When it comes to choosing a new kettle, there is usually not much hesitation. Many just put their finger on the first one, the price of which did not starve and everything - the kettle is already at home. After a couple of years, buy another, then another again and so renews quite often. Is the electric kettle really that simple and doesn’t require much attention? Just not at the home of wise hosts ...

The principle of operation is the same everywhere

The principle of operation of the electric kettle is quite simple. A heating element built into the bottom or walls of the kettle, which is heated by electric current. It is a fairly powerful device that consumes up to 2 kW of energy. The kettle is placed on a stand, which transmits electricity. The stand is also often used to hide the cord if the socket is very close and you do not need to throw the cord on a table or kitchen worktop.
Other features? There aren't many of them. All electric kettles have an automatic shut-off function. It is called overheating protection. It is an elementary heat sensor that disconnects the power supply as soon as the water reaches a boiling point of 100 degrees.

Some kettles have special protection in the funnel so that the water flows exactly as needed. Very rarely does an electric kettle have a water heating function. Then it does not boil the water, but heats it to 50, 70, 80, 90 degrees.

If everything is the same, then how to choose the most suitable and best kettle?

Power

Start choosing from power. If the appliance is 700 W, it will heat the water for much longer than 2000 W. What power appliance do you need? First, look at how the kettle will be used. If you need 1-2 cups of tea in the morning and dinner, a simple not very powerful kettle will work.

If the kettle is constantly full, your family is large and the water is used not only for tea or coffee, but also for steaming porridge, cooking soup, etc., the choice should be more powerful. It works shorter, so it uses less electricity.

What is an electric kettle made of

There are four main materials from which electric kettles are made:

• Plastic. Cheap kettles with a glossy or matte plastic body may not be very good-looking, but they are really economical.
• Glass. Some kettles have a glass container so you can watch bubbles rise and water boils.
• Metal. The body of aluminum or other metal alloy looks solid and stylish.
• Ceramics. These are luxury kettles, often imitating ancient kettles that are stuck on the stove.

The price also depends on the choice of materials. Plastic kettles are the cheapest, metal and ceramic - the most expensive.

Sometimes the prices are quite different. What determines this?

Kettle design

One of the main criteria for choosing a kettle is design and appearance. If the kitchen is white and light - a white or glass kettle is ideal. Is black and other dark colors predominant? Suitable for black plastic and kettles with a metal body. The texture of the metal is also very compatible with metal elements and other items typical of industrial design lovers.

The shape of the kettle itself is also quite important. Although many are roller-shaped, there are both round and square kettles that immediately catch the eye. Drop-shaped kettles, which were used a hundred years ago, look very original.

These are retro style kettles that people with retro style kitchens love.

The kettle is constantly being improved. The result of such improvements is a new kettle-thermos. Not only does it boil water, but it can keep it warm for hours.

The price of the kettle depends on several things. What matters is what it is made of and what the brand is. If well known, obviously a kettle will be more expensive. Since there are not many sophisticated technologies inside, the price also determines the design. The more sophisticated and impressive the design, the higher the price of the device.

You can find a wide selection of kettles here ->>> 

Both in the winter and in the summer, the kettle is one of the most necessary household appliances in the kitchen. At the same time, it is one of the simplest devices. Its sole purpose is to boil water. Choosing a new kettle and thinking about buying it online? Here are some tips for choosing a kettle that will last and work well.

A simple kettle or electric?

Let's start with the fact that the kettle can not only be electric, but simple - heated on the stove. In modern kitchens, finding one is quite difficult for one reason. When electric kettle manufacturers started hiding heating elements, there was no difference in the water heating process. Whether the electric stove heats the steel bottom or a similar heating element is built into the kettle itself. The essence remains the same - the water is heated from below and its quality remains the same.

There is one condition where you may need a simple metal kettle placed on the stove. If your home has an oven with a food warming plate. In this case, the kettle is a very good way to heat the water. It stays hot for a long time and can be brewed at any time.
But even with such a stove and a simple kettle, the electric will not hurt. After all, you won't always wait for the wood to boil early in the morning to make coffee. With an electric kettle, you will take just 3 minutes, and this will take 15-20 minutes to cook a simple kettle on the stove.

The key is design

The electric kettle should be good looking. Yes, its design and appearance are practically the most important factor of choice. The kettle is constantly standing in the kitchen, so much attention is paid to it. It is important that it fits in with the furniture, countertop.
Some manufacturers invest heavily in appearance, so a kettle can cost as much as 150 euros, compared to 15-25 euros for ordinary kettles.

The design may include the use of certain materials. Plastic kettles look cheaper, so there are more luxurious models made of stainless steel. Glass and metal are also a good combination, so some kettles also have glass bodies.
Interestingly, some manufacturers make ceramic kettles. Like ceramics, they are embellished with various designs that resemble classic pottery. Such a kettle can be placed on the table when guests come to pour water themselves - it looks delicate.

Electric kettle functions

Don't be fooled - electric kettles can have more than 2 functions: turning on and off automatically when the water boils.

A common kettle has an LED light that illuminates the transparent parts of the cabinet.

Also, some kettles have special lime filters that can be removed and washed. In Lithuania, tap water is used, making lime a constant problem.

Some kettles may have a water heating function. This means they not only heat the water to 100 degrees Celsius, but also less, such as 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 and 100 degrees. Such a function is useful for the preparation of certain dishes. Likewise, lovers of exotic tea are happy to choose such kettles because not all tea requires 100 degrees of boiling water. 80 and 90 degrees water is also sufficient. What about microorganisms in the water? Bacteria die in water by heating to 70 degrees, so not fully boiled water is safe to drink.

We also saw special kettles that have the function of warming up baby bottles. Plugging silicone vials into the microwave oven is not usually recommended, so warming up in the kettle is efficient and easy, especially when setting the minimum temperature.

One of the classic features is a soleplate that conceals the cord, on which the kettle is placed. Fewer and fewer times you will encounter kettles with rising wires - not only that it is uncomfortable but also unsafe.
Some kettles have double walls to retain heat. This means that adding your hand to a boiling kettle will not burn you. Such models are in high demand in families with young children, where the little ones pay attention to the sounds of cooking or try to make tea themselves.

Capacity of electric kettles

Electric kettles vary in size. There are travel kettles with only 0.5 liters of water. That's just two cups of tea. Electric kettles of this capacity are suitable for one person. If at least two people live in the house, you need a kettle with a capacity of at least 1 liter. A larger family is recommended to purchase a 1.5 or 1.7 liter kettle. Higher capacity kettles are extremely rare.

More powerful kettles saves

The kettle has a maximum power of 2000 W. The EU directives prohibit more powerful appliances, so the maximum power applies to the kettles. Whenever possible, choose the most powerful appliances as they boil water faster in 3-5 minutes (full kettle).

The faster the kettle boils, the less energy it consumes. And with less use than a kettle heated on a stove or gas stove. Just being more efficient. 

Kettle care

We don't even need to talk about lime in our water. If you pour directly from the tap, keep in mind that in a year or two you will face this problem. Then you have to clean the kettle. You can buy special liming powder. You add a few tablespoons of powder, bring to a boil and pour out the water. Then you flush the kettle and it is like new again. These powders are low-cost and need them once every few months. If your kettle has a lime filter, remember to clean and replace it. This will pause the ironing of the entire kettle.

Although the kettle has a 2 year warranty, most quality kettles have a much longer life. Is it worth repairing them? Mostly not. The price of a kettle is not very high, so repairs can be much more expensive than a new kettle.