Stainless steel kettles: fast, stylish, practical and durable

Saturn has been manufacturing household appliances for 16 years and is one of the flagships of the low-cost segment.

The ST EK8434 model is the most popular model of the electric kettle from the manufacturer presented at the moment.

One of the advantages of the model is the lid, which, like the case, is also made of stainless steel, which is not often found in low-cost models. Thus, despite its low-cost, the kettle looks quite stylish and expensive. There are no questions about appearance.

But there are minor flaws in the design. The plastic handle is attached inside the case, which is why some users complain about the smell of plastic that water acquires. Although, after several boils, this problem is eliminated. Yes, and the plastic handle mount itself is located above the water limit, so it does not come into direct contact with it.

Also, during boiling, water may leak in the place where the spout is attached to the body, and eventually in other places where plastic and metal connect. Another disadvantage for the user may be the absence of a mesh filter from scale.

Of the utilities, we note the presence of a light indicator of operation, but the absence of a water level control window may cause inconvenience to some users, however, as well as excessive noise of the kettle when working. Although, given its high power and, accordingly, very fast water heating, the ST EK8434 does not make noise for very long, 3-4 minutes, so you can be patient. From other inconveniences: the lid opens tightly. You need to make an effort.

The designers of Polaris took care not only of the appearance of the PWK 1864CA, but also of its colour performance, providing the buyer with three colour options for plastic elements: grey, silver and burgundy.

There are no complaints about the build quality, and the manufacturer's 2-year warranty confirms this. The case is completely made of stainless steel, which prevents water from contacting the plastic during boiling, thereby eliminating unpleasant "plastic" odours and tastes.

The presence of a descaling filter is an additional advantage.

The electric kettle is equipped with 2 levels of protection: from overheating and from switching on without water. The disadvantage is that the water level indicator is hidden under the handle. We need to look closely. But the handle itself is very comfortable, the kettle is easy to hold, while a pleasant heaviness is felt, giving the model solidity. The lid opens easily, and most importantly widely, it is convenient to pour water.

The stand has a special compartment for the power cord, into which it conveniently and almost imperceptibly hides.

During operation, the kettle makes a lot of noise, especially if it is less than half full. Fortunately, you don't have to endure noise for a long time. Thanks to its high power, the PWK 1864CA boils 1.8 liters of water in just 3 minutes.

Philips HD 9320 belongs to the electric kettles of the average price category and significantly surpasses many models in this segment in terms of build quality and ergonomics, and in addition has a nice stylish design.

Heats up quickly and silently, even at the moment of boiling. The metal is of high quality, it is felt both by weight and by how long the kettle retains heat. The quality of plastic elements is also on top. The water doesn't smell like plastic.

The spout is equipped with a mesh descaling filter. There is an operation indicator light on the power button located under the handle. The button itself is made of transparent plastic and requires careful handling.

The HD9320 was not without its drawbacks.

Let's start with the lid, which opens not with a button, but manually. Therefore, if someone wants to look into the kettle when it has just boiled, you risk burning your fingers. The lower part of the lid partially covers the diameter of the water inlet hole. This is quite inconvenient, especially if you pour boiling water from a filter jug.

The visibility of the water level indicator, despite the fact that it is quite large, and the scale on it is marked quite clearly, partially overlaps with an equally large kettle handle. The inconvenience is, frankly, trifling, but still present.

The KL 230 model from Tefal is a representative of a restrained classical style, it is not equipped with fashionable bells and whistles, but at the same time handles with its duties perfectly. The water boils very quickly, because the power of the kettle is truly impressive – 2.4 kW. It takes less than 3 and a half minutes to boil the maximum capacity of 1.7 liters.

The stainless steel case is made soundly and is quite heavy, the plastic is of high quality, nothing creaks anywhere, and the water does not smell like plastic.

As for the combination of design and usability, in this regard, the model is thought out as well as possible. On both sides it is equipped with windows for monitoring the water level, as well as an orange backlight of the power button. The design of the kettle is also at a height: the lid does not hang out, the handle is quite comfortable, and the spout is wide, which practically eliminates the possibility of getting burned by splashes of boiling water. Also, an anti-scale filter is attached to the spout, which, due to the removable design, is convenient to wash.

The stand has a convenient compartment for the cord.

Despite the obvious advantages and simplicity, the price of the model, in our opinion, is somewhat overstated in favor of the brand. But, as they say, you also have to pay for the image.

Braun WK 600 stands out from among stainless electric kettles with a beautiful case made of high-quality brushed steel. The thickness of the case is solid, as evidenced by the considerable weight of the model as much as 2.5 kg!!! Due to the thickness of the metal, the housing does not heat up much and at the same time retains a high water temperature for a long time.

Heats up the WK 600 fast enough. Thanks to the accelerated boiling system, water per cup boils in 45 seconds.

The ergonomics of the kettle is also at a high level. Using it will be equally convenient for both left-handed and right-handed people. The water level indicator is located on both sides of the handle, and the power button is designed just for the thumb.

In addition, the manufacturer took care of the user's safety by equipping the device with a 4-stage auto-off system, which works both traditionally after boiling, and if you remove the included kettle from the base or try to open the lid, which is blocked during operation. In addition, the kettle simply won't turn on if you forget to pour water into it.

Traditionally for all Braun electric kettles, this model has a cable compartment and a descaling filter.

But without a spoonful of tar in a barrel of honey, as usual, it does not do. The reviews of some buyers name the quality of the plastic from which the water level indicators are made. Usually, the problem lies in the flow of water through the seams connecting the stainless steel housing with plastic panels of water level indicators. But the problem is far from massive, besides, it usually appears only after a long service life.

Like the previous model, the price of the kettle is a little indecent, even despite the traditional, though not perfect, German quality.