumers are electric kettles from brands such as:

• TEFAL.
• MOULINEX.
• BOSCH.
• BRAUN.

Fewer consumers prefer household appliances from the following firms:

• PHILIPS.
• VITEK.
• POLARIS.
• SCARLETT.

Each company produces models of household appliances in a different price range, ranging from affordable budget models to expensive and multifunctional ones:

1. TEFAL produces models of electric kettles with a gold-plated spiral, which protects the heating element from scale. Thanks to this improvement, the service life of the device has increased significantly. The company also offers devices with a wide variety of capacities and original designs.

Important! Kettles of this brand can be either metal, plastic or combined. A characteristic feature of the technology from the company TEFAL is durability and reliability. This is due to the fact that it will definitely be the best electric kettle if you give preference to the products of this brand.

2. Powerful electric kettles are offered by BRAUN. Such household appliances include models of the AquaExpress series.
3. MOULINEX impresses with its quality and sleek design.
4. BOSCH teapots are suitable for admirers of a strict and restrained design.

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Useful Tips:

1. Do not use the plastic electric kettle for too long. Buy a new device after 2-3 years of active use. Over time, everything wears out, and even good quality plastic begins to emit harmful substances.
2. When choosing a plastic product, give preference to white material, as experts believe that a more pronounced smell is inherent in colored plastic models, due to the inclusion of additional chemicals in the material
3. Be sure to ask for a quality certificate when purchasing the device.
4. There must be a gasket on the handle of a metal teapot so that it is comfortable to hold the kettle in your hand and minimize the risk of a possible burn.
5. If there are small children in the house, then put the electric kettle away from the reach zone so that small children are not burned.

Important! For connoisseurs of delicious drinks, there are interesting collections on our site of useful tips. We recommend that you familiarize yourself with them:

• The best varieties of coffee and tea.
• How to make coffee in a Turk at home?

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Thinking about which electric kettle is better to choose, decide on priorities and parameters, because someone needs a temperature controller, and someone dreams of an environmentally friendly device or lighting and noise level are very important. Having determined your desires and capabilities, you can easily choose the model that is ideal for your home or office, and decorate any room with its attractive appearance.