Which kettle should you use to boil drinking water? Choosing a kettle that is safe for your health. All about glass electric kettles Cons of a glass kettle
How nice it is to sit comfortably with your family and drink a cup of freshly brewed tea. In ancient times, large shiny samovars were used for such tea parties. But in modern world they went to the shelves of antique dealers, and were replaced by teapots. In our article we will find out what a teapot should be like for gas stove and consider famous brands manufacturers.
How to choose a kettle for a gas stove?
To choose a convenient, high-quality, and most importantly safe kettle for a gas stove, you need to know a few rules for choosing a product.
Kettle lid
It is worth paying special attention to such an important point as fixing the lid. Majority modern models teapots require the use of lid covers that are not fixed in the bosoms. The use of such cookware can be dangerous, since under the influence of high pressure of hot steam the lid can fall off and cause burns. Teapots with a tight lid are best option on every day.
Kettle handle
It is also worth paying attention to the kettle handle. It must be made from heat-resistant plastic, which will not heat up when boiling. Many unscrupulous manufacturers replace expensive raw materials with a cheaper rubberized analogue. It certainly feels comfortable, but at a heating temperature above 70 degrees it will begin to heat up and melt.
The handle of teapots made of wood has low thermal conductivity, but tends to dry out and become deformed.
Bottom of the kettle
The bottom of kettles designed for gas stoves differs from other types. As a rule, thick steel or even cast iron is used to make the lower part of the cookware. Thanks to these materials, the temperature is evenly distributed and the water is heated faster. In addition, the thick bottom of the kettle cools down much more slowly.
Should I choose a kettle with a whistle for a gas stove?
For the everyday rhythm of life, it is recommended to choose a kettle model with a built-in whistle. As a rule, it is installed in the spout of the product and with a characteristic whistle notifies you when the water is boiling. The whistle is due to high blood pressure hot steam through a small hole in the valve. This feature allows you to go about your business and not stand around waiting for the kettle. Please note that you should not pour water above the prescribed mark. Otherwise, when heating and expanding, water will get inside the whistle and there will be no characteristic sound.
Types of kettles for gas stoves
Today's market offers a huge number of types of kettles for gas stoves, made from a wide variety of materials. different materials. Let's look at the advantages and disadvantages of each of them.
Enamel teapot
The most popular teapots are enameled. Products made from this material have an ergonomic shape and a variety of designs.
What are the advantages of an enamel teapot?
The main advantage of an enamel kettle is environmental friendliness. This coating is absolutely harmless and does not impart foreign tastes or impurities even when boiled water stagnates for a long time. Also, teapots with enamel have a fairly large volume, which is especially important for large families. Thanks to a special type of coating, the temperature of water after heating or boiling decreases more slowly than in dishes of other materials.
Cons of a teapot with enamel
Unfortunately, enamel teapots also have a number of disadvantages. The main disadvantage of this product is its fragility. Over time, under the influence of temperature, the enamel can crack and peel off on the outside of the cookware. Impacts and aggressive cleaning with abrasive cleaning agents can also cause this. The enamel coating is susceptible to sudden changes in temperature, so you should not light a fire directly under the cookware. First turn on the gas stove, and then put the kettle on the burner. Otherwise, black spots may form on the enamel, which will be difficult to remove without effort.
Glass teapot
Lately, glass teapots have become increasingly popular. Having unusual shapes and design, it will easily fit into even the most sophisticated interior.
What are the advantages of glass teapots?
The high thermal conductivity of glass ensures uniform heating over an open fire. In addition, teapots made from this material are mainly attractive for their transparency. You can watch the process of water boiling and even brew tea in it. Particularly effective is the use of rolled or budding tea, which, when brewed, opens into herbal compositions.
Cons of a glass teapot
Among the disadvantages of glass teapots, it is worth noting that they are quite fragile and their use should be extremely careful. It is important to choose well-known brands of glassware manufacturers, as you risk running into a fake and injuring yourself with a low-quality product. If your water contains limescale or you do not filter it before boiling, it is worth paying attention to the fact that over time a small deposit will form on the surface. inside teapot.
Kettle for gas stove made of steel
As a rule, when making a kettle from steel, they use a special anti-corrosion coating or, as in common people, stainless steel.
What are the advantages of a steel kettle?
The undeniable advantage of a steel kettle is the lack of toxicity. Stainless steel not only does not emit any harmful substances, but also does not react with impurities contained in water. Also, steel kettles are among the most durable and are not corroded by chemical and alkaline cleaners.
Disadvantages of a stainless steel kettle
Unfortunately, a stainless steel kettle quickly forms scale on the inside of the bottom. To avoid this, it is recommended to boil a kettle with vinegar or citric acid once a week. Also, small drops of water or condensation form small but unsightly smudges on the mirror surface. After each use, try to rub the surface with a microfiber or felt cloth.
