An electric kettle is one of those investments you make to make your daily chores easier. However, it is very essential to consider some factors before buying to ensure safety and durability. We have listed some very important characteristics that the best kettle should have.
1- The Capacity of the Device
This is the most important detail you should look for before buying an electric kettle. This feature will let you borrow down the variety of options available in the market to a great extent.
The capacity of the kettles ranges from 0.5-2 litres. Choose an electric kettle that can serve water, tea, or coffee according to the size of your family and their requirements.
0.5 litres can serve 3-4 cups whereas a 2-litre capacity can serve up to 10-12 large cups. The cost of the kettle also varies according to the capacity of the kettle.
The ergonomics or the portability is also determined by the capacity of your electric kettle. More capacity will lead to a heavier body.
2- Material
The material of most of the kettles available in the market is made up of stainless steel and food-grade plastic. However, it varies for different brands. It is not advisable to purchase an electric kettle made of plastic unless you are on a tight budget.
Some rare brands also provide kettles made up of glass that might look fancy and decent. But they are very delicate and must be handled with the utmost care and maintenance.
Kettles made of metals are one of the best ones to consider. They not only protect you from heat but also prevent the kettle from corrosion and damage. They are a bit expensive, but it would be a great investment in the long run.
3- Power
The power of the motor determines how quickly the contents boil. The Parameter used to measure the power is Wattage. One of the significant reasons to purchase an electric kettle is to boil water quickly. Therefore, look for kettles that can make your job easier.
The power of the kettle mostly ranges from 700-3000 Watts. However higher power might also lead to damage and cause overheating issues. If you are planning to buy an electric kettle that has the highest power then makes sure you also look for an automatic overheat protection feature in the appliance. That will ensure safety and prevents scalding.
4- Noise
Producing an enormous amount of noise is the greatest disadvantage of most of the kettles. If you are using the appliance in your kitchen or your private space, the noise will not be an issue. But, if the same is used in public or workspace then you should consider looking for a brand that assures noise-free functioning.
The lesser the noise, the more the kettle will promote usability. Do check the reviews and ratings about the noise production before purchasing.
5- Ergonomic Body
The design of the body will determine portability, usage, and maintenance. Make sure you consider the following features to ensure accessibility.
Weight
The weight of the kettle largely influences portability. High-quality kettles offer light weighted body so that you can carry the appliance wherever you want. The more the capacity, the more will be the weight of the kettle. Look for kettles with a lower capacity if you want to carry your kettle often while traveling.
Handle
The handle of the kettle must be chosen carefully. The handles in some kettles are placed very nearer to the body that might cause burns and problems. Consider looking for handles made of plastic to provide an insulation effect throughout the process of boiling.
The handle must have the essential switches or buttons that operate the functioning of the kettle.
Maintenance
The maintenance of the kettle is as simple as it’s usage. The wider mouth of the body the device will ensure thorough cleaning and drying. Make sure you dry the entire appliance before the next use. Don’t flood the kettle with water for cleaning. Using a wet cloth or brush will be enough. Also, refer to the manual of the product to know more about its maintenance.
6- Smart Functions:
Some high-quality kettles offer smart functions that promote the safety, longevity, and portability of the kettle.
Red indicator
This feature is offered by higher-end kettles that make it useful to save electricity. The neon light indicator turns on when the water starts boiling and turns off when the process is complete. This feature is accompanied by the automatic cut off feature that instantly turns off the device when the process is complete.
Water level indication
There is a limit above which the kettle should not be filled with water. This is very important to prevent the spilling of contents and the smooth functioning of the device. The water level indicator will automatically let you know the level up to which you can fill.
Warm feature
Some higher-end kettles come with a warm feature that lets the contents stay hot for a long time. This is very important if you wish to serve hot. It also prevents frequent boiling that you can store them for quite a long period.
Filter mesh
Kettles that allow making tea or coffee other than boiling water should contain a mesh to filter out the wastes from the kettle. This will ensure the easy maintenance of the device.
7- The Base of the Kettle
The base of the kettle varies between a corded and cordless kettle. You should consider the space and usage to choose between both. The corded kettle will require an electric plug with proper outlets. Whereas the cordless kettles can be used anywhere.
The cordless kettles come with a detachable base plate that can be removed and carried wherever you want. Cordless kettles are mostly expensive than the corded ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
1- Can milk and eggs be boiled in an electric kettle?
You can’t use electric kettles to boil milk or eggs until it is mentioned in the manual of the product. Using contents other than water might cause excess pressure which will eventually lead to damage. However, some kettles allow you to make tea and coffee without using milk.
2- How often should the kettle be cleaned?
Most of the kettles come with easy maintenance. Cleaning your kettle once a week is more than enough. Just a wet cloth or a brush is sufficient to thoroughly clean the body. Make sure that you don’t expose the base of the kettle to water.
3- How long will a kettle last?
The durability of the kettle mainly depends on the quality of the material. It also depends on the maintenance. A typical kettle can last for about 3 years provided that you use and handle it with utmost care.
4- How much time will it take to boil water?
The maximum duration the kettle will consume to boil the water never exceeds 5 minutes. Some higher-end models can boil about 1.5 liters of water in just 2 minutes.
5- Where should one buy the best electric kettle in India?
You can either purchase through online or offline modes. However, with authentic online platforms, you can expect discounts and offers so that you can save you money. Make sure that you look for the ratings and reviews before you buy any product.
6- Are smart functions necessary in an electric kettle?
You will be able to find additional features like water level indication, filters, warm sensors only in higher-end kettles. These features will contribute to the durability of the appliance. If you are on a tight budget, then don’t look for these features. Instead, focus on the safety measures you must take to ensure the smooth functioning of the device.
Conclusion
With so many fishes in the pool, you should select your electric kettle considering the quality more than the cost. Durability, portability, and safety are the most important characteristics you should never miss checking out before you purchase an electric kettle. If you face difficulty choosing the right kettle for your kitchen or workspace, then make sure that you read our buying guide.
