If you are asking the question “how to choose an electric kettle for your home?”, then it’s time to replace the old model or switch from a stovetop kettle to a more innovative solution. Despite the fact that an electric kettle is available to every housewife, there are several nuances that need to be taken into account so that its operation brings only comfort. Power, body material, heating element - these are not all the components in which teapots can differ from each other. The wide range of manufacturers and models makes choosing a suitable, reliable kettle quite difficult. To choose a good electric kettle, we have prepared for you the most important information you need to know.
Housing material
One of the most interesting elements in a teapot is the material of its body. Buyers are concerned about the environmental friendliness of the material, water quality and durability. Glass, ceramic, metal and plastic - all materials have pros and cons. Let's take a closer look.
Plastic
The competing positions are occupied by plastic teapots. Their advantages: affordable price, practicality, ease of care, low heating of the material (of particular importance for families with children).
Disadvantages of a plastic case: chemical releases into the water are possible when the water is heated; after 2-3 years they will lose their aesthetic appearance.
Well-known brands use only certified food-grade plastic, which increases their safety.
Metal
Metal kettles are made of stainless steel and aluminum. Stainless steel ensures environmental friendliness, strength and long service life. Another plus is their aesthetic appearance, which will easily fit into any kitchen.
The disadvantages are worth considering: poor maintenance of already heated water due to higher thermal conductivity than plastic, the body heats up very much, which can lead to burns, and the weight of the material along with a fully filled tank will be very noticeable and uncomfortable.
Glass
If you are wax-sensitive to smells and tastes, then a glass teapot is definitely for you. In addition, you can easily control the volume of water poured.
However, along with the positive sides, there are also negative ones. Glass requires a particularly careful attitude and requires cleaning with special products every six months to maintain an attractive appearance. Be prepared to pay a premium for a glass teapot compared to its plastic and metal counterparts.
Ceramics
The ceramic teapot was created for those who prefer something more aesthetically pleasing to the high-tech style. This teapot is more like a teapot with a characteristic smooth surface, lid, handle and attractive painting. You may come across models that come with cups to give you the feeling of a assembled set.
Ceramic kettles have many advantages: environmental friendliness, water quality, quiet operation, electrical safety, lack of scale, long-term heat retention of heated water, ease of cleaning and long service life.
Disadvantages of ceramics: long heating time of water, heaviness of the kettle, fragility of the device, limited volume - up to 1.5 liters, high price.
Advantages and disadvantages of electric kettles
We all highlight the positive aspects in the process of using these devices, especially since they are unconditional and create certain conveniences in our daily affairs. This technique has a number of advantages. Namely:
- Instant heating of water, which saves us time for preparing our favorite drinks. Especially in the morning, when you immediately need a portion of morning coffee to wake up.
- Autonomous. No other kitchen appliances or furniture sets are attached. To turn it on, you only need a power outlet. Therefore, without any problems, it can be placed in any corner and moved from place to place.
In addition to the main purpose, various models can accommodate quite interesting functionality, including the following functions:
- Heating water to a set temperature. Agree, not in all cases you need boiling water. Many drinks are prepared at low temperatures, and in turn, are suitable for immediate consumption.
- Maintaining a given water temperature, which allows you to always have warm/hot water in the kettle. This is especially true when there are small children in the house and you often suddenly need to have warm water on hand for preparing drinks, diluting formula, medicines, and the like.
- Sound warning about boiling. A very necessary thing. It often happens that the owner put water on and forgot about it. And not only did it boil, but it had already cooled down.
- Multi-colored lights add a special mood and playfulness while performing household chores.
- Timer delay. Now you can safely go into the shower and set the timer so that when you get out, the water in the kettle is ready to prepare a drink.
- A nice feature that will clean the water from chlorine. Intense boiling.
- Most kettles are equipped with a sensor that prevents the device from turning on when there is no water in it. This will help preserve the device in cases where you forget to fill the water.
- The presence of filters that allow you to filter especially hard water.
- The newest models have a built-in remote control function from a smartphone.
- One of the important advantages is that the new models have more economical use of electricity. Which, in fact, has always been the first drawback of using these devices in everyday life due to their high cost.