Ceramic teapot
Natural clay is used to make a ceramic teapot. Under the influence of firing, this material acquires strength, then it is coated with a polymer heat-resistant varnish.
What are the advantages of a ceramic teapot?
A ceramic teapot can easily be called the most natural in composition. This product does not emit synthetic impurities and retains the taste and temperature of water for a long time. Most manufacturers of ceramic teapots colorfully decorate the outer part of the dishes, stylizing them with painting. To all other, varnish coating Can be easily cleaned even with abrasives.
Disadvantages of ceramics
Despite the noticeable weight of the ceramic teapot, the product is quite fragile. Over time, dishes made from this material may crack under the influence of an open fire from a gas stove, so everyday use is not recommended. Also ceramic material The kettle is inconvenient due to its low heat conductivity; therefore, the process of boiling water will take much longer than usual.
Cast iron teapot
Manufacturers have long abandoned the use of cast iron to make teapots. The expensive process of processing this material is not compensated by consumer demand.
Advantages of a cast iron kettle
A significant advantage of a cast iron kettle is its durability. Cast iron alloy can not only serve you for decades, but also preserve the original appearance. Also, it retains heat perfectly and the water cools much more slowly. The outer part of the product is easy to clean and does not scratch.
Disadvantages of a cast iron kettle
Despite all the advantages, cast iron teapots have no less significant disadvantages. These include the noticeable weight of the product, which is not particularly convenient for constant use. And despite all the strength of cast iron, moving elements can be destroyed under mechanical stress. Basically these are the bases for attaching the handle.
Aluminum kettle
Aluminum teapots were especially popular in Soviet canteens and field kitchens about 20 years ago.
What are the advantages of an aluminum kettle?
Aluminum is a lightweight metal, so teapots made from it are easy to use. Also, this material is quite cheap, hence the insignificant production costs and low cost. Due to the high thermal conductivity of the aluminum body of the kettle, water boils quickly enough.
Disadvantages of an aluminum kettle
The most important and dangerous drawback is toxicity. An aluminum kettle is capable of not only forming and oxidizing various heavy metals, but also change the taste of water during long-term storage. Also, despite its predominantly rapid heating, aluminum also cools quickly. Design solutions for an aluminum alloy teapot are not provided and do not even have ceramic coating. This is another additional drawback, since for the interior or as household utensils such a product will look rustic. Due to the “softness” of aluminum, the kettle is more susceptible to deformation than any other material. Even a slight blow to a table or sink will form a small dent, which will be quite problematic to fix.
Manufacturers of quality kettles for gas stoves
There are more than 200 teapot manufacturers successfully operating on today's market. Let's look at the most popular brands.
Brands of metal kettles
The brands of metal teapots presented below have been producing their products for quite a long time and have already been able to establish themselves as one of the best.
Enameled Vitross teapots
The manufacturer of enamel cookware Vitross has been producing its products in Russia for more than 10 years. Branded heat-resistant enamel for covering teapots provides resistance to mechanical and chemical influences, which allows the products to be washed even in dishwashers.
Stainless steel kettles Metrot
The Serbian brand Metrot is popular not only in Russia, but also in Europe. Thanks to the patented steel polishing technology, teapots of this brand are quite resistant to mechanical stress. Even when cleaning the surface with a wire brush or abrasive agents, the integrity of the polish is not compromised.
Cast iron teapots Iwachu
The famous company, specializing in the manufacture of cast iron teapots, has existed for more than 60 years. The Iwachu company was founded in Japan, where the traditions of the tea ceremony are observed and revered to this day. To produce cast iron cookware, the factory uses only high-quality raw materials and processes the products by hand. The ornament is also embossed on manual press. It is worth noting that the maximum volume of Iwachu brand teapots is only 0.7 liters.
Manufacturer of copper teapots Sri Ram Export
The world-famous Indian manufacturer of copper products, Sri Ram Export, specializes not only in decorative items, but also in tableware, including teapots. Distinctive feature This brand is characterized by high quality of manufactured products and original author's designs. The volume of teapots produced by the Indian factory is 3 liters. Products with a smaller volume are made to order.
Kamjove glass teapot manufacturer
One of the most popular manufacturers of glass teapots is the Chinese company Kamjove. This factory produces products from heat-resistant raw materials, which allows the products to be used over an open fire. In China, it is customary to prepare tea for one time, so the maximum volume produced by this brand of teapots is 1.5 liters. The glass stand included in the tea set allows you to use the product not only for boiling water, but also for brewing tea.
Regardless of the material from which the kettle for the gas stove is made, the deposit long service and the proper appearance of the product partly depends on proper care of it.
