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Choosing a kettle is a matter of personal preference. Some people prefer the traditional stove-top kettle because they find it more aesthetically pleasing. Others choose an electric one for its convenience and speed. Whichever type you go with, there are some things to keep in mind when deciding which one to buy.
Pros of using an electric kettle
One of the main benefits of an electric kettle is that it is versatile, allowing you to heat water or other beverages like tea and cocoa. They also can heat liquids much quicker than stove-top kettles.
Another benefit to electric kettles is safety; because it plugs into an electrical outlet instead of directly on a burner, you can avoid a potentially hazardous situation that could result in a fire or other accident.
Cons of using an electric kettle
The primary downsides to the electric kettle are the price and potential energy inefficiency. For example, if you are heating 1 cup of water only, it would be less expensive to boil water on a stove-top or microwave it using an appliance that uses less electricity. Most people do not use their kettle every day but rather 2-3 times per day.
Stove-top kettles and electric kettles both have their own pros and cons. The best kettle is the one that suits your personal preferences!
Pros of using stove kettle
One of the main benefits of a stove-top kettle is that it is aesthetically pleasing. Many models are made with glass, chrome, or stainless steel. Stove-top kettles are able to heat liquids over low to medium heat, which means you can watch your water start to boil and avoid it boiling over.
Another benefit to using a stove kettle is that it is cheaper than an electric kettle. Furthermore, if you only heat small amounts of water, your stove-top kettle will prove more efficient as you will not be paying for wasted electricity from an under-utilized appliance.
Cons of stove-top kettle
The main downside to a stove-top kettle is their speed; because they must be heated over a flame, there is no guarantee the water will be boiled at precisely the moment you need it and may require monitoring and stirring to reach the correct temperature. Also, cleaning and maintaining them can prove annoying and time-consuming.
How do you choose the right type of kettle?
The first thing you should think about is your budget: electric kettles usually cost more than stove-top ones, but sometimes the price difference isn’t that much. Next, decide how important aesthetics are to you: if they’re really important, opt for a stove-top model; if not, then either type will do just fine as long as it suits your kitchen décor and matches your other appliances. Most importantly, make sure you like the way it looks on your stove-top or countertop.
The speed of electric kettles is one of its biggest advantages over stove-top kettles; however, this advantage isn’t really significant if you plan to use it while doing other things like cooking, watching television, or talking on the phone. While you’re at, it is also important to think about safety because electric kettles are much safer to use than stove-top ones, according to health experts.
What are the features to look for if you choose to go with an electric kettle?
No matter what type of kettle you prefer, there are still some things you need to consider to make an informed buying decision. New technologies have rendered electric kettles more efficient and user-friendly than their stove-top counterparts. Some features include:
- LCD screen with scrolling ability
- Removable limescale filter for easy cleaning
- Auto shut-off feature when water boils or when it is removed from the base
- Overheat protection feature that shuts off once it reaches a certain temperature
If your electric kettle has these features, do not worry if the water takes a few extra minutes to heat up because it automatically shuts off when done. Another thing to keep in mind is that you can also choose an electric kettle with temperature control. This is helpful because you can lower the temperature not to scald your water and wait for it to cool down before drinking it.
Conclusion
Electric kettles are preferred to stove-top kettles because they generally brew faster. Stove-top kettles are aesthetically pleasing, but electric ones are cheaper and much better for the environment. Deciding whether you should choose an electric kettle or stove-top one is a matter of personal preference!