How to choose an electric kettle for daily use in the UK?

For heavy tea drinkers like us, an electric kettle is far more than an ordinary home appliance. In the UK, around 97% of people, meaning almost everyone, own an electric kettle. Because it’s used so often, you may want to know how to choose the best electric kettle for daily use.

The criteria for choosing a kettle depend on your own needs, as a family of four has different needs than a bachelor. Let’s find the best one for daily use based on your household.

Which electric kettle is best for daily use in the UK?

An electric kettle is a must-have in the UK, used to boil water for hot beverages and soups. There are many models available in the market, but not all of them are created equal. There are multiple crucial things that make them different. Here are our key tips for choosing the best kettle depending on your own needs.

Select an electric kettle that doesn’t break the bank.

Electric kettles range from affordable ones with regular features to premium ones with advanced features.

You do not need to spend £100-£150 or more on a kettle to enjoy your morning tea. But don’t go for the cheap plastic kettles, as they can also ruin the taste of your cuppa.

Focus on the features that matter the most, like fast boil and auto shut-off. Don’t pay for the additional features if you’re never going to use them.

Prioritize boiling speed and energy efficiency.

How much energy your kettle consumes directly affects the time it takes to boil water. If you don’t want to wait, a 3,000-watt electric kettle becomes a necessity, as it boils a liter of water in 2-4 minutes.

However, water boiling speed also depends on the kettle’s structure; as “double-walled” or insulated kettles retain heat for longer, they spend less energy on reheating. Also, only boil the amount of water you need to reduce boiling time and save energy.

Select the size depending on your daily needs.

The capacity of an electric kettle is an important factor; it depends on how many cups you are boiling and how often you use it. A 1.7-liter kettle is considered an ideal option for many people, but you should only get a 0.8- to 1-liter small kettle if you are single. Using a full 1.7 L jug to boil one cup will waste your energy. So, get:

Pick a material that’s built to last.

Electric kettles come in various materials; among them, Stainless Steel (grade 204 or 316) is the most popular one. It deserves that because of its durability and antibacterial qualities.

However, if you are leaning more towards style, look for the glass ones. These are stylish, with a clear design to spot limescale, but have moderate durability.

If you are really tight on budget and don’t mind a slightly different taste in your coffee, go for the plastic ones. These are the cheapest and lightweight, but they can retain odor while boiling the water.

Check the essential safety features.

Look for safety features like auto switch-off, secure lid, cool-touch handle, and boil-dry protection in the kettle before purchase. These features will prevent overheating, water spilling, hand burns, and damage to the heating element.

Sometimes, you may not find these features in the basic models, but they are essential for comfortable and essential daily use. So, think of them as critical features, not optional.

Identify the practical additional features.

Choose the additional features based on your needs. Features like damage control are good for people who drink specific or multiple beverages. It comes with temperature presets for beverages like green tea, coffee, white tea, and hot cocoa.

Consider the care, cleaning, and maintenance.

To ensure your kettle’s effectiveness and lifespan, you need to descale it regularly, avoid letting the water sit inside, and choose an easy-to-clean model. Ensure the kettle has an easy-to-remove filter, which will help with descaling.

Look for a design that matches your aesthetic.

The electric kettle mostly sits on the countertop, so you don’t want the one that looks odd in your kitchen. Choose the one that complements your kitchen, whether it’s minimalistic stainless steel or modern ceramic.

Also ensure that the kettle has suitable dimensions and can easily fit in the kitchen space. Measure the height, width, and depth of the kettle to get the perfect size.

How to use an electric kettle for cooking?

An electric kettle is primarily designed for boiling water, but it’s not the only thing that you can do with it. Thanks to the steady heating and precise temperature control, you can also use it to cook many boiling-based foods.

However, only use it to boil foods that require boiling water; don’t use the kettle to boil milk or any other thick liquid. Boiling milk can make a mess of your kettle because the sugar from it gets stuck on the boiling compartment.

Always clean the kettle thoroughly before and after cooking any food. Don’t use the hotel’s kettle because the person who is going to use it after that may have some food allergies.

What meals can you make in only a kettle?

If you live alone or are a bachelor with a tight budget, you may like these cooking recipes. These can be made using only an electric kettle, saving energy.

• Instant Noodles: Fill the kettle with water and switch it on. Then put the instant noodles and seasoning in a different bowl. Pour the hot water directly into the bowl and stir it for 2-3 minutes. Then enjoy your easy late-night cooking.
• Boiled Eggs and Potatoes: You can put the eggs and potatoes directly into the kettle and fill it with water till they are fully submerged. Then heat the water, which will boil the eggs and potatoes.

• Instant Soups: For instant soups, choose the one that works with boiling water and has powdered, small chopped dehydrated vegetables. Put the soup mixture in a heat-resistant bowl and boil water in your kettle.

  Remember to only boil the amount of water that is mentioned on the soup packet. After boiling, pour it into the bowl and enjoy the soup.

• Instant Oats: Oats are a quick, healthy breakfast option for many people, and you can also cook them with an electric kettle. Pour the boiling water into a bowl with oats, stir them, add some milk and a pinch of salt to prepare a healthy breakfast.

FAQs – Electric Kettle for Daily Use in The Uk

Does almost every British family have an electric kettle?

Yes, around 97% of British families have an electric kettle at home because of the UK’s tea culture.

Is it true that British people prefer electric kettles over stovetop kettles for making tea?

Yes, electric kettles are standard in modern British households and offices because they’re fast and convenient. However, some British people still use stovetop kettles, mostly for aesthetic reasons.

Do electric kettles in the UK have an on/off switch?

Yes, electric kettles in the UK have an on/off switch, which is mostly located on the bottom side of the kettle. However, the kettle automatically switches off after boiling the water for safety and to save energy.

What is the most popular electric kettle in the UK?

In the UK, the Russell Hobbs Brushed Stainless Steel & Black Electric 1.7L Cordless Kettle is considered to be the most popular electric kettle. It delivers 3 kW of power, which provides quick boiling, a removable anti-scale filter, and a push-to-open lid with a perfect pour spout.