Choosing an electric kettle: metal, ceramic or glass?

Scarlett SC-EK27G02 2200 W 2 L black

The most inexpensive kettle in our review, at the same time, has the largest volume — 2 liters. This is enough for a big family tea party. However, with such a volume, the Scarlett SC-EK27G02 does not lead in our Top 5 in terms of power consumption (2200 watts), yielding to less capacious models from Bosch and Redmond. Therefore, you should not expect record-breaking water heating speeds from this kettle.

The Scarlett SC-EK27G02 water tank is made of glass. This material has an important advantage: unlike plastic and partially metal, it does not change the chemical parameters of water even with prolonged use of the kettle. In addition, in combination with the illumination of the case, the transparent case of the Scarlett SC-EK27G02 has a decorative effect — it is pleasant to observe the process of boiling water. On the other hand, the disadvantage of a glass device is also obvious — it is easy to break it.

Like all models in the review, Scarlett is equipped with a closed heating element — more modern and practical compared to an open spiral. The closed element is a metal disk that covers the bottom of the device. It has no protruding parts (you can pour water into one cup inside), it is convenient to clean it from scale. In addition, kettles with a closed heating element, usually, have protection against switching on without water. It is also worth noting that the Scarlett SC-EK27G02, like the rest of the devices in our review, can be rotated 360 degrees on the stand, which is convenient.

Gorenje K 10 KARIM 1630 W 1 L multicoloured

Among other electric kettles, the model from the Slovenian company Gorenje clearly stands out for its design: both the shape and the original colour scheme. And this is not for nothing: Gorenje K 10 KARIM is a designer teapot. It is part of the Gorenje household appliances collection, on the appearance of which the world-famous designer Karim Rashid worked (Karim's autograph is emblazoned on the body of the kettle).

Gorenje K 10 KARIM belongs to the not the most common, but interesting category of ceramic models. Ceramic retains heat for a long time, does not affect the chemical composition of water, is pleasant to the touch, its surface is not branded. A complete analogy with the usual teapot, with which the traditional tea party is associated.

According to user reviews, when the water is heated, the handle and lid remain cold. To prevent the lid from falling out when pouring water, it is equipped with a silicone insert. Another nuance that you can pay attention to is that you cannot check the water level in this kettle without lifting the lid.

Gorenje K 10 KARIM is the smallest in our review, its volume is only one liter. Therefore, it can be recommended for use by one or two persons. There is also an advantage in a small volume: high power consumption is not needed to heat the water, so the kettle works very quietly, almost noiselessly.

Bosch TWK 8613 black Price from 3 265 up to 5 087 ₴ →

The device from Bosch is distinguished by an attractive design in the Art Nouveau style, with a combination of metal and plastic elements. Two colours are available to customers — black and white.

The main feature of the kettle is that it can not only boil water, but also heat it to a temperature of 70, 80 and 90 °C (without boiling). Different water temperature options will be appreciated by tea drinkers. For brewing black tea, a temperature of 90-95 °C is required, and 80 °C and 70 °C, respectively, are suitable for green and white. Elite varieties of tea are especially sensitive to temperature. And some even believe that water brought to a boil slightly worsens the taste of tea. The double walls of the housing and the heat support function allow you to keep the set water temperature for up to 30 minutes.

The power consumption of the kettle is the maximum among the models in our review: 2400 watts. The Redmond RK-M130D has the same power, but with a larger volume — 1.7 liters versus 1.5 liters for the Bosch TWK 8613. Such a high power with not the largest volume allows you to heat the water very quickly. But there is also a downside — Bosch is quite noisy when heated. In addition, the higher the power, the greater the load on the electrical network, so in apartments with old wiring, you should be careful not to turn on other powerful electrical appliances at the same time as the kettle.

The owners of the Bosch TWK 8613 also note a very loud on-off signal. On the one hand, it will be clearly audible that the water has boiled, on the other — such a signal may be out of place if, for example, the household is sleeping or you will be next to him. But it is convenient to operate the device with one hand — the lid opens by pressing a button.

Kenwood kMix SKM 034 black

If you don't like the traditional hi-tech design for most electric kettles, pay attention to the SKM 030 model from the British brand Kenwood. In appearance, it corresponds to ordinary kettles that are put on the stove.

The SKM 030 case is made of stainless steel and is enameled in white, black or red colours to choose from. The vintage design of the model is complemented by chrome elements.

A steel teapot has a clear advantage over its plastic, glass and ceramic counterparts in terms of strength: it should not suffer, even if it falls from a height of several metres. The plastic and ceramic body in such a situation is likely to split, and the glass may even break into small fragments.

Kenwood SKM 030 holds 1.25 liters — this volume of water should be enough for a family of two or three people. At the same time, its power is the same as that of the two—liter model from Scarlett: 2200 watts. This combination of volume and power allows you to boil water very quickly. The minimum amount of water that can be heated is 500 mL. Therefore, it is convenient that despite the retro design, the Kenwood SKM 030 is equipped with a window with a marked scale for checking the water level.

Redmond RK-M130D 2400 W 1.7 L

The most expensive teapot in our review belongs to the American brand Redmond. Like the Bosch TWK 8613, this model can heat water to a preset temperature. Only the temperature range of the Redmond RK-M130D is wider: values of 40, 55, 70, 85 and 95°C are available. Therefore, such a device can be recommended not only to tea drinkers, but also to parents of infants, who will find it very useful to be able to heat water to 40 and 55 °C. After all, for the preparation of infant formula, you do not need boiling water, but warm water, and quickly — and Redmond RK-M130D is suitable for this purpose as well as possible.

In addition, Redmond can also maintain a preset temperature for up to four hours, which means you will have hot water at hand when you urgently need it. So it will be a good addition to the usual devices for hygiene and feeding children.

The body of the model is made of stainless steel, and the decorative shell is made of black or white plastic. Thanks to this solution, the plastic does not come into contact with water, and it is impossible to get burned on the body.

The volume of the kettle is 1.7 liters . This is less than a two-liter Scarlett SC-EK27G02, but more than the rest of the review participants. This volume is quite enough for a tea party with the family. And among the disadvantages, the owners of this device in their reviews noted the difficulty of controlling the kettle — you need to get used to the buttons and their combinations.