It’s rare to find a kettle made entirely from a single material. Instead, depending on brand and model, your kettle will be made of a mix of materials, with one making up the majority of construction – glass, metal, or plastic.
Generally, kettles are available in three primary materials. Today, we help you choose between ABS plastic, glass or stainless steel? Let’s explore which has the best thermal properties and durability and how their advantages and disadvantages stack up against each other.
Plastic Kettles
Plastic is a cheap compound made with a base material called a polymer. It is generally inexpensive to manufacture and very common amongst kettle construction. It is an item that is easy to shape and mass produce. This is why plastic is the one which is used the most in the manufacturing of kettles.
The Pros:
- Available in a range of colours
- Very durable
- Not easily damaged
- Lightweight material
- Inexpensive
The Cons:
- Can leak Bisphenol into the water, unless guaranteed BPA Free
- Not very attractive
If you decide to purchase a kettle made of plastic to wash, make sure you rinse it thoroughly after unpacking before use. Run a few boils and rinse cycles before making a cup of tea or coffee.
Next: Best Energy Efficient Eco Kettles
The Glass Kettle
Glass is a transparent material made up consisting of silicon oxide (silica sand) and flux. It is hardwearing material but fragile if dropped. It is a common material. However, it isn’t widely used in the manufacturing of kettles.
Its manufacturing costs are significantly more expensive than plastic, but they look great and often come with light inside, further enhancing their looks as the boiling buddle rises.
The Pros:
- Elegant design
- An easy measure of water level
- Observe the boiling state of water
- Good thermal properties
The Cons:
- Easily broken if knocked over
- More expensive than plastic
- Can be sensitive to limescale formation
More: Best Kettle and Toaster Sets
The Metal Kettle
Metallic or stainless steel kettles are alloys made of steel that includes carbon and the element chromium. It is costly to make, but it is remarkably robust and highly resistant to corrosion, extreme heat, or even shocks. It is a substance that is likely to be utilized more and more often in the manufacturing of kettles, as the brushed metal look compliments other kitchen appliances.
The pros:
- Contemporary and modern design
- Solid material, resistant to wear
- Premium material
- Retains heat
- Easy to clean
The cons:
- Can be pricy
It is the most straightforward substance to keep clean, is also the most durable and helps keep the water temperature high between boils, making it the most economical choice.
More information on Kettle Selection
The kettle is among the essential small appliances used in kitchens. It is true that this little device, which can quickly and efficiently heat water to prepare tea, coffee, pasta, and aid in cooking, is becoming almost mandatory. Nowadays, there are many kettles to choose from electric, stainless steel, bisphenol-free, adjustable temperatures, eco kettle, and stovetop.
Let’s walk through some of the most important factors to consider following your requirements, as well as your financial budget. After reading this article, you’ll have no trouble picking the perfect kettle.
Picking The perfect kettle
Before you rush out and choose the kettle at the lowest price point, there are some features that you could be missing out on. We’ve already covered the materials available for kettles, but what else should you consider?
Of course, it’s not as big a purchase as a hot water dispenser or coffee machine, but there are still things you need to think about.
In particular, consider the following questions:
- What will be the primary usage of this kettle?
- Is capacity important?
- Are you looking for precision temperature control?
- Which material fits with your kitchen decor?
- Do you want a kettle that is simple to clean?
- What’s your budget?
After you’ve determined your primary need for a kettle, you will have some clues about the path to follow: traditional electric kettle, kettle teapot with filter, a kettle for cooker hobs.
Think Capacity
Naturally, a single person who drinks a few cups of tea or coffee per week will not require the same amount of water as a large family queuing for coffees every morning and kids making pot noodles after school. Also, consider the ease of transport. When your kitchen area is situated far from the dining area, getting a kettle with less capacity might be more practical.
Also, for the elderly, a large, heavy kettle can be cumbersome and dangerous. In this case, you want something light and small, such as a low litre capacity plastic kettle, over a sizeable thick glass jug model.
Temperature Control
You’re a huge fan of accuracy. Tea and coffee are particular fields that require specific needs. It is believed that a great tea can only show its flavour if exposed to water at the optimal temperature. For you, as well as our expert tea and coffee makers, every little bit counts. If this is the case for you, then you need to think further. You’ll need kettles that can be adjusted in temperature.
Maintenance
Like for coffee machines, maintaining your kettle is essential to ensure it lasts for an extended period. Too many consumers take the path of least resistance and do not bother to maintain their equipment. Therefore, manufacturers have had to factor in ways to make their lives easier by adding features to make maintenance less of choice, such as filtering and manufacturing using robust, easy to clean materials.
Aesthetics Matter
Last but not least, there’s one final point to be addressed (and not the most important in terms of how your beverage is brewed) the design. Unlike the technical aspects, the design aspect expresses your personal taste and how you want your kettle to fit with your kitchen decor and other appliances.
As well as attractive materials and shapes, kettles are designed with three looks in mind – Modern, Vintage, or Classic – there’s never been such an abundance of choice when it comes to kitchen appliances, however small.
Interesting: Electric Kettle Safety Guide
