Recommendations for choosing the right electric kettle
The variety of household appliances on the market puts the consumer in front of a dilemma, who is interested in the low price, reliability and durability of kitchen equipment. How to choose an electric kettle, what to look for when buying? How do you determine that a product you like will last more than a year? There are answers to these questions, knowing which ones you can make a good purchase.
Advantages and disadvantages of using an electric kettle
Household appliances have entered everyday life, taking a prominent place among kitchen equipment:
- multicooker;
- coffee pots;
- Coffee grinder;
- bread makers;
- and others.
The most important advantage of an electric kettle is the speed of boiling water.There is no need to wait 10-15 minutes when a regular kettle whistles on a gas or electric stove. Saving time is the main value of the 21st century.
Traditional devices do not have a remote control function. Electric kettles with such an opportunity become an element of the "smart home". The design of the model can be integrated into the interior of the kitchen, making it an element of decor.
The disadvantage of electric kettles is related to their advantage: the higher the boiling rate of water, the greater the energy consumption and energy consumption.
The poor quality plastic used in the body of the boiler gives the water an unpleasant taste and odor. The short cord “ties” the kettle to the outlet, determining its location in advance. Before buying a device, it is necessary to determine whether there is a place for it, whether it will be necessary to rearrange it.
Design and principle of operation
An electric kettle consists of three main functional elements:
- Boxes with handle and cover.
- The base of the housing where the heating element and thermostat are located.
- Support connecting the heating element to the electrical network using a cord and contacts.
Water is poured into the container up to a certain level. The kettle is closed by a lid and installed on a support connected to the mains. Due to the contact of the heating element at the base of the case with the electrical conductor, the water heats up quickly.
The device is turned on by pressing a button on the handle. The LED lights up, indicating that the device is on. After boiling water, the device is automatically disconnected from the power supply.
Most models have locks to prevent:
- turn on the electric kettle without water;
- continue to supply power without the device;
- boil for a long time.
There are two ways to stop heating the liquid: remove the electric kettle from the stand, turn it off with a button on the handle.
Main selection criteria
The functionality and long-term operation of an electric kettle depends on many components.
body material
The type of container material determines:
- electric kettle life;
- originality of design;
- respect the environment.
The items listed are interconnected.
Plastic
The use of plastic expands the color range and leaves room for design. The models are light. The low thermal conductivity of the walls increases the boiling rate of water compared to other materials.
The low cost of the material makes it possible to make balanced devices in terms of price and quality.
A plastic kettle is less resistant: it leaks over time. When heated, the smell and taste of burnt plastic may appear.
Stainless steel
Long lasting material. The range of colors is limited. Shiny plastic handles and lids are used as decorative elements. The models are light. The boiling and cooling rate 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 long. The options for the shape of the glass case are limited, but original. Tempered glass, if handled carelessly, can crack. Models are superior in weight to plastic and metal.
Ceramic
The design of the models is close to the traditional shapes of teapots or coffee makers.In terms of boiling speed, they are the slowest due to heat absorption by the ceramic walls. Water from a ceramic electric kettle does not cool for long. The material is fragile, requires careful handling and is more expensive than others.
A heating element
Rapid heating is carried out thanks to a powerful heating element in the form of a spiral or disc. The shape of the element is not essential. An element in direct contact with water has a higher efficiency than one hidden in the bottom of the case.
Power
The boiling speed depends on the correctly selected power. In this case, the desired volume of the container must be taken into account. For example: 1 kilowatt for 1 liter or 1.5 liters. Results will vary greatly. The cost of an electric kettle and its power are in direct proportion.
Volume
The volume of the tank must be optimal, correspond to the demand for boiling water. The price of an electric kettle with equivalent characteristics depends on the engine capacity: the higher it is, the higher it is.
Support
The base should have good adhesion to the surface of kitchen furniture to prevent injury. Rubberized feet are the best option.
Additional functions
Models of electrical devices can be equipped with additional functionality, which makes the product more expensive. To what extent the consumer needs it, he must decide for himself.
Thermostat
The element allows you to control the heating up to a certain level, ranging from 40-50 to 95 degrees.
Smooth lid opening
This function is useful when filling water when the kettle is still hot.
Heating function
It is convenient when the unused volume of water is heated for 8-12 hours.
Additional filter
Water purification when filling the kettle.
On the stopwatch
The switch-on delay is installed on thermopots, expensive and bulky devices.
