If you’re worried about the negative effects of using plastic, these stainless steel electric kettles would be ideal for you. I’ve taken care to ONLY choose the ones that do not have any plastic that would come in contact with the boiling water. These stainless steel electric kettles are also good-looking and easy to use as well.
Our Top Pick Electric Kettles:
- Chef’sChoice 685 – Best stainless steel Deluxe Cordless electric kettle
- Presto 02703 – Best budget electric tea kettle
- Cuisinart CPK-17 PerfecTemp 1.7-Liter – Best cordless electric kettle
- Chef’s Choice 673 Cordless – Best Compact travel electric tea kettles
- Aroma AWK-115S Hot H20 X-Press 1-1/2-Liter – Best electric water kettle
- Hamilton Beach 40898 Cool-Touch Cordless 8 Cup Electric Kettle – Best for cool touch
- Oster BVST-EK5966 1-2/3-Liter – Best electric water kettle
- Saeco 101167 Electric Water Kettle – Best for 50-Ounce water
An Introduction To Various Types of Electric Kettles
Although electric kettles are quite well known and used on a daily basis in some parts of the world, there are some large countries that are just beginning to have them readily available in more than just their specialty stores. If you are a new user of an electric kettle, you might be overwhelmed by the variety of electric kettles that are displayed on the store shelves and have difficulty deciding which one would be the best to suit your individual needs or desires.
This introduction will give you some basic information about some of the features that are available on various types of electric kettles so that you can make a more informed decision when choosing one for use in your home.
All of the types of electric kettles use electricity to heat the water and therefore they are quicker and more efficient when compared to using a standard tea kettle to heat water on the stovetop. The main difference between the various types of electric kettles is the placement of the electrical heating element. Some electric kettle manufacturers place the heating element in the bottom of the water reservoir and the water is in direct contact with it, while others enclose the heating element in a separate chamber that is located right below the water reservoir. There is no definite determination as to which placement of the heating element is the better choice.
All-electric kettles are simply plugged into a wall outlet in order to start the process of heating the water in the reservoir to the proper temperature. This aspect makes them great for use in small kitchens that might have fewer burners on the stovetop. Sometimes, the plug runs directly from the bottom of the kettle, but there are also models that are considered to be wireless because the wire is connected to a heating base where the kettle is placed to heat the water. The wireless devices are considered to be slightly better only because they allow more freedom of movement with the electric kettle, such as carrying it to a table to pour the water into the cup instead of filling several cups on the counter and trying to carry them to a table.
Higher-end models of electric kettles often have a control panel that allows the electric kettle to be turned on and off, so it can remain plugged in and ready to make the water hot with just the push of a button whenever hot water is needed. Sometimes, on the more elaborate models, there are even buttons that can be used to set the final temperature of the water that is being heated in the electric kettle so that it is easier to make perfect noodles, tea, or whatever other food and drinks need hot water. In order to prevent an electric kettle from continuing to heat when there is no longer any water present in the reservoir, many manufacturers have installed an automatic shut-off as a safety feature.
How to Choose the Right Electric Kettle
An electric kettle is a simple kitchen device that is used to heat water, but it is necessary to choose the right one so that you are content with your purchase. There are many different factors that should be considered when shopping for the right electric kettle for your kitchen or as a gift for someone else. We will look closely at some of these factors in order to give you an idea of what you should consider when making a purchase like this.
Of course, the number one factor on most people’s minds is the amount of money that they will spend on the electric kettle. If you do a simple price search for electric kettles on the internet, you might be shocked to see that prices can range from less than twenty dollars to well over one thousand dollars. The higher-priced models are usually more technologically advanced and have features such as several programmable water temperature settings aside from its boiling point. These features can be useful if you plan to use the heated water for preparing other beverages or foods, but they are not necessary, especially if you only plan to use the water from your electric kettle for making tea. You would do just as well with a model with a price in the twenty to forty-dollar range.
The reason that an electric kettle in the twenty to forty dollar price range is suggested is due to safety, which is another major factor in deciding which electric kettle to purchase. The least expensive models might not have the feature that automatically shuts off the electric kettle when the water level is too low. Without that feature, an unchecked electric kettle that is left on might boil away any water that remains in the reservoir. After the water boils away, an electric kettle without this safety feature would continue to produce heat which could permanently damage the electric kettle or even start a fire in the home if left unattended too long.
A third factor to consider is the capacity of the electric kettle. Even though it takes very little time and energy to heat a full kettle of water, it is important to match the amount of water to the needs of the family. Most electric kettles have various water level markings to make this easier. However, if you have several people using a lot of water, you might need to purchase one of the larger models instead of dealing with the possibility of constantly refilling and heating the kettle.
