A post we published earlier this month on must-haves from around the world received quite a few comments about electric tea kettles and whether they were really better than a stovetop kettle. Looking for the best tea kettles? We have a review you can use as reference.
I prefer anything that doesn’t require a plug as someone who owns exactly four electric kitchen appliances: a blender, a stand mixer, a coffee grinder, and a brand-new food processor that I’m still on the fence about. My Le Creuset kettle, in kelly green, sits on my cooktop, ready to use at any moment. I use it to make French press coffee most mornings and tea at night (when I’m being virtuous and not drinking red wine), as well as to refill my hot water bottle (yes, I have one).
However, there are compelling arguments in favor of using an electric tea kettle. Here are five compelling reasons to switch to electric power.
What Is Electric Tea Kettles?
Electric kettles are powered by electricity that runs through a heating element inside the kettle (where the water goes). A resister is a heating element that resists the passage of electricity. The electricity is converted to heat inside the resistor, which then boils the water in the kettle. When the water within the kettle reaches a specific temperature, the majority of electric kettles feature a thermostat that causes the power transferring to the kettle to be disconnected.
Kettles are relatively safe, even though they are electric. The power is automatically shut off when the water inside reaches a certain temperature. Moreover, the easy-to-use design minimizes human error. The price of electric kettles generally ranges between $10 and $200 depending on the brand, size, and any extra features.
Electric kettles boil water quickly as well; it takes around 100 to 300 seconds for an electric kettle to boil water – the actual time depends on the size of the device and how filled it is. Given how quickly an electric kettle can boil water, it should come as no surprise that it is a low-cost device to use.
In actuality, it costs about $0.02 to boil water in an electric kettle, though the exact cost will vary based on your electric tariff and how full / large the kettle is.
With electric kettles being affordable to purchase and use, their popularity has only grown. There is a wide range of shapes, colors, and styles available, so you will have many options to choose from
You Don’t Have to Worry About Exploding Your Electric Tea Kettles
Almost everyone has accidentally blown up a stovetop tea kettle. If you have ever managed to explode electric tea kettles, raise your hand. I think that’s enough for now.
Related: You Probably Won’t Burn Your Hand.
Tea kettles on the stovetop become hot, and even if the handles are supposed to be heat-resistant, that isn’t always the case.
It Doesn’t Whistle.
While some individuals (like myself) find screaming kettles endearing, it appears that many of you are turned off by the piercing shrieks of a stovetop kettle. When the water boils, most electric tea kettles will simply shut off without shouting.
It’s More Precise
Temperature is crucial if you’re going to get really geeky about brewing a cup of coffee or tea. If you’re preparing French press, the temperature should be at 195°F, which is just below boiling. Japanese green teas and spring teas prefer a somewhat cooler temperature of 160°F to 170°F, whereas Chinese green teas prefer 170°F to 180°F. While temperature with stovetop kettles is largely guesswork (I let mine boil, then wait a minute or two for it to cool significantly), many electric kettles allow you to precisely heat your water, ensuring a flawless cup every time.
Hi there! I’m a food enthusiast and journalist, and I have a real passion for food that goes beyond the kitchen. I love my dream job and I’m lucky enough to be able to share my knowledge with readers of several large media outlets. My specialty is writing engaging food-related content, and I take pride in being able to connect with my audience. I’m known for my creativity in the kitchen, and I’m confident that I can be the perfect guide for anyone looking to take their culinary journey to the next level.
