With the modernization of kitchens and LPG prices rising, kitchen appliance has paved the way into almost every Indian home. One such extensively used appliance is an electric kettle. Whether you stay in a bachelor pad, hostel, or with your family at home, an electric kettle is a huge blessing to your immediate tea or coffee needs.
But, of so many options, how to choose electric kettle? Well, buyforpantry.com has brought a comprehensive guide on choosing the best electric kettle.
Table of Contents
Benefits of an Electric Kettle
If you are wondering why purchase an electric kettle?
Here are the 7 advantages an electric kettle provides:
1. Make beverage
For a tea or coffee person: an electric kettle is one of the essential appliances. It prepares a cup of tea or coffee in no time, whenever you need it. You need to have a plug point.
2. Boil eggs
An electric kettle serves your daily breakfast need or intense hunger when you have only some eggs at home. You can make hard-boiled or soft-boiled eggs and even boiled poach in the appliance.
3. Make instant noodles and soups.
The versatility of an electric kettle is par excellence. It is not just a beverage maker it is an instant food maker. You can make instant noodles and soup in it and satisfy the intense hunger in hungry hours.
4. Warm Water for Babies
For your infant, you need warm water many times. In an electric kettle, you warm water for your baby anytime at any place. Moreover, you can maintain the ideal temperature of the water using temperature control if the appliance features one.
5. An incredible time-saver
An electric kettle does not just make beverages; it speeds up the process, thus saving time. When a liter of water takes 7-9 to boil on the stovetop, an electric kettle does the job in 4-5 minutes.
6. Fit in any place
Whether you live in a hostel or a small studio apartment, an electric kettle fits anywhere. It is handy and has little need, only a plug point. So it sits on your study table, bedside table, shelf, etc.
7. Portability
Every electric kettle has a travel-friendly design. Its build, weight, and design favor carrying it in a travel bag to any place, so you don’t have to stay away from your favorite cup of beverage.
Related: Best electric kettle in India
Factors to consider to pick up the best electric kettle
With more than 100 options from reputed brands, choosing the best electric kettle seems daunting. However, considering these 9 factors ease the task. So, know these factors below.
Speed
One of the factors owing to the popularity of an electric kettle is the faster it boils water than stoves or cooktops. In 4-5 minutes, you get a liter of boiled water. It makes it appropriate for people on the go. Though the referred time is a benchmark, remember, the time depends on the capacity of the water.
Capacity
Capacity is another essential factor for an electric kettle. For a cup or mug of beverage or water, it is good to go for a 0.5L to a 1L kettle. It heats up faster. But, for a large quantity, 1.5L to 2L is the best. It takes more time, but you can do more with it.
Wattage
Wattage determines the kettle’s performance. The higher the wattage, the faster boil the water. An electric kettle with a 16A plug is the best. It is safe as it can withstand heavy loads without burning the plug or damaging the appliance.
Material
You will get an electric kettle made of plastic, glass, and stainless steel. Each material comes with its advantages and disadvantages. The detailed pros and cons of each material are discussed below. Choose and pick that suits you the best.
Additional Features
Many electric kettles are imbibed with additional features like auto-shut, cordless, etc. These features add to the convenience of the appliance. Though more features mean a higher price. So check if you need these other features before buying your electric kettle and paying extra for it.
Auto-shut
Most electric kettles feature an auto-shut facility that stops the operation automatically once the water reaches its extreme temperature. For me, this is a must-have feature. So, you don’t continuously check on the appliance and wait to turn it off manually.
Temperature control
Many electric kettles come with temperature control options. This feature is helpful if you want the water heated at a particular temperature. But how much have you felt the need for such a specific requirement? So, it’s’ great if the one you picked up has it, but it is not a mandatory feature.
Cordless
You will get a variety of cordless electric kettles. This feature makes the appliance handier. A separate cord makes pouring and cleaning easy and hassle-free, as the chance of liquid entering the motor lessens.
Price
A standard quality electric kettle starts from 1000INR and can be as expensive as 3000INR. The more the price, the more features it has. Now, it is your budget and preference that ultimately speaks. Remember, the budget and the features of the kettle are essential to be on the same track. It helps a lot in choosing the right product.
