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Electric Kettle Buying Advice
Guidance and Tips
Whether or not you are thinking about buying your first ever electric kettle, or getting a replacement one, the advice on this page will help you choose just the right electric model to meet your needs and wants. On these pages we aim to give you the same advice we would offer to valued family and friends and so we start by looking at both the pros and cons of these kitchen appliances.
Whether or not you are thinking about buying your first ever electric kettle, or getting a replacement one, the advice on this page will help you choose just the right electric model to meet your needs and wants. On these pages we aim to give you the same advice we would offer to valued family and friends and so we start by looking at both the pros and cons of these kitchen appliances.
Advantages of electric kettles
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Disadvantages
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Top Tip: Whilst it is nice to have an appliance which co-ordinates with your kitchen decor, safety and practicality are still of the essence. The elegant ceramic electric kettle here looks good AND has boil dry protection. |
Things to consider BEFORE you buy an Electric Kettle
Capacity
Depending on the size of your household or the maximum number of people you want to be able to make hot beverages for, you may need a larger or smaller electric appliance. They range in size from approx 0.5 – 1.0 litre travel/compact/mini kettles to the more standard size of approx 1.7 litres.
If you opt to buy a large capacity device because you have a large household or entertain frequently, it’s still important to note what the minimum water fill limit is so that you will know if you have the option to boil just enough water for 1 cup of tea or coffee on occasion as necessary. The ability to boil just a cup or two of water will save you both time and energy rather than heating more water than you actually need at any one time.
Also in regard to capacity, look out for a water level gauge which indicates the minimum, maximum, and/or number of cups clearly so that you will easily be able to heat just the amount of water you need at any given time.
Capacity
Depending on the size of your household or the maximum number of people you want to be able to make hot beverages for, you may need a larger or smaller electric appliance. They range in size from approx 0.5 – 1.0 litre travel/compact/mini kettles to the more standard size of approx 1.7 litres.
If you opt to buy a large capacity device because you have a large household or entertain frequently, it’s still important to note what the minimum water fill limit is so that you will know if you have the option to boil just enough water for 1 cup of tea or coffee on occasion as necessary. The ability to boil just a cup or two of water will save you both time and energy rather than heating more water than you actually need at any one time.
Also in regard to capacity, look out for a water level gauge which indicates the minimum, maximum, and/or number of cups clearly so that you will easily be able to heat just the amount of water you need at any given time.
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Tip: Travel/Compact kettles are convenient for use in guest rooms, dorm rooms and much more.
Tip: When considerng capacity, bear in mind that cups vary in size, so to be sure you know what you are getting, look at the actual measurement given for liters/quarts and see how many of your cups you will actually be able to get for the capacity given. i.e. if it says 12 cups that may be only be 6, 7 or 8 cups in your household! If you are looking for a large capacity kettle the Hamilton Beach 40870 model pictured here is considered fast and efficient and overall has achieved 4.1 stars based on well over 1,000 ratings. As well as the stainless steel version shown here, it also comes in red. |
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Corded and Cordless
Having a electrical cord dangling from a vessel as you attempt to pour from it or fill it can present a safety hazard as well as being a nuisance. Nowadays most larger appliances are cordless. They sit on a base and it is the base which is attached to the cord. You simply lift the kettle itself completely off the base and move/take it to the kitchen sink, cooker, another countertop or wherever you need to go in your kitchen or home without the cord itself – hence the description of cordless. Models which have the cord attached are tenable, but perhaps not best suited to infirm people, or anyone inclined to be clumsy.
Tip: Some models also have cord storage within/beneath the base which means you do not have the cord trailing along your countertop.
Boiling time, Noise and Water Temperature
Electric kettles are said to be more energy efficient than stovetop ones. Some models have quick boil features and/or temperature setting features which are very useful in that you can heat the water to just the right setting for the type of tea or beverage you are making for gain maximum enjoyment. Click here and scroll down the new page for information about getting water temperature and tea.
Unfortunately, electric kettles are not silent in use. Some are more noisy than others and can drown out conservation as the appliance approaches boiling point, so do look into noise levels online or in the spec if buying from a shop.
Tip: As a guide, insulated electric kettles or water boilers are cooler to the touch which is important if you have young curious children around. An added bonus of an insulated model is that the insulation can also serve to render them quieter in operation. Insulated models also keep the water hotter for longer.
Having a electrical cord dangling from a vessel as you attempt to pour from it or fill it can present a safety hazard as well as being a nuisance. Nowadays most larger appliances are cordless. They sit on a base and it is the base which is attached to the cord. You simply lift the kettle itself completely off the base and move/take it to the kitchen sink, cooker, another countertop or wherever you need to go in your kitchen or home without the cord itself – hence the description of cordless. Models which have the cord attached are tenable, but perhaps not best suited to infirm people, or anyone inclined to be clumsy.
