Electric Kettle: Parts, Operation And Purchase

Whoever knows what a kettle is, betrays that he has a higher age. Young people have usually never boiled water in a kettle because that is what the kitchen appliance was intended for.

The electric kettle has replaced the kettle, although water is still boiled in a saucepan or, for cooking vegetables, in a saucepan. But making a quick cup of tea or a mug of Nescafé is just as easy in a kettle. They come in all kinds, different sizes, and price ranges from very simple to beautiful designs.

Parts Of Kettle

The most important elements that make up a kettle are a water tank, a heating element with a cord and plug, and a handle and lid. The type of material determines the sturdiness and can consist of glazed earthenware, glass, plastic, or stainless steel.

Partly determining the design are the colors in which beige, blue, orange, and red are common, but other colors are also possible. But although the design is important for many in a beautiful kitchen, it is of course not about the design but about the functionality. In relation to the content, the capacity of the tube is also important, which ranges from 1200 watts to 3000 watts.

Quantity Of Water And Water Tank

Kettles are available in various sizes from 0.8 liters to 2 liters. The water reservoir can be filled to different heights, whereby the exact amount of water required can usually be measured by means of a bar indication.

The Operation, Heating Element, And Protection

The heating element is located at the bottom of the device and is turned on manually by pressing the switch. The heating stops automatically when the water boils and the steam reaches a sensor in the lid.

For this reason, the lid must always be closed tightly, otherwise, the water will continue to boil. Another protection is located at the bottom of the device and prevents the heating element from burning out when it boils dry. There are two types of heating elements.

Reading Suggestions: How can I use less plastic?

One is invisibly located under the bottom of the water tank and the other consists of a so-called immersion heater (a visible spiral element). Especially an immersion heater must be regularly descaled with vinegar (can be used a number of times) or a vinegar solution (once only).

Necessity Of Descaling

Depending on the hardness of the water, which can vary greatly from region to region, a kettle should be descaled occasionally or regularly. A special liquid is available for descaling that sometimes needs to be diluted with water, but descaling also works well with vinegar. Inexpensive is special cleaning vinegar that can also be used to descale a kettle.

Purchase The Right Kettle

When considering the purchase of a kettle, it is good to first check how often and for what quantities of water the kettle will be used. For frequent use, it is better to search in the higher price range, but savings can be made by purchasing a smaller model if its content meets the requirements of use.

You can also choose based on extras such as a keep warm function for the already boiled water or a temperature setting as a certain temperature is desired. That temperature setting can play a role in making tea, which does not necessarily have to be done with boiling water.

A large capacity of the reservoir is important if, in addition to small quantities, a maximum of two liters of boiling water is also regularly required. This can be the case if, when cooking vegetables, the water is first heated in a kettle.