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When it comes to buying a water kettle, there are many options, from a basic stove-top water kettle, to an electric kettle, to even a cordless electric kettle which is extremely convenient to use. Different types come with different features and prices. And you need to consider something to find the best one. The following tips can really help you quickly find the best water kettle for your kitchen.
Kettle Capacity
The first thing you need to consider is the capacity and this depends on the size of your family. If you are a single, a one or two-cup kettle is enough and it is compact and easy to store. However, most of us, at least, need a sufficient capacity because of a big family or the need of filling a very large tea pot.
Therefore, the capacity should be at least 1-quart and more is better for most of us.
Which type to choose – stove-top or electric?
On the market, there are 2 main types: non-electric stove-top kettles and electric kettles. Stove-top models are the most economical and basic models. Before electric models were invented, they were very popular. However, it will take a very long time to boil water. And this doesn’t mean they are useless. They are very versatile and great for a RV or camping stove use.
Electric water kettles have their advantages, because they can boil water to the boiling point much faster, making them more energy efficient. Plus, they can be shut off automatically when the water reaches the boiling point, so they are also much safer to use than stove-top kettles. Also because they are powered by electricity, you can have more burners to cook a meal.
Best Features of Stove-Top Water Kettles
When it comes to choose the best stove-top kettle, the most important and convenient feature is a whistling function, because this function can remind you when the water has reached the boiling point. For safe use, a kettle that comes with a balanced easy-to-pour shape and a non-slip handle is better than one without these features. And a multiply base of a kettle makes it more durable. Plus, a fold-down handle is also useful, making it easy to fill.
Best Features of Electric Water Kettles
On the market, there are 2 types of electric kettles – corded or cordless models. Of course, cordless models are very convenient to use. They usually can offer water from any side of your counter because their bases can rotate. Electric kettles also come with plenty of useful features that can make your life much easier. These features include:
- Temperature Control – This feature allows you to control the water temperature. And your boiled water can be kept warm all the time. This feature is very useful for those who would like to drink warm/hot water all the time.
- Water level indicator – The kettle has a minimum and maximum water level and this feature can alert you not to fill too much or too little water.
- Concealed heating element – This means the heating element is not easy to access, which helps to prevent any burning accident.
- Auto shut-off – Once the kettle is empty, its auto shut-off can shut off the kettle. This helps to prevent some accidents. This feature protects the kettle from boiling dry
- Cool-touch – Some models use thermal insulation materials to build, so it is safe for children.
Kettle Style & Design
Compared with plastic kettle, a stainless steel electric kettle is a little heaver, but it can make the water stay hot longer. A good advice is that the style you choose should blend with other kitchen appliances in your kitchen. A bulky kettle is not recommended to have, because it is very difficult to handle.
A must-have feature for an electric model is a dripless spout and a lit indicator is also important for an electric model. An 18/10 stainless steel stove-top kettle is more durable and much easier to clean. The exterior finish should be not difficult to maintain. Someone may like a glass kettle because of the good viewing feature, but it is not durable and may have a safety hazard problem.
If a kettle doesn’t satisfy your needs, you also can consider fresh alternative appliance, like a water boiler, or a water cooler dispenser, a water distiller. For example, a water cooler has a large capacity and can provide hot water all the time. And it is much safer to use, making it ideal for those with problem hands and preteens. Of course, they are more expensive.
