Which is better to choose a teapot. What body material to choose? Types of heating elements and their features

An electric kettle is one of the first household appliances in the kitchen, but modern models are fundamentally different from their predecessors both externally, internally, and in capabilities.

How to choose an electric kettle for a home or small office so that water boils quickly, little electricity is consumed, the design is pleasing to the eye, operation does not create problems, and maintenance is not a hassle. We have prepared for you a useful overview and instructions that will help you make bargain purchase for several years.

External and internal factors of choice

You can probably choose the size of the teapot yourself. Focus on the number of people, whether you need a periodic assistant or the device will work daily in the kitchen. The most popular option is 1.5-1.7 liters, but there are also liter "babies", as well as completely "babies" of 0.6 liters. For large families and groups, look for vessels with a capacity of 2.5 liters.

Types of heating elements and their features

To answer the question: how to choose an electric kettle for your home, you should start by considering the types of heating elements. Today there are three:

• open spiral, located inside the vessel - it is easy to see it by lifting the lid;
• closed spiral, hidden inside the bottom;
• disk electric heater - the most convenient, fast and silent.

The advantages of a closed heater are obvious:

• this kettle is easy to clean;
• the water heater is protected from contact with water, therefore it is not covered with scale;
• can be poured into a vessel a large number of water, without worrying that the boiler will burn out, remaining in the air;
• profitability due to the possibility of accurate calculation of the amount of water;
• safety - the risk of contact with the heater is excluded.

The supports for spiral heaters have a “button” in the center, on which you need to install the device so that the “contact works”. Disc heaters are flat - the kettle can be placed on such a stove in any position.

Kettles with boilers inside are becoming less and less common today. The inconvenience of such models is that they always have to pour a lot of water in order to completely cover the heating element and avoid instant failure.

This leads to extra expense electricity. Significant disadvantages - the need to constantly clean the water heater from scale, the difficulty of washing the bottom. The advantages of an electric kettle with a heating coil inside are relatively silent operation and compactness.

Kettles with an open spiral heater can also be equipped with a stand. This is convenient, since the device can be moved without thinking about the cord, and the boiled kettle can be easily removed and taken to any place to pour boiling water into cups. However, such models must always be installed in the same position on delivery.

Carefully inspect the spiral boiler - its durability, resistance to scale, and the rate of boiling water depend on the quality of the alloy. Widely advertised gold-plated spirals are coated with titanium nitride, which prevents corrosion. Experts do not recommend buying such electric kettles if they are very cheap, as the low-quality layer gradually peels off when it gets into the water.

Power is a necessity and a luxury

As with choosing other electrical appliances - a mixer, in order to choose the right electric kettle, you need to know its power. Here it is important to correlate the indicated figures with the volume of the model you like. For example, for a small teapot less than a liter, 650 W power is enough, and for a family or office worker, equipment with a power of 2000-3000 W is needed.

Medium, he optimal indicator for most models volume of 1.5-1.7 liters, - 2200 W. With these parameters, the water will boil in 4-5 minutes. With a power of 3000 W, it will be possible to drink tea in 2-3 minutes.

It is important to understand that the higher the power, the faster the water will boil. However, the load on the network will be higher, which can lead to problems in old houses. Refine permissible total power loads! In the end, the water will boil anyway, so you should not overpay for speed.

Water filters - protecting technology and health

Scale is formed from hard water, so manufacturers use filters for cleaning different types. In the most inexpensive models, this is a small nylon or metal compartment that filters out small particles. In advanced electric kettles, full-fledged filters are installed that not only purify, but also improve the water.

As a rule, activated carbon and ion-exchange resin are included in the filters. Precleaning removes bad smell chlorine, kills microbes, isolates heavy metals, salts and other invisible, but harmful impurities that adversely affect the final taste and aroma of the drink.

If you choose an electric kettle with an advanced filter, keep in mind that it needs to be changed periodically. It is convenient if there is an indicator that suggests the need for replacement. The cost of such kettles is more expensive, so if you already have a household filter, such a chip may become redundant.

What body material is more practical and reliable

In how to choose a good electric kettle, the body material plays an important role. Today there are four materials in stores:

• plastic of different thickness;
• stainless steel;
• glass;
• ceramics.

plastic models attract cost, light weight and variety of colors. Do not rush to exclude this option, modern technologies allow you to make durable composite material, which is not afraid of high temperatures, scratches and other influences.

Stainless steel kettles are, of course, the most durable and reliable, but the metal heats up quickly, which threatens to burn if it touches the walls. In expensive models, multilayer walls are used, special layers protect the outer part of the case from heating, and the internal contents from cooling. The outer surface can be enameled, chrome-plated or powder-coated. Handles are most often made of plastic.

Tempered glass electric kettles look very stylish, fit into the interior different directions and fit anyone. Glass is an absolutely neutral material, so you can not be afraid that the water will acquire an extraneous odor. Through the transparent walls you can always see what is happening inside.