Just a few years ago, many buyers would certainly prefer an electric kettle instead of a regular one. Like, boiling water is ready in just two minutes, and it’s much more convenient and easier to use. But now more and more caring housewives are buying classic teapots. Firstly, they are much more durable and reliable, and secondly, they are much safer and more economical. Electric kettles not only consume a lot of electricity, but can also cause a fire or short circuit in the wiring. It is interesting that true connoisseurs of hot drinks note that with water boiled directly over a fire, tea and coffee have a completely different taste.
Now cookware manufacturers have begun to actively develop new models of teapots, experimenting with shapes and materials. Therefore, when choosing a kettle, it is important to pay attention to these aspects, as well as its size and the presence of useful additional elements.
Features of the teapot material
The most important criterion when choosing a teapot should always be its material. After all, it depends on the material how long it will serve you, as well as how quickly the water will heat up, and what taste it will have. At first glance it may seem strange that water can differ taste qualities. But it’s not in vain that gourmets use Turks and teapots made of different materials to brew coffee and tea. In some cafes, next to the recipe for coffee or tea, the menu indicates what material the drink is made from in the container.
To make teapots traditionally use:
- cast iron;
- aluminum;
- enameled steel;
- stainless steel;
- carbon steel;
- glass;
- ceramics
Cast iron teapots
For a long time, cast iron teapots were used exclusively for preparing hot drinks outdoors, over an open fire. It is known that cast iron is a durable material that heats up slowly, but then keeps water hot for a long time. Today, cast iron teapots are not so easy to find in regular stores. Stylish collectible teapots are made from cast iron, which are reminiscent of the dishes of past centuries. Cast iron teapots have many positive characteristics and are perfect for daily use. This material does not scratch, it is not afraid of sudden temperature changes and therefore does not deform. The disadvantage of cast iron kettles is that they rust quickly. Also, such teapots are quite heavy, so it will be difficult to care for them.
Aluminum teapots
It has become difficult to find this type of teapots in stores lately. And all due to the fact that very few buyers pay attention to aluminum kettles. This is no coincidence, because experts do not recommend boiling water in containers made of this material. When heated strongly, aluminum begins to release heavy metals and harmful salt substances into the water. In addition, such teapots do not look very attractive. Aluminum quickly loses its shine and color, quickly scratches and deforms. The only advantage of aluminum kettles is their low cost.
Enameled teapots
Enameled steel teapots sparkle and shine brightly, but, unfortunately, not for long. After several weeks of use, the enamel may even crack and crumble. Also, gas soot is deposited on the enamel over time, and water scale deposits inside. Therefore, you need to use enamel teapots with extreme caution. Never wash a hot kettle cold water, and also do not place a heated kettle on a cold stand. To wash the kettle, do not use hard dish brushes or sponges, but if you want to descale the kettle, add a little ash to the water and boil it for 20-30 minutes over low heat. After this procedure, the scale itself will fall away from the walls of the kettle. Also, in an enamel kettle, you need to boil water over medium heat, so the bottom of the kettle will heat evenly, and soot will not be deposited on its surface.
As a rule, enamel teapots are decorated with bright ornaments and designs. This kettle would probably be great decorative element for your kitchen.
Teapots from of stainless steel
If you want to buy a kettle for daily use, a stainless steel model will be the best choice. This material is considered one of the most hygienic and safe for health; it does not react chemically with water and does not release harmful substances into it. In addition, stainless steel is a material with a perfectly smooth structure, so bacteria and microbes do not accumulate on it. The water in such a kettle boils very quickly, because this material is a good heat conductor. True, the water in the kettle will cool just as quickly. Stainless steel is a strong and durable material, scale will not appear on it, and it is not afraid of temperature changes. But stainless steel kettles can get scratched, so you shouldn’t wash them with hard sponges and brushes.
Carbon steel teapots
Carbon steel teapots look quite beautiful and stylish. This material has a special oxide film that sparkles with a slight shine. In addition, carbon steel is a strong and durable material; such a kettle will last you up to 10 years. This material is an excellent heat conductor. This can be considered both a plus and a minus at the same time. The water in such a kettle will boil in a matter of minutes, but its surface will become very hot. Therefore, remove the kettle from the stove with extreme caution so as not to get burned. The undoubted advantage of carbon steel teapots is their low cost and ease of care.
Glass teapots
Glass teapots are considered a kind of novelty in the world of tableware, because they appeared quite recently. These teapots are made from special heat-resistant glass, which is also used to make utensils for cooking in the oven. Glass teapots look stylish and unusual; they will fit into any type of interior. It should be noted that glass is an environmentally friendly and safe material for health. Water boiled in such a kettle will have its true taste. Also, glass teapots do not require any special care. The only drawback is that glassware is short-lived and fragile, because glass can crack or break even with a slight impact.
Ceramic teapots
Ceramic teapots, like the previous type of teapot, are environmentally friendly, safe, stylish and original. The disadvantage of ceramic teapots is the same - fragility and delicacy in use. Remember that after the water has boiled, the kettle must be removed from the stove immediately. Ceramics is a material that is afraid of overheating and temperature changes. Pay attention to what type of ceramic the teapot is made of. It is best to choose heat-resistant ceramics, which are considered more durable and durable.
