Why is an electric kettle better?
The indisputable advantages of a modern electrical appliance reveal the secret of its popularity:
- the minimum time required for heating and boiling water is required;
- the device is mobile, compact and easy to use;
- built-in heating element eliminates the need for stationary heating sources - electric or gas stove;
- automatic protection system ensures the fire safety of the device;
- ergonomics, variety of shapes, materials turn the electric kettle into a design element.
The disadvantages of an electric kettle could include an unpleasant odor emitted when the body of an electrical appliance is heated, and an unusual taste of water, but these properties are not really typical. As a rule, such qualities are possessed by cheap models, the body of which is made of low-quality plastic. Choosing a high-quality electric kettle, you do not risk getting any taste or smell that spoil the pleasure of tea drinking.
Electrofundu and chocolate fountain
Cheese or chocolate fondue at home is usually prepared for some kind of event - get-togethers with friends and family evenings. But enthusiastic reviews of fondue dishes are most often left by newly-made owners.
At home, there is nothing to replace chocolate fountains and fondue with, except for melted cheese or chocolate in a bowl.
Those who have had a device for a long time already know how tedious the process of purchasing ingredients, disassembling the device and washing can be. As a result, fondyushnitsu or a multi-tiered chocolate fountain are taken out less and less, and they go to a restaurant to enjoy a really tasty dish.
Thermopot
Instead of a kettle, some buy a thermopot - users are tempted by the prospect of constantly having hot drinking water at home. But this device takes root in large families (if the volume of the thermopot is more than 3-4 liters) or where there are very young children for whom it is necessary to prepare a mixture. And then - after a couple of years of use, the thermopot is preferred by the kettle.
The fact is that a thermopot is a cross between a teapot and a thermos - the device is rather bulky, especially if we are talking about a large volume. And the water heats up in it longer than in a kettle. Therefore, we recommend buying a modern electric kettle instead of a thermopot - it will not get in the way on the kitchen table, and in some cases it will even be able to decorate the interior.
Thermo pot will replace the electric kettle with the function of maintaining the water temperature
Now there are models on the market that can heat water to a predetermined temperature and maintain heating for a long time. Moreover, the price of such devices is comparable to the cost of thermopots.
How to choose the right thermo pot
As mentioned above, the thermopot not only heats the water, but also keeps it hot. 2-in-1 device: kettle and thermos. It is especially convenient if the device is equipped with automatic temperature control at a certain level. In this case, the water will be periodically heated, and you can always use it without wasting time waiting.
They consume energy sparingly, you do not need to lift the container to pour water. Thermopots take longer to boil and take up a lot of space in the kitchen. Ideal for offices, places where several people use the same device.
Separate models should be highlighted that heat and supply water after a few seconds. They do not boil excess liquid.
It is important to consider a few nuances before buying. So, how to choose a thermo pot:
Capacity. The optimal one is 4–5 liters. This is quite enough for comfortable use both in the office and at home.
Heating time
Pay attention to how long it takes for the thermo-pot to cope with heating water to a boiling state. The shorter the period, the faster you can enjoy a hot drink (usually 15-20 minutes)
Power. The rate of heating of the liquid depends on this parameter. Usually it is 800-1000 watts. But keep in mind that if the thermopot is large, voluminous, and you do not like to wait for a long time, then you need a model with more power.
A heating element. Heaters in the form of a disk are the most convenient to use, spiral heaters are a thing of the past.
The way of pouring into a cup. The device can be equipped with a manual pump and / or an electric pump (these elements respond to filling water without tilting the container). It is very good when both options are combined in one case - you can use the device even if the electricity is turned off.
Body material. Parts are often made of several materials: plastic, metal, sometimes glass. The flask must be metal or glass (chemically safe materials). The outer finish is allowed from plastic, but it is better if it is metal - it is more resistant to high temperatures and impacts.
Modes of operation. Some models have the function of maintaining the temperature at a certain level (usually there are from 2 to 6). There may be additional options in the form of a delayed start, self-descaling, sound accompaniment - optional, but very convenient.
Security. An important point. Please note that the model has a switch-on lock when heating a low water level, protection from accidental opening of the lid, from overheating.
The best glass electric kettles
Glass is a stylish and durable material. In such teapots, a scale is not needed to indicate the level of the liquid, because everything is visible through the transparent case. But the glass needs to be looked after more carefully, as handprints and scale will be visible on it. And you can split such a kettle with one careless movement.