Ceramic electric kettles not only practical, but also very beautiful. In this segment, there is technique painted in Khokhloma and Gzhel, as well as with attractive patterns and floral motifs, polka dots and pictures. Ceramics are safe and inert, easy to clean and clean from plaque. The only negative is that there are no transparent inserts in the karmic walls.

Form – from modern to retro

In addition to the traditional cylindrical shape, in the lines of electric kettles there are models in the form of a flask and a ball, as well as copies of classic kettles with a spout and other intricate products. To choose a convenient electric kettle with a cylindrical or non-standard shape, pay attention to its spout.

Too shallow spout will cause water to spill. Experts advise looking for more pointed noses in the form of a corner protruding from the body. However, too narrow slows down the work - the wider the angle, the thicker the jet. Pay attention to whether there is a lid and how it opens. In some models, the possibility of taking water through the spout is implemented. This is where the filters are installed.

Models in the form of a traditional teapot with a long spout are the most convenient in this regard, but there is also a drawback - it is difficult to clean a narrow tube from scale and salts that settle during operation.

Initially elongated shape was designed to slow down the cooling of water. Modern layered materials and heating functions solve the problem of rapid cooling, so you can choose something more stylish and interesting.

Additional features and useful features

Of course, you can buy an electric kettle that can only boil water. But high competition in this segment forces manufacturers to come up with all kinds of chips that make using an electrical appliance as comfortable as possible. What is worth looking for in the models considered in the store?

• Automatic shutdown - in most cases modern appliances this useful option is provided. It protects against boiling water, equipment failure and fires.
• Protection against turning on in the absence of water is important if there are children and people with poor memory in the house.
• Shut-off when opening the lid protects against steam burns.
• The indicator light is a nice little thing that notifies you about the work.
• The backlight also informs about the operation and even about the current heating temperature. Glass electric kettles look especially impressive, turning into lamps for the time they are turned on.
• Temperature selection is very useful feature, which allows you to heat water to a predetermined temperature for different drinks.
• Heating indicator - shows the current temperature.
• A tea basket or a device for hanging a tea strainer in the lid is convenient if you plan to occasionally brew a drink right in this vessel. The strainer is also included. It is found in glass and ceramic flasks, since tea is not brewed in plastic and metal vessels.
• Long boil mode - with this option, the device turns off a few minutes after the start of boiling.
• Remote control - the ability to command the electric kettle from a tablet or phone.

In functional electric kettles, there are mechanical or touch buttons for settings located on the body or on the panel with a heater and informative displays.

New in the family of electric kettles

If you still have not decided which electric kettle to choose for your home, pay attention to the novelties in this segment. For 150 years of existence, popular Appliances managed to acquire worthy "descendants".

Stylish duet - electric kettle and teapot

If you appreciate tea ceremonies, pay attention to the kits, which include a device for boiling water and a small teapot for brewing tea with a strainer inside.

Both devices are located on the same stand with two heating elements, but the disk on which the teapot stands only slightly heats up, maintaining the temperature of the brewed tea, not allowing it to cool down. long time but without overheating it.

In another type of tea set, the teapot is placed on top. This design is more compact, but it is impossible to pour water without removing the top teapot.

What is a tea maker and who needs it

A tea maker is a special electric kettle in which everything is invented for brewing tea. This fashionable device works on the principle of espresso coffee makers. Inside the vessel is a container for tea, herbs and other mixtures. Boiling water passes through the leaves and is filled with flavor and aroma. The intensity of the drink can be adjusted. The heating platform maintains the temperature.

Do not rush to give up the tea maker if you sometimes need ordinary boiling water. The device will perfectly cope with this task, if you do not fill the compartment with tea. Models with a timer are convenient to set up in the evening, so that in the morning you don’t have to think about cooking, but immediately pour yourself a cup of aromatic tea.

If you are looking for which electric kettle to buy as a gift, stop at that model! Not everyone has it yet, recipients will definitely like the wide opportunities.

Turkish teapot for making coffee

This miniature device is somewhat reminiscent of boiler mugs, familiar from Soviet times. But, thanks to the hidden heating element, they can not only boil clean water but also to brew natural coffee. Electric Turks, of course, do not meet the requirements that we wrote about on the pages of our website “Women's Hobbies”, telling, but they are quite suitable for emergency conditions and making coffee in the office.

Electric Turks are also made from metal and plastic. Finding ceramic is not easy yet. Plastic ones may have a narrower neck, are light and inexpensive, especially in online stores. There are no little Turks yet. The common volume of the vessel is 200-600 ml. Power 500-1000 W. Sometimes a lid is included. The handle can be folded for easy storage and transportation.

An electric kettle is a good alternative to an electric kettle for a single person, use at work or in a workroom at home. For example, you can prepare a drink without leaving your computer or in your own.

Thermo pot - large and always hot

A home thermo pot is a hybrid of a kettle, a thermos and a coal samovar with a volume of two to ten liters. From the first he borrowed heating, from the second - heat-saving walls, and from the third - constant heating in slow mode. As a result, I learned a device in which you can always have in the house hot water, set temperature. This is very convenient, because at any moment you can pour yourself a cup of tea or make instant coffee.

