Electric kettles are one of the most common units of small household appliances today. A convenient device that instantly heats water for making a hot drink or other purposes. In our hectic and active daily life, this is a pretty useful thing. Almost every kitchen has such a household device. Their range is represented by a wide selection. They all differ from each other: the company, the volume, capacity, design, price and material of manufacture.
Despite the relevance of this device in everyday life, there is a constant discussion between consumers. Is the electric kettle harmful in daily use, as well as what material is it of better quality?
Consider the main characteristics of electronic kettles for the home and see what material should be chosen from it.
Advantages and disadvantages of electric kettles
We all highlight the positive aspects in the process of using these devices, the more they are unconditional and create certain amenities in our daily affairs. This technique has several advantages. Namely:
- Instant water heating, which saves our time for making your favorite drinks. Especially in the morning, when you need an immediate portion of morning coffee to wake up.
- Autonomous. Not attached to any other kitchen appliances or furniture set. To turn it on, you only need an outlet. Therefore, it can be easily positioned anywhere and carried from place to place.
In addition to the main purpose, various models can contain quite interesting functionality, among which, functions:
- Heating water to a predetermined temperature. Agree, not in all cases you need cool boiling water. Many drinks are prepared at low temperatures, and, in turn, are acceptable for consumption at the same time.
- Maintaining the set 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 often all of a sudden you need to have warm water on hand to prepare drinks, dilute the milk mixture, medicines and the like.
- Sound notification about boiling. A very useful thing. It often happens that the owner put the water on and forgot about it. And she not only boiled, but already had time to cool down.
- Multi-colored lights give a special mood, playfulness during the performance of household chores.
- Timer delay. Now you can safely go to the shower and set the timer so that when you go out, the water in the kettle is ready to make a drink.
- A nice feature that will remove chlorine from water. Intense boiling.
- Most kettles are equipped with a sensor that prevents the appliance from turning on when there is no water in it. This will help to save the device in cases where you forgot to draw water.
- The presence of filters to filter especially hard water.
- The newest models have a built-in smartphone remote control function.
- One of the important advantages is that the newer models are more energy efficient. That, in fact, was always the first drawback of using these devices in everyday life due to the high cost.
Despite its positive aspects, such a device also has certain disadvantages. Among which:
- Possibility of generating an unpleasant toxic odor when heated. Most often, the reason is the cheap material of the body of the device itself - plastic. Such a disadvantage can be observed both during the first times of use, and during all further operation.
- 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 the year
- The 5 best Philips electric kettles
- 5 of the best Braun electric kettles
- The 7 best Scarlett electric kettles of the year
- 8 best thermal pots according to customer reviews
- 9 best electric kettles REDMOND
What is the best case material for electric kettles
In order for your favorite teapot to serve for a long time and efficiently, you should be responsible for its choice, and before buying, carefully evaluate all its pros and cons.
It has already become clear that the kettle option can be of various types. It remains only to decide what of all this is necessary for you. 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 remote control function. But the more possibilities a technique 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 of which electric kettle is better than metal or glass, plastic or ceramic, let's take a closer look at each of them.
See also - Choosing a thermo pot for home
Plastic
Teapots made of this material were very popular at one time, because they enjoy the following advantages:
- Average or low price of the device.
- Lightweight and easy to operate.
- Large selection in design and color.
But this is not the whole characteristic. The big and bold issue of plastic electric kettles is their health effects. If the material of the case is of poor quality, it is felt by the smell and taste of water. This is due to this, that when heated to a high temperature, the plastic releases harmful substances.
If we talk about teapots of well-known European companies, it should be noted that they make models from high-quality food grade plastic. This one has both a look and a smell excellent from cheap low-quality plastic.
Note to everyone that the safe use of a plastic electric kettle is three years.
Environmentally friendly plastic does not emit odor when heated, except during the first use.
If your choice still falls in favor of a plastic device, then choose at least one made of polycarbonate.
Three best models with a plastic case
- Bosch TWK 3A011 / 3A013 / 3A014 / 3A017
- Philips HD4646
- De'Longhi KBLA 2000
See also - How to repair a thermopot with your own hands
Metal
Plastic teapots were replaced by metal ones, and immediately became popular due to the following advantages:
- Contemporary design.