Gemlux GL-EK-501G - modern design in glass and steel
4.9
★★★★★
editorial estimate
72%
buyers recommend this product
See overview
The body of the device combines a glass base with metal inserts, which partially increase its strength. The teapot bowl can be easily combined with the stand - no need to look for a special position to install it.
The power of the device is 2000 W, the capacity is 1.5 liters. Here you can set the water heating temperature in the range from 70 to 100 degrees. The control panel itself with mechanical buttons is located on the footrest.
Advantages:
- Keep warm function;
- Convenient installation on a stand;
- You can set the temperature regime;
- High power.
Disadvantages:
Noisy.
Gemlux GL-EK-501G is a beautiful and functional teapot, which will especially appeal to lovers of the "correct" green and white tea.
Kitfort KT-622 - heats up to the desired temperature
4.9
★★★★★
editorial estimate
72%
buyers recommend this product
See overview
The thermostat of this device includes 4 different heating modes from 40 to 100 degrees. The power indicator is 2200 W with a kettle volume of 1.7 liters. Kitfort looks very nice during operation - thanks to the water illumination from the inside.
The kettle can be installed on the stand in any position. When removed, the heel is automatically deactivated. It also provides protection against dry start.
Advantages:
- High heating rate;
- Wide range of temperature conditions;
- Temperature maintenance function;
- Convenient installation on a stand.
Disadvantages:
Quite heavy - 1.5 kg.
Kitfort KT-622 offers many useful features, build quality and reliability, making it versatile. Such a kettle is suitable for families with small children - the +40 ° C mode is ideal for preparing baby formula.
MIE Smart Kettle - with teapot included
4.9
★★★★★
editorial estimate
72%
buyers recommend this product
The MIE Smart Kettle is not just an electric kettle, but a smart and beautiful device, complete with a tea infuser. Steam from boiling water rises through a special tube to the tea leaves and brews them. Smart Kettle is recommended for use with teas that can be processed at high temperatures.
The model is also all right with the functionality. There is a timer, keep warm mode and step thermostat. The kettle itself is made of glass and metal - together these materials look very stylish and ensure a long service life of the device.
Advantages:
- You can set the temperature regime;
- High quality body materials;
- Many useful features;
- Simultaneous brewing of tea.
Disadvantages:
- High price - more than 5,000 rubles;
- Average power level (1200 W).
The MIE Smart Kettle is a complete tea appliance that not only heats water, but also brews tea, saving you time.
Manufacturers rating
In the global production of household appliances for the kitchen, European, American giants and young Russian companies compete. Electric kettles for most of them began to be produced after receiving recognition for the production of other equipment.
But Russian firms are successfully reclaiming their place in the MBT market by offering cheaper, but no less quality goods.
Bosch
The company traces its history back to the end of the 19th century. The beginning of its success was associated with the production of spare parts for cars, power tools. Bosch products are renowned for their high quality: reliability and ease of use.
The home appliances market entered the world market in the second half of the 20th century. The range of electrical products for the home is constantly expanding. Consumer confidence in the manufacturing segment extended to coffee grinders, washing machines, dishwashers, refrigerators and electric kettles. Reliability and durability are what the buyer expects from products under this brand.
Philips
The Dutch company has been known for over 100 years. The company started producing consumer goods at the beginning of the 20th century. These were light bulbs, then radios followed. Philips is known for its innovative attitude to all manufactured products, thanks to which it has won the recognition and respect of consumers.
Convenience, comfort and reliability are in the first place for the manufacturer. The best models of electric kettles demonstrate the company's motto “Numbers are important, but people are more important”. The brand is registered in Holland, but household appliances are produced in China. Control over compliance with the technological process by specialists allows us to keep a high level of quality.
Tefal
The first electric kettle "Tefal" was released in 1982. In the world, the French company is known as a manufacturer of non-stick pans. In 2009, the billionth frying pan was produced. Since 1968 the company has been merged into Group SEB. The brands Moulinex and Roventa were united under the “one roof”.
Electric kettles are produced in a plastic case. Lightweight, powerful, with simple functionality. The magic of the brand extends to all manufactured Tefal household appliances.
Delonghi
The Italian company began to conquer the market at the beginning of the 20th century, with the production of heaters. The expansion of production went through the acquisition of firms producing household appliances: air conditioners, refrigerators. The appearance of the Delonghi electric kettles happened in 1995.
Small kitchen appliances are produced in China, at factories owned by the company. Italian designers gravitate towards traditional teapot shapes, for which there is a steady demand. The advantage over other brands is consumer confidence in the brand, original design, and affordable price.