After considering budget, lifestyle, and family’s needs to narrow down the choices, many people base part of their final decision on how well each electric kettle on their list will fit in with the décor of their kitchen. Depending on the other factors, there could be several styles to consider from sleek, metal electric kettles to ones that are designed in a more retro style and come in various colors to add a little flare to the room.
1. Chef’sChoice 685 – Best stainless steel Deluxe Cordless electric kettle
I love having hot water on hand for tea and cocoa, but using a stovetop kettle always seems to take forever. I finally gave in and got a Chef’s Choice 685 International Deluxe Cordless Electric Teakettle. I’m so sad I waited so long to get one! This kettle has everything I need without a bunch of bells and whistles.
It boils up to 1 1/3 quarts of water at a time and does it faster than a microwave.
It’s made entirely of stainless steel that looks beautiful on my counter.
If the kettle runs dry the automatic shutoff kicks in to make sure no damage occurs. The handle stays cool to the touch so I don’t have to worry if my daughters decide to use it. Best of all, it detaches from its base, allowing me to fill and pour without a cord getting in the way.
Its simple design is easy to use, and it heats water faster than any other method. What else could you ask for?
Pros- Chef’sChoice 685:
- Attractive Design: I’m picky about what goes into my kitchen, but I absolutely love the way the Chef’s Choice looks. It’s modeled to look like a traditional stove-top kettle with a round base and small spout. It looks cute and easy to clean.
- Made of Stainless Steel: There’s a lot of talk going around these days about the chemicals that are used in plastics. While I know not all plastics are a problem, I do like that this kettle is made of stainless steel. Not only does it look nicer, but I also don’t have to worry about what chemicals might be going into my family’s bodies.
- Safety Features: This kettle is well equipped with safety features. Once the water boils the kettle turns off automatically. The same thing happens if the kettle is dry. The handle is also very cool to the touch. I have no worries about letting my elementary school-age girls pour from it, something I’d never let them do with a stovetop kettle.
- Cordless: I love this part. I’ve seen electric kettles that have long cords dangling while you pour from them, but that just seems very awkward. The Chef’s Choice heats on a detachable base. Once it’s done heating up you just pop it off and pour without a cord.
Cons-Chef’sChoice 685:
- No Temperature Gauge: As a tea drinker I like to be able to heat my water to a specific temperature in order to get the most out of my tea. There’s no way to tell with this kettle what temperature you’re at. However, if you have a thermometer on hand I find that works pretty well.
- The lid is Stiff: I find that the lid is a little bit difficult to remove. This isn’t a big issue for me at all – I just fill the kettle by pouring water into the spout instead of the top.
Having the Chef’s Choice 685 on hand has saved me a huge amount of time and effort. I don’t have to wait for water on the stove to heat and I don’t have to worry about what chemicals my family may be ingesting. This kettle looks lovely, has a few great safety features, and is extremely easy to use. It’s a great choice for anyone looking for a new electric kettle, especially if you’re not looking for something with a lot of gimmicks you’ll never use.
2. Presto 02703 – Best budget electric tea kettle
I work as a cooking instructor and often get asked for kitchen supply recommendations. Whenever someone asks about a budget electric tea kettle, I always point them towards the Presto 02703 Electric Tea Kettle. I used one a few years ago when my husband and I lived in a small apartment. While I’ve since moved up to a bigger model, I still use it from time to time and it works perfectly.
For the price, this kettle has all the features you could ask for. First of all, it boils one quart of water at a time. That’s perfect for two cups of tea or for noodles or instant soup. It heats up quickly too, much faster than what you’d get with a microwave or on the stove. The large no-drip spout makes it very easy to fill up and pour. The lid has a little stainless steel attachment that flips up to keep steam away from your hands while you pour.
There’s something really cute about this kettle that I don’t see on many other models. It whistles when the water boils. It also has an auto shut-off if the kettle boils dry. This feature isn’t as cute as the whistle, but it’s definitely useful.
The Good-Presto 02703:
- Whistles When Water is Ready: Really, this is just such a cute little feature, and something that I miss on my bigger kettles. It’s so nice and homey to hear a whistle and know that tea is on the way. It reminds me of winter days in my mother’s house when tea was a necessary part of every afternoon. Practically speaking, it’s a loud enough noise that it’s hard to miss when the kettle is boiling too.
- Large Spout: This isn’t something you might think of right off the bat, but having a large spout on an electric kettle is a huge convenience. It’s much easier to fill it with water this way instead of having to aim for a tiny little hole.
- Small Size: Whenever someone asks me about what kind of kettle to bring to a dorm room, I always recommend this one. It heats up a quart of water at a time. This is enough to make noodles or instant soup, but it’s not so much that you have to find a place to store a larger kettle. It also has a cute round shape (much like a stovetop kettle) that fits in well with most environments.
