Points to consider when buying a kettle

If your looking to buy a new kettle, you’ll must take into account a handful of issues in advance to deciding which brand and model is right for your needs. The following sections will give you a number of pointers and guidelines to consider for making a purchase decision, so you can be sure to have a kettle that is convenient, easy to use and a stylish addition to your kitchen.

Your budget will often direct you to a brand of kettle

For a lower budget look for a Breville kettle in their quality plastic jug kettle range, or Morphy Richards, Kenwood, Prestige and Russell Hobbs brands.

For medium budgets take a look at the stainless steel models of the above brands plus De'Longhi, Dualit and Bodum ranges. Also, if you are looking for a stove top kettle, Wesco, Le Crueset and Aga brands would be your quality choice.

High end budgets; this will be the designer brands that are often in contemporary colours to co-ordinate with the latest kitchen fashions, or have unique design features. Brands to look at here are Bosch . The Bosch Collection gives high spec design and features, like the 'one cup' instant hot water dispenser. Then there's Magimix and Alessi, then, if you really want to impress your visitors - at the very top end of the price scale is the stunningly designed Bugatti Vera. Yes, Bugatti the car manufacturer makes desirable kettles too!

Should the kettle be made in stainless steel, glass or plastic?

One of the initial items you ought to think about when deciding on an electric kettle is the main body material. Most models are made from steel or aluminum. You will discover also a number of electric kettles which are made from plastic that’s resistant to heat. These are usually the budget models, but, while they are very functional, they are not as durable as steel models. If you are worried about durability, then opt for a higher-quality stainless steel kettle, which can also come enameled in a variety of fantastic colours as well as the more traditional brushed or polished stainless steel versions, such as the Breville VKJ386 Polished Stainless Steel Jug Kettle

Do you need a cordless model?

One of the items you should think about when purchasing an electric kettle is whether you need it to be cordless - for greater freedom. As electric kettles have a cord plug, which is then connected to the electrical socket, you will need to pull out this plug to enable you to fill the kettle and take it to another area in the kitchen should you need to. This is were the convenience of a cordless model is a premium consideration. The static circular base is the only part connected to the power socket, and the kettle sits onto the base to obtain its power supply for boiling. The base also has cord storage to keep trailing cords to a minimum. The 360 degree movement enables you to angle the handle at any point that is convenient to lift, so it's suitable to lift with your left or right hand - and convenient when space is a bit tight or awkward. When the water has boiled, the auto boil switch / thermostatic switch will shut off the power and you can then lift the kettle off the base safely - without having to pull out plugs from the hot kettle itself. If safety is a prime concern for you, then a cordless kettle does provide ease of use.

What about a water level indicator?

One of the last points you need to think of before buying an electric kettle is a water gauge. Do you need one? A water level indicator can be a small red dot that moves up the side of a jug kettle when filling it, or it can be a large clear section to give you a visual water level, often called a dual water window as it is a clear panel on both sides of the kettle. Like the Breville VKJ416 Black Stainless Steel Jug Kettle Either of these will allow you to measure the sum of water that you are putting into the kettle. You may possibly wish to boil a particular amount of water, which can be an excellent way to ensure you consume the least amount of power every time you boil the kettle. This can be especially useful if say, the family is out during the daytime and you only need enough water to make a single cuppa. Not boiling a full kettle of water each time can make considerable savings on your energy bills over the year, and that's just by being mindful of the amount of water you are boiling - never mind the latest options of Eco Kettles. There are several electric kettles that have a clear water level indicator, which you will probably find are mostly the jug models. Some brands are producing a more traditionally styled kettle that has a water level indicator, so, if you want traditional styling plus a water indicator, check out the details in the features and specs first, otherwise a good old fashioned peep under the lid to assess the water level will be required!

Do you need a limescale filter?

Many models come with a mesh filter to catch particles and limescale when filling or pouring the water. Some models have internal water filters built in - like the budget Morphy Richards 43541 Brita Filter Jug Kettle, the Breville VKJ095 White Brita Filter Jug Kettle, or the stainless steel Brita filter model: Morphy Richards 43549.

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