Redmond
"Redmond" is a Russian company that produces a huge list of household appliances, but, first of all, it is known for its super-functional multicooker.Electric kettles are attracted by advanced functionality that well-known brands do not have.
Polaris
Russian brand for the production of kitchen equipment, heaters, air conditioners, dishes. Factories producing small household appliances are mainly located in China. The company's products have an excellent price-quality ratio with an original design and reliability.
Scarlett
At the start of its activity, the Russian-Chinese company produced small household appliances: electric kettles, irons, vacuum cleaners and hair dryers. Successful marketing, high quality of goods made the company's products one of the most popular in Russia.
Main selection criteria
The functionality and long-term operation of an electric kettle depend on many components.
Body material
The type of container material determines:
- service life of the electric kettle;
- originality of design;
- environmental friendliness.
The listed items are interconnected.
Plastic
The use of plastic expands the color gamut, gives room for design. The models are lightweight. The low thermal conductivity of the walls increases the rate of boiling of water in comparison with other materials.
Stainless steel
Long-lasting material. The color gamut is limited. Bright plastic handles and covers are used as decoration elements. The models are lightweight. The rate of boiling and cooling of water is high. When boiled, there is no taste or smell.
Glass
A glass container has low thermal conductivity: water boils quickly and does not cool for a long time. Glass body shape options are limited, but original
Tempered glass, if handled carelessly, may crack. Models are superior in weight to plastic and metal
Ceramics
The design of the models is close to the traditional forms of teapots or coffee pots. In terms of boiling speed, they are the slowest due to the absorption of heat by the ceramic walls. The water in a ceramic electric kettle does not cool down for a long time. The material is fragile, requires careful handling, and is more expensive than others.
A heating element
Fast heating is carried out due to a powerful heating element in the form of a spiral or disk. The shape of the element is not essential. An element that is in direct contact with water has a higher efficiency than that hidden in the base of the case.
Power
The speed of boiling depends on the correctly selected power. In this case, the desired volume of the container must be taken into account. For example: 1 kilowatt per 1 liter or 1.5 liters. The results will vary significantly. The cost of an electric kettle and its power are in direct proportion.
Volume
The volume of the vessel must be optimal, correspond to the request for boiling water. The price of an electric kettle with equivalent characteristics depends on the displacement: the more, the higher.
Stand
The base must have good adhesion to the surface of the kitchen furniture to avoid injury. Rubberized feet are the best option.
Additional functions
Models of electrical appliances can be equipped with additional functionality, which makes the product more expensive. How much they are necessary for the consumer, he must decide for himself.
Removable inner filter
The presence of an additional element increases the efficiency of the electric kettle. Scale on the heating element increases the boiling time of the water.
Remote control
Advanced models, smart home elements. Turning on the electric kettle from a smartphone.
Body shape
The choice is determined by personal taste and suitability for the interior of the kitchen. A model with an extravagant design will not fit into a classic style and vice versa.
The weight
The weight of the device depends on the type of housing material and its volume. So that the total weight when filled with water does not exceed 3 kilograms, manufacturers correlate these two values. Plastic and metal products have a volume of 1.7 liters, glass and ceramics - from 1.5 liters.
Silicone gaskets extend the life of the kettle.
Choosing a plastic teapot
Plastic is the most readily available and inexpensive material. This is the reason for the low price of electric kettles.If you wish, you can find a model that costs only four hundred rubles. Most often they are purchased for a summer residence or an office - if it breaks down, then it is not a pity to throw it away.
A plastic kettle is an inexpensive option for everyday use.
However, this accessibility also hides the main danger of such devices: cheap plastic can cause significant harm to your health. Many mixtures release toxic formaldehyde when heated. It is harmless in some appliances, but in the case of a kettle, the substance gets directly into the water you drink. When formaldehyde accumulates, it causes severe allergic reactions and damages the liver.
Perhaps you should completely abandon plastic teapots? Not if you choose them correctly. A more expensive plastic option is polycarbonate. It is safe for health, so you can safely purchase models from it. The price for them starts from 1000 rubles, but you will be sure of the quality.
It is very simple to care for teapots made of various types of plastic: it is enough to regularly wipe them from dirt. In addition, due to the low price, you do not have to worry about breakdowns - replacing the unit will be a snap.
The latter quality is especially relevant, given that the average service life of such a kettle is only two years.
The disadvantages include the fact that most plastic teapots are made by Chinese manufacturers that do not provide certificates. Therefore, purchase devices only in trusted stores.
Check the quality of the kettle carefully.
As for how to choose a safe plastic kettle, we recommend sniffing it. Polypropylene will give off an unpleasant pungent odor, while polycarbonate is odorless at all.