The shape of the kettle and its volume
Today there are teapots of various shapes and sizes. The shape of the kettle should be chosen taking into account which burners you will most often place it on, because the bottom of any kettle should heat up evenly. Water boils fastest in low, circular-shaped teapots with a wide bottom. Such a kettle should always be placed on a large burner so that the fire does not protrude beyond the edges of the bottom. If you place a wide-bottomed kettle on small burners, it can quickly become deformed. Please note that water also heats up quickly in kettles in which the lower part is wider than the upper.
The size of the kettle should be chosen depending on how much water you need to boil at a time. The smallest teapots are those with a volume of 0.7 liters, the largest - 7 liters. Standard kettles can be called in which you can boil 2.5 liters of water at a time.
Additional elements of the kettle
Pen
The pen is one of the most important elements kettle, because it is with the help of the handle that the kettle can be removed from the stove. By and large, the handle makes using the kettle safe and convenient. It is best to choose a kettle with a plastic or bakelite handle. These are the types of materials that conduct heat poorly and therefore do not heat up. The handle should be quite rough and durable. Make sure it is firmly and securely connected to the kettle. The handle should not wobble or be easily removed; it should be securely fixed to the body of the kettle. Also, you should not choose a kettle in which the handle is too close to the body of the kettle itself, because there will always be a risk of burning your hand. Make sure that the lid of the kettle is closed tightly, because penetrating steam can also cause burns. By the way, the lid holder should also be plastic or bakelite.
Whistle
The most practical to use are teapots with a whistle, which will notify you when boiling water is ready. Behind this simple function of the whistle lies its more important purpose. The fact is that a kettle made of any material does not like overheating. A kettle that regularly overheats will last much less. If all the water in the kettle boils away and it remains empty on the fire, its bottom will burn out and then it will have to be thrown away. After such an incident, holes and cracks may appear on the bottom and walls of the teapots, and you are unlikely to be able to clean the teapot itself from gas soot.
Because the teapot is an element kitchen utensils, which is used several times a day, it must be selected with special attention and responsibility. Not only the taste of your hot drinks, but also your health depends on its overall quality. Therefore, buy a kettle only from environmentally friendly materials. pure materials. Don't skimp on this kitchen accessory, because a high-quality, solid kettle will serve you for more than 10 years. By the way, a beautiful modern teapot will be an excellent useful gift for any family!
The very first question a buyer should ask when choosing an electric kettle is what material to choose for his new household appliance? Yes, that's where we'll start, with materials. Basically, three materials and their modifications and combinations are popular on the market: plastic, metal and glass.
Plastic electric kettles are the most popular models among all. After all, now, in the age of plastic, this is the most optimal material, both in price and availability and characteristics. What are the positive aspects of plastic? Firstly, plastic is durable, although over time the appearance deteriorates more than in teapots made of glass or metal. Secondly, such teapots are strong, they are difficult to break and deform, unless they are cheap fakes. Thirdly, plastic is a unique material for creating any design. Plastic electric kettles can be of any shape, color and texture, so it will not be difficult to fit such a model into every kitchen interior. These are positives, but there are also negatives. The most important thing is environmental friendliness. Plastic itself can react with liquids, and when heated, this process increases even further. Remember, medicines are still sold in glass vials, although it is more expensive. But there is no need to exaggerate, teapots are made from environmentally friendly materials and when choosing a device from famous brand, you won’t have to taste the plastic. Speaking of health, even counterfeits are unlikely to lead to illness, unless you just feel a slight taste from the plastic and its smell when boiling. So, to summarize, plastic is a good solution, such kettles are the most popular and affordable, which means it’s worth buying plastic electric kettles.
Let's talk about metal further, from an environmental point of view this material is better than plastic, although the taste of metal is also felt a little, but iron is also useful. In terms of durability, metal models of teapots are also a good choice; they will last a long time, if not a lifetime (the body is definitely eternal) and will always look new. The strength is similar, metal is a strong solution and breaking such a device will be harder than its plastic counterparts. As for the design, there is a small choice on the market, but it exists, and there is a combination, that is, a metal kettle will be covered with plastic, which will give the same advantages as in plastic appliances. These are all positives, and now there are negatives that are everywhere. Firstly, metal electric kettles get very hot, which is unsafe for children. Although in a plastic shell, such a kettle will not let you get burned. Secondly, metal kettles are more expensive, which is a compelling factor for many. Thirdly, metal is heavier than plastic and this kettle with water will weigh at least 3 kilograms. You can also mention that if the kettle is all metal, the water level is not visible. When there is a level, there may be a leak in metal appliances. Therefore, it is not worth choosing such models on the market, at a low price, from an unknown manufacturer. Due to the difference in thermal expansion of plastic and metal, a leak can actually appear, which has happened in some models, even from popular companies. Fourthly, metal electric kettles have increased noise during operation. As a result, metal kettles, with a good choice, will be no worse than plastic electric kettles, and even better. In any case, they are stronger, more environmentally friendly and more durable (we mean the body).
