How to choose a kettle for home? Which one to buy

Despite a large number of modifications of teapots, they all serve a single purpose - to quickly heat water. There are two main types of these devices: electric and for a plate.

A traditional kettle for a cooker is a container of a heat-resistant material( metal or glass) with a spout, handle and lid, which must be installed on the burner of a gas or electric heating device. In most cases, these kettles are equipped with a scroll that makes a sharp sound 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 the force of an electric current. Like the traditional teapot, the electric one has a tank with a lid, a spout and a handle. In addition, it is equipped with a stand and a wire for connection to the mains.

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Still there are such specific types of kettles, as hinged and marching, but in everyday life they are used extremely rarely.

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

What are the criteria for choosing an electric kettle?

Electric kettles presented on the market today can be divided into the following main features.

Type of heating element

1. Open. These 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 can be ordinary( stainless steel) or covered with chrome, and sometimes gold. Pros - silent operation.

Cons - scale deposition directly on the heating element and the complexity of its cleaning, as well as the inability to heat a small amount of water. In addition, these kettles have a connector on the side, so they can only be placed in a certain position on the stand.

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

Advantages - high boiling speed, easy cleaning, durability, the possibility of mounting on a stand in any position, since the connector is in the center.

Cons - noise during water heating.

Possibility of maintaining the temperature

1. Standard teapot. It simply heats the water to 100 degrees, and then turns off.

2. Thermal pot - thermos. These models use a closed heating element and a heat-resistant material for the enclosure. After boiling water, its temperature is maintained at 95-98 degrees for a long time. Thermopots are much more expensive than conventional teapots.

Material

1. Plastic.

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

Cons - it is believed that when heated plastic comes into contact with water and releases into it harmful to human health particles. This applies, first of all, to low-quality plastic products. But even teapots made of high-strength plastic are worth changing every two years.

2. Glass .

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

Cons - fragility.

3. Stainless steel.

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

Cons - high price.

Form

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

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

Other characteristics of

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

2. Volume. The capacity of the kettles varies from 800 ml to 2 liters. The most convenient models are 1.5 liter units. But the volume must be chosen according to the needs of the family. It should be taken into account that for normal operation large kettles should be high-power.

3. Minimum amount of water. In order for the kettle to start working, it must be filled with some 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 to

We have described the characteristics of electric kettles that have the greatest influence on the choice of the model. But there are a number of additional functions that should be given to a quality teapot. These include:

Beep and automatically turn off the kettle at the time of boiling.

Indicator indicating that the device is on.

A wide cover that fits well.

Liquid level scale, preferably on both sides.

Locking the switch on in case of incorrect position, insufficient water level or open lid.

Long spout.

Integrated filter for water purification.

What kind of kettle for a gas stove?

With all the development of technology without a conventional kettle, it is sometimes impossible to do, because an electric miracle does not heat water if an energy cut occurs. So what to look for when choosing a traditional teapot? First of all on the material.

Today teapots are made of such materials:

Aluminum. It is dangerous to purchase such containers, because aluminum can saturate water with salts of heavy metals. Exception - teapots from a special aluminum alloy that meets the requirements of chemical safety. But the seller must provide documents confirming the possibility of using such a device for cooking.

Stainless steel. Qualitative stainless steel does not interact with water, shows resistance to high temperatures, and also differs in durability. In addition, this kettle is easily cleaned.

Enamelled metal. Teapots covered with enamel are not toxic, but they are not too strong. Enamel is easily damaged by shocks and temperature changes. Inside such a device, scale is rapidly formed, and outside - plaque from the fire. Enameled teapots should be thrown out immediately, if chipped on the surface, otherwise harmful substances will enter the water.

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

Cast iron. Devices made of cast iron heat up slowly, but they retain heat for a very long time. This material is highly resistant and resistant to deformation, but is susceptible to corrosion. Cast iron kettles weigh a lot and are not used in modern kitchens.

In addition to the material, the quality of the kettle is influenced by the following characteristics:

Bottom. Instruments with a double or triple bottom more quickly heat water and store its heat longer.

Handles. It is convenient, when the handle of the kettle is made not 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.

Whistle. The sound signal at the time of boiling is able to protect against complete evaporation of water and damage to the kettle.

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

Electric or stove - which teapot is better?

As already mentioned, both electric and traditional models of teapots have both advantages and disadvantages. Unequivocally answer the question, which device is better, it is difficult. We compare them by main criteria.

1. Safety for health.

Electric kettle made of low-quality plastic can significantly damage the body due to the release of synthetic substances into the water when heated. But this minus is deprived both electric, and traditional tanks from a stainless steel and glass.

In this case, the operation of an ordinary teapot is connected with being near a fire. In this regard, the electrical appliance is safer.

2. Strength and durability.

Split kettles tend to last longer than electrical kettles. On the heating elements limescale is laid, sometimes there are short circuits in the network - all this leads to a reduction in the period of use of electric kettles. In addition, with improper operation( leaky cover closure, water shortage, untimely shutdown), such devices easily fail.

The simplicity of the construction of the stove kettle causes its durability, but it can deteriorate when it strikes or burn on the stove.

3. The rate of heating and cooling.

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

However, in a tank operating from an electrical system, water cools faster than in a traditional one.

4. Power consumption.

Electric kettles consume large amounts of electrical energy. The heating of water on the stove( gas or electric) also spends resources, 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 this is even possible for the child. Shutdown occurs in automatic mode, and you can forget about the stove kettle, and all the water from it will evaporate.

6. Price.

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

When choosing a teapot, it is important to take into account the specific life of a particular family. If the households appreciate the speed and comfort, then they are more suitable electric kettle. Those who like unhurried conversation over a cup of tea, you can recommend a traditional heating device. And it is even better to have both options - just in case. The main thing is to choose a quality teapot from a trusted manufacturer.

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 a business meeting. And for their preparation, you must have a kettle. The variety of models of these devices amazes imagination and inspires confusion to buyers. How can one not make a mistake and choose a teapot, thanks to which it will be possible to please oneself and loved ones hot