How to choose an electric kettle

When choosing an electric kettle should first of all build on its technical characteristics. Design, of course, is also important, but it is the operating parameters that prevail.

content

1. Characteristics that need attention
2. The principle of operation and the device electric kettle
3. Types of electric kettles
4. Options for the selection of electric kettles
5. Extra options
6. Which electric kettle to choose
7. Electric kettle cost
8. The best manufacturers of electric kettles - which company to choose
9. Video for choosing an electric kettle

How to choose an electric kettle: characteristics that need attention

When choosing an electric kettle you should pay attention to the following parameters:

1. Type of heating element;

2. Housing material;

3. Power;

4. Additional functions.

5. Also important is the price and manufacturer of the device.

The principle of operation and the device electric kettle

Electric kettles are inherently quite simple devices. Their design includes:

1. The body, which is combined with a water tank;

2. A heating element;

3. Temperature sensor, which is designed to automatically turn off the kettle when boiling. In budget models, a pressure sensor is also used, which is used for the same purposes;

4. A stand that acts as a contact pad for transmitting electrical current to the heating element;

5. Control panel or power button. Depending on the functionality of the kettle, it is designed to set the temperature or simply turn on the device.

The support in the vast majority of models of electric kettles is nothing more than a contact pad, thanks to which the kettle itself becomes wireless. Only on multifunctional devices it is equipped with additional electronic controls, which allow, for example, to adjust the water temperature.

Everything else is installed directly in the kettle. After switching on the device, the circuit between the contact pad and the heating element closes, and the latter begins to increase its temperature.

After the water temperature in the kettle reaches a certain value, the thermal relay or the corresponding sensor is activated, which opens the circuit. In budget devices, there is a vapor pressure sensor, not a temperature sensor. Boiled, gaseous water becomes in contact with him, and he opens the circuit.

Kettles with a temperature sensor are much safer than models equipped with a steam pressure sensor. They are disconnected from the heat. Therefore, the sensor is triggered and if there is no water in the kettle, and if its lid is not tightly covered. But at the same time they are more expensive.

Types of electric kettles

There are three types of electric kettles:

1. With visible (tubular) heating element;

2. With invisible (disk) heating element;

3. Kettles, thermoses.

The difference between them lies only in some structural features.

Electric kettles with tubular heating element

Immediately it is worth noting that in 2017, these kettles are almost not available. They are equipped with a fairly bulky heating element of the tubular type, which is located in the lower part of the water tank.

Electric kettles with a disk heating element

Almost all modern kettles are equipped with a disk heating element. For the user, it looks like a metal plate located at the bottom of the water tank.

Almost all modern models of electric kettles are equipped with disc heating elements.

Kettle-thermos (thermo)

The main constructional difference between a kettle-thermos from the "ordinary" is in the materials of the walls. Usually they are double-layered, which, firstly, allows to keep the temperature high for a long time, and secondly, it does not allow the outer surface to heat up.

Options for the selection of electric kettles

When choosing electric kettles should determine the following parameters:

1. Housing material;

2. The volume of the kettle;

3. The power of the kettle.

They determine the performance of the device.

Body material

The vast majority of kettles are made of plastic, glass or metal. There are also ceramic models, but they are quite rare.

Plastic teapots

Plastic kettles - this is the easiest and budget option. However, they are not recommended for purchase, because even the most heat-resistant polymers can decompose when heated and produce unpleasant odors or harmful substances.

Metal kettles

Metal kettles are a good solution if you need to boil water quickly. Due to the thermal conductivity of stainless steel, it heats the liquid “from all sides”. But at the same time, the temperature of the outer wall also rises.

Teapots made of metal and plastic or equipped with double walls are spared from this disadvantage.

Glass teapots

Glass kettles are the most environmentally friendly. When heated, they do not emit harmful substances in water, boil the liquid quickly and efficiently (with high efficiency). However, they require constant care.

Ceramic teapots

Ceramic teapots are rare, expensive, but very eco-friendly and have an attractive appearance. Especially “cozy” models decorated with painting or similar classical patterns. In addition, ceramics keeps water hot for a long time.

When buying a ceramic kettle it is very important to consider its ergonomics - it is required that the handle be as comfortable as possible, because the mass of the device itself is quite high.