- Price: I’ll admit, this is another big reason I recommend this kettle to so many people. If you’re not sure you want to invest in a more expensive kettle yet, then this is a good place to start. It’s inexpensive enough that you don’t have to feel guilty if you don’t use it as much as you anticipated, but it works well enough to get you hooked.
The Bad-Presto 02703:
- Short Cord: The cord on this kettle is very short, and depending on your kitchen configuration you may have difficulty finding a good place for it. However, this kettle does work best in small kitchens anyway, which means a short cord won’t be much of an impediment.
- Outside Gets Hot: The outside of this kettle can get very hot to the touch when in use. This makes sense – it is filled with boiling water after all! This doesn’t have to be a deal-breaker, though, since the handle stays very cool and is far enough away from the body of the kettle that you don’t have to worry about bumping your hand.
As I’ve said, the Presto 02703 is a great starter kettle, but sometimes you want something a little bit fancier. If that sounds like you, I recommend the Krups FL700D50 Glass Infused Electric Kettle. The Krups has a lot of features the Presto doesn’t, including preset temperature levels and a tea infuser. However, it is much more expensive than the Presto, so depending on your needs and budget it may or may not be the kettle for you.
I’ve recommended this kettle to half a dozen people and all of them have thanked me for it. Its small size, quick heating ability, and homey whistle all make it a great choice for offices, dorm rooms, and even small kitchens. It’s a cute, solid little kettle that I am sure I will keep recommending to anyone who asks me about it.
3. Cuisinart CPK-17 PerfecTemp 1.7-Liter – Best cordless electric kettle
I am a total tea addict. It’s what gets me through my day. Without tea, I’d just head back to bed when times get tough, and without my Cuisinart CPK-17 PerfecTemp 1.7 Liter Stainless Steel Cordless Electric Kettle I’d have no tea. There’s so much I love about this kettle.
First of all, it’s made of stainless steel, so my water always tastes great. It has six temperature presets, which allows me to heat water to exactly the temperature that I’m looking for.
After the water has reached my desired heat, the kettle has a keep-warm function that keeps it there. A two-minute memory means that I can remove the kettle from the heating base for up to two minutes without it losing its place in the healing process. It’s easy for me to check the water level through its blue backlit water gauge, and if the kettle gets turned on dry for any reason an auto-shutoff kicks in. It’s not the cheapest kettle on the block, but for me, it’s worth every penny.
Why we Liked – Cuisinart CPK-17P1
- Six Temperature Presets: This is the reason I chose this kettle over all the others. Different teas require different water temperatures to get the best taste. I can’t just heat water to boiling every time. Having a kettle that will accurately heat water to different levels is extremely useful when it comes to making tea, and having six different temperatures to choose from is even better.
- Made of Stainless Steel: I swear I can taste a bit of a plastic taste when I try water heated in plastic kettles. Stainless steel doesn’t give off any kind of aftertaste, which is another point in this kettle’s favor.
- Cordless Design: Like many higher end kettles, the Cuisinart CPK17 heats on a detachable base. The base is what’s plugged into the wall, and the kettle can easily be removed for pouring. Pouring this way is so much easier than having to fight with a dangling cord-like with some of the other kettles I’ve used.
- Easy to Read Water Gauge: This may sound like a minor point, but it can become really aggravating to use a kettle that doesn’t give a clear indication of where the water level is. The water gauge on this kettle has a blue backlight, so it’s easy to tell at a glance exactly how where the water is at.
- Keep Warm and Memory: It’s nice to have hot water on hand, especially if we have guests over. There’s a thirty-minute memory included with this kettle, so people on different schedules can both use it. The two-minute memory is kind of neat as well. If I need to pour some water before the kettle is done I can. As long as I put it back on the base within two minutes the heating process doesn’t get interrupted.
Why we not Liked – Cuisinart CPK-17P1
- Outside Gets Hot: The outside of the kettle does tend to get quite hot while the water is heating. It’s not hot enough to give you a burn, but if you have young children around I’d recommend you be careful. The handle is plenty cool, though, so as long as you’re paying attention there’s nothing to worry about.
- Small Top Opening: The opening at the top of the kettle is quite small, which makes it a little bit difficult to clean the pot. It’s not prohibitively small (I’ve never had any problems getting my hand in), but it’s not as easy as some of the bigger pots I’ve seen.
This Cuisinart reminds me of another kettle I’ve used: the Breville One-Touch Tea Maker. Both kettles seem designed to brew tea as they each have team-friendly temperature settings. The Breville takes it one step further and includes a basket that you can use to brew tea. While that’s a nice feature to have, for me it’s not really necessary.
Since I never go a day without tea, I never go a day without using my Cuisinart. I love just about everything about it, from its variable temperature settings to its safety features. It’s easy to use and pour, has a useful keep warm feature, and even looks great in my kitchen. If you’re looking to invest in a high-quality electric kettle, you really can’t go wrong with this one.