Do not think that thermal sweat consumes a lot of energy. With intensive use, it is even more economical than turning on the kettle several times a day, especially since the power of these electrical appliances is usually less than that of electric kettles of the same size. It is very convenient to pour water - just press a button. It is safer for older people.

The disadvantages of thermopot include low speed heating. If there are children in the house, install such an electric kettle in an inaccessible place to prevent burns. By the way, such a water heater will help out if there is no hot water at home.

We hope that you did not waste your time and decided which electric kettle to choose for your home, office or as a gift. But do not rush, look at as many models as possible in the store, compare the parameters and functions, ask if the device makes noise during operation. Compare the characteristics of models of different brands so as not to pay for the brand. Progress does not stand still, perhaps something new will appear tomorrow, which we do not yet know about.

We all like to drink tea. And what is needed in order to organize a pleasant tea party? That's right, first of all you need a kettle! That's it about him, or rather about how to choose an electric kettle, we'll talk in today's article.

To begin with, let's figure it out: what parameters should be considered when buying an electric kettle?

In order to choose the right kettle, you should consider the following parameters:

• type of electric kettle;
• type of heating element;
• device power;
• filter material;
• case material;
• additional functions of the electric kettle.

Now about everything in more detail.

Types of electric kettles

To date, 4 types of teapots can be found on sale:

• classical;
• road;
• thermopot;
• samovar.

classic model

This is an ordinary electric kettle, familiar and familiar to everyone. It consists of a body for 1-2 liters of water, a heating element and a handle. A few minutes after the click, you can prepare coffee or tea.

Modern models have complex functionality. They are equipped with various filters, protection systems, have water temperature control, automatic shutdown, etc.

Travel electric kettle

A travel electric kettle is a regular kettle, only small size which allows you to take it with you when you travel. The internal volume of this kettle does not exceed 0.5 liters.

Thermopot

Thermopot is a hybrid of a thermos and a kettle. This device can not only boil or heat water, but also maintain its temperature for several hours.

This is realized thanks to the heating regulator and the heat-insulated housing. Thermopot is more suitable for use in a small office or cafe than at home.

Samovar

The samovar has a large rounded body, it has a built-in heating element at the bottom and a lid for the teapot at the top. To date, the samovar is most often a decorative device and an object of art. Therefore, manufacturers often experiment with the shape of its case, cover it with gold or silver, which significantly affects its cost.

Heating element type

When choosing a kettle, be sure to pay attention to its heating element.

There are 3 types of heating elements:

• disc heater;
• closed spiral;
• open spiral.

open spiral

The heating element or open spiral is located inside the kettle and looks like a spiral-boiler. The advantage of this model is the democratic cost.

However, there are also disadvantages. Such kettles are difficult to clean from scale, since more plaque appears on an open spiral than on a disk heater.

Another disadvantage is that the spiral must be completely covered with water. Thus, the minimum amount of water for boiling is 0.3-0.5 liters.

closed spiral

A closed spiral is hidden under a metal disk of a teapot or thermo pot. Electric kettles with a hidden coil are easier to clean. At least you can heat a glass of water.

The disadvantages include noisy operation and consumption of a large amount of electricity. The price of such kettles is 5-10% more than models with heating elements.

Kettle power

Since the electric kettle is one of the most popular appliances for the office and at home, it must work quickly. Its main task is to quickly heat water or bring it to a boil.

That is why the power of the electric kettle is one of the key parameters of its choice. It can reach 3 kW, depending on the model. Another important parameter is the maximum volume of water that can be heated at one time.

The larger the volume of the electric kettle, the more electricity is needed to boil water. If you like to travel, we advise you to pay attention to teapots with a volume of 0.5 liters.

This compact model you can always have at hand on a business trip, in the country or at work. If you need to choose an electric kettle for your home, remember that its volume must be selected depending on the number of family members. For two people, a kettle of 1.2-1.5 liters is suitable, for big family we advise you to choose a model from 1.7 to 2 liters.

The more power the kettle has, the faster the water boils in it. Small models up to 1 liter usually have a power of 1 kW.

Electric kettles for a large family have a capacity of 1.5 to 3 kW. When choosing a kettle, it must be taken into account that the load on the electrical wiring and the electricity consumption in the apartment depend on its power.

Filter material

Replaceable filters are used in teapots. They are made from fine nylon mesh.

You can also find metal and gold-plated filters. Metal filters last longer than nylon ones.

A kettle with a gold-plated filter is more expensive than others. According to manufacturers, less scale is formed on such filters.

We select the body

One of the most important parameters to consider when choosing an electric kettle is the material of its body.

To date, the following materials are used for the production of teapots:

• plastic;
• metal;
• glass;
• ceramics.

Let's talk about them in more detail.

Choosing a plastic electric kettle

These teapots are in high demand. Plastic - best material in the price-quality ratio. The advantages of a plastic teapot include lightness, strength and durability of the product.

There is also a disadvantage. This is bad environmental friendliness. Plastic is able to easily react with other substances, especially water. Such reactions are practically harmless to nature, but have a bad effect on human health.

