Often hot water is needed at short notice, but the effort to cook it in a pot on the stove is too high. That’s why water heater practical household helper. But how do the devices work and how are they structured? What are the advantages and disadvantages? And what should be considered when buying?

Construction and operation of kettles

Most of the devices consist of two separate parts. On the one hand from a base foot made of plastic, which is responsible for the power supply, on the other hand from a cooking vessel made of plastic, stainless steel, ceramic or glass. This leads a cable to the base, the water tankPower is supplied via a plug connection. As a result, a wireless operation of the container is possible. This often includes either a concealed in the unit heating plate or a fully visible heating coil. So that the water does not boil and evaporate permanently, the water heater thanks to an integrated snap-action switch when the water boiling point reaches 100 ° C. Depending on the manufacturer and product, the filling volume varies between one and two liters. In this case, a filling of the water is either provided by special openings or simply by opening the lid, but this is not always possible. Furthermore, the power consumption differs considerably. Here, the range of heating power ranges from about 400 to 3500 watts. In addition, additional features such as a digital water level indicator, removable limescale filter, 1-cup cooking function and various power and temperature levels are offered, but not necessarily in every product must be included.

Advantages and disadvantages of different modes of operation

When buying should be paid to the different aspects, as they can bring significant advantages and disadvantages. For example, when cleaning the kettle. If this contains a heating coil, it is absolutely necessary to descale it at regular intervals, as the lime collects and settles on the spiral. This may result in a decrease in heating power. In a model with an integrated hotplate, it is usually sufficient to wipe it with a damp cloth, as most of the lime floats to the water surface during the boiling process. But even here the occasional decalcification of the machine makes sense. For this, both chemical products and simpler vinegarexcellent. When using vinegar, however, it is necessary to rinse the water tank after the descaling process to avoid residues and odors in the water. For kettles with a heating coil, the entire spiral must be under water so that it can be heated without increased energy loss. Thus, a minimum filling is required, which may exceed the water requirement. Also with the performance caution is necessary. The higher the power consumption, the faster the water is heated, but with efficiency losses. Some devices are capable of preheating, but this requires a certain minimum water level.

Important purchase criteria

Since there are so many differences in kettles, individual criteria should be considered before purchasing. A simplified cleaning of the water tank is given if the lid can be opened completely, as for example with the Braun WK500 Aquaexpress water heater , It also has a removable limescale filter that absorbs lime before it enters the cup. In addition, the cleaning is facilitated thanks to a concealed heating plate, since no lime can accumulate. Similar features of the Krups BW2448 water heater Per flavor. To avoid unnecessary water consumption, a water level gauge, preferably including the number of possible cups, is an advantage. The AEG EWA 5205 or the Philips HD9385 / 21 provide such. Those who value more performance levels and additional functions such as keeping warm are in the right place with the latter or with the De’Longhi KBI 2011.BZ DISTINTA. In principle, it is advantageous if the device can be rotated arbitrarily on the pedestal so that there are no spatial restrictions. Meanwhile, this property is given in almost all kettles. The double-walled container of the Unold 18320 flash cooker is thermally insulated and thus always accessible on the outside, without burning the hands. Lastly, high performance should be considered when rapid water heating is desired.