So, Having this electric kettle on hand makes it so easy for me to heat up water for my family and me whenever we need it. It’s big, holding up to 1.7 liters of water at a time. It doesn’t just heat it up to boiling either – there are six temperature presets that make it easy to get the perfect water temperature for whatever type of tea I want to make. If I want to save some water for later, the 30 minutes keep warm function makes it easy to do so.
Besides being functional, it’s also really easy to use. The blue backlit water window makes it super easy to see how much water is in the kettle. Boil-dry protection and auto shut-off keep it safe to use, and a removable scale filter keeps water tasting its best. It’s even easy to move around and pour because of its swiveling power base.
You really can’t beat a hard-working kettle like this one. Whether you love tea, hot cocoa, or are just tired of heating up water on the stove, you’ll find what you’re looking for here.
4. Chef’s Choice 673 Cordless – Best Compact travel electric tea kettles
When a friend’s daughter moved into a dorm I wanted to get her a small electric kettle for cocoa, soup, and coffee. This Chef’s Choice model really fit the bill. With a one-quart capacity and compact build it was perfect for her small dorm room. The base comes with cord storage which also helps save on space. The concealed heating element helps heat the water quickly without leaving behind any sort of nasty taste.
I worry about safety with anything I give away, so I was pleased to see this model both shut off when the water boils and has a dry-boil auto shut-off. Even though it’s a pretty simple model, it has some nice little features. This includes a water level gauge in the handle, an illuminated on/off switch, and the ability to lift it off the base for cordless pouring.
I would recommend this kettle to anyone who needs a kettle that doesn’t take up too much space. It’s been working beautifully for my friend’s daughter so far, and I’m sure you’d love it too.
Tea’s a personal favorite of mine (I’ll take it over coffee any day!). Before getting the Chef’s Choice 673 Cordless Compact Electric Kettle I had to boil water on my stove. This took a while and wasted energy, especially if my daughter decided she wanted some hot cocoa right after I emptied the kettle. An electric kettle like the Chef’s Choice, on the other hand, lets me quickly and easily keep a supply of hot water in the house.
They named this kettle well because with a one-quart capacity it is quite compact. It’s made of brushed stainless steel and has black accents. The kettle itself is cordless, but it rests on a heating base that does have a cord. The heating element is concealed, which helps to eliminate nasty tastes from mineral build-ups.
This kettle has something that I like to see in appliances of its type – a boil shut-off function. It also has boil dry protection that will shut things down if it’s turned on without water. Underneath the handle is a water gauge and the on/off switch lights up so you can tell at a glance if it’s on. Finally, the cord can be stored inside the heating base and adjusted to whatever length you need.
The Good-Chef’s Choice 673
- Concealed Heating Element: My very first electric kettle from years and years ago had an exposed heating element. I found that it could get really nasty, lots of residues would build upon it and leave a taste in the water. Thankfully I’ve moved on since then. Having a concealed heating element really does have an impact on the quality and taste of the water you heat, so I’m glad to see one in this kettle.
- Size: If you have a small kitchen you’ll love this kettle. It holds about a quart, which is plenty of water for two people to have tea. Its small size means it doesn’t take up too much space on the counter, and the cord storage also helps keep things neat.
- Boil Shut-Off: With this kettle, once things gets boiling it doesn’t stay that way. For an absent-minded cook like me this is a blessing. I don’t have to worry about the kettle boiling dry if I forget about it. Instead, it just shuts off once it gets hot enough.
- Water Gauge: This is just a little thing, but it’s nice to have a water gauge on the side. I usually just eyeball how much water I want to heat up, but with the gauge, I can make sure I have enough water heating for as many cups of tea as I need.
The Bad-Chef’s Choice 673:
- Metal Gets Hot: This shouldn’t really come as much of a surprise, but the metal part of the kettle does get quite warm to the touch while it’s heating. This is normal for any kettle of this size. There’s no reason you’d have to touch the metal while using it anyway, so there’s not much of a risk of burns.
- Size: Wait, wasn’t I just praising this part? Yes, I did, but the small size can also be a downside. If you have a bigger family or need to heat water for multiple people you won’t be able to get enough for everyone at once. However, the water heats up so quickly that it’s pretty easy to just heat up another pot, so it all depends on how you use it.
Electric Kettles Are Great To Bring On Vacations, Why?
Everybody likes to enjoy Vacation with friends or family. Hope you will the next one for the time that you go on a vacation, you might want to consider taking along an electric kettle and some heat resistant mugs. It does not matter if you are planning to stay in a hotel, motel, or your own recreational vehicle, as long as you have a source of electricity for the electric kettle. At first, it might seem like an odd thing to take on a vacation, but once you are aware of all of the things that you can do with it, you will see that it is wise to take it along.
