Electric Kettles

What is an electric kettle?

An electric kettle boils water for tea, instant coffee, hot chocolate, or other hot beverages, without needing to be placed on the stove. Instead, they come with a power base that functions like a heating pad.

Plug the power base into the wall, place the filled kettle on top of its base, and the self-contained and concealed heating until inside the kettle will turn the energy into heat and boil the water. Once the water reaches a pre-set temperature or starts to boil, the kettle automatically shuts off. Because heat can't escape and pressure rises faster, electric kettles heat more quickly than stovetop.

What types of electric kettles are available?

Electric kettles come in all shapes and sizes, from tall and cylindrical to wide and rounded, and in various colors like black, silver, or white, modern pastels like blue and green, and vibrant red.

The two most common materials used are stainless steel and glass. Stainless steel is durable, doesn't discolour, and doesn't retain taste or odour. But stylish and elegant glass kettles, made of thermal shock-resistant treated glass to prevent breaking, let you see, not just hear, the water boiling.

Wattage ranges from about 1,500 to 1,800 watts, allowing a kettle to boil water in anywhere from 2-5 minutes. Electric kettles also come in different sizes, from as small as 0.8L to as large as 1.8L. How many cups do you typically need to make at a time? A 1.7L kettle can boil enough water for about seven cups.

What is the advantage of an electric kettle?

Electric kettles boil water faster and more efficiently than stovetop models. Many come with features like auto shut-off, temperature control, and keep-warm functions, making them ideal for tea, coffee, and instant meals.

Is stainless steel or glass kettle better?

Stainless steel kettles are durable, long-lasting, and retain heat well. Glass kettles let you see the water level and boiling process but may require more careful handling. Both are excellent — the choice depends on style and maintenance preference.

Do electric kettles use a lot of electricity?

No, they are actually very energy-efficient. Electric kettles heat water quickly and shut off automatically, using less power overall compared to boiling water on a stove.

How do you clean an electric kettle?

To descale, fill the kettle with a 1:1 mixture of water and white vinegar, bring it to a boil, then let it sit for 15–20 minutes. Rinse thoroughly. Regular cleaning helps prevent mineral buildup and keeps your kettle running smoothly.