Type
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Electric kettle.Electric kettles are traditional water heating containers that come with built-in heaters. Unlike thermopots (which are designed to maintain the temperature of the liquid), electric kettles are primarily intended for boiling water and do not have advanced temperature control features.
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Thermopot. Thermopots are hybrid devices that incorporate features of both electric kettles and thermoses. They have thick walls, often double-layered, and a tighter lid, which provides improved thermal insulation compared to traditional electric kettles. Additionally, they typically have a built-in pump for dispensing water. The primary advantage of a thermopot is its ability to both heat water and maintain its temperature for an extended period, thanks to the enhanced insulation. This makes them ideal for situations where a constant supply of hot water is needed. However, they are slower to heat water compared to regular electric kettles, so it's essential to plan ahead.
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Hot water dispenser. A kind of kettles, outwardly similar to thermo pots, but according to the principle of operation, it resembles the “hot water” function in
coffee machines. The dispenser is designed to store water and does not have a built-in heater. Instead, the heating process occurs when water is dispensed, resulting in hot water be
...ing available within seconds. This process is energy-efficient since only the volume of water dispensed is heated. Dispensers usually offer a range of temperature controls, and some models allow for a predetermined amount of hot water to be dispensed. However, the main drawback of these devices is their relatively high cost.
— Brewing.These are kettles that are specifically designed for brewing tea and other beverages. They feature a strainer or a similar device for steeping tea leaves or herbs. Many of these models come equipped with a thermostat, which makes it easy to select the ideal brewing temperature for different types of tea. Glass is the preferred material for the body of such kettles, often in combination with metal, as it allows for monitoring the brewing process, controlling the colour and transparency of the contents, while not affecting the taste or aroma of the beverage. These kettles can also be used to heat water for other purposes, by simply removing the strainer or leaving it empty.
— Brewing kit. A hot drink preparation kit that includes two separate vessels, a kettle and a teapot. The kettle is used to heat water, while the teapot may not have a built-in heater and can be a traditional vessel. This option may be more suitable for certain types of tea that require immediate infusion with hot water. However, two-piece sets tend to be heavier, larger, and more costly than multipurpose kettles with brewing capabilities, which makes them less popular nowadays.
It's worth mentioning that samovars in the form of electric kettles are also considered brewing kits, but they have unique features that distinguish them from other types and warrant their classification as a separate category (see below).
— For brewing coffee. Kettles with an elegant "swan neck" design feature a thin, curved S-shaped spout that allows for precise pouring of water. Some models for making coffee also have the ability to control the water temperature accurately. This allows for a gradual and even supply of hot water through the spout, resulting in a well-extracted coffee during the brewing process. These kettles are also suitable for making certain types of tea that require precise temperature control during preparation.
— Samovar. Electric samovars are modern devices designed to imitate traditional samovars. These models usually have a retro design (see "Design"), but there are also original-looking devices within this style. Typically, an electric samovar consists of a main vessel for heating water and a teapot, which is placed on top of the main vessel and is heated by its heat. While electric samovars are functional, they are bulkier and more expensive than regular electric kettles. As a result, they are not commonly produced and are mainly aimed at enthusiasts of antique items and those who enjoy unique kitchen accessories.Volume
The nominal capacity of a kettle refers to the maximum amount of water that can be safely poured into it, and it is typically indicated by the water level indicator. In the case of brewing sets (see "Type"), the nominal capacity refers to the main kettle, while the capacity of the teapot is listed separately (see below).
The capacity of the electric kettle directly affects the amount of water that can be heated at once. A larger capacity allows for heating more water, but this also means the kettle will be larger and heavier. Additionally, heating a larger volume of water requires either more power or a longer time. Therefore, it is important to consider one's actual needs when choosing a kettle based on its capacity. For example,
mini-kettles for travelling (or for one person) have a volume of up to 1 liter. For home use in a family of 2 – 3 people, a 1,5 – 2 liter model is enough. Devices for
2 – 3 liters are already well suited for a small office or a similar situation. The most spacious electric kettles are designed to hold 10 liters or more, and are typically used in public places such as canteens and cafes for dispensing hot water.
Body shape
The general shape of the body of the electric kettle.