Idle protection
A necessary function in an electric kettle to prevent heating element failure.
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 water.
Backlight
Decorative element. The color of the diodes determines the water temperature.
Liquid level indicator
A function that allows you to determine the need to add water without looking inside the device.
Remote
Advanced models, smart home elements. Switch on the electric kettle from a smartphone.
Noise level
The noise depends on the vibration of the cabinet walls. The noisiest are metal electric kettles, the quiet ones are ceramic.
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.
Weight
The weight of the device depends on the type of material of the case 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.
Leak protection
Silicone gaskets extend the life of the kettle.
Manufacturers rating
In the world production of household appliances for the kitchen, European, American giants and young Russian companies compete. Most of them began to produce electric kettles after receiving recognition for the production of other equipment.
The consumer, knowing the merits of a well-known brand, prefers to buy its model.
But Russian companies are successfully regaining their place in the MBT market, offering cheaper, but no less high-quality products.
Bosch
The company's history dates 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 appliance market entered the global 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 has extended to coffee grinders, washing machines, dishwashers, refrigerators and electric kettles. Reliability and durability are what the buyer expects from the products of this brand.
Phillips
The Dutch company has been known for over 100 years. The company began producing consumer goods in the early 20th century. They were light bulbs, then radios followed. Philips is known for its innovative attitude towards 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 electric kettle models exemplify the company's motto "Numbers are important, but people are more important". The brand is registered in the Netherlands, but the appliances are made in China. Control of compliance with the technological process by specialists allows us to maintain a high level of quality.
Tefal
The first "Tefal" electric kettle was released in 1982.Worldwide, 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 Groupe SEB. The Moulinex and Roventa brands were united under one roof.
Electric kettles are produced in a plastic case. Light, powerful, with simple features. The magic of the brand extends to all household appliances manufactured by Tefal.
Delonghi
The Italian company began to conquer the market at the beginning of the 20th century with the production of radiators. The expansion of production involves the acquisition of companies producing household appliances: air conditioners, refrigerators. The appearance of Delonghi electric kettles took place in 1995.
Small kitchen appliances are made in China, in company-owned factories. Italian designers are turning to traditional teapot shapes, for which there is a constant 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 features 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-performance ratio with an original design and reliability.
Scarlett
At the beginning of its activity, the Russian-Chinese company produced small household appliances: electric kettles, irons, vacuum cleaners and hair dryers. Successful marketing and high-quality products made the company's products one of most popular in Russia.
Review of the best models
Popularity was won by electrical devices with a beautiful design, a set of necessary functions and flawless operation for a long time. Each brand has the most preferred models.
TEFAL BF 9252
The body of the electric kettle is made of yellow plastic, the spiral is closed by a stainless steel plate. Volume - 1.7 liters. The power of the heating element is 2.2 kilowatts.
The device is equipped with:
- automatic lock when turned on without water;
- a lock on the lid, preventing spillage of boiling water;
- automatic lid opening button.
Made in China. The warranty is 2 years.
MOULINEX Subito III BY 540D
The main body is made of stainless steel in silver color. The lid, handle and stand are made of black plastic. The electric kettle is equipped with:
- water level indication;
- On off;
- nylon filter;
- blockage when used without water.
The power of the closed heating element is 2.4 kilowatts. The volume of the liquid is 1.7 liters. The French brand is made in China. Guarantee obligations - 6 months.
BOSCH TWK6008
The design of the electric kettle is a smooth arc descending from the spout to the handle.
Color options for the plastic case:
- milky matte;
- blue;
- black;
- Red;
- dark lilac;
- gray.
The handle, the cover, the support are made in contrast, except for the black instrument. The kettle holds 1.7 litres. The spiral, with a capacity of 2.4 kilowatts, is closed by a stainless steel plate.For the comfort of the users, an automatic stop of the heating after boiling and in the absence of water due to forgetfulness is planned. There is a water level indicator next to the handle. The spout has a nylon filter.
Light, compact and affordable electric device.
BRAUN WK 300
The German brand is available in 4 colors:
- red body with black handle;
- black body and handle;
- tan and black;
- white and gray.
Cover, stand - one tone with a plastic body. The top is beveled at 15 degrees from spout to handle. The handle is massive, with an indication of the volume of liquid in the electric kettle.
The maximum volume of boiling water is 1.7 liters. The power of the heating element is 2.2 kilowatts. The device shuts off the power when the cover is open.