In addition, you need to inspect the device. The seams must be smooth and tight, without protruding parts. There should be no scratches, abrasions, roughness, or uneven color on the case. Have you noticed one or more signs? Most likely, the kettle was made of poor quality non-food plastic. In this case, the purchase will have to be abandoned.
Juicer
A juicer is a device, when buying which, many paint beautiful pictures for themselves, how in a few minutes in the morning they prepare themselves freshly squeezed juice and are charged with vitamins. But back to reality.
Firstly, if a bulky juicer or citrus machine does not have a permanent place on the kitchen countertop, the appliance will have to be removed and assembled all the time. Secondly, a standard glass of juice requires about 4 apples or oranges, which must be washed, or even peeled and pitted. And as a final chord, the juicer needs to be disassembled and cleaned - while some parts are not enough just to rinse with water. And that's not to mention the fact that the benefits of freshly squeezed juices are in doubt due to the amount of sugar they contain.
An alternative to a juicer at home is a glass of fresh juice in a cafe on the way to work
Therefore, the purchase of a serious juicer is advisable only for those who make preparations and roll juices into cans. The rest of the owners of these devices sooner or later cool off to self-extraction of juice - it is much faster to drink a glass of fresh in a cafe.
Which kettle is better to choose and why? Important criteria when choosing a teapot
In order not to regret an unsuccessful purchase, when choosing an electric kettle, pay attention to the following nuances:
What material is the body of the gadget made of? It can be stainless steel, plastic, glass or ceramics:
Ceramic electric kettle is a great gift for a loved one
- Heating element - it can be disc or spiral. The disc will last longer, it is easier to care for it, it heats up faster; spiral is easier to fix with your own hands.
- Volume - the most popular volume of an electric kettle is 1.7 liters. The larger the kettle, the longer it takes to boil. For a large family, it makes sense to purchase a device with a volume of at least 3 liters.
- Power - if the electrical wiring in the house allows, you can choose a more powerful model, 2400-2500 watts, such a device will quickly cope with its task.
There are also a number of little things to look out for in the store rather than at home:
- lid opening can be automatic or mechanical. Automatic sometimes sticks and breaks down;
- the convenient neck of the kettle with a wide-open lid will allow you to comfortably pour water into the device;
- the teapot filling scale and a transparent viewing window will make working with it convenient;
- the length of the power cord in accordance with GOST must be at least one and a half meters;
- the presence of a filter in the spout of the device will not allow scale flakes to get into the cup;
- the shape of the teapot spout should deliver boiling water strictly to the cup, and not to the user's hands and feet, so it is better to choose a device with a pointed spout.
Knowing these subtleties, it is much easier to decide which kettle is best suited for your kitchen, and when you come home, not be disappointed in your purchase.
The best "smart" electric kettles (control from a smartphone)
REDMOND SkyKettle G214S
Electric kettle with a maximum power of 2200 W and a volume of 1.7 liters in a heat-resistant glass case, with the function of boiling, heating and maintaining (up to 12 hours) water temperature.
It has electronic button control on the body and remote control via the Ready for Sky app, which will not only adjust the process parameters, but also offer entertaining games for children and adults to train memory and attention.
Compatibility: Android (from version 4.3), iOS (from version 9.0). Connect via Bluetooth v4.0. The hidden heating element is made of stainless steel. There is a shutdown function in the absence of water. Manufactured in China, with a one-year warranty.
Main pluses:
- Temperature adjustment via the app (accuracy - 1 degree) or using the buttons on the device (40, 55, 75, 80, 100 ° C).
- Setting through the application of the intensity of boiling water (for example, longer boiling for tap water is possible).
- Sound (can be disabled) and LED indication.
- Child lock.
- Transparent body - visual control of the water level.
- Compartment for the cord.
- Spectacular teapot-lamp (LED backlight), you can choose a color from a whole palette, set the speed of switching colors, as well as their brightness. There is a color music mode.
Minuses:
- The case heats up. In addition, the glass from which it is made is a fragile material and requires careful handling.
- Yes, the kettle can be controlled from anywhere in the world, but for this, when working through the application, there must be a gadget connected to the kettle via Bluetooth no further than 15 meters from the device.
Models in the line:
REDMOND SkyKettle G210S - model in a different design.
Xiaomi Viomi Smart Kettle Bluetooth
Remote control technologies have also touched this model of an electric kettle with a power of 1800 watts. Electric kettle with two modes: boiling and heating to the required temperature in the range of 40-100 ° C.
