An electric kettle is one of the most common household appliances. It is inexpensive, easy to use and a useful thing in the kitchen. The kettle will help to heat water for tea, coffee, culinary and household needs. Affordable cost allows you to purchase an electrical appliance for every hostess. It would seem that the answer to the question “how to choose an electric kettle?” Should not cause difficulties, but there are a number of nuances here. Models differ in volume, power, materials, functionality.
The heating element is the main working part of the kettle, which determines the heating rate, service life and performance parameters. Heating elements are classified into open and closed.
1. Open heating element is in direct contact with water, it is necessary to monitor the water level so that it is completely closed, otherwise the equipment may burn out. Traditional kettles with an open spiral are distinguished by a low price, reliable, silent. The disadvantage is the formation of scale on the heating element, which falls into the water and pollutes it, in addition, the accumulation of scale leads to an increase in the boiling time of water, so it is necessary to frequently (about once every two months) descale with special means. Another disadvantage is that the curved spiral makes it difficult to clean the kettle from the inside.
2. Closed heating elements do not come into contact with water. They are located under the metal bottom of the kettle and transfer heat to the water through it. The contact area of the heating disk with water is larger than that of spiral models, the water is heated faster. Thanks to easy access to the walls and bottom, it is easier to clean the kettle from scale, and the level of heated water can be kept to a minimum. Cons - noise and higher price.
1. The main condition when choosing a kettle is the amount of water sufficient for the whole family. Miniature models of 0.5 l are designed for 1-2 people. Such a kettle is called a travel kettle: it is often taken on a trip: a business trip, a trip, to the country. The small-sized device will take up little space in luggage and can help out in various situations.
Kettles for the home are available in the range of 1-3 liters. The choice depends on the number of family members and the level of consumption of boiled water.
2. The rate of water heating in the kettle depends on the power. In turn, the parameter is related to the volume of the container: the larger the displacement, the more powerful the heating element is installed. On average, there is 1 kW of power per liter of water. So, popular models are kettles with a volume of 1.5-2 liters and a power of 1.5-2 kW.
When choosing a powerful kettle, pay attention to the condition of the electrical wiring in the apartment. A load exceeding the limit is fraught with an emergency shutdown of the fuses.
3. Housing material. According to sales consultants of household appliances stores, the greatest interest among buyers of electric kettles is caused by the materials from which they are made. Some are worried about the environmental friendliness of products, others are concerned about the quality of water, others pay attention to the strength and durability of devices. Which teapot is better: glass or ceramic, metal or plastic? Each of the materials has certain pros and cons. Let's dwell on the nuances of operation.
Metal teapots are represented by products made of aluminum and stainless steel. Of the two materials, preference should be given to the second, since stainless steel is inert to water, which cannot be said about aluminum.
Teapots made of stainless steel are environmentally friendly, strong, durable. Products have an attractive design, easily fit into the interior of the kitchen. However, due to the high thermal conductivity of the material, water in metal teapots cools faster than in plastic ones.
The disadvantage of metal products is the strong heating of the case. Careless handling is fraught with burns. When choosing a kettle made of metal, pay attention to the handle: a plastic gasket will ensure comfortable use. The disadvantages include the mass of products. For compact models, this problem is not relevant, but the weight of a 3-liter kettle filled with water reaches 4 kg, and this is already noticeable.
The opaque metal case does not allow you to monitor the water level without an indicator. The developers tried to correct the shortcoming by adding water levels or wide plastic windows to the design.
Almost any plastic, glass or metal teapot is made in high-tech style. Things are different with regard to ceramic teapots, which appeared on the domestic market relatively recently and have not yet fully occupied their niche. Ceramics is the choice of aesthetes of kitchen utensils. Externally, the device is similar to a classic teapot for tea leaves: it has a smooth or textured surface, a characteristic shape of the body, spout, handle and lid, and artistic painting. Sometimes manufacturers, along with a teapot, offer cups made in the same style, which allows you to get a full-fledged tea set.
In addition to the appearance, the functional advantages of ceramic teapots should be noted:
environmental cleanliness;
water quality;
lack of scale;
noiselessness;
electrical safety.
Heating water in a ceramic kettle takes longer than in a metal or plastic appliance, but the heat is retained longer. The smooth surface is easily cleaned from dirt, retains color and freshness for a long time.
The minus of ceramic teapots is a lot of weight. For this reason, devices with a volume of more than 1.5 liters are not available. In terms of strength, the products are inferior to metal and plastic counterparts. The price of ceramic teapots is high.
An electric kettle is an easy-to-use device. But even for him, manufacturers have developed a number of useful and pleasant features that increase ease of use.
Temperature controller. Tea connoisseurs know that different varieties: black, green, yellow must be brewed in water of a certain temperature. Only by observing this rule you can get a unique taste and aroma of the drink. The heating temperature is adjusted using a thermostat, which will turn off the heating when the set parameter is reached.
Protection against inclusion without water. Accidentally turning on the kettle without water threatens to burn the heating element. The protective system will protect against the consequences of a careless act.
Filter. Water purification improves its quality, protects against scale formation, improves the operation of the heating element and increases its service life. What is the best filter in an electric kettle? Nylon nets with a small cell are most widely used. Gold-plated metal grills do the job well.
Power on indication. Electric kettles are equipped with light and sound indicators. A glowing light indicates that the device is turned on, an extinguished light indicates that the water has boiled and can be used. If you are distracted and do not follow the light indication, a sound signal will remind you of the completion of the process.
Night illumination. A number of models are equipped with a backlight function. At night, the kettle emits green, blue or other light that is pleasant to the eye. The function is more decorative and is designed to improve the design of the room. At the same time, the kettle acts as a night lamp, helping to navigate in a dark room.
Judging by the fact that buyers are more interested in advice on the material and functions of kettles, volume and power issues are not particularly difficult for them. Nevertheless, let's go through all the points and summarize.
1. Choose a kettle with a flask volume according to family needs.
2. Pay attention to power. Compare it with the parameters of the maximum load of the mains.
3. Choose plastic and metal models if you value durability and practicality, glass models if you care about water quality, if you are an adherent of exclusive design and have the means, stop at ceramics.
4. Familiarize yourself with the functions of the device. Many of them will be useful at a low price increase.
Before buying, read the reviews on the forums, decide which company to choose an electric kettle.