Vitek VT-7009 TR
Austrian brand, Chinese manufacturer. Glass flask with gradation of 1.7 liters. The heating disc is encased in a massive stainless steel base. Black plastic handle and lid with red band.
The heating power is 2.2 kilowatts. The descaling filter is removable. The inclusion of an empty electric kettle is blocked. The manufacturer's warranty period is 1 year.
Scarlett SC-EK24С01
The design of the electric kettle is identical to that of a traditional teapot. The body, lid and handle are in white ceramic. Heating element - disk. Volume - up to 1.3 liters (indicating water filling) with a power of 1.6 kilowatts. Power interlocks are standard: overheat, boil.
REDMOND SkyKettle M170S
Russian brand, Chinese performance. The volume of the electric kettle is 1.7 liters. Combination housing material: white plastic-metal.Design: straight bottle with flat lid, sole-shaped bottom.
The device control functional registers are located on the base:
- set the heating temperature in the range from 40 to 95 degrees (5 gradations);
- maintain the heating temperature for up to 12 hours;
- remote activation from smartphone via Android3 Jelly Bean, iOS 7.
Standard locking features. The power of the heating disc is 2.4 kilowatts.
Bosch TWK1201N
Made in China. Stainless steel bottle. The rest of the elements are white plastic. The specified volume of boiling water is 1.7 liters. The hidden heating element has a power of 1.8 kilowatts. On the body there is an on-off indication, a gradation of the containing liquid. Automatic blocking of start-up without filling the water tank is provided.
The main advantages of the electric kettle:
- operational reliability;
- ease of use;
- comfortable beak shape.
Consumers consider the disadvantage of insufficient power, volumetric coverage. A cheap model will last a long time.
Delonghi KBOV 2001
An Italian brand with a Chinese touch. The electric kettle looks like a traditional coffee maker. Metal parts: spout and lid. The rest of the elements are plastic: black body; the button on the lid, the holder, the handle are brown.
Lid, filter are removable. The volume of the balloon is 1.7 liters. Heating power - 2 kW. No functional characteristics. Manufacturer's warranty - 2 years.
Philips HD4646
White plastic body with a comfortable handle. The graduation of filling with water is made on both sides. The volume of the electric kettle is 1.5 liters. The heating element has a power of 2.4 kilowatts.
There is:
- overheating protection;
- automatic shut-off when boiling;
- when removed from the base;
- power indicator;
- nylon descaling filter.
Guaranteed lifetime - 12 months.
Kambrook KCK 305
The device is made of white ceramic. The design of the electric kettle is close to the traditional design. The volume of water can be up to 1 liter. The minimum filling is two cups of 150 ml. Heating power - 1200 kilowatts.
Advantages of the model: compatible with the classic design of the kitchen, does not cool for a long time. Disadvantage: it takes 4-6 minutes to boil, the lid burns your fingers.
Polaris PWK1731CC
American brand. Country of origin - China. The electric kettle is made of white ceramic. The volume of boiling water is 1.7 liters. The power consumption of the heating element is 2.4 kilowatts. The device does not have a vial filling scale.
Quiet work. There are two stop buttons on the handle: manual and automatic mode. There is an automatic blocking in case of overheating, by removing the kettle from the base.
Kettle element WF04GB
The case is combined: a glass bottle, a handle, a plastic holder, the base of the case is made of metal. Capacity - 1 liter with a power of more than 2 kilowatts. The handle has a touch screen to adjust the heating mode (6 positions). When boiling, a signal sounds.
The model does not provide a backlight, indication of the volume of water, ignition, blocking carried out.
Scarlett SC-224
The electric kettle has a volume of 1.7 liters, a heating coil with a capacity of 2.4 kilowatts. The body is made of glass, the rest of the elements are made of plastic and metal. The device has no pointer when filling the volume. After boiling, it beeps.
The thermostat on the handle allows you to adjust the temperature regime from 50 to 100 degrees (6 positions).
Tips and tricks for choosing
Before making a purchase, decide:
- how big should the electric kettle be;
- how long does it take to boil (which power to choose);
- what should be the compatibility of the design of the device and the interior of the kitchen;
- place for a teapot;
- the upper limit of the price.
It is better to obtain information on the reliability of equipment from several sources, critically reading consumer reviews.
According to the price-quality ratio, they choose a model, giving preference to proven brands.