Electric kettles are used to make water hot and there are dozens of uses for hot water, both at home and while on a vacation. The most obvious use is simply to be able to enjoy a cup of tea, but your electric kettle can also be used to make a cup of instant coffee or hot cocoa. By bringing along your electric kettle, you can start your day with the hot beverage of your choice without the need to shower, dress, and go to a restaurant or coffee shop in the area. There is also no extended wait for service at the restaurant or bill to pay for your beverage.
Tossing some packages of instant soup or ramen noodles in your luggage with your electric kettle allows you to have an easy, inexpensive meal on the go. This is great for those bad weather days when you would rather not pack the family in the car and drive to a restaurant. In addition, when you are running late to a scheduled event and will not have time to stop for food, you can turn on the electric kettle while you are getting ready and have a quick bite to eat that will hold you over until after the event. You can even use the remaining hot water to clean the mugs after you finish eating the soup or noodles.
If you are on a vacation that involves a lot of standing in line or walking around to get from one place to the next, it is highly likely that everyone’s feet will feel achy by the end of the day. That can put a damper on spirits and make everyone less enthusiastic about wanting to go out the following day if it is likely to involve more standing in line or a lot of walking. Your electric kettle can be used to quickly heat some water for everyone to enjoy a nice relaxing foot bath. You can even put a small container of bath salts in your luggage to add to the luxury of the foot baths.
If you are traveling in your RV and staying in campgrounds, an electric kettle can be very convenient. It can be used to quickly preheat water for cooking instead of doing it on the stovetop or over a campfire. Not only does the electric kettle save you cooking time, but it can also save you money since you are simply plugging it into the electrical source at the campground.
So, Using this kettle made me think of another kettle I’ve used recently, the Toastess TGK486 Cordless Glass Kettle, Gray. There are quite a few differences between the two, but the major ones are their size and the material they’re made out of. The Toastess is made of glass and can hold 1.7 quarts, while the Chef’s Choice is stainless steel and holds 1 quart. The material is more of a personal preference. Stainless steel goes well with my kitchen, but the glass looks quite nice too. As for size, your situation will dictate that. Both are excellent kettles.
If you find yourself constantly running to the stove to heat water for tea, having an electric kettle on hand will save you lots of time and hassle. The Chef’s Choice is a great choice. It’s compact, has some nice safety features, and does its job with a minimum of fuss. It’s a great way to go for anyone in the market for a new kettle.
5. Aroma AWK-115S Hot H20 X-Press 1-1/2-Liter – Best electric water kettle
This Aroma AWK-115S is the Best Value, Electric Kettle, for Under $35. There are a lot of electric kettles for sale but finding a good one under $35 is not an easy task. I’ve decided to recommend the Aroma AWK-115S because it’s an excellent stainless steel electric kettle that’s highly durable and has all the basic features you need (auto-shutoff, cool-touch handles, clear water indicated).
This small, shiny electric kettle was a perfect addition to my tea-loving kitchen. It heats quickly and efficiently, holding up to 1 ½ liter at a time. Its stainless steel exterior looks lovely on my counter. It also looks great when I’m pouring and serving since it can be removed from its base for cordless pouring.
Another thing I really like about this kettle is its safety features, especially its auto shut-off that kicks in once it starts boiling. The washable spout filter is also nice for providing a clean flow of water. The water level indicator makes it very easy to tell at a glance how much water is on the boil, and the stay-cool handle makes it very easy and comfortable to use.
This isn’t a deluxe model by any stretch of the imagination, but I think that really works in its favor. It heats the water quickly without much fuss or needless features, which is something I really like. I would definitely recommend it for anyone looking for a simple yet functional kettle.
6. Hamilton Beach 40898 Cool-Touch Cordless 8 Cup Electric Kettle – Best for cool touch
I like to send my children and husband off to work and school with a thermos full of warm soup for lunch. I like to heat up the thermos beforehand by filling it with boiling water (it keeps the soup warmer for longer), but mornings get so crazy that it can be hard to fit in time to do this.
I came across the Hamilton Beach 40898 Cool-Touch Cordless 8 Cup Electric Kettle by chance one day, and realized it’s the perfect solution to my problems. I haven’t looked back since! It’s a forty ounce kettle that is made out of stainless steel. The heating element is concealed, which means that there’s nothing in contact with the water but stainless steel. It heats on a base, which means it’s cordless when it comes to pouring.
It’s very safe to use (I let my eight-year-old use it from time to time): there’s a locking lid, a drip-free spout, and an automatic shut-off. On top of all that, the outside is cool to the touch, so there’s no chance of burned fingers. All and all it’s the perfect kettle for my family – I don’t know what I did without it!