But this disadvantage is inherent only in cheap products. Well-known companies value their reputation, so they use only safe materials for production. We recommend choosing electric kettles of the following brands: Kenwood, Bosch, Polaris, Tefal, Vitek, Philips, Braun, Scarlett, Zelmer.

Advantages of metal electric kettles

The main advantage of a metal kettle is its durability. The disadvantages include the lack of a wide choice of design.

Also on the market you can find metal models coated with plastic. In this case, the device has the properties of both materials. The disadvantages of metal teapots include a lot of weight and cost, as well as the fact that they get very hot.

How to choose a ceramic electric kettle

Ceramic teapots have bright bodies with a variety of patterns. They are not only stylish and beautiful, but also useful.

In a ceramic teapot, the water has a natural taste without the unpleasant odor that occurs in plastic products. On ceramic walls, even after prolonged use, scale and rust do not form, bacteria do not multiply.

Thick walls provide sound insulation. A ceramic kettle is able to store heat for a long time, which makes it possible to save on electricity.

In addition, ceramics do not conduct electricity, which makes the device safe. The main disadvantages of ceramic teapots are fragility, high price and weight.

Choosing a glass electric kettle

In terms of environmental friendliness, a glass teapot is practically in no way inferior to a ceramic one. It also does not react with water, so it is perfect for people who lead healthy lifestyle life.

In addition, the device has a very elegant appearance, especially when its body glows. different colors from blue to red.

Kettles do not conduct current, and their cost is lower than that of ceramic ones. The disadvantages include the fragility of the glass, as well as its heat.

Additional functions of the electric kettle

In addition to the usual functions, the teapot can have the following additional options.

Imagine a morning without a cup of coffee and an evening without fragrant tea For most people, it's quite difficult. Modern kitchen appliances helps to significantly speed up the process of preparing drinks - just buy a good electric kettle.

It will boil water much faster than the analogue that needs to be heated on the stove. However a large assortment in hardware stores makes it difficult to choose. We decided to help you and made a rating of the most popular and high-quality teapots in the middle price segment.

The best electric kettles under 3,000 rubles

What models are not offered by modern electronics stores: plastic, ceramic, steel, glass ... It seems that choosing a reliable and functional electric kettle can take a long time.

We have selected three for you. budget models, which are distinguished by excellent functionality and good reviews users who have been using them for more than one year.

Bosch TWK 3A011 4.5

An electric kettle from a well-known manufacturer Bosch will cost you quite inexpensively - only 1680 rubles.

Volume of 1.7 liters more than enough for a tea party for a family of four or five. At the same time, thanks to the high power of 2400 watts A full kettle boils in just five minutes. Undoubtedly, in the morning rush, such speed will please you.

Kettle heating element- the closed spiral from stainless steel. This is quite convenient, since scale does not form on it, which gradually exfoliates into the water.

The kettle, thanks to the device of the heating element, is very easy to clean - it is enough to periodically rinse it to wash away the various deposits obtained from tap water. If you use filters, even such manipulations can be carried out once every two to three months.

The plastic case looks quite stylish and neat. The ability to choose from six design colors allows you to choose a model that will fit into the interior of your kitchen. According to reviews, the model is definitely worth buying - for its price, the kettle serves for a fairly long period without breakages and leaks.

Separately, safety can be noted: no matter how much you press the button, the kettle will not turn on without a certain amount water. The lid locks when heated to prevent accidental burns. When removed from the stand, the kettle immediately turns off.

present and nylon filter, helps prevent small debris and sediment from entering the water.

Added ease of use water level indicator and led indicator turning the kettle on and off are functions that are not available in all expensive models.

Polaris PWK 1758CA

Polaris PWK 1758CA will cost even less than the previous nominee - only 1020 rubles, and its functionality is also high.

Water with a volume of 1.7 liters is heated in five to six minutes. Contributing to this is surprisingly powerful for the price. heating element - 2200 watts. At the same time, the kettle is reliably protected from burnout - even more expensive models will envy its security system.

Power-on lock option a kettle without water is useful for forgetful individuals. If you notice absent-mindedness behind you, perhaps this model is something. what you need.

If the kettle contains less than two hundred milliliters of water, it simply does not turn on. The lid, like the previous model, is locked as soon as you turn on the device.

The heating element in the form of a closed spiral is made of stainless steel. This helps to avoid the formation of scale and ensures stable operation of the household appliance.

The body is made of durable metal, which looks very stylish in the kitchen. By the way, despite its spaciousness, the model looks very compact and neat.

Those who care about healthy eating, will not leave you indifferent the presence of a filter which does not allow precipitation and scale to enter the cup. The kettle is equipped water level indicators and inclusion, which makes its use even more comfortable and safe.

A separate bonus from the manufacturer is a cord compartment that helps keep the kitchen neat. Of the shortcomings, buyers noted only one - the model is a bit noisy.

Philips HD4646

Most popular model in our ranking! On the well-known Yandex.Market service, she collected almost two hundred reviews! It is noteworthy that almost all of them are extremely positive.

