Guide
Tea time? Check out these electric kettles
by Simon Balissat
Kettle buying guide: how to find the best electric kettle
4.4.2019
Translation: Patrik Stainbrook
A kettle isn’t just a kettle – although all models do have one thing in common, namely that they boil water. Is it worth having an electric kettle? Read on to find out and discover the most important things to look out for when choosing your kettle.
First published on 31 December 2017The most important things to bear in mind when buying a kettle
What it’s made of
Apart from the price, the biggest differentiator is the material used to make the kettle. Standard models are made of stainless steel or plastic. But you can also get glass, chrome and ceramic kettles.
Plastic kettles are usually cheaper. But in the long run they don’t necessarily fare better given their average lifespan is under three years. They’re also pretty loud, as plastic is a poor sound insulator. Slightly pricier plastic kettles often feature double wall insulation and let very little heat escape. See all plastic kettles.
Temperature options
Most of the time, you’re unlikely to need your water to be an exact temperature – you just want it to be piping hot. But in actual fact, depending on the type of cuppa you’re making, getting the temperature right is important. That’s because tea develops different aromas when you pour water over it. Here’s a small selection of teas to give you a taste for the temperatures they need:
If you drink tea non-stop and this is mainly what you use your kettle for, we’d recommend a model that lets you set the temperature.
Keep-warm feature
If you use your kettle a lot or have it on the go pretty much constantly, it’s worth opting for an appliance with a keep-warm feature. These mimic constant boiling so you save energy and end up with a hot brew.
See all kettles with a keep-warm feature.
Spout
Large spouts make it much easier to keep your kettle clean. But it depends how you intend to do that. If you’re always going to use descaler to get rid of those chalky white marks, it’s OK to buy a kettle with a small spout. But if you want to alternate between descaler and giving it a quick going over with washing-up liquid and a sponge, you’re better off with a kettle with a larger spout.
Capacity
The size of kettle you need depends on what you’ll be using the appliance for and how many people in your home are likely to be sharing it. Kettles range from 0.5–8 litres.
Measuring scale
A scale on the kettle helps you measure out the water so you don’t need a measuring jug. Readings are usually in litres but there are some models where you can measure in decilitres or even by the number of cups. If right-handed and left-handed people are going to be using the kettle, it’s best to choose one with a measuring scale on both sides. That makes it easier when it comes to filling it up.
Combi appliances
If you love a cuppa but don’t have a brew on the go all the time, you’ll want to check out these combi appliances. That means you can use the kettle to make tea (or coffee if that’s your thing).
Tanja Lehmann
Senior Category Business Manager
tanja.lehmann@digitecgalaxus.chFriends, family, cats and good wine are my lifeblood.
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