Top 12 Tips for Using Electric Kettles to Maximize Durability and Save Energy

It is important to avoid using the kettle to boil water below the minimum level or beyond the maximum limit. Boiling water below the minimum level can cause water deposits to accumulate in the kettle, which could negatively impact both the kettle's performance and the quality of the water.

On the other hand, overfilling the kettle could cause the water to boil over, leading to burns, potential damage to the kettle, and even electrical issues that could affect the entire household.

In many cases, people inadvertently overfill the kettle in an attempt to boil more water at once. This habit increases the likelihood of the water overflowing, which can seep into the kettle's electronic components over time, reducing its lifespan.

In the worst case, the spilt water could cause a short circuit, which is very dangerous. Therefore, always ensure the water level is within the recommended limits of the kettle, or about 3/4 of the kettle’s height.

Any household item needs to be cleaned regularly, and the electric kettle is no exception. Over time, mineral deposits can accumulate around the mouth and bottom of the kettle, reducing its heat transfer efficiency and causing the water to take longer to boil. Additionally, the automatic shut-off relay system might not work effectively, which means it will take more time to boil water.

If the kettle has been storing cold water for an extended period, slimy substances can form in the water, dissolved by Calcium bicarbonate or Magnesium bicarbonate. These substances transform into limescale and dirt that stick to the bottom and walls of the kettle during heating.

This limescale build-up decreases the efficiency of the relay's heat conduction, causing the kettle to take longer to boil water or, in some cases, even shut off before the water reaches a boil. To prevent this, it’s important to clean the kettle about once a week to remove any accumulated deposits and debris.

One effective way to save electricity when using an electric kettle is to always close the lid tightly before boiling water. This simple step prevents steam from escaping, which allows the heat to remain inside and accelerates the boiling process.

Additionally, the kettle's automatic shut-off system operates most efficiently when the lid is securely closed. If the water reaches 100°C and the lid is still open, the kettle may not shut off as intended, which could result in water spilling over, increasing the risk of electrical short circuits and even fires.

It is clear that the lid should always be closed while the kettle is in use. However, there are occasions when users forget to close the lid or when the latch on older kettles fails to seal properly.

In these cases, the kettle will not only waste more electricity and take longer to boil water, but it also increases the chance of accidents like electrical malfunctions or fire hazards. Some kettles may not automatically shut off unless the lid is properly closed, causing them to continue boiling until the water runs out, significantly raising the risk of fire or damage.

It is not advisable to use an electric kettle in rooms with low temperatures, such as those with air conditioning or fans. Air conditioning cools the room, causing the kettle to use more energy to boil water. On the other hand, fans disperse the heat, reducing the concentration of warmth inside the kettle, which means the water will take longer to boil.

There are many high-quality kettle brands available in the market today, such as Philips, Sanyo, and Sunhouse. If your family consists of only 2 to 3 members and your hot water usage is minimal, it’s best not to buy a large kettle, as it would be wasteful. Kettles come in various sizes, ranging from small 0.8-liter models to larger 1.8-liter ones. Look for kettles with a lid lock to prevent spills, as well as an automatic shut-off feature. These features will help avoid dangerous situations such as electrical short circuits, fires, and burns.

However, electric kettles should ideally be used in a kitchen space, away from fans and air conditioning to ensure optimal performance.

Many users believe that since the kettle remains warm after boiling, continuing to boil more water will save electricity. This is a misconception. If you continuously boil water for extended periods, the heating element may overheat and potentially cause a fire or other hazards.

The energy consumption for each boiling cycle is fixed, so continuously boiling multiple batches of water will put excessive strain on the heating element, leading to overheating, short circuits, or even fires due to the repeated high temperatures in a short time span. Some electric kettles are designed with a safety mechanism: if used continuously for too long, the thermal relay will cut off the power to stop the kettle from functioning. In this case, even if the kettle is plugged back in or you press the button, the kettle will not work and the indicator light will stay off.

Additionally, no matter how many times you boil water or how long you wait between uses, the kettle will always consume a fixed amount of electricity for each boiling session. Having the kettle remain warm will not save any energy. Therefore, after boiling water in your kettle, allow it to rest for a few minutes to cool down before using it again. This not only ensures safety but also prolongs the kettle’s lifespan.

The size of the kettle should be chosen based on your household's needs and the number of people in your family.

If you live in a small household with 2 to 3 people, or if you're a student or working professional, a kettle with a capacity of around 1.8 liters may be sufficient. However, for larger families, consider purchasing a kettle with a capacity of 1.8 liters or more.

It's essential to choose a kettle with an appropriate capacity to avoid boiling water multiple times a day. Overworking the kettle's components can significantly reduce its lifespan. Additionally, opt for reputable brands and ensure the kettle comes with a warranty for peace of mind. It's also recommended to select kettles made from high-quality materials such as premium plastics, stainless steel, or inox to eliminate the risk of harmful chemicals leaching when the kettle heats up, ensuring safety for users.