Kettles made of aluminum alloys are close to stainless steel kettles in terms of consumer performance.
Glass, as already mentioned, is the most environmentally friendly product, so from this point of view, such teapots are ideal for health. By beauty, glass models also very interesting, but still it’s a matter of taste. As a result, there are many positives and it is better to talk only about the flaws. Glass teapots, like metal, get very hot and can cause burns. They are also fragile and easy to break. But if the glass teapot is adequately protected in plastic, then these two main disadvantages disappear by themselves, leaving only their positive aspects. The only thing is that there are very few glass electric kettles on the market and the choice here comes down to only a few models.
What is the outcome of selection based on material? It's simple, we weigh all the factors and choose the best for ourselves. And in each case, the choice will be correct, since this is just an individuality, and it is simply impossible to predetermine one material for a teapot.
Cost distribution depending on the material (from cheap to expensive):
1) Plastic
3) Stainless steel/aluminum
4) thermos teapots with an internal stainless steel flask and a plastic outer body.
2. Heating elements.
We come to the second factor - the choice based on the heating element. Please note that the buyer should think exactly the way our thoughts go in order to effectively, quickly and the right choice electric kettle. And when you have decided on the material, you need to decide on the water heating elements. There are two types of kettles based on this factor: with an open and closed heating element. Let's consider each of these types individually.
The most popular nowadays are teapots with a closed heating element, otherwise known as a disk. If we look inside such a kettle, we will not see anything there except a metal bottom, this is the same disk. The store will have the majority of these models, and this already indicates good qualities this type of kettle. But it’s impossible to quickly and simply point out the positives of heating elements, they just do their job well, period, it’s better to point out the negatives of each type. The first negative of electric kettles with a closed spiral is increased noise. The second negative is that they are a little more expensive. Two negatives, the only and biggest ones, although it is clear that they can be overcome, because the noise is not much greater, and the price is not much higher.
Kettles with an open heating element, or more popularly, with an open spiral, are a less successful version of electric kettles on the market. There are more negatives here: firstly, the spiral has an irregular shape and covers the bottom, which prevents the device from being properly descaled. Secondly, the spiral is located at a certain height from the bottom, which means that only with a large volume of water will it be completely closed, that is, turning it on with a glass of water is contraindicated. Compared to disc kettles, moreover, with heating regulators, here even 100 g can be boiled or heated. The third negative of such kettles is that the water heats up a little slower, and all this is due to small area contact of water with metal.
As you can see, the choice is obvious, it would seem, but still there is not much difference between the first and second ones, and if you buy a kettle with an open spiral, you will only lose a little in quality, but you will gain the same little in price. And when correct operation both kettles will work hard and for a long time.
3. Such a small detail as a stand.
Before moving on to others important factors choice, we think that we need to say something else about such a little thing as a stand. They come in two types: pirouette type and regular type. "Pirouette" is a central round contact, this is the most popular type now. A common stand and once quite popular, this is a side-mounted stand with a rectangular shape. As practice has shown, the pirouette type stand is more practical and durable. Here the kettle can stand in any position, it is convenient for both right- and left-handed people to take it. Here is such a small detail that is also worth thinking about a little.
The power cord is connected to the stand, and it does not interfere with removing the kettle. The stand has a pocket for storing the power cord. The length of power cords for kettles is from 0.6 to 1.3 m. A long power cord can be dangerous: you can get caught on it and damage the insulation. Therefore, you should not extend the power cord. It's better to find one for a teapot comfortable spot close to electrical outlet
4. Volume of the kettle.
And here we come, for many, to the most important evaluation criterion. Most people only pay attention to this (and power), which is not correct. After all, quality and durability do not depend at all on volume, and there is nothing to choose here. You just need to count how many family members you have, how often you drink tea, and in general remember how much water you heat during lunch or dinner, and that’s it, the choice will become clear.
To boil a minimum volume of water, a few seconds and a very small amount of electricity are enough. This indicator is lowest for metal kettles, worse for glass ones, and even worse for plastic ones with a heating element. open type.
For those who want numbers, let’s say teapots come in different sizes, from 0.5 l. up to 4 l., the popular volume is 1.5-2 l., which is quite enough for big family. Volume 1.7-1.8 is ideal, and there are many such kettles in stores.