The Good-Hamilton Beach 40898
- Stainless Steel: With all the talk going around the chemicals that can be released by heated plastic, I like that there’s no plastic involved with this unit. Everything’s made of stainless steel. It’s good stuff, too – there are no cracks anywhere for junk to get caught in.
- Heats Quickly: Did I mention that morning are crazy in our house? There’s not a lot of extra time for anything. That’s why this kettle has become so indispensable. It can heat forty ounces of water to boiling in about four minutes. Whether I need water for oatmeal, tea, or anything else, it doesn’t take me long to get it.
- Safe to Use: I never let my kids near our old kettle. The outside got very warm and there was always a chance of spilling. I haven’t seen any of that with the Cool-Touch. The lid locks tightly, and the outside stays remarkably cool. There’s even an automatic shut-off once the water starts boiling, which is a great feature for our hectic mornings.
- Easy to “Plug-In”: Instead of having a cord that attaches directly to the kettle, this kettle rests on a little base. When it’s “plugged in” to the base it heats up. Once it’s done I just lift it off the base. This makes pouring much easier since I don’t have to worry about any cords getting in my way. The base is small, too, and doesn’t take up too much space on my counter.
The Bad-Hamilton Beach 40898
- “Max” Line is Hard to Read: The line that shows me how far to fill up the kettle is a little bit hard to see. This was disconcerting at first, but I realized pretty quickly that even if I overfill it a little bit the kettle will still work without a problem. Since I realized that I just estimate, which always seems to work just fine.
- Can’t Adjust the Heat Level: This kettle has two modes – off and on. There’s no way to adjust the heater to get to a specific temperature level. If you’re brewing tea and need a specific temperature you may have to invest in a kitchen thermometer. It’s great at heating water to boiling, though, which is all I’m looking for!
It’s hard to go wrong with this kettle. It’s easy and safe to use, it heats a whole lot of water up quickly, and it’s easy to pour and clean. My older daughter loves that she’s allowed to use it to heat up water for oatmeal, and I love how quickly it works. If you’re looking for an alternative to a stovetop kettle (or even a plastic electric one), this kettle definitely a great choice.
7. Oster BVST-EK5966 1-2/3-Liter – Best electric water kettle
My daughters love to have hot chocolate when they come home from school on cold days, so I decided to get a second electric kettle for them to use. I decided on the Oster BVST-EK5966 Stainless Steel 1-2/3 Liter Electric Water Kettle because it seemed simple to use and safe.
The kettle is cordless, so it’s easy for my older daughter to fill and pour with it. The water gauge is easy to read, and even at full capacity the water heats quickly. I worry about safety, but the stay-cool handle works as well as promised – we’ve never had a burned hand.
Just in case she gets careless and turns it on without any water in it, there’s a boil-dry protection mechanism that prevents any damage. Once the water boils an automatic shut-off kick in, so I never worry about the kettle boiling dry. The heating element is concealed, so I haven’t seen many problems with scale build-up.
This kettle has everything my girls need to heat water without a bunch of bells and whistles we’ll never use.
Pros-Oster BVST-EK5966
- Simple to Use: While I prefer a kettle with multiple temperature settings for tea, this kettle is remarkably simple to use. All my daughter has to do is fill it with water, set it on its base, and press the “on” switch. Within minutes the water is hot enough for drinks for her and her younger sister.
- Easy to Read Water Gauge: I’ve used kettles with infuriatingly difficult-to-read water gauges, but this kettle is not one of them. The gauge is clear and easy to read, so we’ve had no problems with not having enough water (or heating up too much).
- Stay Cool Handle: I have to admit I worried a little bit at first about letting my daughter heat water by herself, but after trying the kettle myself I became convinced it was safe. The stay-cool handle is as cool as it says. It’s sturdy and well-attached. That combined with the fact that the kettle is cordless gives me confidence that my girls won’t run into any trouble using it.
- Safety Features: When I was young I ruined a kettle by letting it run dry on the stovetop. I worried that the same thing might happen with an electric kettle if my girls got careless, but now I know it’s not possible. If the kettle gets turned on without any water in it, it simply turns back off. The kettle will turn itself off once the water hits a boil as well.
Cons-Oster BVST-EK5966
- Water Gauge in Liters, Not Cups: I was a little bit disappointed to see that the water gauge measured liquid in liters and not cups. My girls haven’t had too hard a time adjusting to a different type of measurement, though. In the beginning, I used a Sharpie to mark out where the three-cup line was, and that was enough of a guide for them.
- Outside Gets a Little Hot: I did notice that the outside of the kettle gets a little hot while the water is boiling. This is normal for most kettles, though, and it’s certainly not hot enough to cause any damage. As I’ve said before, the handle is very cool and is far enough away from the kettle that we’ve never had any problems with.
