Today in household appliances stores there is a wide variety of electric kettles of any shape and size. However, even when a user likes a certain product on the outside, this does not mean that they need to immediately buy it. She will probably be uncomfortable for one person directly. To know how to choose an electric kettle, you need to read the recommendations of experts.
Content
The principle of operation and device of the electric kettle
Modern electric kettles are supplied with special stands made of plastic or metal-plastic - they are directly connected to the network by means of a thick cord with grounding. 3 contacts are brought to the platform, which supply voltage to the heating element inside the container when the kettle is placed on the “heel”.
The device itself has a traditional shape or a slightly elongated body made of plastic, glass, ceramics or stainless steel. The most significant detail is hidden in the middle - the heating element. To close the circuit and apply voltage, you need to press the key or the lever of the device switch. Next to it, a bimetallic plate is installed inside the case, which is responsible for auto-shutdown. When the liquid in the flask begins to boil, the contacts will heat up and open, turning off the device.
Electric kettle selection options
During the selection of the device, the user may be confused. A large number of devices differ in functionality, different price points. To avoid confusion, there are some spec guidelines to help you understand what is required before arriving at the store.
Power and volume
The power consumption will depend on the performance of the electric kettle. The smallest indicators for such devices are 350 W, the maximum ones reach 3 kW. But one should not expect to be able to save money in this matter. For example, heating 1 liter of liquid to a boil will require approximately 100 W / h, the kettle spends this amount of electricity directly. The only question is how long will it take.
In addition, the period of boiling of the liquid inside the kettle will depend on the volume, however, it is optimal to select this indicator according to the number of family members. To date, developers are offered a choice of equipment with a capacity of 0.4-2.5 liters. It is necessary to find a suitable device with the expectation that 200-300 ml are needed for 1 person. It is also worth remembering that the electric kettle is not filled to the brim.
When choosing a volume, you should take into account the mass of the device directly (without a platform), since the user will need to lift it together with the liquid. A lightweight plastic product can hold 2.5 liters, and it is completely uncomfortable to hold heavy ceramics of the same capacity on weight - here it is optimal to use more compact equipment of 1.5 liters.
Body material
This indicator should be in the first place when choosing a quality product.Today it is possible to see fixtures made of plastic, glass, ceramics and stainless steel. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages:
- Plastic. The most budgetary and lightweight material. Plastic electric kettles are easy to maintain, have a low weight and serve for quite a long time. Of the shortcomings, it is possible to note the probable harm to health when using plastic of low quality (it is easy to recognize it by its chemical aroma during heating) and insignificant resistance to mechanical damage.
- Stainless steel. Such products are distinguished by their durability, strength and permeability. Unlike plastic products, they will cool down more time, but their case heats up so much that sometimes it cannot be touched. As a result, today more of these products are equipped with an auxiliary plastic flask. An air layer between the walls will protect against burns, keep the warmth of the heated liquid.
- Ceramics. Such electric kettles have gained significant popularity today. They are appreciated for their appearance and unusual style. Ceramic products will emit less noise, will not collect scale on the wall and will keep the warmth of the heated liquid longer. But they need careful handling, since ceramics are fragile and massive. The disadvantage of such devices is slow and uneconomical heating, since the heating element will need to boil water, as well as heat thick walls.
- Glass. Such products are also chosen due to the beauty and mesmerizing picture of a boiling liquid (in particular, when colored lighting is installed inside). They also have other advantages: they are hygienic, there are no foreign aromas. Disadvantages - significant weight and fragility - glass models were adopted from ceramics.
Stand type
Platforms for electric kettles can be of 2 types:
- Stationary. Here the contact group will be on one side of the pad, as a result of which the device must be placed in one position. Today, there will be fewer such devices, since they are not very comfortable.
- Pirouette. A more common solution, here contacts are displayed in the middle of the platform.
Filter material
Filters in an electric kettle are needed, in particular when using untreated water. Given the selected assembly, there are 1-2 of them. In the first situation, the mesh is located only on the spout, in the second, the auxiliary cassette is installed on the neck. For the production of filters, the following materials are used:
- Nylon thread is the most affordable solution.
- Metal wire is a durable, but uncommon material.
- Gold-plated wire - it is generally accepted that it does not affect the aroma of the liquid, although, in addition to the high cost, it does not differ from the indicated variations.
Additional functions
Their presence will increase the final price of the device, however, in a number of situations, various options and modes will be quite useful:
- Long boil. In this mode, the liquid in the electric kettle will boil for 5 minutes, which will make it possible to completely get rid of pathogenic microflora and eliminate dissolved chlorine compounds.
- Timer. A comfortable option for those who drink tea or coffee at the same time. By setting the timer to start, you can come to the kitchen to the heated electric kettle.
- Sound signals. The electrical appliance will notify you that the liquid has boiled without a whistle.
- Thermoregulator. It makes it possible to set the heating to specific temperature indicators, as well as maintain them for a long period.
- Protection system against starting without liquid. In particular, it is relevant when there are children in the home or the key of the electric kettle is too easy to press.
The best manufacturers of electric kettles - which company to choose
Of course, it is optimal to purchase household appliances from popular developers. Well-known firms control the quality of their own products, and also improve them all the time. The competition in the market is extremely high, and it is quite easy to lose trust in a brand. The most common developers of electric kettles today are:
- Philips.
- Bosch.
- Tefal.
- Redmond.
- Delonghi.
But the choice of the device is not limited only to the name of the manufacturer. You will need to delve into the characteristics of the assembly of this technique.