5. Power.
The second criterion, which is also very significant for the majority, is the power of the electrical appliance. We will say that you don’t need to think too much about this, most kettles have a power of 2-2.5 kW and that’s enough. We remember that the boiling speed depends on the power, and manufacturers in any case try to increase the speed optimally to the maximum. The difference between boiling 2 liter electric kettles. and the power of 2 and 2.5 kW is small and it’s not worth chasing big numbers. The perfect solution, this is a power of 2-2.2 kW, which is what most models with a volume of 1.5-2 liters cost. Whoever buys a kettle with a power of 2.5-3 kW can receive, in addition to rapid boiling, permanent shutdown of the “plugs”. And if you take into account the included electric stove, refrigerator, then not every kitchen wiring will withstand such loads. Be careful if you wish to get a powerful kettle, as this may lead to a fire.
6. Filters.
When we have already decided on the power, volume, body material and type of heating element of the future kettle, we think about filters. This is especially important if the water in your home is not very clean. Modern electric kettles come in two types: with 1 or 2 filters. It is very rare that no filters are provided at all; such kettles can only be found on the market at a very, very low price. One filter, which is located in the neck and prevents scale from entering the cups, should always be present. The second filter, which purifies the water as it enters the kettle, is a matter of taste. It is clear that models with double filters are much more expensive. And if this is a high-quality filtration system for incoming water, then the prices are generally very, very high, like for an electric kettle. Your health is up to you to decide, although with normal water a kettle in one filter will be enough. And if the water is filtered, it is better at the “faucet and central water pipe” links.
When boiling water in any kettle, scale forms, even when using a gold-plated heating element. Filtered water doesn’t help either, because household filters They trap only solid particles and do not trap dissolved lime. Scale deteriorates the quality of water and causes it to become cloudy. It can lead to premature shutdown of the kettle before the water boils, to overheating and burning of the heating element. The market offers special anti-scale products. With absence special means scale is removed using a solution citric acid and drinking soda. Add 1 teaspoon of citric acid and a little soda to 1 liter of water. This solution must be boiled and left overnight. In the morning, you need to drain the solution, rinse the kettle and then you can continue to use it. It is recommended to descale it twice a year.
7. Temperature adjustment.
The most important criteria for choosing a kettle are already indicated, there are still additional features that brighten up your life. For example, temperature control, which is present on popular brands of kettles. There are many positives from such a power regulator, especially for people who know a lot about good tea or for those who have small children. For example, you need to feed a child, then you have a baby food regime, with a temperature of 60 degrees. For tea lovers 80, 90 or 98 for brewing Japanese, green, black tea, respectively. It’s very convenient and there’s even some savings on electricity.
There are kettles that can maintain the temperature for several hours in the desired mode, which is also useful sometimes. If these models interest you, we study branded items that are not as exorbitant in price as they seem.
8. Brands.
Well, as always, we won’t advertise anything, but by choosing kettles from the manufacturers Braun, Philips, Tefal, we will insure ourselves against a bad choice. Moreover, all these companies make both inexpensive models and multifunctional kettles with high price indicators. You can choose Moulinex electric kettles, which are of high quality and even more accessible to customers at low prices.
9. Modifications of teapots.
In addition to ordinary electric kettles, there are also modified models with special features. The most popular are: thermos kettles (other names, thermopot kettles, thermopots), tea sets and tea makers. Let’s look at each type now, maybe someone will be interested modern tendencies, helping to make tea drinking even more interesting and convenient.
Thermopot kettles are very interesting models and many, even when choosing a regular kettle, give a preference to buy just such a modification. And don’t think that this kettle comes as an addition to the main one, no, it has all the functions of a regular kettle and its additional charms. This is the same ordinary kettle, albeit of an unusual shape, but with the properties of a thermos. When you boil water in it, it will just long time keep warm. There are models of thermopots with heating, but even with or without this function, it still retains heat for a long time due to its special design. True, water from such teapots is poured differently, through a faucet, which is not only convenient, albeit peculiar, but also carries healing properties. After all, it is in this way that water entering a glass or mug is enriched with oxygen and becomes energetically saturated. Old Asian tea drinking traditions recommend pouring water into tea in order to make the process ideal for the health of body and soul, and improved well-being. This tea will be more aromatic and will give a strong boost of energy, because that’s what the thermopot is designed for, to carry energy through water. And the properties of the thermopot kettle do not allow water to boil constantly, and as is known, constant boiling of the same water causes it to die. As a result, thermos teapots have a lot of functions for creating a healthy, lively, energy-rich drink. They have the lowest heating element power and are the most economical to operate.
Tea sets are similar to thermopot teapots, differing only in the additional teapot. All this is located on a special tray, a joint stand, which can be easily disconnected from the connecting cord and placed on the table.
The tea maker is also not much different from the two modifications described above, and its task is also to make good tea. In appearance and the method of preparing tea, this is the same samovar, but electric.