Volume

The higher the volume of the electric kettle, the more energy is required to boil water. However, the cooling time increases proportionally. Large-volume kettles cool down more slowly than small, regardless of the used body material.

To reduce the time it takes a large kettle to boil, manufacturers increase the power of the device. So, models with a capacity of 2 liters usually have a capacity of 3 kW or even more.

However, it is worth considering that the use of kettles with a volume of more than 2 liters is overwhelmingly impractical, especially if only 1-2 people use the device. This leads to waste of electricity, as the technique constantly has to boil water that is not used.

For a house in which 1-2 people live, a small electric kettle with a capacity of about 1 liter will do. For families with children, it is worth looking at a model designed for 1.5-2 liters. A larger volume should be used only in teams - and then with the condition that all employees will go to drink tea at the same time.

Power

The higher the power of the kettle - the faster it boils. However, with the increase in power, the consumption of electricity also increases. Therefore, choosing an economical kettle, you should pay attention to models of 2.5 kW or less.

But it is worth considering that the power of the kettle directly depends on its volume. So, models that are designed for 2 or more liters of water are usually equipped with a heating element from 3 kW.

Thus, a kettle for 1-1.5 l with a capacity of 2-2.5 kW will be an excellent solution for home use. It will heat up very quickly, with no overspending of energy.

Extra options

Additional parameters determine usability rather than practical qualities of the kettle. However, they make its use more convenient. Among these additional parameters are:

1. Timer;

2. Display;

3. Programmable modes of operation and "smart" functions;

4. Double walls;

5. Filter.

Timer in teapots designed for delayed on or off. The function is useful, but only if it allows you to choose the time for boiling water. This will allow the kettle to be pre-heated - for example, when the owner arrives home.

Liquid crystal display - the function is rather useless, considering that the list of possibilities of electric kettles is not so wide as to display the parameters on a separate screen. To indicate the set mode, LED elements or mechanical dials are sufficient. On the other hand, the display may be useful for models with built-in on timer.

Programmable Modes and “smart” functions like remote control and the same switch-on timer do not make using the kettle much more convenient. Of course, there are several cases where they would be applicable (for example, boiling water at a certain time or starting up from the sofa), but their expediency still remains controversial.

Double walls they have, ironically, two purposes. Firstly, they reduce the rate of cooling of water, therefore, they are most often found in thermal streams. Secondly, they make use of the kettle particularly safe, since its outer side does not heat up, even if boiling water is inside.

Filter most often found in teapots, thermos. It is a useful functional element that not only purifies water, but also protects the internal communications of the device from damage caused by scale.

Additional features increase the cost of the kettle, so buying devices equipped with them is worth it only if it is really necessary.

Which electric kettle to choose

As is clear from the above, the ideal solution would be to buy a kettle with the following specifications:

1. Disk heater;

2. Glass-metal case;

3. Volume up to 1.5-2 liters;

4. Power up to 2.5 kW.

But when choosing a teapot it is worth starting from its needs and wishes. So, with a limited budget, you can look at the plastic model, and if you want comfort, then a ceramic one. In a large family there is a use for teapots with a capacity of 2 liters, and people who do not want to wait for boiling will be happy with the thermopot.

Electric kettle cost

The price of electric kettles starts from a few hundred rubles. But in this ultrabudget segment there are mainly plastic models that are not recommended for purchase.

For the purchase of recommended metal, glass and ceramic kettles, whose cost ranges from one to several thousand rubles. Actually, it is in this range that the vast majority of models are located.

More expensive than 10 thousand rubles are found primarily electric kettle premium from companies such as KitchenAid or Bugatti.

The price for thermopots starts from 1 thousand rubles, and the vast majority of models are in the price range of 2-5 thousand rubles.

The best manufacturers of electric kettles - which company to choose

Manufacturers of electric kettles are usually engaged in companies producing household and kitchen appliances, and the quality of these products in most cases is about the same level as the rest.

1. Thus, the best manufacturers of dummies are as follows:

2. Bosch, Philips, Tefal - in the budget and medium price segment. They even make quality plastic kettles;

3. DeLonghi, Vitek (original) - in the middle and top price segment;

4. KitchenAid is a recognized leader in the top price segment.

5. You can also highlight the company Redmond and Panasonic, but it is among the manufacturers of thermal pots.

Video for choosing an electric kettle

---

Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a guide to purchase.