Having the Oster BVST on hand has been a great way for my girls to learn to look after themselves a little bit after school. It’s a safe kettle that’s very simple to use, and it heats water up very quickly. While it doesn’t have the extras that some other kettles might have, it works well as a simple way to heat water. If you’re looking for a simple kettle that will do just what you need it to, I’d definitely recommend this model.
8. Saeco 101167 Electric Water Kettle – Best for 50-Ounce water
I keep pretty busy looking after my husband and two daughters, but hot tea is the thing that keeps me going. My husband gave me a Saeco 1167 50-Ounce Electric Water Kettle as a mother’s day present because I had been really impressed with a similar model that a friend owned. What a difference overheating water on the stove!
It’s a 50-ounce carafe, which is all the space I need for my tea. It heats water fast and has three temperature settings built-in. It also has the coolest color-changing feature that’s based on the temperature of the water. It can keep water warm for up to two hours if I set it that way, or it can simply bring the water to a boil. It has a 360-degree rotational power base that makes pouring very easy.
A triple protection switch will make sure that it turns off when you’re done, so I never have to worry about accidentally leaving it on. I’ve made so many cups of tea with this kettle – I can’t imagine going back to the stovetop!
The Good-Saeco 101167:
- Built-in Temperature Settings: There are three different temperature settings built in between 100 and 200 degrees. The water will heat to this temperature and stay there. I find this very useful for some of my favorite teas since I don’t have to guess how hot the water is. There’s a temperature gauge on the handle, so I can tell at a glance how warm my water is.
- Color Changing Carafe: This sounds like just a gimmick, but I cannot overstate how cool it is to have a carafe that changes color. The plastic portion of the container is backlit and will show a different hue depending on how warm the water is. I love that I can see it change from blue to purple, pink, and red from across the room and know how warm my water is.
- Two Heating Modes: I have two options whenever I turn the kettle on. If I choose to I can have it heat the water to a rolling boil and leave it at that, or I can choose to keep water heated at a constant temperature. Whatever I choose is easy to do.
- Easy to Pour: I imagine it would be pretty difficult to pour a kettle with a long power cord dangling from the end. This isn’t an issue with my Saeco. The cord retracts into the base to make pouring easy and drip-free.
The Bad-Saeco 101167:
- Not all Stainless Steel: Lately I’ve been hearing people worry about using plastic to heat water. I’ve heard some complaints about a plastic taste in the water. While I would prefer an entirely stainless steel carafe, I have had no issues with the plastic taste of my water.
- Presets aren’t ideal: As a tea drinker, I have specific teas that require specific water temperatures to brew correctly. The preset temperatures in this kettle aren’t ideal for that, but they’re close enough. I find that if I keep an eye on the thermometer on the handle it’s not difficult to catch the water at the temperature I want as it heats up.
I’ve been really pleased with this kettle so far. It is a bit different than some of the other kettles I’ve seen, particularly the Hamilton Beach 40898 Cool Touch Cordless and the Toastess DLJK459 Jug Kettle. The main difference is the construction of the carafes. The other two models are completely made of stainless steel, while the Saeco is half steel, half plastic. I know that the plastic in this model is BPA-free and perfectly safe to drink, plus without the plastic, there couldn’t be that cute color-change feature, so to me, all three kettles are equal.
My days have been going so much smoother since I’ve had this kettle! I’ve been able to have tea whenever I need it. The color change feature and thermometer make it easy to see how warm my tea is, and the keep warm feature is extremely useful. The kettle is easy to pour too, so all in all I can’t really complain! If you love tea (or cocoa for that matter), you’ll love how quick and easy it is to make a hot drink with this kettle.
How To Safely Use An Electric Kettle
One of the major concerns in the kitchen of any home is safety. Therefore, it’s really most important to use an electric kettle in a safe manner. This is especially true in a house where there are young children because they are curious and do not fully understand the dangerous things that might happen to them if they touch the electric kettle.
Obviously, electric kettles use electricity to heat up the water in the reservoir. Although it is a great convenience, electricity can also be a source of various safety hazards, especially when it is used in the vicinity of water. When you are using your electric kettle, it is important that you keep the electrical components, including the cord, away from any source of water. That includes having wet hands when you are touching the cord or buttons when the electric kettle is plugged in, even if it is not turned on at the time.
Another concern involving safety is the electric cord itself. The cord might become tangled around other things on the kitchen counter and cause the kettle to be pulled from your hand if you do not have a firm grip when you are pouring the water. If a section of the cord is left dangling off the edge of the kitchen counter and there are young children in the home, they might accidentally pull the cord and cause the electric kettle to fall on top of them. Depending on their size, the child could get a serious injury from the impact of the kettle on their body. They also might get burned if some of the hot water in the electric kettle spills on them.
