Electric Water Kettles Tips And Buying Guide
The electric kettle may be one of the electric appliances that you will find in most homes preferably in the kitchen area nowadays. It has been fast replacing the traditional stove top kettles we used to have before. It is simply a small kitchen appliance that is used for boiling water in preparation for making tea, coffee or other hot beverages and even instant cup noodles that requires hot water.
Electric water kettles mostly come in aluminum with an aluminum lid, handle and spout. But lately a lot of electric kettles made from superior quality plastics have also been in the market. Most electric kettles are made of shock proof body and Teflon coated heating element. They are also available in different shapes, designs, capacity and colors as well. The electric kettle is used in a variety of kitchen applications such as heating water, milk and tea preparation and is widely used in homes and even offices as well.
Let us try to look at its advantages and disadvantages:
Advantages
- Convenience – electric kettles are very easy to use, it easily moved without the fear of breaking since it comes in durable material. There are also cordless electric kettle models intended for easy movement around the kitchen. Moreover, you don’t need to wash it as often as before and store it in your kitchen cabinets.
- Speed – faster is definitely better. The electric water kettle can boil water twice as fast than the average stove top kettle. Some users claimed that it can boil 1 Liter of water in 4 minutes 10 seconds. Well, this machine is definitely for people who are always on the go.
- Energy efficient – by putting only the right amount of water we need we can save water as well as energy that can greatly contribute to climate change
- Efficiency – since it boils up water faster busy people can save time and have their coffee or instant noodles right away and get back to their work or continue their task immediately
- Safety – these are safer than the stove top kettles because of its automatic shut-off features that turn it off when the water hits its boiling point. This feature is great since it prevents fire hazards. Aside from this, it is also fitted with plastic that stays cool which helps you to avoid burns unlike the stove top kettle with metal handles that easily gets hot.
Disadvantages
- Adds up to your electric bill– because it uses electricity definitely it will add up to your electric bill although nowadays, there are energy-saving models that are available in the market which consume almost 40% less power.
- Repair cost/maintenance – just like any electrical appliances it may also cost you some money to maintain its good condition or perhaps even spend on a new kettle to replace the old one.
- Portability –since it uses electricity you cannot just bring it anywhere like in camping or hiking where electricity is obviously not available
- Minimum water amount – electric water kettles often require a minimum water amount to operate so you can’t just heat one cup
If you are interested in buying one you may want to compare prices of the most popular brands which are Delonghi, SWAN, Russell Hobbs, Siemens, Kenwood, Breville and Meyer to name a few.
When buying electric kettles try to remember the following:
- Space – make sure you have easily accessible counter space and electrical outlets
- Material – make sure that it is highly durable, try to check some product reviews to determine which is best for you
- Extras –some features may be important such larger handles, wider insulated spouts and water gauges
- Power consumption – try to check out energy efficient models to save electricity
Once you already have an electric kettle make sure that you will use it only when necessary and just put the right amount of water you need. With this simple action you can already save electricity as well as water while enjoying your cup of coffee!
