Everyday life is difficult to imagine without such an important household item as an electric kettle. And surely every mistress will answer without a doubt that she knows how to choose an electric kettle. But is it really easy to understand this issue when a huge selection of teapots of domestic and foreign manufacturers is presented on the shelves of shops and supermarkets? How to choose the right model that will become a reliable assistant in any kitchen?
When buying a device, experts recommend a more thorough consideration of the main selection parameters, such as:
- Material;
- Power consumption;
- Heating element types;
- Additional functionality.
Body material
For the manufacture of the outer case of the electric kettle, various materials are used - plastic, glass, ceramics, stainless steel. But which one is better, it's up to you to decide.
Electric kettle made of plastic
The most affordable, and, accordingly, budgetary, are plastic devices. They have many advantages - light weight, durability, low cost, resistance to overheating, wide color gamut. However, over time, plastic cases become more fragile, an unpleasant chemical smell appears, and the former shine and brightness of colors are lost. In addition, at high heating temperatures, plastic releases a formaldehyde substance that is extremely hazardous to human health. In high-quality plastic appliances, all edges and seams are perfectly even, the main elements are fixed securely, and on the back of the base there is a quality mark in the form of a shamrock placed in a circle.
Stainless steel kettle
Models made of stainless steel have long won the trust of most ordinary people. Without a doubt, they are more expensive and better than their plastic counterparts, more durable and practical, but, unfortunately, are not without drawbacks. On such a surface, fingerprints, minor scratches, water stains and all kinds of stains will most often be noticeable. In general, this is a good option for everyday use, the only advice is not to leave boiled water in the kettle to avoid unpleasant odors and sediment.
Glass electric kettle
This is the most environmentally friendly material, and, therefore, such devices are the safest to operate. It is worth considering that only the body of the device is made of glass, all other parts are made of plastic or metal, therefore, when choosing a teapot, it is again worth considering the set of criteria.
Ceramic electric kettle
Ceramic models are not yet as popular and in demand in everyday life as their competitors, but, despite this, they continue to win the sympathy of consumers.Such devices are practical, durable and easy to daily care for.
See also - What is the best material for an electric kettle?
Power consumption
The next parameter of choice is power. The speed of heating the water depends on this characteristic - the higher the power, the faster the water boils.
Depending on the model and type of heating element, the power of the kettle can range from 900 W to 3 kW.
Compact devices with a volume of 1 liter consume 1 kW, the power of dummies by 1.2–1.5 liters does not exceed 2 kW, and large-sized devices with a volume of 1.7–2 liters work at a capacity of up to 3 kW.
See also - How to choose your home toaster for maximum benefit
Types of heating element
To choose the right electric kettle, consider the main types of heating elements, and there are only two of them:
- Open spiral element;
- Disk type heater.
Heating coil
This type of heater outwardly resembles a boiler familiar to everyone, attached inside to the base of the case. Kettle models with open heating elements (tubular heating element) are low cost and this is their only advantage. The spiral element is difficult to descale, and you have to constantly ensure that it is in the water.
Heating disc
In such models, the spiral is placed under the disc bottom, which protects it from rapid wear and scaling. In kettles with a disk heater, you can heat a minimum amount of water (1 cup), they are not subject to corrosion, it is easier to care for them, and the speed of boiling water is much higher.
If we talk about which device is better, then definitely, with a closed heater.
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Additional functionality
Having considered the main parameters, it already became clear to you how to choose an electric kettle, but we also recommend not to forget about the additional functionality of such a device.
Modern teapot models may have the following options:
- A timer is a delay in heating water by a specified time;
- Long boiling function (3-4 minutes) to eliminate chlorine from water;
- The function of maintaining the set temperature of boiled water. In this case, the kettle is used as a thermos;
- Sound signal about the end of water heating;
- Function of protection against turning on the device without water;
- Option to automatically turn off the device after boiling;
- The function of locking the lid until boiling;
- Thermostat for setting the desired temperature of water heating (from 60 to 100 degrees) depending on the needs.
Now you can safely say that you know everything about how to choose an electric kettle. But, before you go for a long-awaited purchase, decide on those parameters that are key for you. Having decided on your desires, you can easily choose the right model.
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