Electric teapot, types and characteristics of this indispensable device

It is impossible to imagine a family dinner or a business meeting without green tea or black tea, coffee or cappuccino. To prepare hot drinks, a kettle is needed and, although ordinary teapots, heated on a gas stove, are more economical, many consumers choose an electric kettle. The main reason for this choice is saving time, in addition, it looks great and perfectly complements the interior of the kitchen. A good electric kettle is a very useful and very useful thing, but many people do not know how to choose an electric kettle and what kind of household appliance, because the variety of models simply amazes the imagination of consumers. This review will help you to better cope with the task.

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How to choose an electric kettle?

Many buyers, when choosing a new household appliance, pay attention first to color, shape and design, and only then are interested in the characteristics of the device. Basically, the consumer is interested in how an electric kettle will look on the kitchen table, not what material the household appliance is made of and how safe it is.

With this approach to buy high-quality and reliable household appliances will not succeed, because for the device located in the kitchen, certain conditions must be met that ensure its reliable and safe operation during operation.

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Basic selection criteria

The electric kettle does not require external heating, since its design contains an internal heating element. It is powered by an electric current. And in the rest - all the same as the usual teapot: a water tank, a lid, a spout and a handle. The electrical model also includes a stand and a wire for connection to the network.

To answer the question, which electric kettle is best, you need to familiarize yourself with the main characteristics of the device:

• Capacity.
• Power of the electric kettle.
• Type of heating element.
• Housing material and heating flasks.
• Weight.
• Speed ​​of heating and cooling.

Of course, there is no single universal combination. Therefore, you need to choose exactly those parameters that perfectly satisfy your needs. Let's consider the basic selection criteria in more detail.

Capacity

The volume of kettles varies from 450 ml to 3 liters. The more water consumed by your family or colleagues at work, the more capacity you need the device:

1. A family of 3-5 people recommend buying an electric kettle for 2 liters.
2. For one person who drinks one or two cups of hot drink a day - a good electric kettle for 0.45 liters.

Important! The time of heating the water does not depend on the volume of the vessel - both a five-liter kettle and a two-liter vessel will be heated for 1.5-3 minutes.

Power of the electric kettle

Power is one of the key parameters, since the main task of the device is to bring water to a boil in a short time:

1. For ordinary household models, the capacity of an electric kettle varies from 850 W to 1500 W.This figure is enough to bring the two-liter kettle to a boil for 1.5-2 minutes( the heating time will depend on the material of the bulb and the housing).
2. Compact models up to 1 liter usually have a capacity of 1 kW, and some models have power and 3 kW.

Important! Of course, the rate of heating of water depends on the power. But it must be remembered that this is an additional burden on the entire energy system of your apartment. In addition, the large capacity of an electric kettle leads to an additional consumption of electricity. Therefore, the pursuit of high parameters should have reasonable limits.

Type of heating element

In kettles that operate from the network, there are two basic types of element:

• Open, in which the spiral contacts the water directly.
• Closed. In devices with a closed type, the bottom is a smooth metal surface, under which the heating element( a spiral or a disk) is hidden.

Pros and cons of open models

In models with an open heating element, the liquid is directly in contact with the spiral, so the main condition for the safety of such devices is a sufficient amount of water. To advantages of devices with an open heating element, it is possible to attribute:

• Affordable price.
• Low noise.

Important! The drawbacks of models include - the inevitable accumulation of scale on spiral heating elements. Over time, the scum can crumble and get into the drink.

Pros and cons of closed models

Electric kettles with a closed spiral or a disc warm the water no worse than their counterparts, but to care for them is much easier, because the spiral does not contact directly with water. Advantageous parties:

1. Such models are more durable.
2. Most devices are able to rotate and rotate 360 ​​degrees while standing on a stand.
3. It is very important that in a closed type kettle you can heat up any amount of water, even the smallest, unlike a device with an open spiral, where the water must completely cover the heating element.

Important! The latest generation electric kettles are equipped with a hidden heating disk, to which electrical contacts are connected. The devices work even quieter than the "brethren", and the water is heated much faster. The only drawback is the higher price of such a device.

Form and mass

When choosing a kettle electric from the position of the shape of the body and its mass, it must be remembered that the heated kettle contains several liters of boiling water, which it is dangerous to joke with. Therefore, the device should be most convenient for the hand. And for safety, it is better to choose a model with a lid lock. Even if you drop the kettle, the water will not spill.

