The Ultimate Electric Kettle Buying Guide
Electric kettles provide a convenient way to boil water to make tea, coffee, oatmeal, or even ramen. But before you head off to buy a new kettle for your kitchen, you'll want to make sure that you first learn all about their feature options.
Material and Weight
The base is almost always made of plastic, and the water tank, handle, and lid are often made of stainless steel and glass with plastic components. Some people have a preference regarding the material to boil water for tea. In that case, a glass body is the most popular. The glass body is also nice for anyone who likes to see exactly how much water is in the kettle.
Price
While glass kettles often offer an elegant aesthetic and are typically more affordable, stainless steel models tend to be more durable and may come with a higher price tag. Consider your budget and preferences when weighing the cost of materials against the features and longevity you desire in your kettle.
Temperature Control
Tea enthusiasts know that ground tea leaves brew at different temperatures. Basic electric kettles typically don't have any temperature control other than the boiling point, but high-end electric kettles provide more precision control through a knob or digital settings. It only takes around three minutes to boil water in an electric kettle, but that varies depending upon the wattage of the kettle.
Safety
The auto shut-off function makes electric kettles safer for home use. If the kettle has this function, as soon as the water starts boiling, or reaches the preset temperature, the kettle automatically shuts down. Apart from this function, safety needs to be practiced by the users. Keep in mind that the kettle base should be kept dry at all times so that no short-circuiting happens when powered. Manufacturers usually mention the minimum and maximum water levels on the electric kettle. These levels are necessary for the temperature sensor and auto-off function to work.
Cords
Most electric kettles can be detached from their base without a cord, making them extremely convenient. You shouldn't have any trouble finding one with this feature.
Water Gauge
A water gauge that's visible from the outside can show you the exact water level inside the kettle. Many kettles have this feature, but some (especially stainless steel ones) may not.
Handle
An ergonomic handle with a strong grip and anti-slip properties will let you balance the weight of the kettle while you are pouring the hot water. The handle should be big enough to help you fit your fingers around while lifting the kettle.