Tip: Some models also have cord storage within/beneath the base which means you do not have the cord trailing along your countertop.
Boiling time, Noise and Water Temperature
Electric kettles are said to be more energy efficient than stovetop ones. Some models have quick boil features and/or temperature setting features which are very useful in that you can heat the water to just the right setting for the type of tea or beverage you are making for gain maximum enjoyment. Click here and scroll down the new page for information about getting water temperature and tea.
Unfortunately, electric kettles are not silent in use. Some are more noisy than others and can drown out conservation as the appliance approaches boiling point, so do look into noise levels online or in the spec if buying from a shop.
Tip: As a guide, insulated electric kettles or water boilers are cooler to the touch which is important if you have young curious children around. An added bonus of an insulated model is that the insulation can also serve to render them quieter in operation. Insulated models also keep the water hotter for longer.
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Materials used
Stainless Steel, aluminium, heat resistant plastic and glass are common materials for electric kettles. The stylish model shown here is stainless steel with a mirror finish. Elegant ceramic models, similar to the one pictured earlier on this page are also available and gaining popularity. Be sure to consider ease of handling when making your selection. Plastic appliances are light in weight and so are particularly worth considering if an infirm person will be using the device. A kettle which can be filled through the spout is also a bonus for the infirm. Some appliances have a button to easily release the lid. |
Heating Element
Heating elements which are concealed (i.e. do not come into contact with the water) are best in that they do not accumulate limescale as easily as those with an exposed coil element, and they are therefore easier to clean.
Heating elements which are concealed (i.e. do not come into contact with the water) are best in that they do not accumulate limescale as easily as those with an exposed coil element, and they are therefore easier to clean.
Design and Colour
With the wide choice of materials, sizes, colours, shapes, traditional and quirky designs now available online and in the shops, you will be spoilt for choice when choosing an electric kettle to compliment your kitchen decor and suit your style. Many have matching appliances e.g. toasters for a co-ordinated look. Tip: Whilst it is good to get an appliance which compliments your kitchen, safety and practicality are still of the essence and do choose carefully. |
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Safety Features
At some point, someone in the household will put the kettle on without checking how much, if any, water is in it. Those with boil dry protection are an excellent safety feature in that the appliance will stop working if there is no water inside.
Auto shut off once the water reaches boiling point, or the pre-set temperature, is another great feature. As well as being a help with safety, it will help save energy/electricity and money. Stay cool, easy grip handles are also important points to look into before purchase.
If you do choose a corded electric kettle, rather than a corded one, do ensure the cord cannot be easily reached by children. A corded device that has a coiled lead is considered safer that a standard cord but in general terms, cordless models like the ones on this page are safer and easier in practice.
Bearing all the above considerations in mind before you buy will help you choose the right electric appliance to suit your long term needs, and ensure that the everyday task of boiling water and making a cuppa is a quick and seamless task.
At some point, someone in the household will put the kettle on without checking how much, if any, water is in it. Those with boil dry protection are an excellent safety feature in that the appliance will stop working if there is no water inside.
Auto shut off once the water reaches boiling point, or the pre-set temperature, is another great feature. As well as being a help with safety, it will help save energy/electricity and money. Stay cool, easy grip handles are also important points to look into before purchase.
If you do choose a corded electric kettle, rather than a corded one, do ensure the cord cannot be easily reached by children. A corded device that has a coiled lead is considered safer that a standard cord but in general terms, cordless models like the ones on this page are safer and easier in practice.
Bearing all the above considerations in mind before you buy will help you choose the right electric appliance to suit your long term needs, and ensure that the everyday task of boiling water and making a cuppa is a quick and seamless task.
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Looking for something a bit different?
This neat and compact Hot Water Dispenser is an alternative for all your beverages, instant soup and more. The one shown here is white. There is also a black model available. It has been rated 4.2 out of 5 based on more than 1,300 reviews. |
We need boiling water for ...
... a huge variety of things, and on a regular basis. Common examples are for making beverages such as tea/fruit tea, coffee, hot chocolate, malted drinks, baby formula/milk. We need to add hot water to pot and pans and dishes as we prepare and cook our meals - e.g. for stock/gravy, boiling vegetables, rice and so much more. |
We also need hot water for things that some might deem to be a little odd, but just as essential. For example filling a hot water bottle on a cold and frosty night before retiring, or maybe you want the hot water bottle to soothe your aching back after a hard day at work or toiling in the yard or garden. And not forgetting for sterilisation/washing purposes. Some people use it to kill weeds outdoors, to fuel our steam irons - the list is simply endless.
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Further Reading
How electric kettles work Alternative Stove Top Brand Boiling Water in the 1900's
© Esther Strong 15 |
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