Despite its positive aspects, such a device also has certain disadvantages. Among which:
- Possibility of releasing an unpleasant toxic odor when heated. Most often, the reason is the cheap material of the device body itself – plastic. This deficiency can be observed both during the first times of use and throughout subsequent use.
- Wiring problems when using the device. In particular, its fire. This is due to the unbearable old electrical wiring of powerful electric kettles.
See also:
- 5 Best De'Longhi Electric Kettles of 2021
- 5 best Philips electric kettles
- 5 Best Braun Electric Kettles
- 7 Best Scarlett Electric Kettles of 2021
- 8 best thermopots according to customer reviews
- 9 best electric kettles REDMOND
In order for your favorite kettle to serve for a long time and with high quality, you should be responsible in choosing it, and before you buy, carefully evaluate all its pros and cons.
It has already become clear that the teapot option can be of various types. All that remains is to decide which of all this is exactly what you need. It is important to choose not by the number of functions in general, but by the availability of functions that are necessary for you. Let's say that not everyone needs a countdown timer or a remote control function. But the more capabilities a technology has, the higher its price.
Therefore, it is better to concentrate on high-quality devices with the necessary functionality. In particular, the material of the body of the electric kettle itself plays an important role. To answer the question, which electric kettle is better, metal or glass, plastic or ceramic, let’s take a closer look at each of them.
See also -
Choosing a thermopot for your home
Functionality
The electric kettle itself already makes our life a little easier and does not require any handling skills. However, the manufacturers made sure that its functionality was even more comfortable for us.
Thermostat
The thermostat is the very function that will be useful for tea connoisseurs. Each type of tea requires a certain brewing temperature to properly release the flavor and aroma of the leaves. By adjusting the temperature, the kettle stops heating the water when the required setting is reached.
Protection against switching on without water
For families with children, this feature comes in handy. If you think about it a little, you may accidentally start the kettle without filling, which may result in the heater burning out. With this function, your kettle will not face such an end.
Filter
The filter provides protection against scale, better operation of the kettle, which plays a role in the longevity of the operation. Pay attention to metal filters, they do their job with a bang. For easy cleaning, choose kettles with removable elements.
Power-on indication
Light and sound indicators will help you remember that you wanted to prepare a drink. An extinguished light or sound will instantly notify that the water has heated up and is ready for use.
Cover lock
The lid will only open if the button is pressed. Fixing the latch will protect you from accidentally opening the lid and spilling boiling water when carrying the kettle.
Double wall
Some manufacturers offer models of electric kettles with double walls. It simultaneously performs two useful functions: it increases the time the heated water remains warm and prevents burns by preventing the outer casing from overheating.
Night illumination
This is by no means the most necessary element of a kettle, but some models are equipped with this function. At night, it will be much easier for you to navigate in a dark room thanks to this “night light” without having to turn on the main bright lamp; its soft light will only improve the design of your kitchen.
Also read: How to choose a toaster?
Glass teapots
Some stores creatively display glass teapots in working order. And this technique works: the bubbling of water, hidden from our eyes in other teapots, produces a literally mesmerizing impression. Especially with color lighting! But at the same time, of course, we should not forget that we buy a kettle not to admire the process, but to perform a specific function. From a functionality point of view, it is important that when using glass kettles there is no reason to fear those harmful inclusions in the water that are possible when using a kettle made of insufficiently high-quality plastic.
But assurances about the environmental friendliness of glass (and such statements have no less bewitching effect on consumers than bubbling water!) are more from the evil one. Of course, there is no reason to deliberately consider glass to be environmentally unsafe (it is not included in the risk group), but in order to claim the opposite in a specific case for advertising purposes, you need to have evidence. And most often these are not given. When choosing a glass teapot, you should be aware that the glass gets very hot. For this reason, it is not the best option for families with small children. Especially if you have to warm up the tea yourself. Be prepared for the fact that a glass teapot requires more care; it will have to be washed and descaled more often. Often buyers are stopped from purchasing glass teapots by the fact that they are... glass. This means they can easily break. The seller will respond to these concerns: the glass is impact-resistant. This is true, but you will, of course, have to handle a glass teapot more carefully than models made of plastic and metal. As for high temperatures, there is no need to worry about them: heat-resistant glass will certainly withstand boiling.