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Conical. The most popular option: a body is wide at the base and tapering upwards. This form contributes to stability: the centre of gravity is maximally displaced downwards. However washing such a kettle from the inside may not be very convenient due to the relatively small size of the opening in the upper part.
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Cylindrical. The cylindrical shape provides more or less the same width of the body at the base and at the top. With the same height and base diameter, such kettles hold slightly more water than conical ones; in addition, such a device is easier to clean due to the wide opening for the lid.
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Inclined. The body which is inclined forward; the width of such a body is usually more or less the same over the entire height. Such kettles have an unusual, eye-catching appearance; in addition, it is easier to pour water from them — the device must be inclined at a smaller angle than with a cylindrical and even with a conical body. However, this option does not provide fundamental advantages over the same cylindrical shape, but it is more expensive, and therefore is not common.
Display
The own
display noticeably simplifies and facilitates the use of the kettle. Most often, this is the simplest single-colour screen, capable of displaying 2 — 3 figures and possibly the individual special symbols — however, in this case, more is not required. The display is especially convenient when selecting and controlling the heating temperature — after all, it is much more convenient to navigate by specific numbers than by simpler devices like colour indicators. Actually, the presence of a screen almost 100% guarantees that this model is also equipped with a thermostat.
Material
The main material of the kettle.
Note that this paragraph primarily considers external material; the inner coating may differ from it. As for specific options,
metal (usually steel),
plastic and
glass products are the most popular nowadays. More rare are
glass with metal and
ceramics (including porcelain). Here is a more detailed description of the different materials:
— Steel. Stainless steel is a popular material for kettles due to its strength, stylish appearance, and non-corrosive properties. It is available in a wide range of price categories. However, steel's high thermal conductivity may increase energy consumption and create a risk of burns. Steel is also opaque, so transparent inserts are necessary to monitor water levels. It is not suitable for teapots as it can give an extraneous aftertaste to the drink.
— Plastic. Plastic kettles are inexpensive and can be produced in various colors and transparency. They have low thermal conductivity, which reduces the risk of burns when touched. However, plastic is prone to scratches and can fade over time. Inexpensive plastic models may emit an unpleasant smell and taste when heated, but higher-priced models may use better quality plastic or have a metal lining to prevent this issue. Some high-end plastic materials
...are available but cost more.
— Glass. Glass kettles have a visually appealing and transparent appearance, allowing you to easily monitor the water level without any special indicators. This is especially useful for teapots, as it enables the user to monitor the colour and saturation of the tea during the brewing process. Glass containers do not affect the taste or smell of the drink, which is highly beneficial for tea drinkers. Although glass is considered fragile, it is difficult to break such a container in reality. However, one of the downsides of glass containers is that any scale or contaminants inside the container are easily visible from the outside, requiring extra care to maintain their appearance. The thermal conductivity of glass is average, making it less prone to heat transfer than steel, but more so than many types of plastic. Therefore, touching a heated glass kettle should be avoided to prevent the risk of burns.
It should be noted that glass kettles often have parts made of materials other than glass. Usually, the top and bottom, as well as the handle, are made of plastic or a combination of plastic and metal. However, if these parts are mostly made of metal, the material is referred to as "glass with metal."
— Glass with metal. There are glass kettles that have metal top and bottom parts, with only a plastic insert in the lid for convenience purposes. These teapots are considered more advanced than the regular glass models that use plastic, as metal adds a sense of solidity and enhances durability. Also, since the contents of the kettle do not come into contact with plastic, the possibility of foreign tastes and odors is almost non-existent. However, such teapots are relatively expensive, although there are also affordable options available.
— Ceramics. Ceramics have a distinct advantage in terms of aesthetics as they offer a stylish appearance, making them an ideal choice for retro-style kettles or those with a classic design. Moreover, they are usually adorned with unique patterns and designs. Apart from their appearance, ceramic kettles do not affect the taste of the contents and provide excellent heat retention due to their thick walls. However, they are heavy and vulnerable to shocks, their opaque cases make it difficult to check water levels without opening the lid, and they lack water level indicators. Therefore, if appearance is a priority, ceramics can be an attractive option despite these drawbacks.
— Porcelain. Porcelain is a type of ceramic material that is highly valued for its prestigious appearance and is considered expensive. However, it is also fragile and requires delicate handling, which is why it is not commonly used in electric kettles.