The cost of an electric kettle is only 1300 rubles. For this price, you get a reliable, stable unit that will serve you for many years.

The capacity of the model is slightly less than that of the already mentioned analogues. Only 1.5 liters. However, this amount of water is enough for five large mugs, so consider whether you need more?

Thanks to the power of 2400 watts, the kettle heats up in just 4-5 minutes. This is very useful for those who like to sleep longer in the morning - you do not have to get up earlier to boil the kettle.

The heating element is a closed spiral made of stainless plastic, which is separately treated with a bactericidal agent. Thus, even if you leave the water in the kettle for a long time, the risk of germs getting in there is minimal.

The body is made of durable plastic, The color scheme is represented by four shades: white, rich black, bright red and blue. There are plenty to choose from!

When removed from the stand, the kettle immediately turns off. The lid is securely locked during heating. In addition, it is impossible to turn on the kettle if there is not enough water in it. This prevents the kettle from burning and, as a result, a fire.

The model is equipped water level indicator, but the lack of an indication of inclusion can cause some inconvenience. In general, the model is very reliable and is recommended for purchase by a large number of users.

Electric kettles up to 6,000 rubles

If simply boiling water is not enough and you want to purchase a model with more functionality, get ready to fork out. We have selected especially for you three best models worth up to 6000 rubles.

They have additional options high rates reliability and, of course, a large number positive feedback.

Bosch TWK 86

With a volume of one and a half liters, power - 2400 watts. The heating element is fairly standard - a closed stainless steel coil. It would seem that little differs from the previous Bosch TWK 86 model. However it's all about extra features.

Double walled metal and plastic provide faster heating. In addition, they make the operation of the appliance much quieter, while eliminating the heating of the outside of the kettle.

Four temperature conditions 70 to 100 degrees allow you to pick up optimum temperature for water. This is especially true for tea lovers, which often need to be brewed with strict adherence to the recipe.

Forgetful individuals will come in handy keep warm option Who among us hasn't forgotten about the included kettle? The model keeps the set temperature up to half an hour. However, it is difficult to forget about this kettle - you can set up a sound signal that will remind you that it is time to drink tea or coffee.

Stainless steel filter keeps the water clean, and the lid lock prevents accidental burns. The model is equipped with indicators of water level and inclusion.

Not surprisingly, this electric kettle remains one of the most popular in 2018, with over 300 positive reviews. Of the shortcomings, there are mainly two: somewhat noisy operation and an unpleasant squeak when turned on and off.

Xiaomi Smart Kettle Bluetooth

If you cannot do without a smartphone and prefer to use modern technologies in all aspects of life, you cannot do without Xiaomi Smart Kettle Bluetooth. At a cost of 4278, it seems like a real miracle of modern technology.

But first, let's look at the standard characteristics.

one and a half liters of water, which are placed in this kettle, quickly heat up due to the power of 1800 watts.

Closed stainless steel helix works stably, without interruptions.

Burnout is prevented by the security system - without required amount it just won't heat up the water.

Housing material, providing silence of work, double - metal and white plastic.

The model looks quite standard, so for those who do not know its features, it may seem boring.

Turning the kettle on and off, the temperature support function, you can regulate with ... your smartphone.

No need to go to the kitchen to boil water.

Thanks to the Bluetooth 4.0 BLE option, with the help of a special Smart Home application, which is suitable for all telephone operating systems, you can comfortably control the kettle while in another room.

Among the shortcomings, a non-standard plug for Russia can be noted. However, this problem is easily solved with a conventional adapter.

Another nice feature of the kettle is soft touch buttons, pleasant to the touch. Even manual tuning turns into a high-tech process. In addition, he works absolutely silently, which makes this model popular among lovers of high-quality and unusual technology.

De "Longhi KBOV 2001

In contrast to the previous high-tech model with many options, the De "Longhi teapot looks like a guest from the past. The retro-style metal case subtly resembles elegant teapots of the early twentieth century.

The case is pleasant to the touch, smooth. Five options color solution We will help you choose a model that fits perfectly into the interior of your kitchen.

The cost of such a retro device is 4,278 rubles. No wonder. The teapot differs not only in pleasant to an eye design, but also high quality and reliability.

With a capacity of 1.7 liters, it heats up in five minutes thanks to its 2000 watts of power. At the same time, the volume of the kettle does not prevent it from looking neat and not taking up much space in the kitchen.

Heating element made of stainless steel, made in the form of an open spiral, functions reliably, preventing the formation of scale. If the water is characterized by increased hardness, a stainless steel filter will protect the cup from precipitation.

Modern options are also provided - water level indicator and power on indicator. The kettle does not turn on without water, and when turned on, it blocks the lid, preventing accidental burns.

According to reviews, despite the lack of additional functionality, the model is worth the money for its reliability and original appearance.

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Now on the market so huge selection of all kinds of goods that it becomes extremely difficult to pick up even such a simple thing as a kettle. It is necessary not only to decide whether to buy an ordinary kettle or an electric one, but also take into account the mass various nuances– from the material to the ergonomics of its handle. What teapots are now available and how to choose the right one?