Warranty
Like all electric appliances, electric kettles come with a warranty. Each brand offers its respective warranty period. A general warranty period for an electric kettle is 1-year. However, some brands offer a higher warranty period.
Related: How to descale a kettle
Types of materials used in Electric kettle
Electric kettles come in plastic, glass, and stainless steel exterior, each having advantages and disadvantages. The detailed pros and cons of each material are discussed below.
Plastic electric kettles
Electric kettles having plastic exteriors are widely available in a variety of colors. Almost all brands have their plastic electric kettle range. But how good are they? Here are the pros and cons of the plastic electric kettle.
Pros
- Lightweight.
- Heat-resistant exterior.
- Available in colors.
- Reasonable.
Cons
- Not so durable.
- Cheap quality can influence the taste of water.
Glass electric kettles
Besides steel and plastic, electric kettles of glass have been facing a huge craze. The reason primarily lies in its aesthetic. After all, when the beverage or water boils, the whole setup looks very elegant. However, despite such craze, these electric kettles have pros and cons.
Pros
- Aesthetic design.
- Durable than plastic.
- Safer than plastic.
- In-budget price.
Cons
- Handle with care.
- The exterior heats up.
Stainless steel electric kettles
Stainless steel electric kettles are the most chosen range of the appliance. They are durable and elegant yet have pros and cons.
Pros
- Elegant.
- Sturdy and durable.
Cons
- Heavier.
- The exterior heats up.
- Expensive.
How to clean an electric kettle?
With time, minerals start depositing in the interior of the electric kettles. The hard water generally used for boiling forms buildup, which in due course, hinders the heating coil from properly functioning. Hence, routine cleaning of the appliance (once or twice a month) is necessary, depending on the frequency of its usage.
Cleaning an electric kettle is hassle-free.
Here are the steps to clean an electric kettle:
- Make sure the appliance has completely cool down.
- Add lemon juice or a vinegar solution to dissolve the mineral buildup.
- With a toothbrush or bottle brush, scrub out the stains.
- Wash with clean water.
- Wipe off with a microfiber cloth.
- Clean the exterior with a slightly wet cloth.
Related: Kettle is not boiling water
FAQs about the electric kettle
Are electric kettles energy efficient?
Yes! An electric kettle consumes less energy to boil the same quantity of water than it takes on a stovetop. It consumes around 1200W power, more efficient than an induction or gas stove.
How safe are electric kettles?
Electric kettles are safe to use. Its high-end built, food-grade material owes extensive use. Moreover, if you follow the guidelines in the instruction manual, it becomes safer.
Is an electric kettle safe for health?
Yes, no evidence proves electric kettles are harmful to health. Whether it is a kettle of plastic or stainless steel, the interior is of stainless steel, healthy and safe. Even though a glass kettle is safe to use, it is fragile.
What is the best wattage for an electric kettle?
The higher the wattage, the quicker you can boil water. 1500W is apt for a 1.2-liter kettle, while 1800-2100W is ideal for a 1.7-liter kettle.
Can I boil milk in an electric kettle?
No, all electric kettles in India cannot be used for boiling milk, though some can. Electric kettles heat liquids quickly, and milk with a high density needs a certain amount of time. In an electric kettle, heat does not circulate well. Even if it gives the perfect boiled milk on the top, some quantity can stay burnt at the bottom. It makes cleaning a hassle. Moreover, it can overflow, creating a mess.
How often should the kettle be cleaned?
Cleaning an electric kettle depends on the frequency of usage. If you use it daily, clean it at least twice a month. As minerals build up over time, thorough cleaning with lemon juice or vinegar is necessary.
How long does an electric kettle last?
A standard electric kettle generally lasts 4-5 years. But with proper maintenance, electric kettles last more years.
Final Word: How to choose electric kettle
An electric kettle is truly an innovation for all. And the good news is every reputed appliance has a variety of electric kettles.
So, readers, if you are planning to buy one, I hope this comprehensive guide on electric kettles has answered the many queries haunting your mind.
And if you want to know about the best one available in India, check out here @ the best electric kettle in India.