Tips before purchasing
To summarize, to choose the best electric kettle for your home that meets your primary criteria, follow these tips:
- When choosing the volume of the kettle tank, consider the number of members of your family and the amount of water used at a time.
- Protect your home from short circuits by taking into account the maximum load of your electrical network when choosing the power of an electrical appliance.
- The best materials for you are plastic and metal if practicality and durability are important to you, glass if the taste of water is important to you, and ceramics if you are willing to spend a more expensive amount for the sake of aesthetic design.
- Be sure to study the additional functions of electric kettles. The small extra cost may be worth the comfort and convenience that additional features provide.
- Before you go to the store or add an item to your cart online, read reviews about your choice. This will help you save money and make a choice in the direction of the electric kettle that will last you much longer.
In order for you to have something to compare with and understand the functionality of the models, check out the TOP 5 XIOMI electric kettles for 2020:
The XIOMI company has long been famous for its universal devices that fit any budget. Their products combine laconic style, high functionality and thoughtful details in each of their devices. All parts are tested, so the company can guarantee safety of use. The models that we have selected for you will complement your interior and will be as comfortable as possible to use. Each kettle features an enclosed heating element to prevent limescale build-up and uses a lid lock to keep you and your family safe.
Ten+ best electric kettle models
10+. Tefal KO 150F Delfini Plus
This model is designed quite simply and is very easy to use. It looks very stylish due to the plastic body, painted black, due to which this product will fit perfectly into the interior of the kitchen. The kettle has a good capacity of 1.5 liters. It is made of high-quality materials, has light indicators and a wireless connection, this allows you to rotate the kettle on the stand.
The lid is removable and easy to clean. The heating element is closed, made of stainless steel, which minimizes the formation of scale. The kettle also has a filter element that prevents various types of contaminants contained in tap water from entering the cup. If necessary, it can be removed and washed.
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Advantages:
- Attractive appearance;
- Simple device;
- High degree of reliability;
- Practical and roomy.
Flaws:
- Short power cord;
- There is no indicator of operation and water level.
Tefal KO 150F Delfini Plus
Bosch TWK 3A011
Made from high-quality plastic, there are no foreign odors or tastes of water during operation. The design of the case is stylish and laconic, which allows it to fit organically into the interior of the kitchen. This kettle is convenient to use due to the presence of an ergonomic handle. The product has a wide spout and a convenient water level indicator. It is equipped with several security systems: the lid has a strong lock that prevents it from opening spontaneously.
When boiling, the power turns off automatically, and it also turns off when there is no water in it. The cover is completely removable, the heating element is built-in, disk type, made of high-quality stainless steel. This makes descaling easier, and the scale itself practically does not accumulate in the kettle.
Advantages:
- Decent volume – 1.7 liters;
- Brings water to a boil quickly;
- Makes virtually no noise during operation;
- Strict and very beautiful design;
- Operational safety;
- Removable cover;
- Quite reasonable price.
Flaws:
- There is no temperature support function; the water in the kettle cools down very quickly;
- The filter is not removable, unlike the lid, which makes it difficult to clean.
Bosch TWK 3A011
Polaris PWK 1702CGL
The device is manufactured using the latest WaterWay Pro technology, with which you can pour water into the kettle without opening the lid.
It is equipped with a special valve that opens independently under water pressure. After the filling is completed, it closes using a special spring built into the loop. The body of the product is made on the basis of special glass, resistant to high temperatures and of excellent quality. The upper part of the structure is made of stainless steel with a special coating. This solution makes the device strong and durable, and also ensures a uniform design style. The spout is short and narrow, giving the teapot a feeling of compactness and the severity of its appearance. The lid of this kettle can be removed if necessary. It is also made on a stainless steel base. There are plastic latches that secure it in the neck of the kettle. The fill valve plate is located in the center of the cover and is secured with a spring-loaded hinge. Inside the kettle there is a removable mesh filter that provides good protection against scale. The power of the heating element is 2200 W, so the water boils quite quickly - you only have to wait two to three minutes. The reservoir is designed for a maximum of 1.7 liters of water. The heating element is hidden, which has a positive effect on the attractiveness of the device. The kettle has an automatic shut-off system, and the stand allows you to rotate it around its axis. The manufacturer has provided a long warranty period of 3 years.
