When it comes to brewing the perfect cup of tea, a dependable kettle is a must-have kitchen appliance for every UK household. A good kettle should not only be able to boil water at the right temperature but also ensure safety, particularly in homes with young children. This article aims to guide you in selecting the safest electric kettles available on the market, focusing on features like design, capacity, materials used, and price.
Safety Features of Electric Kettles
Electric kettles are a staple in British homes, but when you have young ones running around, safety becomes a paramount concern. So, what makes a kettle safe for a family with children?
Primarily, electric kettles should have an automatic shut-off feature that ensures the kettle turns off as soon as the water reaches its boiling point. This function prevents the kettle from boiling dry, which can be a potential fire hazard. Moreover, this feature is particularly handy for those busy mornings when you might forget to turn off the kettle.
Another crucial safety feature to note is a lockable lid. A kettle with a lockable lid is much safer as it prevents boiling water from spilling and causing burns. Additionally, a cool-touch exterior is another feature that can protect your child from accidental burns.
Evaluating Kettle Materials: Stainless Steel, Glass or Plastic?
When selecting a kettle, the material is a critical aspect to consider. The most common materials used are stainless steel, glass, and plastic. But which one is the safest?
Stainless steel kettles are a popular choice due to their durability and sleek design. They are corrosion-resistant and do not contaminate the water. However, they can get very hot to touch while boiling, which can be a safety concern around children.
Glass kettles are aesthetically pleasing and allow you to see the water level and the boiling process. However, they can shatter when dropped, potentially causing injury.
Plastic kettles are lightweight and generally cool to touch. Yet, there are concerns about potential toxic substances that can leach into the water when heated. Hence, if you opt for a plastic kettle, ensure it is BPA-free to avoid any potential health risks.
Considering these factors, stainless steel kettles with a cool-touch exterior are the safest choice for families with young children.
The Importance of Kettle Capacity
The capacity of a kettle is another key factor to consider when purchasing. While larger kettles can boil more water, they might also be heavier and harder for children to handle safely. Therefore, a kettle with a capacity of 1 to 1.5 litres, which can prepare around 4 to 6 cups of tea, is usually sufficient for a family.
Also, consider a kettle with clear water level markings. This feature helps prevent overfilling, which can cause boiling water to spill over.
Best Electric Kettles to Consider on Amazon
Now that we’ve examined the critical safety features, materials, and kettle capacity, let’s dive into the top electric kettles suitable for families with children available on Amazon.
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Russell Hobbs 20460 Quiet Boil Kettle – This stainless steel kettle is renowned for its quiet boil technology and rapid boil zones. It has a cool-touch exterior and a safety locking lid, making it safe around children.
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Breville VKJ367 Brita Filter Hot Cup – This kettle comes with a unique feature: a built-in Brita water filter. It boils a single cup of water at a time, reducing the risk of scalding accidents.
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Philips HD4644/00 White Energy Efficient Kettle – This energy-efficient kettle features a unique one-cup indicator, allowing you to boil only the water needed. It’s made of plastic, but it’s BPA-free, ensuring no harmful substances enter your water.
Balancing Safety, Design and Price
Finally, while safety should be your top priority, you don’t have to sacrifice design and affordability. Many kettles on the market offer a blend of safety features, aesthetic design, and a reasonable price tag. It’s all about finding the right balance that suits your family needs.
In conclusion, the key to finding the safest electric kettle for your family lies in considering the safety features, materials used, capacity, and price. It’s always worth taking the time to research and compare different models before making a decision. After all, a safe kettle is not just about boiling water; it’s about ensuring the well-being of your loved ones.
The Value of Variable Temperature Settings
While primary safety features are crucial, a variable temperature setting is a valuable addendum for a tea kettle. This feature provides the added advantage of customising the temperature settings, ensuring the kettle does not get too hot for children to handle.
Several electric kettles, such as the Russell Hobbs and Fellow Stagg, come equipped with this feature. The Russell Hobbs kettle, for instance, allows you to adjust the temperature from 70 to 100 degrees Celsius. This feature is particularly suitable for brewing different types of tea that require varying temperature settings.
Similarly, the Fellow Stagg EKG electric kettle has a variable temperature control that lets you set your preferred temperature from 57-100 degrees Celsius. This gooseneck kettle also has a "hold" option, which keeps water at the desired temperature for up to an hour.
The provision of variable temperature settings, therefore, not only enhances safety around young ones but also offers the user greater control and convenience.
Why Consider a Kettle with a Keep Warm Feature?
A keep warm feature, though not directly associated with safety, can indirectly contribute to it. This function allows the kettle to maintain the temperature of the boiled water for a specific time, usually ranging from 30 minutes to an hour.
The advantage is twofold: firstly, it eliminates the need for repeated boiling, thus reducing the chance of accidents associated with frequent handling. Secondly, it conserves energy by keeping the water warm for longer, negating the need for reboiling.
Both the Russell Hobbs and Fellow Stagg EKG kettles offer this feature. The Stagg EKG, for instance, keeps water warm for up to an hour, which is perfect for those who love to enjoy multiple cups of tea but don’t want to go through the hassle of boiling water every time.
Conclusion: Opting for the Safest Electric Kettle
Choosing the safest electric kettle is a critical decision for UK families with young children. While primary safety features like an automatic shut-off, a lockable lid, and a cool-touch exterior are a must, additional features like variable temperature settings and a keep warm function can further enhance safety and convenience.
When it comes to materials, a BPA-free plastic or a stainless steel kettle with a cool-touch exterior is the safest bet. A kettle with a capacity of 1 to 1.5 litres is usually sufficient for a family and is easier for children to handle.
Keeping these factors in mind, some of the best kettles worth considering include the Russell Hobbs 20460 Quiet Boil Kettle, the Breville VKJ367 Brita Filter Hot Cup, and the Philips HD4644/00 White Energy Efficient Kettle. These models are not only safe but also aesthetically pleasing and reasonably priced.
Making an informed choice by considering the safety features, material, capacity, design, and price can help you find the perfect kettle that ensures both safety and satisfaction for your family. After all, safety is not just about preventing mishaps; it’s about creating a comfortable and worry-free environment for the entire family.
