Kettles have moved on from their boil on the hob days, and there are now many styles and different functions to choose from. Making the right buying choice isn’t always as simple as you might imagine; you need to consider the circumstances you expect to use it in, as well as what use you intend to put it to. With respect to the question of corded versus cordless... I'm sure you will have noticed that cordless are becoming the norm. Corded are attached directly to a power point by a cord, and cordless rest on a base which is then attached to the power point... this gives greater flexibility in use. If you have small children, you might consider buying one with cord storage in the base, as this will reduce the chance that they might accidentally pull the cord and tip it over.
The capacity for both traditional and jug kettles tends to be in the 1.5 to 1.7 litre range. Travel kettles are all jug style and have capacities of 0.7 to 1 litre. There are also several ‘mini’ versions available which may be suitable if you live alone. You may wish to choose the style of your small appliances according to the style of your kitchen. Many of the new design modern collection are in the tall coffee pot style and look extremely elegant. The higher the wattage, the more powerful it will be, and so obviously will heat water that much faster. If you want water boiled really quickly you should aim to buy a model with a wattage of 3000 W or above... [3 kw].
The element is the coiled metal piece which heats the water. It is located at the bottom of the kettle... the bit you need to cover so as not to boil it dry. Concealed elements make cleaning and de-scaling easier.
If you are concerned about limescale and particles appearing in your water, then the presence of a filter can act in two ways. Filters in the kettle attract limescale particles out of the water, and filters in the spout filter out and stop particles from going into your drink. Removable and washable filters allow you to clean out the limescale from time to time. Actual filter kettles, like a special Morphy Richards and a Brita, are made up of two sections, they allow you to add the water in the top section, where the water is filtered... you have to wait for this to happen... then once the water has filtered through you boil it. These kettles are larger than ordinary ones, they are also noisy and heavy... but, worst of all, they are unbalanced and awkward, which could prove hazardous. For the time being you are far better off using an ordinary water filter jug for your tap water [if you particularly want filtered water] and waiting for the design and usability of the filter kettles to improve.
Water gauges on the side allow you to see how much water is in it, which prevents you boiling too much or too little. If there is a dual water guage, this may be an advantage for left handed users... but see our modern design kettle which is even better.
Safety features include boil dry safety cut out, cool touch handles and lids to prevent you burning yourself and locking lids. Though, I'm sorry to see, some of the expensive modern design kettles do not leave you sufficient room between the handle and lid... and you could easily burn yourself. I was literally amazed at how much [and how little] you can pay for an electric kettle nowadays! No-one, surely, can begrudge £5.70 for one to stash away in a kitchen cupboard just in case your normal one gives up the ghost at an inconvenient time... like Christmas day! And from the cheapest end of the market, you can travel very rapidly to those which cost over £100... if you choose the right place to look. My previous best buy was from Argos
At Argos The best route to the kettles, once you have arrived at Argos Both have the same cordless 360 degree bases, the concealed elements, etcetera, as the JK 54, and most importantly, in my view, the so useful keepwarm function... such a help for rushed family breakfasts or TV advertising breaks in films, etc. The one is the JK 67 at £49.99, the other, the Lightning Brushed Stainless Steel kettle, at £34.99. The handles on these Breville models are really comfortable and convenient, and each kettle has a truly well balanced feel.
Incidentally, the cheapest one I located can also be found at the Argos store. If you want to look around for a different selection of kettles, I have two suggestions... Try they now have an extremely extensive selection of reasonably priced goods available online and a really good selection of kettles. Check out those online prices NOW. [I saved over £21 by buying online, on an item which cost less than £100 in-store.]
And have a look round the Tesco Electrical & DIY section. There is a good choice and range... and also there are 'sets' of matching small electrical appliances which might be an acceptable wedding present buy. I have included links below, back to our 'Kitchen - small' and 'HOME' pages for your convenience...
Isn't this an offer that's too good to miss?
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