Electric Kettles Buying Guide

Electric kettles  are fast becoming the replacements for traditional stove top  designs, as they offer quicker boiling times and are easier to clean up.  Because they often allow you to monitor liquid temperatures and can hold more water than the average stove top pot, electric kettles have gained a multi-purpose reputation--great for heating up instant soups ,coffee  and cocoa .  

The Advantages to Electric

• Faster is Better. Electric kettles can boil water twice as fast as the average stove top kettle.
• Safety First. These kettles are often safer because of automatic shut-off features that turns the pot off when the water hits its boiling point or when the pot is empty. This helps to prevent fire hazards.
• On-The-Go. Plastic models (the most common electric kettle) are easily moved without fear of breaking--plastic is both flexible and durable. They also come without cords for easy movement around the kitchen .
• Get a Grip. The entire kettle is often fitted with plastic that stays cool above the burner (unlike stove top's metal handles) which helps you to avoid burns.

The Disadvantages to Electric

• Minimum Water Amounts. You may be unable to heat up just one cup, as electric kettles often require a minimum amount of water to operate.
• Cheap Means Dangerous. The cheaper models are often made with flammable plastic that can melt if malfunctions occur.

Types of Electric Kettles

Glass	Stainless Steel	Plastic

Things to Consider When Buying Electric

The Space: Make sure you have easily accessible counter space and electrical outlets to accommodate your kettle.  Cabinet space is also a plus as electric kettles are easily stored away while not in use.

The Material: The material your kettle is made out of will affect the boiling time and sometimes the taste of the tea.  Check specific product reviews to determine which material may be the best for you, in terms of both cooking time and style.

The Extras: Wider insulated spouts, no-drip spouts, large handles, swivel and/or detachable bases and water-gauges are just some of the extra features that may be important to consider when buying your electric tea kettle.

Tea Time!

Whether you are enjoying a large mug of tea on your own or preparing tea up for company, consider these extras so your serving set is complete!

Tea Cups  These come in so many styles and sizes that you will never run short on options. Consider a set of pretty, patterned tea cups or some large, fun mugs  for relaxed tea drinking.	Tea Bag Holders   Purchase a few of these so you have a place to put your used teabag. These work especially well for company and come in many different designs.	Tea Cosy  These are placed on top of teapots to keep tea warm while it brews. They can be hand-knit, made out of cloth or made from wool.	Cream Jugs   These are convenient to fill with cream  or milk  depending on what you or your guests take in their tea. This jug also enables you to have easy access to the creamer without having to get up from the table.	Sugar Bowls  Whether you choose to stock it with granulated sugar  or sugar packets , make sure you get a sugar bowl large enough to accommodate lots of use.

Tea Infusers  If you choose to make loose leaf tea , then it's important to purchase an infuser. These can be used individually in cups or in teapots and allow you to place the desired amount of tea inside and let it stand in hot water.	Tea Spoons  What's tea time without teaspoons? Whether you want to use them for mixing or sipping your tea, make sure you have a few nice quality teaspoons on hand, as they are likely to be used multiple times.	Tea Timers  This is a neat gadget that tells you when to take your tea bag out of the water so that it doesn't over steep. It's a lot more accurate than just guessing and should leave you with a perfectly brewed drink.

Related Guides

Tea Kettles If electric's not for you, check out regular tea kettle models to see what type of features they offer and examine your options.	Coffee For those of you that are coffee drinkers, check out our guide on everything on the tasty beverage with an overview on growing regions and even tasting tips.	Tea Now that you have your teapot, check out the different types of teas you can purchase depending on your preference for taste and brand.	Everyday Glassware Make sure your kitchen set is complete with juice glasses , coffee mugs and more glass items for the everyday.