How to buy the best electric kettle

Electric kettles are a must-have in any modern kitchen, and not just for habitual tea drinkers. Electric kettles are fast, ridiculously fast, when it comes to heating up large quantities of water, and that speed can come in handy when cooking all sorts of foods.

You could, for example, pre-heat the water you’ll be using when making pasta, maintain a steady supply of hot water for soaking foods like rice noodles, or simply have some hot water on standby for topping up simmering stews and curries.

ALSO READ: 10 must-have kitchen appliances that you really need

Did you also know that electric kettles today offer more than just the ability to boil water? Some double up as steamers for idlis and momos, while others offer fine-grain control over temperature for when you just want to keep some warm water on hand.

How do you choose the right electric kettle for your needs?

There are a couple of actors to consider while choosing the right electric kettle as per your needs, as  follows.

1. Volume

2. Power

3. Multi-purpose capabilities

4. Steam pipes

5. Glass or double-wall kettles

6. Gooseneck kettles

1. Volume

The amount of liquid a kettle can hold is usually mentioned on its listing page in litres. Bear in mind that the average teacup holds about 150 ml of tea, while a mug holds around 250 ml. Also, a larger volume of water will take longer to boil. Electric kettles generally hold about 1.5 litres of water.

2. Power

The power of an electric kettle is measured in watts. Basic electric kettles start at around 600 W and more powerful ones can go up to 1,500 W or even 2,000 W. High power kettles will boil a larger volume of water faster, but will also need 15A power sockets, which not all kitchens are equipped with. Something in the 600-1200 W range is usually enough for more homes and is compatible with regular power sockets.

Portable electric kettles are also an option. These battery-powered kettles are a lot slower, delivering only 300-400 W of power, but are great to have on a camping trip.

3. Multipurpose kettles

A basic electric kettle can only boil water. If you’d like to boil milk, eggs, oats, or even instant noodles, make sure that support for these foods is mentioned in the kettle’s specifications page. Owing to their design, not all kettles support boiling other foods.

Many kettles also offer various attachments for steaming, idli-making, and double boilers (for tempering chocolate and similar foods). If you’re looking for those features, look for a kettle that has fine temperature control or preset modes for various foods. You’ll also want to look at the size of the attachments to confirm that they’re large enough for your needs.

ALSO READ: Newly-wed checklist: 5 must-have appliances to add to your home

More expensive variants even include a digital base or control panel that lets you precisely set temperature and boiling times. Do note that most electric kettles are designed with dry-boil protection and auto-shutoff systems to prevent over-boiling.

4. Be wary of the steam pipe

Electric kettles come in many shapes and sizes, and are made from a variety of materials. Stainless steel kettles with plastic handles tend to be the cheapest options, but since the handles in cheaper kettles usually hide a steam pipe, these handles can get very hot and uncomfortable to grip.

The steam pipe is a feature found in most electric kettles. It’s a small pipe that travels from the top of the kettle to its base, filling up with steam when the water in the kettle starts boiling. That steam is transferred to a sensor at the base of the kettle and triggers the auto shut-off and dry-boil protection mechanisms.

To avoid burning your hand, look for well insulated handles, or those with only a single point of contact with the kettle. It’s physically impossible for a steam pipe to pass through a handle with a single point of contact.

5. Glass or double-wall kettles are worth investing in

Glass-walled or double-walled kettles are more expensive, but we’d argue that they’re a safer option as they better insulate the user from the heat of the water. This is particularly important when you have kids or feisty animals around the house. As an added bonus, these kettles tend to look very nice.

6. Gooseneck kettles are great for pour-overs

Another factor to consider is whether you want a regular electric kettle or one with a gooseneck design. The former is fine for most people, but the latter is more suitable for customers who are particular about their pour-over coffee and need something with a spout for better control over the water flow.

ALSO READ: Level up your kitchen aesthetics with these appliances

Electric kettles do it all, from brewing that perfect cup of tea to subbing for your idli maker in a pinch! These handy kitchen gadgets are surprisingly versatile, and with these tips, we’ve hopefully armed you with the knowledge you need to choose the right one for your lifestyle.