Kettle in the kitchen

Tea drinking is a special ritual that almost every family has.

It's hard to imagine a kitchen without a kettle. Not a single feast, especially Russian, is complete without tea - one of the most popular drinks in the world. The whole family gathers for a cup of tea, and there is always a kettle in the center of the table.

If in the old days people gathered for a samovar, now they have been replaced by kettles - traditional, electric or even such technological types of these devices as thermo pots. The current variety of these kitchen units allows you to choose the most suitable option for any kitchen and for the most fastidious taste.

Morning coffee, evening tea - all these are wonderful traditions that every family has.

Which is better: electric or conventional

Both ordinary kettles and electric kettles have their own advantages and disadvantages, so it's hard to say which one is better. One can only compare these teapots according to several characteristics.

• Life time. Stovetop kettles are much more durable than electric kettles. They can deteriorate only with a strong mechanical shock or if you forget them on the included stove. Each electric kettle has a heating element, on which scale is deposited over time. If it is not removed in time, the kettle will not last long.
• Security. Many cheap electric kettles are made from plastic, which releases synthetic chemicals into the water when heated. But this shortcoming is deprived of aggregates made of metal or glass. A stovetop kettle is dangerous only because it can be forgotten on the stove.
• Heating and cooling. According to this characteristic, electric kettles there is an advantage: water boils in them in 2-3 minutes, while in ordinary ones it takes 7-10 minutes. But the water stays hot longer in them than in electrical appliances.
• Power consumption. It takes less electricity to heat a conventional kettle than an electric kettle.
• Convenience. In this regard, electric kettles are much more convenient than stove-top ones. To boil water, you just need to press a button. They turn off automatically and you don’t have to worry that all the water will boil away.
• Price. High-quality electric kettles usually cost more than traditional ones.

An electric kettle will boil water in a few minutes

The service life of an electric kettle can be reduced by voltage fluctuations in the network, switching on when there is no water in it, or a loose lid.

What to look out for

When choosing a kettle, ordinary or electric, you should pay attention to many parameters - material, volume, weight and availability. additional features.

Material

This is very important characteristic, which affects the life of the kitchen unit. Modern teapots are made from metal, plastic or glass. In rare cases, they are made of ceramics.

Metal

Metal teapots are considered the most durable, although the choice design solutions theirs is limited. The most common metals from which such teapots are made are aluminum, stainless steel, enameled metal or cast iron.

• Aluminum. Now aluminum teapots are produced quite rarely. Under the influence of water, aluminum is able to form toxic compounds that are harmful to the human body, so it is better not to buy kitchen appliances from this material.
• Stainless steel. Most metal teapots are made from stainless steel. It has a lot of advantages: it withstands high temperatures, does not affect the quality of water, and also has a very long service life and is easy to clean.
• enameled metal. This material is significantly inferior to stainless steel in terms of durability and strength.
• Cast iron. It has all the advantages of stainless steel, but is not without its drawbacks. Cast iron kettles are very heavy and the water heats up slowly.

An overview of the stainless steel teapot in our video:

Enamel becomes unusable from frequent temperature changes and is easily damaged. If you heat such teapots for gas stove, over time, traces of soot appear on them. If chips appear, these teapots cannot be used further, because. this is fraught with the ingress of harmful substances into the water.

Plastic

Plastic is the most popular material used in production electric kettles. The advantages of this material are: lightness, durability, strength. But plastic is not without its drawbacks, the main of which is environmental insecurity. When interacting with water, plastic forms harmful human body connections.

Not all plastic teapots are unhealthy. Quality products are made only from safe materials, but their price is appropriate. Top manufacturers electric kettles are Tefal, Scrlett, Bosch, Philips, Braun.

How to choose an electric kettle, watch the video master class:

Glass

Glass teapots look very attractive, while they are completely safe for health. But they are unlikely to suit those who do not like to wash dishes often. The resulting scale will be clearly visible on the glass, which requires more frequent cleaning. Another disadvantage of this material is its fragility and heavy weight.

Glass teapots take longer to heat up, and their cost is much higher than plastic ones.

How to choose a glass teapot for the kitchen, see the experiment:

Volume

You need to choose the volume of the kettle based on the number of family members. The volume should be such that one teapot is enough for everyone to drink tea at the same time. Stovetop kettles are usually larger than electric kettles. If the family is large, it would be better to opt for such units. But usually for an average family, a 1.5-2 liter kettle is enough. Electrical appliance will be able to boil water in just a couple of minutes, so those left without a cup of hot drink will not have to wait long.

It is desirable that the kettle has a scale showing the level of liquid - this will make it easier to determine the overflow or underfilling of water.

Additional functions

There are different requirements for electric and conventional kettles. When choosing an ordinary kettle, you should make sure that its handle is covered with thermal insulation material, otherwise it will be possible to burn yourself when removing it from the stove.

The lid of the kettle must be tightly closed so that it does not fall while pouring boiling water. The spout should not be too close to the handle. Too low location of the spout is also undesirable - impurities and scale that formed during boiling water will get into the cup.