Types of electric kettles
A key factor in the classification of electric kettles is considered to be the separation of accessories by material of manufacture. The choice of a device for home use is considered the most important when purchasing a kettle. Therefore, before you go to a household appliance store to buy any product, you need to decide on the type of material of manufacture.
With an open spiral
Electric models with open heating elements are the most famous devices. They got their own name due to the fact that the heating element twisted into a spiral is located here in a flask with liquid. Such devices are among the most budgetary, but they have a significant disadvantage. On an open heating element, which is in contact with water all the time, scale forms very soon, which is difficult to completely eliminate.
Advantages:
- budget price;
- simple application;
- liquid boils quickly;
- economical consumption of electricity;
- the least amount of noise.
Disadvantages:
- it is necessary to descale the heating element all the time;
- a small amount of water cannot be boiled.
Disk
Electric kettles with a closed heating element have a slightly more complex design. There is the same spiral heating element, it is not located in a flask with liquid, but hidden under a metal plate and will transfer heat to it. In view of this, the resource of the heating element will increase significantly, and the resistance to scale will cease to be relevant.
Advantages:
- long period of operation;
- slight limescale;
- easy maintenance due to the presence of a flat bottom without protruding components;
- high electrical safety.
Disadvantages:
- high price;
- noise during operation.
With thermostat
Unlike ordinary products with one button on / off, such an electric kettle can heat the liquid, as well as maintain the required temperature values for a certain period. In addition, there is an option for heating below boiling point. Electric kettles with a thermostat are ideal for brewing various tea varieties that require specific temperature indicators of the liquid.
Advantages:
- rapid heating of the liquid;
- it is possible to set the temperature parameters yourself;
- there is a heating option.
Disadvantages:
- overcharge;
- high power consumption due to the mode of maintaining temperature indicators.
Infuser
Such electric kettles are intended for those who are used to drinking real loose leaf tea. In view of this adaptation, the cooking process will take no more than 5 minutes, and the required temperature values for a particular variety and the period of its maintenance can be set yourself.
Advantages:
- regulation of temperature indicators of boiling;
- there is a timer;
- simple yet correct preparation of loose leaf tea.
Disadvantages:
- increased consumption of electrical energy.
Smart kettles
Ordinary electric models that can be controlled via a smartphone app from anywhere. A lot of functionality will also be present here (sound signals, a timer, regulation of liquid temperature indicators, etc.).
Advantages:
- it is possible to set any temperature indicators of heating;
- a significant set of additional functions;
- it is possible to control the operation of the electric kettle from the phone.
Disadvantages:
- overpriced;
- increased power consumption.
Which electric kettle to choose
In order to understand how to choose the right electric kettle for your home, it is important to read the following tips:
- Those who want to purchase budgetary devices for a summer cottage or work can pay attention to plastic products with an open spiral. The volume is selected in the range of 1-1.7 liters. Performance is also required minimum (approximately 350-500 W), in particular when the room is weak wiring.
- True connoisseurs will pay attention to multifunctional devices with a thermostat, which are able to heat water to the “correct” temperature values required for green or herbal tea. It's good when the electric kettle is made of glass or ceramics, in such a situation the drink will not have a foreign taste. As an addition to the main device, it is possible to purchase an electric brew pot or select a combined device.
- When you need an eco-friendly device, you need to take an electric kettle made of heat-resistant glass. A product of small or medium volumes of 1-1.7 liters is selected - it is easier to lift it, it is undesirable to boil 1 portion of water many times.
- So that the modern teapot does not stand out from the vintage or ethnic kitchen interior, it is possible to buy a painted ceramic product that best suits the chosen style. You need to look for a small device in a volume of up to 1.5-1.7 liters, otherwise it will be difficult to lift it. The maximum productivity is required here; otherwise, you will need to wait a long time until the liquid in the ceramic device begins to boil.
- When a user has difficulties with household appliances or it falls all the time, it is optimal to immediately purchase a kettle made of metal. The maximum that will happen to it if you handle it carelessly is a slight dent on the case. Ideal for a garage or dorm room.
- Progressive smart home users need an advanced smart kettle that can be controlled from a distance. The application is launched on the smartphone, it boils the liquid on command. A great option when you want to drink tea upon returning home.
Electric kettle cost
To understand which kettle to choose electric, you need to familiarize yourself with the price range:
- The simplest electric kettles with an open spiral and a plastic body will cost 200-2200 rubles.
- Metal products have a higher cost threshold - their price starts from 700 rubles.
- The greatest price run-up is noted among electric kettles with a closed spiral: plastic products will cost in the range of 200-8500 rubles; metal devices will be in the range of 300-19,000 rubles; disk devices made of ceramics will be sold for 900-6000 rubles; glass models are more expensive - 800-15,000 rubles.
- Devices with a thermostat will come out at least 1500-2000 rubles, the maximum amount is determined by the material of the case: for plastic 7.5 thousand rubles; a combination of metal and glass will be released 12,000 rubles; ceramics cost no more than 6 thousand rubles.
- Brewing electric kettles are in the 1 cost range of 3-12,000 rubles. An exception will be devices in a plastic case - there is a maximum of 8 thousand rubles. Metal teapots will be cheaper - similar ones can be purchased within 800-6500 rubles.
- Modern smart kettles are made only of plastic and stainless steel. In the first situation, they cost 1000-38,000 rubles, in the second, the cost increases to 55,000 rubles.
Often they ask themselves which electric kettle is better to choose. To find out how to purchase a quality product, you should read these recommendations.
