From bachelors living in PG accommodations to students living in hostels, electric kettles have become an integral part of everyone’s life. In fact, it’s an essential appliance in almost all households – for obvious reasons! First, they are a super-quick and upper-easy way to boil water for tea, coffee, instant noodles, and more. What more? They are kind of small and cute, and not too difficult to handle. Wow, right?
So you see, electric kettles are a very handy and easy thing that can make your life a lot easier. No wonder why the market is flooded with so many varieties. But with so many options available, how do you choose the right one? Why fear, when Innoteck is here! In this blog, we will guide you to understand the key features to look for when buying an electric kettle, ensuring you make the best choice for your needs.
Ready?
What is an electric kettle?
Well technically, an electric kettle is a kitchen appliance used to boil water. But it can definitely be used to do a lot more. Unlike traditional stovetop kettles, electric kettles use electricity to heat the water. Also, they are much faster, more convenient and often come with additional features like automatic shut-off and temperature control.
Key features to consider before you buy electric kettle
- Electric kettle wattage
Wattage is the unit used to measure the power of the kettle. Higher wattage indicates that the kettle will take a shorter time to boil water. The power of most electric kettles varies between 1500 and 3000 watts.
It should also be noted that though a kettle with a higher wattage will boil water faster, it will use more electricity. The key considerations when selecting an electric kettle include speed and energy consumption.
- Electric kettle voltage
Voltage is the electrical pressure or the difference in volts between two points. Most electric kettles are created for the standard voltage that is common in the given country as the voltage can be different. For instance, the UK has a standard voltage of 230V. Just to be safe, make sure the kettle you choose is compatible with the voltage in your country.
- Electric kettle capacity
Capacity simply means how much water the kettle can contain. The sizes of electric kettles are usually from one to two litres. If someone prepares tea or coffee for many people in the office, then a kettle with a greater capacity is preferable. Single serving containers may call for a lower capacity that not only uses less energy but also has lower storage space.
- Electric kettle material
Electric kettles are made from various materials, such as stainless steel, glass, and plastic. Each material has its pros and cons:
- Stainless steel, which is a durable material that retains heat well, but can be heavier.
- Glass, which is attractive and allows you to see what’s going on inside, but can be fragile.
- Plastic, which is lightweight and often less expensive, but may not be as durable and can retain odours.
- Safety features
Safety is something that cannot be ignored, especially when dealing with boiling water. Look for features such as:
- Automatic shut-off when the water reaches boiling point.
- Boil-dry protection which would prevent the kettle from operating when there’s no water inside.
- Cool-touch exterior to keep the outside of the kettle cool no matter what the temperature of water inside is.
- Temperature control
Some of the electric kettles come with pre-set temperature control for various types of beverages, thereby enabling them to be heated to a specific temperature. For instance, to prepare green tea one needs to heat water of a lower temperature than when preparing black tea or coffee. This feature helps allow you to always get the right coffee or tea that you desire.
- Corded vs. Cordless
Cordless kettles come with a detachable base and are more convenient as they allow for 360-degree movement. Corded kettles are less flexible but might be more stable on the countertop.
- There’s more!!
Consider additional features that might be important to you:
- Keep warm function, which keeps the water warm for some time after boiling.
- LED indicators, which show when the kettle is in operation.
- Water level indicator, which helps you see how much water is in the kettle.
Top considerations when choosing an electric kettle
So now you know about the things about the electric kettle that you need to observe before buying one. But here are a few more things that you will have to consider -
- Your daily needs
Consider how frequently the kettle will be used and for what: for making tea, boiling water for vegetables, or boiling water for making hot beverages. If you are going to use it for a group of people, a greater capacity and higher watts may be necessary. If it is for occasional use, then a smaller, less energy consuming one is quite enough.
- Budget
Electric kettles come in different prices. Set your budget before you make your purchase. Keep this in mind, it may be OK to part with more cash if you are getting better quality and lasting performance.
- Brand reputation
Choosing a kettle from a reputable brand can ensure quality and longevity. When you choose Innoteck electric kettles, you not only get value for your money, but also something that is going to be with you for years to come!
- Aesthetics and design
Since these kettles are placed on the kitchen countertops, you might want to get one that will complement the interiors. While the stainless steel and glass ones are usually sleeker in appearance and look more technologically advanced, the plastic ones come in different colours and designs. You can choose what suits your preferences.
Innoteck – revolutionising electric kettles, and more!
Whether you are looking for an electric kettle that offers you better capacity, or something that looks stylish and sleek, or both – Innoteck has the right one for you. Whether you’re making a cup of tea, instant noodles, or simply boiling water for cooking, an electric kettle is a valuable addition to any kitchen. Not just electric kettles, Innoteck offers a wide range of home essentials, lighting, kitchen essentials, and a lot more. Come and explore our e-store now!