A Step-by-Step Guide to Buying a New Kettle
A kettle is something that no household in the UK can live without, but you’ll find there are so many different options on the market today. While you can certainly opt for a basic kettle, you may want to upgrade to one that’s designed to make a whole load of tea or coffee at one time. Whether you need a new kettle for home or for work, you’ll find there are plenty of good options available without you having to spend a fortune. Keep reading as we take you through everything you need to know about buying a kettle.
Capacity
The capacity of your kettle will be entirely dependent on how many cups you are trying to make at one time. You’ll find models that are designed to boil water for personal use, just to create one cup of tea or coffee. On the other hand, there are industrial models that boil a dozen or so cups worth of water at one time, so you and your colleagues can enjoy your morning break together. The size of your kettle will be directly impacted by its capacity, so we encourage you to think twice about this if you are looking for a more portable model. As most kettles just stay in one place in the home, you can probably opt to get a slightly larger one than you may need, which will save time and hassle when you are entertaining guests.
The Size and Design
While the capacity of the kettle will still impact the size, you’ll find that some kettles are bigger than others due to their casing. You’ll also find some are long and tall, but others have a wider area for storing the water. Design-wise, you’ll find clear or covered kettles, both of which do exactly the same job. Some modern kettles allow you to see what’s boiling, which looks great in a contemporary kitchen. You’ll also want to consider whether the housing is made from plastic or metal, but this may depend on the other appliances you have in your kitchen, as you may want to try and get them to match.
Hard Water Areas
If you live in an area with hard water, you’ll find kettles that are designed specifically for this. This will help you to enjoy better-tasting water and avoid damage and build-up on your kettle in the future. Over 60% of households in the UK have hard water, and England, in particular, struggles with this issue. Check out the water in your area first if you are unsure whether this is an issue, and then compare kettles that are designed specifically for this use. You’ll find plenty of good options which are just as big or stylish as the traditional kettles on offer.
Working With Your Budget
Regardless of whether you are buying a kettle for your home or workplace, you likely have a strict budget you are working with. For that reason, you’ll want to find a good value for money appliance. You’ll find some kettles for around £10, but you’ll want to ensure they will still last you for a few years. While you may think it’s fine to buy a cheap kettle, you may find you spend a fortune on kitchen descaler in the long run. Usually, a mid-range kettle is the best option, as you don’t necessarily need to spend a fortune on a device that can boil water.
Features
The primary function of a kettle is to boil water, and even the most high-end models don’t do much more than that. The big difference between a cheaper kettle and a more pricey one is its features, which primarily relate to how it indicates that your water is boiling. While some kettles simply have a switch that goes off when the kettle is done, others may play a tune or indicate to you with lights that the water is ready. Some of the clear and modern kettles have lights or different features when it’s boiling, but ultimately, it’s up to you whether you find these to be really necessary.
Cordless Kettles
Kettles are known for their long cords, which for most people, are absolutely fine to have in the kitchen. If you would rather minimise the number of wires you have in your kitchen, opt for a cordless electric kettle. These kettles don’t have a wire attached to the kettle, but they have a base that is plugged in to make it work. This means that when the water is boiled, you can take your kettle over to the dining table or somewhere else in the kitchen. For most people, this doesn’t make much difference, but it’s a handy extra design feature.
As you can see, there’s a lot more to consider when purchasing a new kettle than you may think. By following this guide above, you’ll find an effective and safe kettle that will boil your water quickly and with ease each day. So many of us rely on tea or coffee to get through the day, so no household is complete in the UK without a kettle. You don’t have to spend a fortune on this device to find an effective tool, so keep this in mind when shopping online for a new kettle.