Another important factor to consider is selecting an electric kettle with a thermal base and electric base that suit your needs and the needs of your family members. There are three common types of electric bases (temperature controllers/thermal bases):

• Standard electric base (jiatai/fada): This type meets safety standards for electricity, durability, and manufacturing quality, with a moderate lifespan. Brands such as Comet, Sunhouse, and Kangaroo use this type of electric base.
• Mid-range electric base (Sunlight): Kettles with mid-range electric bases usually meet safety and manufacturing durability standards, offering a higher number of usage cycles than the standard type. Brands like Pensonic, Happycook, and Sanyo use this type.
• High-end electric base (Strix/Otter): Kettles with high-end electric bases meet stringent safety and durability standards from Germany, offering extremely high durability and precise temperature control. Recognizable brands using this type of base include Supor and Philips.

Choose a kettle with a thermal and electric base that aligns with your usage requirements.

Nowadays, kettles with higher power ratings boil water faster, typically within 5 to 7 minutes, depending on the water volume and power. As a result, energy consumption remains minimal.

To cater to the diverse needs of most users, there are many different types of electric kettles today, each offering various features. Some are simple, with just the boiling and keep-warm functions, while others are more expensive, high-end models with digital control panels that look modern and stylish. However, it is best to choose a kettle with features that match your family's actual needs.

Most modern electric kettles automatically shut off when the water runs out or reaches a boil, and the more premium models often come with timers, so you don’t have to wait for the water to boil. But if you're at home frequently and use hot water continuously, you might want to skip the models with these extra features and instead choose those with a Reboil button for quickly boiling water when you need it.

Over time, electric kettles can accumulate scale and dirt inside. If not cleaned properly, this can affect your health and reduce the kettle's lifespan. Here are some useful cleaning tips for your electric kettle.

Vinegar or lemon: Since the water used may not be perfectly clean, impurities in the water can deposit at the bottom and sides of the kettle. Regular cleaning is necessary to prevent rusting and maintain the kettle's durability. To clean, pour 100 ml of vinegar or lemon juice into the kettle, add about 1 liter of water, boil, and let it sit for an hour before rinsing it out.

Baking soda: Most kettles are made of metal. You can add a teaspoon of baking soda, then fill with water and boil for a few minutes to remove the residue.

Eggshells: Crush the eggshells slightly and place them inside the kettle. Then, fill the kettle halfway with water, stir with chopsticks, and boil for about 30 minutes. Empty the shells and wipe the kettle twice to clean.

Potato peel: Place potato peel in the kettle, add a reasonable amount of water, and boil for 10 minutes to remove the buildup.

Luffa fiber: Simply place luffa fiber in the kettle, and it will ensure that no residue remains. However, remember to replace the luffa every two weeks and keep it clean before use.

Using the correct power source for an electrical appliance is always a crucial factor in extending its lifespan. Manufacturers clearly indicate the recommended voltage on each product. Therefore, you should always use a reliable power source that matches this requirement.

This ensures safety for you and helps increase the kettle's longevity. Using the wrong power source can lead to short circuits, which might cause fires or electrical accidents.

Moreover, the power supply in your home plays a significant role in the durability of electrical devices. If the electricity is unstable, the kettle may turn off automatically during boiling, which, over time, can reduce its lifespan. Avoid using the electric kettle at the same time as other high-power appliances like stoves, irons, washing machines, or water heaters, as these devices can overload the circuit, causing automatic shutoffs or, in worse cases, fires or explosions.

The electric kettle (or rapid-boil kettle) is an essential appliance in every household, whether in winter or summer. Its primary purpose is to heat water to boiling point for making beverages such as tea, coffee, milk, or for cooking purposes.

Electric kettles are designed to quickly provide boiling water. Therefore, they should not be used for other purposes such as boiling eggs, heating milk, or cooking cereals. If used for unintended purposes, residues from eggshells, milk, grains, lemongrass, or ginger can accumulate in the kettle, which may damage the material and reduce the kettle's boiling efficiency. This also affects the quality of the water in subsequent boils.

Although electric kettles are incredibly convenient, they are not meant for cooking food. Their main function is to boil water. Many people use the kettle to boil eggs, thinking eggs are harmless, but calcium deposits from eggshells can stick to the kettle’s bottom and walls, damaging its longevity. Over time, this reduces the kettle’s heat conduction, making water take longer to boil.

One way to extend the lifespan of your electric kettle is to avoid leaving excess water in it for long periods. Doing so can lead to internal components of the kettle wearing down. Additionally, leaving water in the kettle can lead to the build-up of scale or mineral deposits inside, which can negatively affect the quality of the water you use daily.

Keeping water that has been boiled and left to cool in the kettle can harm your health. After two hours, cooled boiled water can develop harmful bacteria, and the bacteria population can double if the water is stored in a sealed container.

Furthermore, water loses a significant amount of oxygen when boiled and left to cool for an extended period in the kettle. Drinking such water can lead to oxygen deficiency in your body, and beneficial microorganisms in your gut may not grow or thrive properly, making you more susceptible to digestive issues such as diarrhea, stomach pain, and indigestion.