10. Design.
Considering the materials of electric kettles, we have already said a lot about the design and it only needs to be supplemented with advanced functions of electrical appliances that make it even more beautiful. A regular backlight that signals whether the appliance is on or off can also do a lot. When choosing, if possible, it is worth turning on the options you like in order to look at their appearance and when they are turned on. As a last resort, just carefully study the packaging or ask the seller about the backlight colors. After all, some new models not only light up the indicator light on the button, they also illuminate the inside. Some models also illuminate the water level, and there are electric kettles that glow different colors depending on heating. Of course, this does not show the quality of the appliance, but this point cannot be ignored, because the design of the kettle, the main appliance in the kitchen, gives an image to the entire room. Agree that having white walls, white Appliances and green countertops kitchen furniture, even a white kettle, but with a blue backlight will not work, but green lights will fit perfectly.
The design greatly influences the price. The simplest teapots are 7-8 times cheaper than the most prestigious ones. About the attractiveness of different design solutions It’s better not to argue: everyone has their own taste. However, when choosing a color, we recommend not to forget that white is the safest color for plastic that comes into contact with water and is suitable for any kitchen. White plastics are the most harmless; they contain less harmful impurities than colored ones and have less effect on the taste of water. Gourmets distinguish the taste of tea prepared in teapots made of different materials. Gourmets and those people who pay increased attention to maintaining their health give preference to environmentally friendly materials.
Updated: 02/16/2018 10:08:25
To ensure that your kettle is easy to use and does not “die a heroic death” after several months of use, before purchasing, pay attention to the material from which it is made, the length of the spout, volume and other parameters. We will tell you how to do this in our article.
What types of kettles are there for the stove?
Stovetop kettles are most often made from stainless steel and enameled steel. Products made from heat-resistant glass, aluminum and ceramics are less common on sale, and cast iron cookware is almost impossible to find, except at a flea market or in your grandmother's chest. They all have their pros and cons.
One of the most popular and successful types of teapots. Stainless steel cookware has a beautiful appearance (shiny mirror surface), as well as high strength and resistance to deformation. Stainless steel does not contain any toxic substances that can “migrate” into water, so this material is absolutely safe for health.
Many stainless steel models have a “layered” bottom made of other materials, such as copper and aluminum. This improves heat distribution and makes the kettle heat more evenly.
Advantages
Corrosion resistance – does not rust;
Withstand temperature changes;
Suitable for all types of hobs, including induction;
High resistance to mechanical damage;
Long service life (more than 10 years);
Easy to care for;
Flaws
Scale quickly appears at the bottom;
Models with thin walls and bottoms do not distribute heat well and quickly become unusable;
The surface of the kettle gets dirty quickly;
The body of the stainless steel cookware gets very hot, you can easily get burned;
Aluminum is a cheap and lightweight material that is resistant to corrosion. During the Soviet Union, it was often used to make pots, cups, cutlery and teapots, but now it is used much less frequently.
On the Internet you can find information about what aluminum cookware when heated, it releases heavy metals into water and food, and they gradually accumulate in our body. This is dangerous to health, because... Excessive aluminum content can lead to the development of diseases such as osteoporosis, cancer, kidney disease, etc.
Others argue that using such utensils to boil water is safe because... When interacting with oxygen, an oxide film is formed on the surface of aluminum, which protects drinks from the “migration” of toxic substances. This film is damaged only during long-term storage of food and exposure to acids, for example, from tomato juice or sauerkraut. Therefore, using an aluminum kettle cannot cause cancer and other diseases.
Unfortunately, it is impossible to say exactly how the use of aluminum cookware affects the human body. Too little research has been done on this issue. Whether it is worth buying such a product is up to you to decide.
Advantages
Little weight, even if the kettle has big sizes and thick walls;
Has a long service life;
Does not rust;
Heats water quickly;
Flaws
May cause harm to health;
Cools down quickly;
With minor physical impact, dents and scratches form on it;
Changes the taste of water some time after boiling;
Enameled steel teapots
Enameled teapots are very popular among residents of our country and the CIS countries. The “fashion” for them began during the Soviet era and continues to this day. And it’s not surprising, because they can have a variety of sizes and colors. Thanks to this, the kettle can be selected to suit any kitchen design. In addition, such products do not react with water when heated and do not emit hazardous substances.
Advantages
Easy to clean;
Provides fast water heating;
A wide range of;
Flaws
Enamel does not withstand temperature changes well, resulting in cracking and chipping;
Scale quickly forms inside the kettle;
Short service life (due to the fragility of the enamel);
If the internal enamel coating is damaged, it is better not to use the product - it may release substances hazardous to health;
Glass kettle for stove – good way surprise guests. This great option for infrequent use and festive table. But if you boil water in it constantly, the kettle will break faster. The product can also crack if there is a sharp fluctuation in temperature, for example, if you place a hot kettle under a cold stream of water.
The body of the product is made of fireproof glass, and the lid and handle are made of plastic. Thanks to the transparent walls, you can control the boiling process of water and its level, and the plastic reduces the likelihood of burns.