The weight of the device also matters. If the kettle is heavy, then it is much easier to drop, and this can lead to sad consequences. The lightest devices are made of plastic and metal, and the most weighty ones are made of ceramics and glass. Heavy devices include models in which the bulb is made of glass, and the body of metal.

For most people, the design of the device is very important, because it will always stand on the table and should be a full-fledged piece of the kitchen interior. In shape kettles are divided into:

1. Jug - this is the most popular and very compact model.
2. Cone or "penguin".Manufacturers of devices claim that it is these teapots that heat the water much more quickly, and keep the necessary temperature longer.

Stand and cord

There are two types of supports for the case of the device:

• Stationary, with rigid fixation. The kettle, in this case, is installed in a special socket( socket) and has only one possible position.
• Free installation, so-called, stand "pirouette".The kettle on this stand is able to rotate 360 ​​degrees.

Important! Previously, even before they came up with the use of stands for the device, the cord was attached directly to the body, which was uncomfortable, because the cord interfered with pouring water on the cups. Modern models of electric kettles are equipped with special compartments for storing the cord.

As for the cord itself, it is short in all models, and this does not apply to savings, because it's about safety. If the cord was long, it could easily be touched, and pull the kettle along with the boiling water. Even if you take the kettle with the base, the cord will never reach the floor, which means that you will not step on it and stumble along with the boiling water in your hands. For the same reason, the device is recommended to be placed near the outlet, rather than using extension cords and carrying.

Thermal pot - teapot with thermos options

The device, which is designed not only to heat water, but also to maintain a given temperature regime, is called a thermo-stick. Such devices have a large volume, which can reach 5 liters. They consist of an inner flask that serves as a thermos, and an outer shell.

Although the heatpot has a larger volume than the classic electric teapot, its power is much less. The electric power consumption at maintenance of the set temperature mode is minimized, thanks to a special heat-insulating flask.

Important! Save the electricity and time will also help the delay start function, which allows the water to heat up to a specified temperature by a certain time.

Thermopots have several temperature modes:

1. 95 degrees for black tea and coffee.
2. 80 degrees for green tea.
3. 60 degrees for baby food.

Important! Thermopot is an ideal solution for the reception of guests, for office workers and for families with children who need a constant supply of warm water for cooking a milk formula.

Additional functions of the

All electrical appliances are subject to very high safety requirements, the kettle in this sense is no exception. It is important to choose a device for heating water with a number of the following functions:

• Automatic shutdown of heating when boiling water or removing the device from the base. This function eliminates the possibility of energy consumption, will prevent a dangerous situation.
• Locking( fixing) the cover of the kettle.
• Water filtration function. Models with this function are more expensive, but you will be sure that you drink a pure drink, without impurities, which are saturated with ordinary tap water.
• The filter from a scum. A filter in the form of a small mesh that covers the opening of the nozzle of the vessel, will not allow the hard particles of scale to get into the cup.
• Heating water to a certain temperature. This function will be appreciated by families in which there are small children.
• Digital thermostat. Thanks to this option, you will not only be able to heat the water to the required temperature, but you will also be able to maintain its state for a set time.
• Beep. In some models, a signal sounds while the kettle is boiling. This option can be useful if you do several things at once and you do not have the ability to monitor the heating of the water, or you can forget that you turned it on.

Important! Today, home appliances manufacturers, taking care of our health, and considering the quality of tap water, produce electric kettles with 1, 2 and 3 filters. If the device does not provide a water purification filter, then, as a rule, cheap and substandard models. When choosing a device, be sure to pay attention to the degree of filtration.

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Materials

We have singled out a separate chapter of the article for the characteristics of materials, because besides the general features, there are also the most frequent consumer questions:

• which electric kettle is better - ceramic or glass;
• which teapot is better - plastic or metal.

General characteristics:

1. Plastic. The advantage of plastic models is the ease and variety of colors. In addition, such devices do not heat up very much during operation and slowly cool down. The disadvantages of plastic devices include the following: a poor-quality plastic during the heating process can release harmful chemicals that degrade the taste of ready-made beverages, and also negatively affect human health.
2. Metal. Metal kettles made of steel or aluminum are distinguished by their durability, durability and stylish, original design. Very often they are supplemented by soft color illumination of the case or the base, which gives such devices a special charm and color. The disadvantages of metal instruments include a high price, as well as the possibility of burning your hands while the device is warming up. The metal device cools down too faster than all the others, and to keep the metal of the case longer its appearance, it must be properly and accurately cleaned using special tools.
3. Glass. Glass containers are more chemically safe and look very attractive. However, this is not the best choice for those who do not like to wash dishes, since the formed scum is clearly visible on the glass teapot. In addition, glass devices are quite heavy and fragile, and they heat up much longer. The price for glass models is higher than for plastic ones, but nevertheless, it is very democratic.
4. Ceramics. Ceramic models are quite safe. Although they heat up much longer, they consume more energy, but they keep the temperature of heated water longer and longer. A good, beautiful ceramic appliance will decorate any kitchen with its impressive look, but it must be remembered that it can crack or crash when dropped.