Most electric kettles are made so that the outside of the electric kettle is usually cool to the touch, but you should still be careful whenever you lift one. Eventually, over time, your electric kettle might stop functioning properly and the outside of the kettle might become hot when it is in use. This could cause serious burns, not only from the kettle itself but also from the possibility that touching the hot surface will cause you to accidentally knock the kettle over and spill the hot water on yourself. For this reason, you should also take a few seconds to lightly touch the electric kettle to be sure it is cool to the touch before you pick it up to pour the hot water.
Not only do you need to be careful when picking up the electric kettle, but also when you are pouring the hot water from it. You should hold the electric kettle close to the mug or other container that you are filling so that the water is less likely to splash onto you. If you have a cordless electric kettle and plan to carry the container section to a table or other room before pouring the water, you need to be sure that there is nothing in your path, especially young children, which might cause you to trip and spill the hot water on yourself or others.
Why Electric Kettles Are Perfect For Small Kitchens
An electric kettle is a great additional tool to any kitchen because it’s a quick and easy way to make hot water for tea and other various hot beverages. Kettles are perfect for use in small kitchens for this and several other reasons and others place too…
Some types of housing, such as studio or efficiency apartments and college dormitory rooms have very small kitchens. Often, the stovetop is only large enough to have two burners, but the residents would still like to prepare full-sized meals for themselves or for guests that they have invited over for dinner. That is where an electric kettle can come in very handy. The hot water from the electric kettle can also be used to cut down on the cooking time of foods that require boiling water so that the burners can be used for cooking other foods.
In addition to cutting down on the cooking time of foods by using an electric kettle in a small kitchen, the person can also save some money on their energy bill. The electric kettle will heat the water quicker and more efficiently than a large open pot on the stove so it saves on the energy that would be used in boiling water to cook the food. There is also less heat emitted into the area when an electric kettle is being used which will help keep the small kitchen much cooler and save the person from needing to run a fan or air conditioner to cool off their home while cooking dinner. That will also save them some money on their energy bill.
Even if the person does not want to drink tea or prepare large meals for themselves or dinner guests, an electric kettle is still a great addition to a small kitchen. It can be used to prepare quick, inexpensive, hot meals for those that are on a tight budget or have little time out of their busy day to cook meals. All that is needed besides the electric kettle is some packages of instant soup or noodles that can be prepared using just hot water. Of course, adding some frozen vegetables or stirring in an egg or two can increase the flavor and nutritional value of a meal like this and it does not increase the cooking time because the hot water will cook everything to perfection.
Although it might not seem important to some people, using an electric kettle to heat water can also save on the number of dishes that are made dirty while cooking. A small kitchen usually has a small sink and limited counter space, so it can become cluttered rather quickly. Most electric kettle models have measuring marks, so there is no need to use a measuring cup to be sure that the right amount of water is being used. In addition, if instant soups or noodles are being prepared for the meal, the only dishes that are needed are the cups or bowls and the spoons.
Electric Kettles Are Not Just For Tea
An electric kettle is a quick and easy way to boil water for tea. It does not produce excess heat like a stove top burner. In fact, an electric kettle can be used to heat water in places that do not even have stoves or microwaves as long as there is a source of electricity such as a wall outlet. Although the majority of people that use electric kettles originally purchased their device to be used for heating water for tea, they have found that there are actually many other creative uses for these electrical devices.
Since most of the electric kettles are set to stop heating when the water starts to boil, they are a perfect way to heat water for just about any beverage that requires hot water. People have found that they can use the hot water for a quick cup of instant coffee or a nice cup of hot cocoa after a day outside in cold weather. Around holidays, many people will also use the water from their electric kettle with a powdered mix to make warm cider punch and serve it to their guests with cinnamon sticks. There are even some parents that use the water from an electric kettle to make their infant a bottle of formula during the night instead of heating the water on a stove.
Not only can the hot water from an electric kettle be used for beverages, but it can also be used for quick meals that require hot water. Some people use the hot water in their electric kettle to make a quick lunch out of a package of instant noodles or soup. After placing the noodles in a bowl or soup mug, the hot water from the electric kettle can be poured over them and various other ingredients can also be tossed in the soup for additional nutrition or flavor. Even frozen mixed vegetables can be added because the water from the electric kettle will thaw and warm them as the noodles cook.
An electric kettle is also a great way to preheat the water that is used for boiling potatoes, cooking pasta, or making soup from scratch. The water heats faster in the electric kettle than it does on the stove top. In addition, it does not take as much power to use the electric kettle. That means that it is actually a very quick and efficient way to heat water.
There are even uses for an electric kettle that do not even involve making any type of food or drinks. A perfect example of this is using the heated water to fill a foot bath. The temperature of the water is perfect for a nice, relaxing soak and it will easily melt Epsom salts or other additives that are commonly put in foot baths. The hot water from an electric kettle can also be used to fill a hot water bottle to help soothe aches and pains or warm a bed in a place that does not have an adequate heat source.
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