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How to Choose and Buy an Electric Kettle

Here are some hints and tips on some of the things to consider when choosing and buying a kettle:

Kettle Size/Capacity

An electric kettle for the home should be able to hold in excess of 1.4 litres to be considered worthwhile. Smaller models are only recommended as travel kettles.

Power

Try to choose a kettle with a high wattage, so that it can boil quickly. Many kettles have a rapid boil feature which will save a considerable amount of time.

Other Features of Electric Kettles

• Cool-touch: With such power and heat running through the kettle, it’s imperative that the model is protected by a cool touch casing, as you don’t want a nasty injury to occur as a result of accidentally touching the main body of the kettle.
• Concealed element: A concealed element will help with heat dispersion, allowing for a rapid boil and also means that the element is less likely to scale, so your kettle will be durable and the water will taste clean and crisp. An electric kettle with a concealed element is also easier to clean.
• Scale filters: Many kettles have removable scale filters, which help to keep your water tasting great.
• Wide spout: Being able to fill a kettle without the fuss of taking of the lid is handy, and it’s also worth looking for a model with a non-drip pouring spout for added safety.

Warranty

Different brands and models of kettle have different warranty lengths, so check the product description to ensure that you are happy with the guarantee before buying your kettle.

Price

Set yourself a budget and stick to it. Many kettles are now extremely cheap but, as with all electrical products, you do get what you pay for.

Cheaper models often have thin casings, with exposed elements, lower wattages and less capacity As a kettle is one of the most frequently used appliances in the kitchen, you should be prepared to spend a little bit more on one as you will want it to be durable and perform well.

Extras may be included with a new Electric Kettle

Check the product descriptions when choosing your kettle to see whether any extra items, such as replacement filters, are included as these can provide added value.

Further Information

If you want to buy a kettle, you can find out more about some of the top online suppliers, including details of their delivery times and postage and packaging costs, in our Where to Buy section.

You can find out about specific brands and models of kettle in our Brands and Top Models sections.

You can learn more about other types of kitchen appliance in our Types section.