How to choose an electric kettle

When choosing an electric kettle, you should first of all build on its technical characteristics. Design is, of course, also important, but it is the operational parameters that are of paramount importance.

content

1. Features to look out for
2. The principle of operation and device of the electric kettle
3. Types of electric kettles
4. Electric kettle selection options
5. Extra options
6. Which electric kettle to choose
7. Electric kettle cost
8. The best manufacturers of electric kettles – which company to choose
9. Video on choosing an electric kettle

How to choose an electric kettle: characteristics to look out for

When choosing an electric kettle, you should pay attention to the following parameters:

1. Heating element type;

2. Body material;

3. Power;

4. Additional functions.

5. The price and the manufacturer of the device are also important.

The principle of operation and device of the electric kettle

Electric kettles are inherently fairly simple appliances. Their design includes:

1. The body, which is combined with a water tank;

2. A heating element;

3. Temperature sensor, which is designed to automatically turn off the kettle when it boils. In budget models, a pressure sensor is also used, which is used for the same purposes;

4. A stand that acts as a contact pad for transmitting electric current to the heating element;

5. Control panel or power button. Depending on the functionality of the kettle, it is designed to set the temperature or simply turn on the device.

The stand in the vast majority of models of electric kettles is nothing more than a contact pad, thanks to which the kettle itself becomes wireless. Only on multifunction devices is it equipped with additional electronic controls, for example, to adjust the water temperature.

Everything else is installed directly in the kettle itself. After turning on the device, the circuit between the contact pad and the heating element is closed, and the latter begins to increase its temperature.

After the temperature of the water in the kettle reaches a certain value, the thermal relay or the corresponding sensor is triggered, which opens the circuit. In budget devices, a sensor is installed not for temperature, but for steam pressure. The boiled, gaseous water contacts him, and he opens the circuit.

Kettles with a temperature sensor are significantly safer than models equipped with a steam pressure sensor. They are cut off by the heat. Therefore, the sensor also works if there is no water in the kettle, and if its lid is not closed tightly. But they are also more expensive.

Types of electric kettles

There are three types of electric kettles:

1. With visible (tubular) heating element;

2. With an invisible (disc) heating element;

3. Thermos kettles.

The difference between them lies only in some design features.

Electric kettles with tubular heating element

It should be noted right away that in 2017 such teapots are practically not produced. They are equipped with a sufficiently large tubular heating element, which is located at the bottom of the water tank.

Advantages

• Such teapots are much cheaper;
• Efficient use of high power – water boils faster.

disadvantages

• Scale accumulates on such a heating element, which leads to its breakdown and makes the water harder;

• These teapots are much more difficult to clean;

Electric kettles with disc heating element

Almost all modern kettles are equipped with a disc heating element. To the user, it looks like a metal plate located at the bottom of the water tank.

Advantages

• The high contact area with water results in rapid and uniform heating;

• Teapots equipped with a disc heating element are easier to clean.

• It practically does not form scale;

disadvantages

• Low maintainability;

• Quite a high level of noise during operation;

Almost all modern models of electric kettles are equipped with disc heating elements.

Thermos kettle (thermopot)

The main structural difference between the thermos kettle and the 'usual' one is the wall materials. Usually they are two-layer, which, firstly, allows you to keep the temperature high for a long time, and secondly, does not allow the outer surface to heat up.

Advantages

• Effective power consumption (high efficiency);

• Safety – you can touch the outer surface without the risk of burns;

• It is not required to heat the water shortly after it boils (it stays hot for a long time);

disadvantages

• High price;

• High energy consumption.

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It is also worth considering that many thermos kettles are equipped with a mode for maintaining a high water temperature.

Electric kettle selection options

When choosing electric kettles, the following parameters should be determined:

1. Body material;

2. Teapot volume;

3. Kettle power.

It is they who determine the performance of the device.

Body material

The vast majority of teapots are made of plastic, glass or metal. There are also ceramic models, but they are quite rare.

Plastic teapots

Plastic teapots are the simplest and most affordable option. However, they are not recommended for purchase, since even the most heat-resistant polymers can decompose when heated and release unpleasant odors or harmful substances.

Advantages

• The body of the kettle does not heat up;

• Low price;

• Easy to care for;

• Low weight;

disadvantages

• When heated, plastic can give off unpleasant odors or harmful substances;

• Fire safety (plastic melts under high temperature).

Metal teapots

Metal kettles are a good solution if you need to boil water quickly. Thanks to the thermal conductivity of stainless steel, it heats the liquid 'from all sides'. But the temperature of the outer wall also rises.

Teapots made of metal and plastic or equipped with double walls are spared from this disadvantage.

Advantages

• Fast water heating;

• Durability.

• High mechanical strength;

• Low weight;

disadvantages

• Relatively high price;

• Heating of the outer wall of the case.

Glass teapots

Glass teapots are the most environmentally friendly. When heated, they do not emit harmful substances into the water, they boil the liquid quickly and efficiently (with high efficiency). However, they require constant care.

Advantages

• High efficiency – fast heating of water;

• Maximum environmental friendliness, no emission of harmful substances when heated;

• Attractive appearance;

disadvantages

• High difficulty in care, since any dirt spoils the attractive appearance of the device;

• The outer walls of the kettle are very hot – there is a possibility of getting a burn;

• Mechanical fragility – they break even with a slight impact, especially if the glass is already heated.

