How does an electric kettle work?

Electric kettles, along with other household appliances, have become a part of our daily lives. It's hard to find an apartment or office that doesn't have one.

Operating principle of an electric kettle

Despite the huge selection of models, they are all designed the same and quite simply. Understanding the principle of operation, you can even repair the electric kettle yourself if the need arises.

The kettle structure is elementary:

• Frame,
• Stand,
• A heating element,
• Glass flask,
• Thermostat.

So, let's look at how this household appliance works. Cold water is poured inside the case, placed on a stand and the plug is inserted into the socket. Next, turn on the device with a button or key, which can be located either under the handle or above it, or built into the lid.

Then the heating element located at the bottom of the device begins its work. The water is heated to a boil and converted into steam, which acts on the bimetallic plates. These plates automatically turn off the electric kettle. As you can see, the mechanism is absolutely simple.

For the manufacture of the case, heat-resistant plastic or stainless steel is most often used; models with a glass case, less often ceramic, are also quite common. The disadvantages of plastic kettles include an unpleasant odor when heated and a less presentable appearance. At the same time, the metal or glass case heats up more, and if you accidentally touch it, you can get burned.

Ceramic models are heavy and break easily. The volume of the water container is usually from 1.5 to 2 liters.

The stand is a round platform with a contact in the middle. Through this contact, the heating element is connected to the electrical network. Accordingly, when you remove the kettle from the stand, you open the contacts and automatically turn it off.

An additional element may include an anti-scale filter, which is located in the spout of the kettle and is a fine mesh.

The higher the power of the kettle, the faster the water boils. The optimal power is about 2000 W.

Types of heating elements

The main heating element of the electric kettle is a tubular electric heater (TEN). It can be done in one of the following 2 options:

1. An open stainless steel spiral, which is located at the bottom of the body and is constantly in contact with water. This type of heating elements predominates in cheaper models. These devices are characterized by the formation of scale inside the housing, which must be cleaned periodically.
2. A disk located inside the housing and not in direct contact with water. The advantage of this option is the absence of scale on the walls of the water container and on the heating element of the device; accordingly, these models are easier to clean.However, devices of this type belong to a more expensive category.

Auto shut off mechanism

All modern models of electric kettles have an automatic shut-off function. It saves many forgetful people from burning out the device and from starting a fire in the room. This function works when the device is turned on and you forget to pour water.

Its action is elementary, the body of the heating element heats up and begins to heat the bimetallic plate, when the temperature exceeds the maximum permissible value, the plate bends and opens the contacts, turning off the kettle.

Attention! If the kettle boils for a long time and does not turn off, check that the lid of the device is tightly closed.

Overheat protection system

If the automatic shutdown mechanism does not work for some reason, in this case modern devices provide protection against overheating. How it works: the heating element heats up further, then a special pin begins to melt, which at one end rests against the body of the heating element. It becomes smaller and opens the contacts. However, if this protection works, then your kettle will no longer work.

Backlight and power indicator

Most kettles have an on indicator. It is activated when you press the power key, and will let you know if you forgot to plug the appliance into the socket or did not install the kettle on the stand properly. This function can be implemented in the form of a neon light installed in the base or power key, or in the form of an LED water light.

And finally, a piece of advice; Do not bring the water to a full boil and descale the device in a timely manner, and then the tea will delight you with its unique taste and aroma.