After over 3 years, there is a need to start changing some of the appliances we had bought when we first shifted in. To make sure that this is not a painful exercise in the monetary sense, it's good to gradually introduce replacement appliances over the long term gradually. For this time round, we decided to replace our current plastic electric kettle for better health reason and due to wear and tear.
For electric kettles, we did some research and found that most websites tend to provide the followng summary recommendations:
Auto Shut Off
Auto shut off is a handy feature that most electric kettles have. This means that the kettle automatically turns off once the water is boiling. This saves energy while it acts as a safety feature to prevent water evaporisation and overheating that damages the kettle heating mechanism while preventing fire hazards.
Design of kettle Spout
If you fear pouring boiling water, either because of burns or spilling, ensure that the spout's design is well contoured and proportionate with a rounded spout end to prevent dribbling of the water being poured out.
Material
Electric kettles can be made of glass, plastic or stainless steel. A glass kettle allows the user to easily see how much water is left in the kettle, while a stainless steel kettle holds the heat longer than the other varieties. Plastic kettles are often the least expensive.
Water Level Indicator
If you like to know exactly how much water you're boiling, look for an electric kettle that has the number of ounces printed on the side or handle of kettle. While this may not make much difference for tea, if you make hot chocolate with too much water, it can taste less rich and more watered down.
In addition, we wanted a stainless steel electric kettle for health's sake as we have read that while research remains inconclusive, plastic kettles may release
bisphenol A (BPA), a cancerous agent when their plastic parts come in contact with the heating water.
After some window shopping and comparing, we decided on the Braun Sommelier Stainless Steel electric kettle. This kettle made by Braun, an established 90 year old German electrical appliance company, a subsidiary of Procter and Gamber.This kettle line has undergone extensive reliability and endurance testing by P&G’s Global Center of Excellence for Devices . The kettle is run in repeated time-lapse cycles, during which all aspects – from switch, through lacquering, to electronics – undergo automatic reliability checks and is expected to last beyond consecutive boiling of 10 000 litres of water. This got our vote for reliability and product quality.
We were impressed with the safety feature which is that the kettle has an auto stop safety system that switches off the kettle when water is completely boiled; if empty (as in the switch is accidentally depressed); the kettle is lifted up from docking base; the kettle lid is opened during operation.
The handle is made of high quality plastic that is cool to the touch even after boiling. The spout is wide enough to fill in the water without having to open the lid making it convenient. There is two easy to read water indicators so you can see it from either side of the kettle. The kettle has a rapid boiling system for fast boil and is able to bring to boil a liter of water within 3 minutes saving electrical consumption. The heating plate is stainless steel and can be cleaned. There is also a removabe scale filter at the spout entrance to filter the water as you pour it out. The base is rotatable and has cord storage. The Sommelier kettle is also aesthetically modern and won the Red Dot Design award in 2004.
(Above) Large contoured buttons on top for easy operation - one is for the lid opening action and the other the operation switch.
(Above) The removable water filter and stainless steel internal construction and base can be seen.
(Above) Well designed spout ensure water pouring out flows smoothly and precisely without side flow thus preventing harzardous spilling and dribbling of hot water.
(Above) Easy to see and read water indicator markings on left and right side of kettle.
We went to Mega Discount at Kallang Leisure Park and got it at a cheaper price than the retail price of $140 at major electronics stores. Those who are looking for a quality stainless steel kettle can consider this. After all, it's worth the investment for health's sake.
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