- Durability.
- Durability.
- Environmentally friendly.
If we talk about the key argument - about harm or health benefits, then kettles with such a body are used to being considered environmentally friendly. The following should be understood here. Metal teapots can be made of aluminum or stainless steel.
When heated, aluminum is capable of releasing iron oxide into water.Stainless steel is safe in this respect and does not emit substances harmful to health.
True, the water in the stainless steel kettle cannot be left for a long time and then used. If water is in the container during the day, then iron oxide will also be released in a small amount into the water.
As for the operation, it is worth considering that the metal heats up quickly and keeps heat for a long time. Therefore, it is convenient when the body has decorations in the form of rubber pads or a double layer (metal in the middle, plastic on top) to prevent burns.
Top 3 teapots with metal body
- Bosch TWK 1201N
- Philips HD4667
- Smeg KLF03
See also - Thermopot or kettle: which is better and why?
Ceramics
Ceramic electric kettles for real aesthetes. This is an absolutely acceptable material; when heated, it does not emit harmful substances and does not affect the taste and smell of water. Has certain features:
- Elegant appearance. The design allows it to be adequately placed on a hospitable table. In addition, these teapots often come with mug sets.
- Large selection in design, color and manufacturer.
- Thick walls of the material keep heat inside for a long time.
- Due to the smooth inner surface, it practically does not form scale on the walls.
- There is no contact of water with current, because ceramics does not allow it to pass through.
- The water retains its natural taste and smell.
Among the disadvantages should be noted:
- Long heating time due to the thick walls of the device.
- Heavy and fragile, therefore requires very careful handling.
- The price is high.
TOP 3 ceramic teapots
- Polaris PWK 1731CC
- Gorenje K10C
- DELTA DL-1233
See also - How to descale an electric kettle: housewives' secrets
Glass
Glass is a modern version of the electric kettle. Usually they fit perfectly into the styles of modern trends: modern, loft.
Has a simple and concise appearance. Models are often equipped with colored backlighting, which gives an unrivaled look to the instrument during operation. Made of heat resistant clear glass. It has a number of advantages, including:
- Unique design.
- A transparent container allows you to observe the level of water filling and the process of fascinating bubbling when boiling.
- Glass is an environmentally friendly material that does not emit any toxins.
Among the shortcomings it is impossible not to notice:
- Fragility, whatever the thickness of the glass, it is a fragile and delicate material.
- Slight limescale is immediately noticeable and spoils the ideal look.
- There is a risk of scalding when heated, so be careful with this in mind.
- Heavy enough in weight, so it will be quite difficult for children to maneuver.
Best glass teapots
- REDMOND SkyKettle G200S
- Kitfort KT-601
- Polaris PWK 1767CGL
See also - 10 best electric kettles with thermostat according to customer reviews
Output
When choosing, pay attention to the handle. Ideally, this is a glass teapot with a plastic handle. If the handle is metal, it will create inconvenience. It constantly heats up and before you take the kettle you will have to arm yourself with an oven mitt.
If we talk about the taste of water, then when using each type of electric kettle, it will be different in taste. In particular, after conducting experimental studies, the following was revealed. Prepared tea from water heated by a plastic kettle has an unbearable taste and smell. This is acutely celebrated, distorts the taste and smell of the drink.
Metal teapots are more gentle in this respect. That is, they are practically imperceptible, but in the water there is still a slight sour taste and a specific smell.
Heated water in ceramic and glass containers there is absolutely natural. Does not contain any foreign smell or taste. And since we know for a reason, these materials do not emit any harmful substances.
Usually, purchases are made within the planned budget. Making a choice remember that the quality of the device can affect the condition of your body.Consider all of the above factors about different types of models and make the right choice in your favor.
In particular, to replace the extended functionality of the worst quality, it is better to give preference to a kettle with basic functions, however, of high-quality material.
See also:
- 10 best Tefal electric kettles of the year
- 10 best Bosch electric kettles
- 10 best glass electric kettles
- 10 best stainless steel electric kettles
- 10 best electric kettles Kitfort
- 14 best electric kettles from Polaris
- 20 best electric kettles according to owners