Varieties of electric kettles

There are three types of electric kettles:

  • Classic. Such a device works exclusively for heating water. At the same time, the heating rate is the highest of all types. Although classic models can heat water directly (when launched by the user), but they cannot do this on their own throughout the day. Their cost depends on the volume, capacity and availability of additional functions.
The most popular electric kettles
  • Thermopot. These devices are designed not only to heat water, but also to maintain the temperature for a certain period of time. In particular, these devices are convenient for offices and cafes, where it is necessary to have hot water throughout the day. There is no special need to purchase for the house, since to maintain the temperature, the thermopot consumes additional electricity and as a result, the consumption turns out to be much more than in classic models.
Popular thermopots
  • A teapot. This is a kind of "transformer" that allows you to boil water and make tea at the same time (there is a special small tank for this). Some models have a wide stand for connecting two devices, while others are designed like a "pyramid": a teapot on top, and a kettle on the bottom. The device is very convenient and practical, but it costs more than classic electric kettles.
A model with a teapot.

Criteria for choosing electric kettles

When choosing electric kettles, the following parameters should be taken into account:

  • Material of manufacture. The most popular is plastic. It has a low thermal conductivity (it keeps heat for a long time and does not let it through), so it heats up faster (compared to metal ones) and, accordingly, spends less electricity. However, it tends to scratch and fade. In some cheap models, at first the plastic case has an unpleasant smell, but over time it wears off. Metal electric kettles are the most durable of all and have an attractive appearance. However, they retain heat worse than others and take longer to heat up, so they require more electricity. At the same time, there is a possibility of getting a burn, since the case heats up very much. However, it is worth noting that some models are made with double walls, so they can keep warm for a long time, like a thermos. The advantage of glass kettles is the ability to control the water level even in the absence of special indicators, as well as their beautiful design. To maintain a good appearance, you need to wash the inside regularly (while the rest is just enough to rinse). When falling, it easily breaks. Just like a metal kettle, the walls of a glass kettle are very heated. The most beautiful and stylish are ceramic devices. Many of them have painted patterns and drawings. However, ceramic electric kettles are opaque, so the amount of water can only be found by looking inside. Also, such devices are quite heavy (in comparison with plastic and glass) and are not cheap.
  • Type of heating element. Heating elements are of open and hidden type. The open ones are spiral heating elements located at the bottom of the kettle. They are usually installed in cheap models. Open heating elements eventually become covered with scale and it is quite difficult to wash them. In contrast, the hidden heating elements are a cast disc (bottom), which is easier to clean from scale. They are more durable and have an aesthetic appearance.
Disk kettles
  • Power. The more powerful the kettle, the faster it will heat a certain volume of water. For example, a 2.2 kW kettle will heat 1 liter of water in 4 minutes (depends on the manufacturer). If you plan to buy a kettle with a volume of 2 liters or more, it is best to opt for models with a capacity of 2.5 kW.
  • Volume. It is worth choosing the volume of the electric kettle depending on the size of the family. The approximate calculation is performed as follows: 1 person = 1 cup (average 250 mL). If the family consists of 4 people, then it is worth taking a device with a volume of at least 1 liter.

Additional features worth paying attention to

In addition to the basic ones, electric kettles can be equipped with additional useful functions:

  • Temperature adjustment. This function is very convenient when it is necessary to heat the water to a certain temperature, for example, 70 degrees for brewing white tea or 85 degrees for Oolong tea. Some models allow heating up to 30 degrees — this is useful for preparing medical solutions or baby food (so that the mixture is warm, but not hot).
  • A stand for cooking eggs. A convenient thing that allows you to put several eggs and cook them in a kettle, such as in Vimar VK-174 800 W 1.8 L . At the same time, the holder allows you to pull out the eggs without touching them and without draining the water from the device. Usually the nozzles hold 6-7 eggs.
A stand for cooking eggs.
  • Thermometer. Thanks to him, you will see to what level the temperature has dropped and understand whether it is worth warming it again or not.
  • Control from a smartphone. The kettle is connected via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to a smartphone or tablet via a special application. You can control it remotely, for example, turn on the kettle without getting out of bed (water must be poured beforehand). Also, the application receives data on the temperature of the water, as well as its quantity. Such devices can be connected to a common "smart home" system. However, smart kettles are much more expensive than conventional models.
Smart kettle.
  • Postponing the start. The user can set the time in advance when the kettle will turn on and heat the water, for example, a few minutes before waking up. Most models have a start delay timer designed for 12 hours.
  • Water level indicator. The function allows you to control the amount of water and avoid turning on the device without it. It is worth noting that the vast majority of electric kettles have this function, except for ceramic models.
Kettles with smartphone control

Conclusion

For a family of 3 to 4 people, it is best to take a classic electric kettle with a volume of 1 liter and a power of 1 to 2 kW. Offices and catering establishments will be suitable for thermopots with the function of maintaining temperature. And in order for the sutra kettle to start heating the water itself without your participation, it is necessary to purchase smart models or devices with the function of delaying the start. For gourmets, of course, you will need a model with temperature control.

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