Ceramic teapots

Ceramic teapots are rare, expensive, but very environmentally friendly and have an attractive appearance. Models decorated with painting or similar classical patterns are especially 'cozy'. In addition, ceramics keep the water hot for a long time.

Advantages

• Attractive appearance;

• Eco-friendly;

• Keep water hot for a long time;

disadvantages

• Large mass;

• High price;

• The outer walls are heated;

• Boil for a long time;

• Low mechanical strength;

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When buying a ceramic teapot, it is very important to take into account its ergonomics – it is required that the handle is as comfortable as possible, because the mass of the device itself is quite high.

When buying a ceramic teapot, it is very important to take into account its ergonomics – it is required that the handle is as comfortable as possible, because the mass of the device itself is quite high.

Volume

The higher the volume of the electric kettle, the more energy is required to boil water. However, the cooling time increases proportionally. Large kettles cool more slowly than small kettles, regardless of the body material used.

To reduce the time it takes a large kettle to boil, manufacturers increase the power of the device. So, models with a capacity of 2 liters or more usually have a power of 3 kW or even more.

However, it should be borne in mind that the use of teapots with a volume of more than 2 liters in the vast majority of cases is impractical, especially if the device is used by only 1-2 people. This leads to an overconsumption of electricity, as technology constantly has to boil water that is not being used.

For a house where 1-2 people live, a small electric kettle with a capacity of about 1 liter is suitable. For families with children, it is worth looking at a model designed for 1.5-2 liters. A larger volume should be used only in teams – and then on the condition that all employees go to drink tea at the same time.

Power

The higher the power of the kettle, the faster it boils. However, as the capacity increases, so does the consumption of electricity. Therefore, when choosing an economical kettle, you should pay attention to models of 2.5 kW or less.

But it is worth considering that the power of the kettle directly depends on its volume. So, models that are designed for 2 or more liters of water are usually equipped with a heating element of 3 kW or more.

Thus, an excellent solution for home use would be a 1-1.5 liter kettle with a capacity of 2-2.5 kW. It will heat up very quickly, and there will be no excess energy consumption.

Extra options

The additional parameters determine the usability rather than the practical qualities of the kettle. However, they make it more convenient to use. Among these additional parameters are:

1. Timer;

2. Display;

3. Programmable modes of operation and 'smart' functions;

4. Double walls;

5. Filter.

The timer in kettles is designed for delayed on or off. This function is useful, but only if it allows you to choose the time for boiling water. This will allow the kettle to be preheated – for example, when the owner comes home.

The liquid crystal display is a rather useless function, given that the list of capabilities of electric kettles is not so wide as to display parameters on a separate screen. To indicate the set mode, LED elements or mechanical dials are sufficient. On the other hand, the display can be useful for models with a built-in on timer.

Programmable operating modes and 'smart' functions such as remote control and the same on timer do not make using the kettle much more convenient. Of course, there are several cases where they would be applicable (for example, boiling water at a certain time or starting without getting up from the couch), but their feasibility still remains controversial.

Double walls have, ironically, two purposes. First, they reduce the rate of water cooling, so they are most often found in thermopots. Secondly, they make the use of the kettle especially safe, since its outer side does not heat up, even if there is boiling water inside.

The filter is most often found in thermos kettles. It is a useful functional element that not only purifies the water, but also protects the internal communications of the device from damage caused by scale.

Additional functions increase the cost of the kettle, so it is worth purchasing devices equipped with them only if it is really necessary.

Which electric kettle to choose

As is clear from the above, the ideal solution would be to purchase a kettle with the following technical characteristics:

1. Disc heater;

2. Glass-metal body;

3. Volume up to 1.5-2 liters;

4. Power up to 2.5 kW.

But when choosing a teapot, it is worth starting from your needs and wishes. So, with a limited budget, you can look for a plastic model, and if you want comfort, then a ceramic one. In a large family, there will be a use for teapots with a capacity of 2 liters or more, and people who do not want to wait for a boil will rejoice in a thermal pot.

Electric kettle cost

The price of electric kettles starts from several hundred rubles. But in this ultra-budget segment there are mainly plastic models that are not recommended for purchase.

Recommended for purchase are metal, glass and ceramic teapots, whose cost ranges from one to several thousand rubles. Actually, it is in this range that the vast majority of models are located.

More expensive than 10 thousand rubles are found primarily in premium electric kettles from companies such as KitchenAid or Bugatti.

The price of thermopots starts from 1 thousand rubles, and the vast majority of models are in the price range of 2-5 thousand rubles.

The best manufacturers of electric kettles – which company to choose

Electric kettles are usually produced by companies that produce household and kitchen appliances, and the quality of these products in most cases is about the same as everything else.

1. Thus, the best kettle makers are as follows:

2. Bosch, Philips, Tefal – in the budget and middle price segment. They even make high-quality plastic teapots;

3. DeLonghi, Vitek (original) – in the middle and top price segment;

4. KitchenAid is a recognized leader in the top price segment.

5. You can also highlight the companies Redmond and Panasonic, but this is among the manufacturers of thermal pots.

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In the following articles, our experts will tell you how to choose the right kettle for the stove and the secrets of choosing a bread machine.

Video on choosing an electric kettle

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Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a purchase guide.