Which teapot is better - plastic or metal?

Each material has its advantages and disadvantages. About the characteristic features of devices from various materials, we described above.

There are certain nuances about which it becomes known from customer reviews:

1. It is worth noting that the disadvantage of plastic models is the unpleasant smell that appears when heated, and this smell can come from both water and a teapot.
2. Metal appliances sometimes have a faint smell and taste of metal, but are much less common than plastic models.
3. Metal teapots have another drawback - a strong surface heating, which, if you negligently, you can get burned.
4. The price for metal models is much higher than for plastic ones, but they last much longer and take care of metal devices much easier and easier.

Important! Many manufacturers offer consumers a combined model - a metal kettle in a plastic shell. A model of this type combines all the advantages of two materials. But it must be remembered that if two materials are used, then they will expand differently when heated, which means that water may leak at the junction of these materials.

Which electric kettle is better - ceramic or glass?

Not so long ago, the popularity of electric kettles with a glass bulb. Such models are considered more environmentally safe than plastic and metal models, but there are still few of them in the consumer market.

Important! This model is produced by such companies as Rolsen, Polaris, Scarlett, Bork.

What nuances are here:

1. Many manufacturers, in order to protect fragile glass, very often put it in a plastic shell. If you saw just such a model - consider that this is the best electric kettle.
2. If you decide to choose a glass kettle for your home, then pay attention to the handle. It should be made of plastic, as, the metal part will be very hot.
3. In the models of ceramic teapots the same drawback as for glass ones - brittleness. In addition, the ceramic is heated long enough, but it also keeps the ceramic bulb warm for a longer time too. According to buyers, ceramics negatively affects the taste of tea.
4. Plus in ceramic models there is no transparent insert, showing how much water there is in the kettle. Therefore, you will not be able to estimate the amount of liquid without opening the lid.
5. If you decide to choose a ceramic model of the kettle, then remember that its volume does not exceed 1.2 liters, and the bulb is much heavier than the metal one.

Important! Ceramic models of electric kettles on the market are also few, their firms offer: Tefal, Rolsen, Vitek.

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Which electric kettle is better? Overview of popular brands

The most popular among consumers are electric kettles from such brands as:

• TEFAL.
• MOULINEX.
• BOSCH.
• BRAUN.

A smaller number of consumers prefer household appliances, the following companies:

• PHILIPS.
• VITEK.
• POLARIS.
• SCARLETT.

Each company produces household appliances in a different price range, from budget affordable models to expensive and multifunctional:

1. TEFAL company produces models of electric kettles with a gold-plated spiral that protects the heating element from scale. Due to this improvement, the life of the device has increased significantly. The firm also offers devices with a variety of power and original design.

Important! Teapots of this brand can be either metal, plastic or combined. A characteristic feature of the technology from TEFAL is durability and reliability. This is due to the fact that it is definitely the best electric kettle if you give preference to the products of this brand.

1. Powerful electric kettles are offered by BRAUN.Such appliances include the AquaExpress series.
2. The company MOULINEX impresses with the quality and elegant design of the products.
3. Teapots from BOSCH company will suit admirers of strict and restrained design.

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Helpful hints:

1. Do not use the plastic electric kettle for too long. Buy a new device after 2-3 years of active use. Over time, everything wears out, and even good quality plastic starts to emit harmful substances.
2. When choosing a plastic product, give preference to white material, as experts believe that the more pronounced smell is inherent in models of color plastic, by including additional chemical substances in the material
3. . Obligatory purchase of the device requires a certificate of quality.
4. There must be a gasket on the handle of the metal kettle, so that it is comfortable to hold the kettle in your hand and minimize the risk of a possible burn.
5. If there are small children in the house, then put the kettle electric away from the reach zone, so that small children are not burned.

Thinking about which is better to choose an electric kettle, determine the priorities and parameters, because someone needs a thermostat, and someone dreams about an environmentally friendly device or very important lighting and noise level. Having decided with your desires and capabilities, you can easily choose the model that is ideal for your home or office, and decorate with your attractive view any room.