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When was the last time you actually took a look at your electric kettle? If it’s been a while, you might be surprised to see how worn and stained its exterior is. That’s because electric kettles aren’t made to last as long as other appliances. And if they’re not replaced regularly, their internal parts can become rusty and corroded, which will result in an unpleasant odour from the water that tastes like metal. In this blog post, we’ll go over 8 signs that indicate it’s time for a new electric kettle!
1. The exterior of the kettle is stained and worn looking
The exterior of the electric kettle will eventually get more stained and worn looking after it has been used for a long period of time. The heat from boiling the water causes the paint to crack and peel off, revealing parts of the metal beneath. The stains created this way are more challenging to clean out with a sponge, but they can be removed with an abrasive scrubbing pad or steel wool if you’re lucky.
2. The kettle emits a foul odour
The electric kettle’s interior will also develop an unpleasant odour over time, even if it is cleaned regularly with vinegar or baking soda. The “metal-like” flavour in the water may be coming from its internal parts becoming corroded, especially if the kettle has been rusted and starts to leak. If the odour is particularly bad, you may want to replace it as soon as possible.
3. You experience problems with boiling water
The kettle might also stop working completely if its internal parts are rusted or worn down from use. The heating element could come loose, making it difficult for your electric kettle to be turned on, or the switch could stop working entirely. This is why it’s important to regularly clean and replace your electric kettle if you experience problems with boiling water.
4. The cord has visible damage
Another sign that it may be time to upgrade is visible damage to the electric kettle’s power cord. If the plastic coating has worn off, the wire underneath could be exposed and heat up to dangerous temperatures when in use. This poses a serious safety risk to you and anyone else in your household. That’s because the exposed part of the cord could easily start a fire if left near flammable objects or fabrics.
5. The kettle doesn’t keep water hot
Finally, if your electric kettle doesn’t keep the water inside hot for an extended period of time after it has been boiled, you may want to replace it. This could be a sign that its heating element isn’t working properly and needs to be replaced by a technician. Or it could mean that the element’s metal pipe has become corroded or detached, causing the water to no longer be heated.
6. There is visible rust
If the electric kettle’s interior starts to rust, that’s another sure sign that it is no longer safe for use. Human-made materials tend to react with metal over time, which will cause them to corroded and become worn out. This is also true of appliances like your washing machine or water heater (which need to be serviced regularly).
7. You see steam or water leaking from the kettle
If you notice that steam or water is starting to leak where the kettle is plugged in, this could indicate that your electric kettle needs maintenance. This includes anything from replacing worn-out parts to checking for leaks in the heating element. When left unattended, a leaky kettle can cause damage to your countertops and walls.
8. The kettle has a non-replaceable cord
The final sign that your electric kettle needs to be replaced is when the power cord cannot be unplugged. If you have to keep it plugged in at all times, then it means that there is no option of replacing the wire if it breaks down due to wear and tear. Replacing an electric kettle usually costs more than replacing the cord itself. If this is the case, you will end up spending more if your electric kettle’s cord breaks down before the kettle’s body does.
Conclusion
In conclusion, all homeowners need to know when to replace their appliances to save themselves from any future hassles or problems. Replacing your old electric kettles at the first sign of any problems will help you avoid the hassle, time, and money it will take to replace them. Given that the average electric kettle lasts for seven or eight years, it’s easy to see why buying a new one can promise savings down the line.
Do you have any other signs to add? Please share with us in the comments