How to choose an electric kettle: 7 tips

by Lolina Diana Lolina Diana

Plastic, metal or glass: which material should I choose? There are four types of kettles - with glass, ceramic, metal or plastic. Which one to choose? There is no unambiguous answer to this question. But you should pay attention to an important point. Glass and plastic kettles have a sealing gasket, which allows you to hide the gap between the bottom and the base. And here it can be a problem.

Manufacturers of quality models, as a rule, responsibly approach the choice of material for the gasket - and you may never run into problems. But very often glass and plastic kettles leak because the gap is covered by a very mediocre gasket. This does not happen with stainless steel models, because the body is soldered directly to the bottom, and there are also variants with a full-drawn flask, when the body and base look like a pot.

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Does this mean you should always choose stainless steel kettles? No, it doesn't. Conscientious manufacturers make quality models in both glass and plastic. If you do not have the task of buying one kettle for life, then you can choose models with a body made of any material.

Stainless steel kettles: details

Suppose you decide to opt for a stainless steel kettle. It is important to you that over time the device does not leak - this was an important argument in favor of the metal body. But there is an important detail.

Manufacturers often make a plastic insert in the middle of the kettle for ease of use - through it you can see the water level. And this is where you just have to insert a gasket. That is, the kettle can leak not through the bottom, but through this plastic insert.

The kettle lid: what you need to know

The kettle lid should ideally be made of stainless steel. It is constantly in contact with steam. Over time, the plastic begins to crumble and can get into the water. This, of course, is not fatal, but unpleasant, so if there is a possibility to prevent such a situation, it is better not to.

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Another important point is the latch. This is a very handy thing. Press the button - the lid is up. Such a feature adds points to the kettle. From a visual point of view - yes, but if functionality is important, it is better to choose models without a latch. Sooner or later it will break (even the most reliable, highest quality). The lid will stop closing, and, consequently, the kettle itself will stop turning off automatically.

Heating element - closed or open

Here everything is simple. Open heating element in kettles is used by manufacturers of budget models. There is nothing terrible about it, except the inconvenience of cleaning from scale and other small points. If you can spend on a kettle for a little more than $50, then choose a model with a closed heating element. It is safer, more comfortable and more modern.

Optimum capacity of an electric kettle

The power of an electric kettle ranges from about 500 to 3,000 watts. The more powerful the model, the faster it will boil water. But also the requirements for the quality of wiring in the house are higher - such kettles put more strain on it.

Filters: is it worth relying on them

There are many models of kettles on the market with quite good filters built in. They are designed to soften water and reduce limescale levels. This is a good option in advanced models, for which you will have to pay significantly more. If you use tap water for boiling, you should consider such models. Those who buy high quality water for kettles will not need filters.

Platform: consider the placement

There are two types of platforms - on the first, the kettle is placed arbitrarily around the axis, on the second - in a clear position. Which option is better - it is up to you to decide. Much depends on where the kettle will be placed.

Summary: what to pay attention to when choosing a kettle

The power of the electric kettle should be around 1000-1500 watts;
It is desirable to choose kettles with a closed heating element;
It is better to choose a kettle with a solid body without water level inserts in the middle;
Stainless steel models are more durable than glass, ceramic and plastic ones;
The kettle's platform doesn't matter much. Base your choice on where you plan to place the appliance;
The kettle's lid should be stainless steel, as it is in constant contact with steam;
Smart kettles can really save time, but it's still an added feature. Above all, pay attention to all the other points.