Need a cup of coffee to wake you up in the morning? Need to get some warm milk ready because your baby is hungry and crying? Famished during the middle of the night and want a cup of instant noodles? What you need is an electric kettle. It heats water fast and you don’t have to worry about watching an open flame in the kitchen. There are so many electric kettles out there, which one is best for you? Take a look at this guide.

A comparison between an electric kettle and an electric water boiler

	Electric kettle	Electric water boiler
Capacity	Approx. 0.4-1.7L	Approx. 2-4L
Material	Plastic, stainless steel, glass	Plastic, stainless steel
Advantages	Can heat small amounts of water, ideal for trips	Good thermal insulation for all-day hot water supply
Power consumption	Some models with keep warm function require connection to a power supply Can connect to power supply for heating only	Some models come with instant heating function but needs to be connected to a power source all day
Suitable for	Those who live alone Small families of 2-3 people Less frequent drinkers of hot and lukewarm water	Families of 3 or more people Frequent drinkers of hot and lukewarm water Company pantries, restaurants Gatherings of several people

Unlike water dispensers and electric water flasks, electric water kettles can heat any amount of water without using a whole day's supply of electricity. This makes the electric kettle the best choice in terms of energy saving and economy.

Tips for choosing an electric kettle

1. Choice of Material

This has a direct impact on usage. Currently, plastic, stainless steel and glass are the main materials used in electric kettles. Each comes with its own advantages and disadvantages.

	Plastic	Stainless steel	Stainless steel Glass
Weight	Lightest	Heavier	Heavier
Thermal insulation	Normal	Best	Better
Odour	New product or plastic smell	Metal smell may appear with daily use	No odour
Features	Weak heat transfer, less chance of burns	Durable, textured design; strong heat transfer, fastest boiling speed	Transparent design, good visual effect and easy to clean

Choose a double-layered design with a wrap-around spout to ensure safety and reduce the chance of burns.

2. Safety features

The safety features of electric kettle are very important. Many are equipped with auto shut-off and anti-dry functions to avoid accidents. Check whether the kettle is equipped with an airtight lock to prevent it from turning over and causing burns.

3. Spout design

The spout of an electric kettle is usually in the form of a triangular spout or a long, thin spout. The triangular spout saves space and allows more water to be dispensed while the slender spout is delicate and easy to use. The former is suitable for making tea, instant soups and cups, while the latter is suitable for making coffee and beverages.

4. Water capacity

Ranges from 0.4 to 1.7L so choose according to family size and how much hot water you consume. If you are energy-saving conscious, choose a kettle with a water level mark to control the amount of water used and the amount of electricity consumed more precisely.

5. Temperature control

Some electric kettles can heat up to a certain pre-selected temperature. This is great for preparing milk powder or other beverages. Use the water as soon as it is hot instead of waiting for the boiling water to cool down. However, this function does not bring water to boiling point so remember to use distilled water.

6. Easy to clean

Consider how easy it is to clean the electric kettle. Every time the kettle is used, limescale will accumulate inside. If the limescale is not thoroughly removed over a long period of time, the kettle becomes a hot bed for bacteria. Choose an electric kettle with a wide opening for easy cleaning after use.

Usage tips

1. Avoid using electric kettle for cooking or heating drinks as they leaves odours and impurities. If you want to take your own kettle on a trip or holiday, consider a foldable kettle that is designed for cooking.

2. Electric kettles use more energy to keep water warm so for optimum energy efficiency, use a thermal insulated kettle to store warm water.

3. Wash your kettle regularly to remove limescale. Although some kettles are designed with a limescale filter, it is best to clean the inside of the kettle regularly to get rid of bacteria and impurities.

▾Adjustable temperature control settings▾

Different heating temperatures, suitable for preparing milk and making tea

▾Small capacity models▾

1L or less, energy saving and economical

▾Textured design▾

Sophisticated body design adds style to your home

▾Travel companion▾

Foldable design, international voltage, great for travels

▾Recommended brands▾

Recommended brands: BRAUN，KENWOOD，MIDEA，Philips，TEFAL