Electric kettles have their own characteristics. Pay attention to the type of heating element. There are 2 types - open and closed. Buy a kettle open element not recommended as scale builds up quickly. At the same time, such devices are less noisy than with a closed element, and their price is usually lower.

When using ordinary tap water, you should choose a kettle with a filter that will retain scale when pouring boiling water into a cup.

Some models are equipped with a thermostat that allows you to heat water to a certain temperature, as well as a long-term boiling mode, which ensures additional protection from bacteria in the water. It will not be superfluous to have such a useful function as automatic shutdown in the absence of water - such a kettle will not burn out if you turn it on casually, without making sure that there is water in it.

Care and operating rules

A few simple rules will extend the life of any kettle:

• Do not place a hot kettle on a cold or damp surface- this can ruin its bottom.
• It is better to use filtered water. This will avoid frequent scale formation.
• You can not wash a still hot kettle, you need to let it cool down.
• Only mild detergents should be used for washing that will not harm its surface. When washing, do not use hard metal sponges.
• Clean the kettle regularly.

How to clean the kettle from scale

Most effective means to clean the kettle from scale - this is citric acid, vinegar and soda.

• Lemon acid. A full tablespoon is poured inside the teapot citric acid, filled with water and boiled. After that, you need to rinse the inside of the device cold water. The procedure is repeated 2 times.
• Vinegar. Pour a liter of water into the kettle and add 2/3 cup of 9% vinegar. Leave for half an hour, then boil and rinse with cold water. Repeat twice.
• Soda. Pour a tablespoon of soda into the kettle and pour water, boil, rinse with cold water. The remaining scale can be removed with a hard (but not metallic) sponge. Repeat the procedure 2 more times.

How to clean the kettle from scale, five best recipes Video instruction:

How to make grog based on tea, recipe:

Choosing a kettle like any other kitchen appliance, requires certain knowledge. To make it last longer, you should not chase cheapness. Let you have to overpay a little, but get a quality product that will serve faithfully for many years.

Hot drinks are an integral part of the menu of every modern person. Green or black tea, coffee or cappuccino - without them it is difficult to imagine a family dinner or business meeting. And for their preparation, a kettle is required. The variety of models of these devices is amazing and inspires confusion in buyers. How, after all, not to be mistaken and choose a kettle, thanks to which it will be possible to please yourself and loved ones with hot or coffee for many years?

A traditional stovetop kettle is a container made of heat-resistant material (metal or glass) with a spout, handle and lid, which must be placed on the burner of a gas or electric heating device. In most cases, such kettles are equipped with a scroll that makes a sharp sound at the moment when the water boils.

An electric kettle is a device that does not require external heating. Its design contains an internal heating element driven by an electric current. Like a traditional kettle, an electric kettle has a reservoir with a lid, a spout and a handle. In addition, it is equipped with a stand and a wire for connecting to the mains.

There are also such specific types of kettles as hanging and camping, but in everyday life they are used extremely rarely.

Let us dwell on the main characteristics of electric and stovetop kettles.

What are the criteria for choosing an electric kettle?

Electric kettles on the market today can be divided according to the following main features.

Heating element type

1. Open. Such kettles are equipped with a heating element in the form of an electric spiral, which can be seen by looking under the lid. The spiral is ordinary (stainless steel) or plated with chrome, and sometimes gold.

Pros: Quiet operation.

Cons - scale deposits directly on the heating element and the difficulty of cleaning it, as well as the impossibility of heating a small amount water. In addition, these kettles have a connector on the side, so they can only be installed on the stand in a certain position.

2. Closed. The heating element is hidden under a metal plate at the bottom of the kettle, that is, it does not come into contact with water, which significantly increases the service life of the device.

Pros - high boiling speed, ease of cleaning, durability, the ability to install on a stand in any position, since the connector is in the center.

Cons - noise during water heating.

Ability to maintain temperature

1. Standard kettle. It just heats the water up to 100 degrees and then turns off.

2. Thermopot - teapot-thermos. In such models, a closed heating element and heat-resistant material for the body are used. After boiling water, its temperature is maintained at 95-98 degrees for a long time. Thermo pots are much more expensive than conventional kettles.

Material

1. Plastic.

Pros - low weight, low price, low thermal conductivity of the body (the water cools slowly, and the kettle itself does not heat up).

Cons - it is believed that when heated, plastic interacts with water and releases particles harmful to human health into it. This applies primarily to plastic products. Low quality. But even kettles made of high-strength plastic should be changed every two years.

2. Glass.

Pluses - high aesthetic properties, environmental friendliness and heat resistance of the material.

Cons - fragility.

3. Stainless steel.

Pluses - durability, efficient operation of the hydrolysis type heating element, as well as the fact that steel does not react with water.

Cons - high price.

The form

1. Jug. The most common and very compact model.

2. Cone or "penguin". Manufacturers claim that such kettles heat water faster and keep its temperature longer.

Other characteristics

1. Power. It ranges from 1000 to 3000 watts. The greater the power, the faster the water heats up, but the load on the network increases. In addition, kettles with high power are more expensive.