Advantages:
- Looks very nice;
- Original lid with valve for filling water;
- The body is made of tempered glass, which withstands thermal loads well;
- Can rotate on the stand around its axis.
Flaws:
- Paint on metal gets scratched quickly.
Polaris PWK 1702CGL
REDMOND SkyKettle
This is one of the most original kettles in our review of the best electric kettles of the year. Its water flask is made of carefully tempered glass, equipped with multi-colored LED lighting, which gives it additional attractiveness. Its main distinguishing feature compared to the models already discussed is the built-in Bluetooth module, which allows you to turn on the kettle remotely and configure it to maintain a certain water temperature with an accuracy of one degree.
All such functions are duplicated on the handle of the device, which also has a very ergonomic shape and is made of high-quality plastic. The maximum capacity of the kettle is 2 liters with a power of 2.2 kW. The product is equipped with an automatic shut-off system, the brightness of the backlight can be adjusted. The spout is thin enough, the water pouring through it will not splash. The lid is non-removable and has a lock. When the water in the kettle boils, it beeps.
Advantages:
- It is possible to simply heat the water without boiling it;
- Availability of original brightness-adjustable backlight;
- High power;
- Attractive appearance.
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Flaws:
- There is a small gap between the handle and the lid, where perspiration often forms;
- The settings sometimes get lost and you have to set them again;
- The plastic elements do not adhere too firmly to the glass bulb.
REDMOND SkyKettle
Galaxy GL0307
It is equipped with a two-layer flask, which is made of plastic on the outside and food-grade stainless steel on the inside, with an air gap between them. By and large, the device combines the functions of a kettle and a thermos. Its functionality is rather modest, but it maintains a comfortable water temperature for a long time without the use of electricity. It has a water indicator.
The kettle is inexpensive, comes in various colors, is quite powerful - 2 kW, has all the basic safety systems, for example, it automatically turns off when it boils or does not turn on if there is no water in it.
Advantages:
- The inner surface is a cast metal bowl;
- Hidden type heater;
- High-quality assembly;
- Wide neck;
- During operation, it makes virtually no extraneous sounds;
- There are no foreign odors.
Flaws:
- There is no scale filter;
- The plastic housing may have burrs;
- The holes in the bowl are located under the spout, which is why moisture can get into them.
Galaxy GL0307
6. Tefal KO 371 Safe to touch
It looks very elegant due to the double stainless steel body; there is an air gap between the outer and inner body, which allows you to keep the water hot for a long time. This technology is borrowed from a thermos; the outer surface continues to remain cool even if there is boiling water inside, so you won’t get burned. The stand is round in shape, which allows you to rotate the kettle around its axis.
Its maximum volume is one and a half liters - quite enough for a small family; the power of 2.4 kW allows you to boil water very quickly. It will heat up due to the closed spiral. The main distinctive feature of this model is the presence of a compartment for storing the power cable. The heating element is also made of stainless steel, hidden type. This does not affect the speed of boiling water, but it reduces the amount of scale formed.
Advantages:
- Quite economical;
- Keeps water hot for a long time;
- Looks very nice;
- It is easy to clean and makes virtually no noise during operation.
Flaws:
- High price;
- There is no window for checking the water level;
- Short power cable length.
Tefal KO 371 Safe to touch
Bosch TWK 8617
It has a very beautiful appearance and looks good in any kitchen. The volume of the kettle is one and a half liters, the device is equipped with a removable filter made in the form of a metal mesh. Among the additional functions, it has a sound signal that will indicate the start and completion of boiling. The bottom is absolutely flat, made of stainless steel. The handle is non-slip, although plastic, and fits comfortably in the hand. Double walls allow you to maintain the water temperature for a long time.
The lid is not removable and opens using a special button, less than 90 degrees, but even this is quite enough for comfortable cleaning of the kettle and quickly filling the flask with water. The condensation that accumulates on the lid will gently flow back into the kettle. The handle is made of high-quality non-slip plastic, has an ergonomic shape, and does not leave fingerprints on it. The stand has an easy-to-use panel with which you can select the temperature that the kettle will automatically maintain - from 70 to 100 degrees.
