Some seemingly simple kitchen appliances end up having a significant impact on our everyday lives, saving us time and effort when we go home to relax and enjoy our free time. Along with coffee machines, electric kettles are certainly one of them, since they allow us to heat water much more quickly than the classic method of the pot on the cooker. This great little ally, not only in the kitchen but also at work or in any situation in which hot drinks are consumed, has always been very popular worldwide, thanks to its practicality and ease of use.
To prepare a tea, herbal tea or infusion in just a few minutes, but also to heat the water and cook pasta or a broth, more and more people are relying on the convenience offered by an electric kettle, saving precious minutes. The kettle's operation is simple and based on the transformation of electrical energy into thermal energy. When you switch on the electric kettle, the internal electrical resistance heats the water to boiling temperature. However, there is currently a wide range of offers, varying in material and power output, capacity, and additional features. So how do you choose the right electric kettle for your needs?
You can find a wide range of kettles on sale at Klarstein, from the cheapest to the most sophisticated, including hot water dispensers designed for use in the office and models with a design resembling an electric teapot. They're all made with great care for materials and innovative design, from simple to extravagant, like our vintage retro kettles. Whether they're fixed or removable, our fast boil kettles are not only handy but also add that extra touch of originality and style to your kitchen. Find out what's right for you by browsing our product gallery, and buy conveniently online, taking advantage of our offers!
The first factor to consider is the capacity of the electric kettle. Suppose you are not just looking for a kettle for tea and plan to use it to heat water for pasta or prepare baby food as well. In that case, it's best to choose a larger model, for example with a 1.7-litre capacity: this capacity will allow you to easily get at least seven cups of hot water in just a few minutes. On the other hand, if you don't need large quantities, you could opt for a small kettle with a capacity of up to 800ml, which is roughly equivalent to three cups. The intermediate size is around one litre, which corresponds to four cups.
A second factor worthy of consideration is the kettle’s design, starting with the materials it is made of. You can find glass, stainless steel and plastic kettles on the market. Glass and steel are the most resistant materials, less prone to dulling and scratches, while plastic is lighter and is normally used for lower-end models. For ease of use, check how the electric kettle is placed on its base, i.e. whether it is free-standing, rotate 360 degrees, or whether there is a specific docking position.
High-end electric kettles are generally equipped with a limescale filter, which is very useful as it retains the deposits in the water that you boil, resulting in purer water and protecting the coil, and thus ensuring optimum operation over time. Depending on the model, there is often a cable compartment under the base, which is very handy for keeping out of the base only the part of the cable necessary for connection to the electrical socket. In the cheaper models, the kettle handle does not normally have any special coating, but as you go up the range, you will find handles made of non-slip rubber to guarantee a more secure grip.
An important element affecting the electric kettle operation is the type of heating element. The coil heating element, typically used in a small electric kettle, is visible when the lid is opened and is characterised by its spiral shape. It takes longer to heat the water, but the main drawback is that its shape makes it more susceptible to wear, as it tends to accumulate limescale deposits. On the other hand, a flat heating element does not have this problem, as it is not placed entirely inside the kettle, where only its metal bottom can be seen. It generally allows shorter boiling times and is much easier to clean.
Virtually all electric kettle on the market are equipped with an automatic switch-off system triggered when they reach the boiling temperature. Similarly, there is often a water level indicator for precise dosing, and an indicator light shows that the appliance is in operation and should not be touched. Many models also have a spring-loaded lid-opening system, allowing to open the device at the push of a button.
High-end electric kettles also allow adjusting the desired water temperature to less than 100 degrees. Some teas require temperatures around 70 degrees, which makes it easy to achieve the desired result. Alternatively, some of our models, such as those in the Aquavita Chalet series, feature a small integrated thermometer, to monitor the increase in temperature of the water inside in real-time and precisely.
The electric kettle’s power determines how quickly the device brings the water to the boil for the same amount of water. Just to have an idea, imagine boiling one litre of water:
However, some systems make it easier to optimise the amount of water used, for example by indicating on the scale not only the millilitres but also the number of cups to which this amount corresponds. When choosing the most suitable electric kettle, you should always consider how you mean to use it. Suppose you plan to use it very often to prepare herbal teas and hot drinks and speed up the cooking of the pasta. In that case, we recommend opting for an electric kettle with a capacity of around one and a half litres and made of steel or glass, for extended durability. If you plan to use the kettle sporadically, a cheaper model with a smaller capacity may also be the solution for you.
We would like to reveal 7 ideas for making the most of your electric kettle and that will change your everyday life.
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