2. Volume. The capacity of teapots varies from 800 ml to 2 liters. The most convenient models are 1.5 liter devices. But the volume must be chosen depending on the needs of the family. It should be borne in mind that for normal operation, large kettles must be high-powered.

3. Minimum amount of water. In order for the kettle to start working, it must be filled with a certain amount of water. For models with a closed heating element, this required minimum volume is less than for devices with an open spiral, which, of course, is more convenient.

Important additions

We have described the characteristics of electric kettles that provide greatest influence to choose a model. But there are a number of additional features that a quality kettle should be endowed with. These include:

1. Sound signal and automatic shutdown of the kettle at the moment of boiling.


2. Indicator showing that the device is on.


3. Wide lid that fits well.


4. Liquid level scale, preferably on both sides.


5. Blocking of inclusion at the wrong position, insufficient water level or an open cover.


6. Long nose.


7. Built-in filter for water purification.

Which kettle to buy for a gas stove?

With all the development of technology, it is sometimes impossible to do without an ordinary stovetop kettle, because an electric miracle will not heat the water if there is a power outage. So what to look for when choosing a traditional teapot? First of all, the material.

Today, teapots are made from the following materials:

1. Aluminum. Acquiring such containers is dangerous, because aluminum can saturate water with salts of heavy metals. An exception is teapots made of a special aluminum alloy that meets the requirements of chemical safety. But the seller must necessarily provide documents confirming the possibility of using such an appliance for cooking purposes.


2. Stainless steel. High-quality stainless steel does not interact with water, is resistant to high temperatures and is also durable. In addition, this kettle is easy to clean.


3. Enamelled metal. Enamelled teapots are non-toxic, but not very durable either. Enamel is easily damaged by impact and temperature changes. Inside such a device, scale quickly forms, and outside - a plaque from the fire. Enameled teapots should be thrown away immediately if chips appear on the surface, otherwise harmful substances will enter the water.


4. Glass. Glass teapots are beautiful and safe for health, but they break very easily.


5. Cast iron. Cast iron appliances heat up slowly, but retain heat for a very long time. This material is highly durable and resistant to deformation, but is susceptible to corrosion. Cast iron kettles weigh a lot and are practically not used in modern kitchens.

In addition to the material, the quality of stovetop kettles is influenced by such characteristics as:

1. Bottom. Appliances with a double or triple bottom heat water faster and keep it warm longer.


2. Pens. It is convenient when the kettle handle is not made of metal, but of heat-resistant silicone or bakelite. In this case, it will not heat up. If the handle is metal, then it should have a thickening at the base, which will take on the bulk of the heat.


3. Whistle. An audible signal at the moment of boiling is able to protect against the complete evaporation of water and damage to the kettle.


4. Volume. The size of the kettle is determined according to the number of people. As a rule, a two-liter container is enough for a family of 4 people.

Electric or stove-top - which kettle is better?

As already noted, both electric and traditional kettle models have both advantages and disadvantages. It is difficult to unequivocally answer the question of which device is better. Let's compare them according to the main criteria.

1. Safety for health.

An electric kettle made of low-quality plastic can significantly harm the body due to the release of synthetic substances into the water when heated. But both electric and traditional stainless steel and glass tanks are deprived of this minus.

At the same time, the operation of an ordinary kettle is associated with being near a fire. In this regard, the appliance is safer.

2. Strength and durability.

Stovetop kettles tend to last longer than electric kettles. Scale is deposited on the heating elements, sometimes short circuits occur in the network - all this leads to a decrease in the life of electric kettles. In addition, in case of improper operation (leaky closing of the lid, lack of water, untimely shutdown), such devices easily fail.

The simplicity of the design of the stove-top kettle determines its durability, but it can also deteriorate upon impact or burn out on the stove.

3. The rate of heating and cooling.

In this parameter, conventional kettles are significantly inferior to electric ones. On average, it takes about 7 minutes to boil one liter of water on the stove, the appliance copes with the same task in 2 minutes.

However, in a tank powered by the mains, the water cools faster than in a traditional one.

4. Energy consumption.

Electric kettles consume a lot of electrical energy. Resources are also spent on heating water on a stove (gas or electric), but in smaller quantities.

5. Convenience.

Of course, electric kettles are more convenient than conventional ones. When using them, you do not need to light a fire, just press one button, and even a child can do it. The shutdown occurs automatically, and you can forget about the stovetop kettle, and all the water will evaporate from it.

6. Price.

In most cases, ordinary stainless steel or enameled metal kettles are cheaper than high-quality electric kettles. Although everything is determined by their characteristics and the prestige of the manufacturer.

When choosing a kettle, it is important to take into account the peculiarities of the life of a particular family. If households value speed and comfort, then an electric kettle is more suitable for them. For those who like leisurely conversations over a cup of tea, we can recommend a traditional heating device. Better yet, have both options, just in case. The main thing is to choose a quality kettle from a trusted manufacturer.