Advantages:
- The presence of a large number of functions, which makes the operation of this device very convenient;
- It has an attractive appearance;
- The sounds produced are not too loud;
- Holds the selected temperature well;
- Heats water quickly.
Flaws:
- Sometimes the heating sensor fails, causing the kettle to stop bringing water to a boil;
- Low maximum volume;
- It happens that the contacts come loose, which is why the kettle stops working altogether;
- The lid has poor thermal insulation.
Bosch TWK 8617
4. Clatronic WK 3501 G
This model rightfully ranks third among the best electric kettles. It features a durable tempered glass body with beautiful metal accents. The heating element is hidden, the device takes up a minimum amount of free space, convenient for use both at home and in the office. It heats water quickly, the power is 2 kW. When boiling, it makes minimal noise and turns off automatically.
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The top cover is removable, which makes it easier to descale the kettle, and opens by pressing a button located directly on it. The kettle holds up to 1.7 liters of water – enough for a family of about 4 people.
Advantages:
- Quite practical;
- Good capacity;
- Reliability;
- High build quality;
- Easy to use and clean.
Flaws:
- The heating element is not reliable in all models and sometimes fails;
- The backlight often breaks.
Clatronic WK 3501 G
3. Scarlett SC-EK27G98
This kettle has a water flask made of tempered glass, additionally decorated with plastic inserts. It also has LED lighting, which makes the device even more attractive. The maximum capacity of the kettle is 1.7 liters with a power of 2.2 kW.
The device has an enhanced security system. The heating element is automatically blocked from starting if there is no water in the kettle, and the lid is also blocked during boiling. The kettle is equipped with a metal filter that is capable of trapping any large contaminants contained in the water. The device weighs only 1.1 kg and has a niche for storing the power cable.
Advantages:
- Very beautiful appearance, additionally equipped with LED lighting;
- High-quality assembly, no backlash or extraneous creaks;
- When it boils it makes a beep.
Flaws:
- The glass flask heats up as the water boils, you need to be very careful, otherwise you can get seriously burned;
- Sometimes the lid no longer fits tightly to the flask, which leads to a large amount of steam escaping.
Review of the Scarlett SC-EK27G98 kettle
Scarlett SC-EK27G98
Polaris PWK 1731CC
This model became one of the leaders in the ranking of the top 10 best electric kettles, largely due to the presence of a ceramic flask for filling water. The lid fits as tightly as possible due to the presence of a rubber insert. This material has no foreign odors, in addition, the water will cool much longer. The kettle's legs are made of silicone, which reduces the amount of noise produced.
The body is made of one piece, there is no indicator for the water level on the outside, it is located on the inside. There is also no scale filter; instead, a ceramic mesh is inserted into the spout, which traps dirt and scale much better than metal. The spout itself is quite wide and does not splash water. The maximum water volume is 1.7 liters. Despite the fact that the device’s power is only 1.8 kW, it boils as quickly as possible.
Advantages:
- Beautiful appearance;
- Excellent value for money;
- High performance characteristics;
- Economical.
Flaws:
- There is no water level indicator;
- Significant mass due to the fact that it is made of ceramics.
Polaris PWK 1731CC
Morphy Richards Accents Rose Gold Brushed 102105
The first place in our rating was taken by the Rose Gold Brushed 102105 teapot from the British brand Morphy Richards. The electric kettle with a stainless steel body is stylized as a classic and can fit into any interior.
Of course, the main feature of its design is the decorative elements made in rose gold, which adds an elite appearance. You don't see such a design solution often. The kettle is equipped with a backlight, an anti-scale filter and protection against “dry start”. Another rare feature is the boiling sound, which imitates the whistle sound of a regular kettle. However, this option can be disabled.
Buy electric kettle Accents Rose Gold Brushed 102105 from the manufacturer here!
Advantages:
- Excellent design;
- Warranty period – 2 years.
Flaws:
- High cost of the model.
Morphy Richards Accents Rose Gold Brushed 102105