While electric kettles are incredibly convenient, some Western countries, notably the United States, rarely use them.
1. Why do foreigners rarely use electric kettles despite their convenience?
– Voltage differences between countries
Most households in the United States use a voltage of 100 – 127V. However, England and other countries use a higher voltage, typically ranging from 220 – 240V.
As a result, electric kettles in the US may not boil water as quickly as those in other parts of the world. In this case, one cannot argue that electric kettles are more convenient.
– Differences in dietary habits
While most Vietnamese and Asians enjoy drinking tea, foreigners are not accustomed to this habit. Instead, they prefer coffee. Therefore, they are more inclined to invest in a coffee maker rather than an electric kettle for boiling water.
2. Important considerations when using an electric kettle
– Avoid continuous boiling
Boiling water continuously for extended periods can overload the heating element of the electric kettle, leading to a potential fire hazard. Therefore, it is advisable to allow the kettle to cool down between uses to ensure its longevity.
– Do not empty the kettle immediately after boiling
Even after the water reaches 100 degrees Celsius and the power switches off, the water continues to boil due to the residual heat in the heating element. Emptying the kettle immediately after boiling can damage the heating element. Hence, it is recommended to leave approximately 15ml of water in the kettle to prolong its lifespan.
– Keep the lid closed while boiling
Failing to keep the lid closed while boiling water will result in increased boiling time and higher electricity consumption. Furthermore, leaving the lid open can prevent the automatic power-off function from engaging when the water boils, leading to a potential fire hazard if the kettle boils dry.
– Do not fill the kettle below the minimum or above the maximum level
Electric kettles have minimum (“Min”) and maximum (“Max”) water level markings. Filling the kettle below the minimum level can be unsafe, as the kettle may not have a safety shut-off feature, leading to a potential fire hazard if the water boils dry. Even if the kettle has an automatic shut-off function, operating it with insufficient water can affect its durability.
Filling the kettle beyond the maximum level can cause water to spill over during boiling, leading to electrical short circuits and potential explosions due to water entering the internal components.
– Unplug the kettle when not in use
Over time, the kettle’s switch may malfunction or become accidentally activated, posing a safety risk. Therefore, it is advisable to unplug the kettle when not in use to prevent any unintended operation.
– Avoid storing water in the kettle for extended periods
Storing water in the kettle for prolonged periods can lead to limescale buildup, causing the kettle to rust and malfunction. Hence, it is best not to use the electric kettle for water storage.
– Regularly clean the electric kettle
With prolonged use, the inside of the electric kettle can become caked with mineral deposits. If left unchecked, this buildup can reduce the kettle’s heat exchange efficiency, leading to longer boiling times. Additionally, thick layers of sediment at the bottom of the kettle can cause the temperature relay to malfunction, resulting in the kettle shutting off before the water reaches the boiling point. Therefore, regular cleaning of the electric kettle is essential.