Advantages
Beautiful appearance;
Easy to clean;
Can be heated in the microwave;
Absolutely safe for health, does not release toxic compounds and does not change the taste of water;
Flaws
High fragility of glass - even with a slight impact, the walls can crack;
Not suitable for continuous use;
Does not withstand temperature changes well;
Cast iron teapots
Cast iron kettles are one of the most durable and reliable options. They are difficult to scratch or deform, and their service life is tens of years. These kettles heat up evenly and cool down slowly. During long gatherings, you do not have to constantly boil the water - it will remain hot for a long time.
Advantages
Durability;
Withstands strong temperature changes;
High strength and resistance to mechanical stress;
Flaws
Heavy weight;
Rarely found on sale;
The water takes a long time to heat up;
Cast iron cookware may rust;
The main criteria for choosing a kettle for a stove
Pen
When buying a kettle, be sure to pay attention to the material from which the handle is made. If it has low thermal conductivity, this will protect you from burns.
Handles can be made from:
-
Ceramics.
Bakelite;
Bakelite is a heat-resistant material designed for temperatures not exceeding 180C. If it exceeds 180C it starts to char, so it should be kept away from the fire. Bakelite handles are comfortable to use, do not slip and are pleasant to the touch.
Enameled kettles are usually equipped with handles made of metal or ceramics. Metal handles get very hot, but are highly durable and resistant to shocks and falls, while ceramic handles are more fragile. They heat up slowly, but if the kettle is not removed from the stove in time, you can get burned on them.
Sometimes kettles are equipped silicone handles. Silicone has low thermal conductivity and can withstand temperatures up to 230C.
Spout
Using a kettle with a small and wide spout, you can quickly fill a cup. However, you cannot pour a lot of liquid into it - the water level should not be higher than the lowest point at which the spout and the body of the kettle are connected. If you use a product with a narrow and long spout, the water flow will be slower. In addition, if you tilt the kettle too much, boiling water may splash out from under the lid.
Volume
The volume of the kettle can be either 0.7 liters or 3.2 liters. The choice of displacement, first of all, should depend on the number of people who will drink tea. For example, for a holiday table or big company choose models with a capacity of 2–3 liters, and for a family of four, dishes with a capacity of 1.5–2 liters are suitable. A kettle with a volume of 0.7 liters is enough for one person, and one liter for a couple in love.
How to properly wash enameled and stainless steel teapots
Improper care of the kettle not only shortens the service life of the product, but can also harm human health. For example, the use of abrasive cleaners and hard sponges thins the enamel coating of the cookware, causing cracks and chips to appear on it, and the kettle has to be thrown away. If a person continues to use such a kettle, the “exposed” metal reacts with water and releases substances into it that are hazardous to health.
Caring for an enamel kettle
Before using the product for the first time, “temper” it. Boil water with salt in it (1 tablespoon of salt per 500 ml of water). This will make the coating more durable.
Enameled kettles are prone to scale. To prevent its formation, clean it daily. inner surface kettle using a soft sponge. Do not use strong detergents or hard sponges. Do not leave water in the kettle for a long time.
To get rid of scale, you can use citric acid, baking soda, vinegar and even potato peelings. Most often, housewives use citric acid. To remove scale, you need to:
Fill the kettle with a solution of water and citric acid at the rate of 25 g per 2.5 l;
Boil the solution and immediately remove from heat;
Wait until the liquid cools down;
Rinse under running water and remove any remaining scale with a sponge.
Do not wash a hot kettle in cold water. Due to sudden changes in temperature, the enamel may crack.
Caring for a stainless steel kettle
Stainless steel dishes quickly get dirty, and stains immediately appear on them. Therefore, it should be washed regularly using mild detergents or laundry soap. It is not recommended to use hard sponges and abrasive cleaners - they can scratch the surface. To remove stubborn and old stains, you can use baking soda and soap. For this:
Rinse the kettle under running water;
Lather a sponge with soap and sprinkle baking soda on top;
Sprinkle the kettle with baking soda;
Wipe the product with a sponge with the prepared mixture;
After 40–60 minutes, wash the dishes in warm water;
Repeat if necessary.
The best manufacturers of kettles for the stove
The quality of the kettle, the safety of the coating and its service life depend on the manufacturer. Buying cookware from an unknown brand can not only lead to... unnecessary expenses, but also harm your health.
Some manufacturers produce cookware from low-quality material that quickly deforms and the coating chips, allowing the metal to react with water and release compounds hazardous to health. In addition, some budget models teapots have too thin walls and bottoms, which is why they heat up unevenly and quickly become unusable, and the “heat-resistant” handle heats up and melts.
To reduce the risk of a bad purchase, pay attention to the following manufacturers:
These manufacturers are very popular among residents of the Russian Federation, CIS countries and Europe. Most reviews of kettles from these companies are positive - consumers report high quality cookware, durability and ease of use.
Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a guide to purchase.