The duration of the heating mode is up to 12 hours, the temperature when turned on with the button is 50 ° C. But its value can be changed and configured via the Mi Home app.
There are 4 preset heating programs: tea, coffee, milk, noodles. The volume of 1.5 liters is sufficient for a family of 2-3 people. The kettle is controlled from the keypad on the device itself or from a phone connected via Bluetooth (4.0).
Compatibility: Android (from version 4.3), iOS (from version 7.0). The heating element used is a closed coil. Shutdown in the absence of water. The manufacturer is a popular Chinese company, the warranty is 6 months.
Main pluses:
- Mode indication.
- Beep signal for the end of the program.
- All surfaces in contact with water (flask, back of the lid) are made of food grade stainless steel.
- The display shows the current temperature value.
- Thermally insulated double-walled housing, choice of two colors: black / white.
Minuses:
- The amount of water in the kettle is not visible.
- There is no filter in the spout.
- Non-durable manufacturer's warranty.
Models in the line:
Xiaomi Smart Kettle Bluetooth - a model in a different design, no thermometer.
Types of electric kettles
With an open spiral
Electric models with an open heating element were among the first such devices. They got their name due to the fact that the heating element twisted into a spiral is here directly in a flask with water. These kettles are some of the cheapest, but they have a serious drawback. On an open heater, which is constantly in contact with liquid, scale builds up very quickly, which is difficult to completely remove.
Pros:
- Low cost;
- Ease of use;
- Rapid boiling of water;
- Economical power consumption;
- Minimal noise.
Minuses:
- The need to constantly clean the heating element from scale;
- You cannot boil a small amount of water - the spiral must be completely covered with it.
Disk
Kettles with a closed heating element have a slightly more complex design. And although there is the same spiral heating element, it is no longer located in a flask with water, but hides under a metal plate and transfers heat directly to it. Thanks to this, the resource of the heating element is significantly increased, and the fight against scale is no longer an urgent problem.
Pros:
- Long service life;
- Less limescale;
- Easy to clean thanks to the flat bottom without protruding elements;
- Higher level of electrical safety.
Minuses:
- They are more expensive than spiral ones - by about 10-20%;
- Noisy.
With thermostat
Unlike conventional models with a single on / off button, such an electric kettle can not only heat water, but also maintain the desired temperature for a given time. It also provides for the possibility of heating below the boiling point (for example, up to +80 or +90 ° C). Thermostatically controlled kettles are ideal for brewing a variety of teas, each requiring a specific water temperature.
Pros:
- Heat the water quickly;
- You can independently set the temperature value; There is a heating function.
Minuses:
- High price;
- More energy consumption due to the mode of maintaining the temperature.
Infuser
Now such electric kettles have appeared. They are intended for people who cannot imagine their life without real leaf tea. Thanks to this device, the cooking process takes only up to 5 minutes, and the desired temperature for the selected variety and the time for maintaining it can be set independently.
Pros:
- Water boiling temperature adjustment;
- The presence of a timer;
- Simplified but correct preparation of loose leaf tea.
Minuses:
High power consumption.
Smart kettles
In fact, we are talking about ordinary electrical models that can be controlled via the application on the phone from anywhere in the world. However, rich functionality is also present here (sound notifications, timer, water temperature control, etc.). A smart kettle is smart in its own way and can do anything - unless it brings coffee to bed.
Pros:
- You can set any heating temperature;
- A wide range of additional functions;
- The ability to control the operation of the kettle from a smartphone.
Minuses:
- Very expensive;
- High power consumption.
Conclusions: how to make the right choice
In our opinion, the best kettle is convenient and safe. What are the basic requirements for modern electric kettles, we have described just above. To these you can add your preferences regarding design, shape and color.
The volume should be selected based on the demand for hot water. The optimal volume is about 2 liters. It makes no sense to take a device with a power of more than 2000 W: it does not save time, it consumes a lot of energy, you need to carefully monitor the power grid - it is easy to overload it.
We do not have a definite answer to the question about the material of the case; it is difficult to take into account and agree on the tastes of users. The price can influence the choice - plastic teapots are cheaper by several hundred rubles, but their service life is not infinite (3-4 years).
From the manufacturers we recommend well-known companies: Tefal, Philips, Bosch, Braun and others.
Video: expert advice - choosing a good electric kettle for your home
Electric kettles are present in every apartment and country house. The market offers hundreds of models of teapots: dozens of volumes, capacities and colors. This makes the selection of the right device a daunting task. In this article, we have collected information about modern teapots and highlighted those points that will help you make an informed choice.