How to Choose the Perfect Electric Kettle for Your Needs
Electric kettles come with a variety of finishes and features. Some have temperature controls, while others come pre-set for teas or coffees.
Some features can be beneficial when making certain teas or drinks, while others may deem them unnecessary. Ultimately, you should choose an electric kettle that best meets your needs.
Material
When selecting an electric kettle, the material used can make a big difference in its durability and functionality. Some materials are more resistant to rust than others – stainless steel, copper and glass being three examples – while others require less upkeep and repair.
Stainless steel is the ideal material for an electric kettle as it can withstand extreme temperatures without cracking or breaking. Furthermore, it’s easy to clean and keep in top condition.
Some models feature removable mesh filters that trap scale deposits for cleaner water. It is important to regularly clear these filters to prevent clogging and keep your kettle smelling fresh.
Plastic kettles are an attractive option due to their lightweight nature, cost efficiency and lack of denting or peeling issues like stainless steel kettles are prone to. Furthermore, these non-toxic kettles make them safe to use in the kitchen with ease.
These machines are great for making a variety of beverages, such as tea, coffee and lemonade. Plus, they’re user-friendly since they quickly boil water.
Making the ideal electric kettle for your needs is essential, as it will enable you to quickly and easily make delicious beverages. Look for one with a comfortable handle, wide spout, and transparent lid so you can see when the water has boiled.
Capacity
Electric kettles are a convenient way to make tea, coffee and other hot beverages at home. Plus they’re portable – perfect for taking on vacation or using in any place with power connection (like a hotel).
When shopping for an electric kettle, size, water capacity and features such as automatic shut off and temperature control options should all be taken into consideration. A reliable kettle should boil water quickly and evenly while being easy to fill and empty.
The average electric kettle has a capacity of 1.5 to 1.7 liters. If you frequently brew tea for several people or need large cups, opt for a larger model.
When selecting a kettle for serving hot drinks, size isn’t the only thing to consider. Kettles with capacities ranging from 2.5 to 3.5 liters are best suited for small groups while those with capacities exceeding four liters should be used for larger gatherings.
When searching for a coffeemaker, look for features such as temperature settings and a keep warm mode that keeps water warm until you need it again. These can make preparing hot beverages like ginger tea or green tea much simpler.
Another advantage of an electric kettle is that it uses less energy than stovetop models. Boiling a litre of water in an electric kettle only takes 100-300 seconds, while on gas stove top it would take 6-8 minutes for the same volume of water to come to boil.
Furthermore, many models come with auto shut off and boil dry protection – meaning they’ll automatically switch off if the water is empty, making them safer than stovetop options. These features help conserve energy and lower electricity bills – especially important for those living in areas with low energy prices.
Ergonomics
Ergonomics are an essential factor when selecting an electric kettle. The best ones are lightweight and heat resistant, so that you can handle them without fear of burning yourself.
Size is another important factor to take into account when purchasing an electric kettle. Larger ones are ideal for serving multiple cups of tea or coffee, while smaller models are perfect for personal use.
Temperature control is another feature to consider when shopping for an electric kettle. Tea connoisseurs will want their blends brewed at precisely the right temperature, so this feature should not be overlooked.
Your electric kettle should come equipped with a temperature readout that displays the boiling point of your water. Black, herbal and oolong teas should be steeped at a full 212 degrees Fahrenheit boil to preserve flavor and prevent bitterness; white and green teas should be steeped in water brewed between 170 to 185 degrees.
In addition to temperature control, many electric kettles feature timers and preset settings for specific teas or beverages. Some even feature a keep warm function which keeps water at a consistent temperature up to 20 minutes.
For those seeking a classic aesthetic, corded electric kettles with direct cord attachment to the bottom are available. However, these cords can be an inconvenience when pouring liquid out – many people opt for cordless models with removable bases instead.
Safety
When selecting an electric kettle, safety features should be taken into consideration. Some models boast automatic shutoff features that automatically stop heating once water reaches boiling temperature; they may also offer keep-warm settings which keep liquid at a preset temperature for extended periods of time.
Other clever features include multiple temperature settings and a water-level indicator to show how much liquid remains in the kettle. These conveniences make preparing hot drinks much simpler and more convenient.
Another safety feature to check for is a gooseneck spout that comes from the bottom of the kettle, rather than at the top. This helps prevent spout leaks which could result in injuries or other accidents.
When pouring water from a kettle that does not have its spout at the bottom, it can be challenging to pour without tilting the device. Furthermore, this makes cleaning difficult and could cause damage or even fires if left unchecked.
It is essential to avoid touching the base of a kettle when it is hot or plugged in, as this could cause an electrical short circuit and result in serious injury or death.
When boiling water for tea, coffee or soup, stainless steel and glass electric kettles are the safest options. Not only are these models more durable and heat-resistant than plastic models, but they’re less likely to contaminate the water with chemicals like BPA (Bisphenol A) or Phthalates.
Corded vs. Cordless
When it comes to making hot beverages and food, efficiency is key. An electric kettle is one of the appliances that helps make this possible.
Electric kettles come in a wide selection of designs, sizes, and colors; the one best suited to you will depend on your cooking needs and budget. Whether brewing tea, making instant oatmeal, boiling eggs or prepping meals for your family – an electric kettle is an indispensable item in the kitchen.
Stovetop kettles of the past were made of iron; electric models utilize heating coils immersed in water to heat water instead. This conserves energy and makes them faster and more energy-efficient.
They also feature an automatic shut-off function to stop boiling the water at the correct temperature, plus a keep-warm function to keep contents warm. Some even come equipped with timers and preset temperatures for specific teas and drinks.
Many people find corded kettles easier to handle and move around the kitchen, though they may be awkward if your space is limited or you have small counters.
Cordless kettles, on the other hand, feature their heating element built-into their base. Not only is this more convenient but it can be charged using a portable charger as well.
Cordless electric kettles come in a wide selection of colors, shapes and styles. Some feature an innovative gooseneck design that narrows the outlet passageway for pouring; another type has a transparent window so you can view how much water remains inside.