How to choose an electric kettle

A distinctive feature of the modern world is the equipment of the kitchen with electrical appliances, which greatly facilitate human life. Household appliances today are varied and almost irreplaceable.

Many consumers are wondering how to make the right choice of electric kettle for use at home. Before we talk about the features of choosing this device, let's talk about its advantages.

Pros and cons of electric kettles

This device has a number of advantages that increase its popularity among consumers:

• The small volume helps to quickly heat the water;
• The compact size allows you to place the device in any corner of the kitchen;
• The variety of kettle designs and colors helps you purchase an electric kettle that will harmoniously fit into your interior.

There are certain disadvantages to this technique:

• Large amount of energy consumed during heating;
• Not safe for use by children as they may be scalded by boiling water;
• The water is boiling, so you won’t be able to warm it up a little.

Modern home appliance stores offer a large assortment that can get confusing. Let's take a closer look at each characteristic of the device.

Electric kettle body

An important element of the device is the material from which it is made. There are four varieties:

Plastic

The most common model, which has an affordable price. The material is durable and lightweight, which makes the equipment easier to use.

Manufacturers create teapots of various colors at reasonable prices. Disadvantages include the possible presence of a plastic odor and a low level of resistance to external influences. Therefore, with prolonged use of the kettle, its appearance gradually becomes unusable.

Metal

The stainless steel model is shock-resistant, which ensures a long service life of the product. The disadvantages include the high level of heating of the material during operation, which can lead to burns if you are not careful.

When choosing, you should focus on the handle by which you need to hold the device. It should be as comfortable as possible. There are two types of stainless steel surface - glossy and matte. The first option looks attractive on the kitchen table and requires careful care. The matte surface is easy to clean and leaves virtually no hand marks.

Glass

This model is distinguished by its originality and the ability to monitor the process of boiling water. The glass electric kettle is environmentally friendly and does not add impurities to the liquid during operation. The housewife has the opportunity to monitor the condition of the product through transparent walls. It is made from special thick glass that is resistant to high temperatures.

The model has a number of disadvantages – this is fragility, constant care and grueling cleaning of the material, noise and a high level of heating of the glass, which requires an additional casing. Some models are equipped with a teapot function; to do this, place a strainer under the teapot.

Ceramic electric kettle

This model is a new product, made from certain types of clay. It has a number of advantages:

• • presentable;
  • unique design;
  • Most models come with a set of cups;
  • no scale for a long time;
  • easy care;
  • long-term temperature retention;
  • no noise;
  • safe.

But there are also disadvantages that the consumer should be aware of. This model is expensive and has a high level of fragility; ceramics is a heavy material, so a product of even a small volume cannot be called light. The peculiarity of the material helps slow down the heating of water.

Each model has its own qualities and individual characteristics - this should be taken into account when choosing a product.

Electric kettle heating element

Another main criterion for choosing a device is the heating element. There are two options - an open spiral and a disk heating part. The speed of boiling depends on the variety.

The open spiral promotes direct contact of water with the part, which is made of stainless steel. This model is distinguished by its operating efficiency, affordable price and quiet heating mode. Sometimes the spiral is golden in color and coated with titanium nitride, which prevents scale and protects against corrosion.

Important: for safety reasons, the model with an open spiral must be operated according to the instructions, water must completely cover the heating structure.

The flat version of the equipment differs from the above in its large contact area with the liquid. It boils faster, and the consumer has the opportunity to regulate the volume of water. This design is easy to clean from scale.

Optimal volume

Its measurement is carried out in liters and depends on the number of people in the family. To calculate the average value, you need 0.25 liters. (one mug) multiplied by the number of users. It turns out that for four people it is enough to purchase a 1.5 liter kettle. It is not advisable to purchase a model with a large displacement if you do not need to constantly use such an amount of water, since heating will require a lot of electricity.

It is important to know: volume does not affect the heating time of the liquid, since the design of the model is proportional to its size.

Electric kettle stand

The important elements are the stand and cord. The last part is manufactured in small quantities - this ensures safe use of the product. The stand can be of two types:

• stationary.

There is a rigid fixation of the kettle with the structure; it is installed in a special socket and can only be in one position.

• "Pirouette"

This is a free version of the stand in which the product can be rotated 360 degrees. Provides ease of use and time saving.

The presence of a filter in the electric kettle

Water filtration is required when the tap liquid is very hard. By using a nylon filter, there is no chance of lime particles getting into the mug.It can be built into the design of the product or an additional element.

Heating rate

This factor depends on the power of the product. This parameter is selected according to the location of application. The standard version of the electric kettle has indicators 850–1500 kW.

At higher power levels at home, the system may be overloaded, which exposes a person to the risk of the device catching fire.

Price

The cost of the product depends directly on the quality of the materials, so it is better to ignore cheap options from China for your own safety. The most affordable models are plastic teapots with an open spiral. If additional functions are available, the price increases accordingly.

Durability

This parameter also depends on the material used in the manufacture of the model. Stainless steel options are considered the most durable; they are shock-resistant, and the appearance remains decent for a long time with proper care of the kettle.

Shape and weight of the electric kettle

It should be understood that a heated electrical appliance contains boiling water, which, if handled incorrectly, can cause disaster. To protect yourself from unforeseen unpleasant circumstances, it is better to purchase a model with a locking lid. It is important that the kettle fits comfortably in your hand and that its weight does not burden use.

The shape of the product varies; there is a jug and a cone. Manufacturers claim that in the jug model the water heats up faster.

Automatic shutdown (safety)

This function is additional and is triggered during power surges, removal of the product from the stand and full heating of the water.It ensures the safety of using the kettle, as it prevents possible fire of the device.

Expert recommendations for choosing an electric kettle

There are some rules that should be considered when purchasing a device:

• The plastic model must be replaced every two to three years;
• It is better to purchase a white model;
• The handle of a metal kettle must be equipped with a rubber gasket;
• The cord of the product must be short so that it is not possible to install the device far from the outlet.

Taking into account the characteristics and rules, you can choose the best option for an electric kettle, which will not only decorate the interior, but also be a safe element of household appliances.

More detailed instructions for choosing a device can be viewed below.