How to choose an electric kettle?

Content:

Body material
Power consumption
Heating element types
Additional functionality

Everyday life is difficult to imagine without such an important household item as an electric kettle. And surely every housewife will answer without a grain of doubt that she knows how to choose an electric kettle. But is it so easy to understand this issue when a huge selection of teapots of domestic and foreign manufacturers is presented on the shelves of stores and supermarkets? How to choose the right model that will become a reliable assistant in any kitchen?

When buying a device, experts recommend a more careful consideration of the main selection parameters, such as:

Material;
Power consumption;
Heating element types;
Additional functionality.

Body material

choosing an electric kettle

Various materials are used to manufacture the outer casing of the electric kettle - plastic, glass, ceramics, stainless steel. But which one is better, it's up to you.

Electric kettle made of plastic

The most affordable, and, accordingly, budgetary, are plastic devices. They have many advantages - light weight, durability, low cost, resistance to overheating, and a wide range of colors. However, over time, plastic cases become more fragile, an unpleasant chemical smell appears, and the former shine and brightness of colors are lost. In addition, at high heating temperatures, plastic releases a formaldehyde substance that is extremely hazardous to human health. In high-quality plastic devices, all edges and seams are perfectly even, the main elements are securely fixed, and on the back of the base there is a quality mark in the form of a trefoil placed in a circle.

Stainless steel electric kettle

Models made of stainless steel have long won the trust of most ordinary people. Without a doubt, they are more expensive and better than their plastic counterparts, more durable and practical, but, unfortunately, they are not without drawbacks. On such a surface, fingerprints, minor scratches, water stains and all kinds of stains will most often be noticeable. In general, this is a good option for everyday use, the only advice is not to leave boiled water in the kettle to avoid unpleasant odors and sediment.

Varieties of electric kettle

Glass electric kettle

This is the most environmentally friendly material, and, therefore, such devices are the safest to operate. It is worth considering that only the body of the device is made of glass, all other parts are made of plastic or metal, therefore, when choosing a kettle, again, it is worth considering a set of criteria.

Ceramic electric kettle

Ceramic models are not yet as popular and in demand in everyday life as their competitors, but, despite this, they continue to win the sympathy of consumers. Such devices are practical, durable and easy to daily care for.

Power consumption

The next parameter of choice is power. The rate of water heating depends on this characteristic - the higher the power, the faster the water will boil.

Depending on the model and type of heating element, the power of the kettle can range from 900 W to 3 kW.

Compact appliances with a volume of 1 liter consume 1 kW, the capacity of kettles for 1.2–1.5 liters does not exceed 2 kW, and large devices with a volume of 1.7–2 liters operate at a power of up to 3 kW.

Heating element types

To choose the right electric kettle, consider the main types of heating elements, and there are only two of them:

Open spiral element;
Disc heater.

Heating coil

This type of heater outwardly resembles a boiler familiar to everyone, attached inside to the base of the case. Models of kettles with open heating elements (tubular heating element) are low cost and this is their only advantage. The spiral element is difficult to descale, and you have to constantly monitor that it is in the water.

Electric kettle heating element type

Heating disc

In such models, the spiral is placed under the disc bottom, which protects it from rapid wear and scale formation. In kettles with a disc heater, you can heat a minimum amount of water (1 glass), they are not susceptible to corrosion, they are easier to care for, and the speed of water boiling is much higher.

If we talk about which device is better, then definitely, with a closed heater.

Additional functionality

Having considered the main parameters, it already became clear to you how to choose an electric kettle, but we also recommend not to forget about the additional functionality of such a device.

Modern teapot models may have the following options:

A timer is a delay in heating water by a specified time;
Long boiling function (3-4 minutes) to remove chlorine from water;
The function of maintaining the set temperature of boiled water. In this case, the kettle is used as a thermos;
Sound signal about the end of water heating;
Function of protection against turning on the device without water;
Option to automatically turn off the device after boiling;
Lid locking function until boiling;
Thermostat for setting the required water heating temperature (from 60 to 100 degrees) depending on the needs.

Now we can safely say that you know everything about how to choose an electric kettle. But, before you go for a long-awaited purchase, decide on those parameters that are key for you. Having decided on your desires, you can easily choose the right model.