What is a thermopot, its purpose

Many describe the thermopot as a kind of hybrid of an electric kettle, thermos and samovar. I can't say that this description is wrong. This Japanese invention actually heats water, like a kettle. It also maintains the temperature of the liquid, like a thermos. Well, to pour boiling water into a cup, you don’t need to lift the device, you just need to press the button, which involuntarily brings back memories of the samovar tap. But this is where the similarities between the thermopot and the above-mentioned trio end and the differences begin.

Purpose of the thermopot

To understand what prompted the Japanese to invent this miracle, you just need to remember with what reverence these people treat tea ceremonies. It was they who determined the optimal temperature of hot water for brewing different types of tea, thanks to which you can unlock the full potential of the drink. For example, did you know that green tea should be brewed at a temperature of about 80 °C, and for black tea the range from 92 to 95 °C is ideal?

Now imagine a Japanese person waiting for the boiling water to cool down to the desired temperature, standing near the kettle with a thermometer in his hands. An incredible sight, isn't it? But you won’t be able to see it in reality, because there is a device that allows you to heat water to the desired temperature and maintain this temperature for as long as desired - and this is a thermopot.

Design features of the thermopot

Let's start getting acquainted with the water heating element - heating elementA. Its distinctive feature is its relatively low power, not exceeding 1000 Watts (usually ranging from 500 to 800 Watts), which is at least half that of an average electric kettle. Moreover, some models of thermopots have two heating elements built in at once, allowing you to simultaneously maintain different water temperatures in the individual reservoirs of the device (yes, there are such options).

The operation of the heating elements is regulated temperature sensors. It is thanks to them that it is possible to heat water to the desired temperature without boiling or maintain a given temperature. But the “heater-sensor” duet would be too small to ensure optimal operation of the thermopot, because a constantly switched-on heating element, even with a relatively low power, would consume too much electricity.

It is for this reason that the thermopot double walls, almost like a thermos. The air between these walls limits the heat transfer from the internal tank, allowing you to retain heat longer. Not as long as in a thermos with a vacuum between the walls, but still much longer than a regular kettle.

Also, maintaining the temperature depends on the amount of heated water: the more water there is, the longer it will take to cool. So don't be surprised capacity thermopots, the smallest of which are designed for 2.2 liters of water. The optimal tank volume is 3-5 liters.

But the large volume brings not only benefits: even the hardworking Japanese would not want to lift this bulky and heavy structure for the sake of one cup of tea. So you shouldn’t be surprised by the presence water pumps. It can be mechanical or electrical, but in any case it allows you to pour hot water into a vessel placed under the faucet without moving the heavy thermopot from its place.

Basic and additional functions of a thermopot

Among the main tasks of this technology are only heating and maintaining the desired temperature of the water. For this purpose, the device must be supplemented with a thermostat. But this foundation can already be supplemented different levels of protection:

• from turning on the thermopot with an empty tank;
• from accidental pressing of a manual or electric pump;
• from automatic start of boiling when connected to the network;
• from pressing buttons during boiling.

Also thermopot is often supplemented with elements that increase ease of use, which include:

• several ways to pour water;
• 360° rotation;
• durable handle for moving the device;
• measuring scale;
• display backlight;
• buzzer;
• built-in timer and delayed start function.

For those for whom this is not enough, some models of thermopots can be pleased with a built-in filter, a carbon coating of the tank and a self-cleaning function. But it is important to understand that when choosing such equipment, you will have to pay attention only to the functions and options that are important to you, since none of the options on the market have a complete list of the capabilities described above.