Electric kettles are one of the most convenient kitchen appliances at home.
If you need hot water real quick for coffee, tea, or even instant oatmeal, you can boil water using an electric kettle, and it does the job in less than 5 minutes.
We know how electric kettles work, but what are they made of? Since electric kettles have a heating component, they are primarily made from a metal material to keep the contents hot for some time after boiling.
Most Electric Kettles Are Made of These Metals:
Most electric kettles are made of metal because they conduct heat well and keep water hot longer. The metals commonly used for electric kettles are steel, iron, silver, aluminum, copper, and stainless steel. These metals are great conductors and heat the water quickly and efficiently.
What Kind Of Metal Is Used for Electric Kettles?
The main purpose of electric kettles is to boil water faster and in an energy-efficient way. Since electric kettles are heating devices, they need to be made of metal to be functional.
Here are the kinds of metal used for electric kettles:
1. Steel
Steel is an alloy that is made up of iron with some carbon. The carbon is added to make it a strong material.
Steel is commonly used in many kitchen appliances, including electric kettles.
Compared to other metals, steel is one of the most sustainable. Because of its durability and longevity, it is the world’s most recycled and reused metal.
Steel is a good, lightweight, and durable material, but the downside to using steel is that it tends to rust because of its high iron content.
2. Iron
Iron is another strong metal material that is used for electric kettles. Since iron is known for its tendency to develop rust, it is not the best material for electric kettles.
So while iron is a good material, it is not the healthiest to use, especially on kitchen appliances.
Another downside to using iron is that it is prone to corrosion. Electric kettles are frequently exposed to water and moisture, so those made of iron tend to rust quickly.
3. Silver
As a metal, silver is relatively soft compared to other materials. While you can use it for electric kettles, it is not the best material if you want something sturdy.
While silver is shiny, which looks nice, it is prone to scratching when not handled carefully.
Silver is an expensive material for electric kettles because it is not as sturdy as the other kinds of metals.
4. Aluminum
Aluminum is a lightweight metal with a silvery-white color. It is also a bit shiny.
It is a soft and malleable metal that has so many uses in the household.
Aluminum is used for cans, kitchen utensils, appliances, and many other products.
One of the cons of using aluminum for electric kettles is that it is not that durable compared to other metals.
5. Copper
As a kind of metal, copper is one of the most conductive materials, so it is also commonly used for kettles and other kitchen appliances and utensils.
Because of its capacity to carry electric currents, it is a very efficient conductor. It also does not rust because it does not contain iron.
However, copper is still prone to corrosion caused by oxidation and will form a green film on its surface over time.
6. Stainless Steel
Just like steel, stainless steel is an alloy of iron. It is also very sturdy. Stain steel is different from steel because it is highly resistant to rusting and corrosion.
Stainless steel does not rust because it has a chromium content of at least 10.5%. The chromium reacts with oxygen, forming a protective layer that makes stainless steel highly resistant to rust and corrosion.
This is why stainless steel is the most commonly used metal for electric kettles and other kitchen appliances.
Which Electric Kettle Metal Is Healthiest?
Not all metals are made the same. And while all the metals mentioned above have their pros and cons, there is one kind of metal that is truly the best material for electric kettles.
The healthiest metal used for electric kettles is stainless steel. Apart from being quite sturdy and durable, stainless steel does not contain harmful components, making it the safest and healthiest metal for electric kettles.
Stainless steel does not emit any toxins; it does not create a reaction with any ingredients, making it the safest to use in the household. It also does not leave any funny taste or smell.
Stainless steel has an elegant and minimalist look that suits any kitchen theme. It is very easy to clean and maintain.
It also does not rust easily. Because stainless steel has a good amount of chromium, it is very resistant to rust. It is also resistant to fire and heat.
If you drop a steel electric kettle, it will not break or shatter. It also holds up well even under pressure.
There are a few downsides to using stainless steel for electric kettles. One of them is that it tends to be a bit noisy. It can also harm people who are allergic to nickel.
Ultimately, the pros of using stainless steel outweigh the cons, making it the best metal material for electric kettles.
Do Metal Electric Kettles Heat Faster Than Glass Ones?
Apart from metal, glass is another popular material used for electric kettles.
Glass electric kettles are usually made from tempered glass or borosilicate glass. Both these types of glass are highly resistant to heat and can high temperatures.
Glass electric kettles are also the most stylish ones on the market. Because of their transparent body and minimalist look, they complement modern kitchens well. They are easy to clean and maintain and are not prone to limescale build-up.
Comparing glass kettles to metal ones, glass generally heats water faster.
Glass electric kettles can handle temperatures as high as 170 degrees Celsius, while metal electric kettles boil water at just over 100 degrees Celsius.
Many fastest boiling electric kettles have a glass body, such as the Capresso 259 H2O Plus Glass Water Kettle and Oxo Brew Cordless Electric Kettle. Both these models can boil water in less than 2 minutes and 30 seconds.
The downside to using glass is that it is more fragile than metal. If you drop a glass kettle, it is likely to break or shatter.
Do Metal Electric Kettles Keep Water Hotter Longer than Glass Ones?
As a material that is also commonly used for electric kettles, glass is a good conductor of heat. Glass allows heat to pass through freely.
However, glass is the best conductor of heat out there. Compared to glass electric kettles, metal ones can keep water hotter for longer.
Metal is still the best material out there when it comes to conducting heat. This is why water stays hotter when sitting in a metal electric kettle.
While all the materials mentioned here are good for electric kettles, stainless steel and glass stand out from the rest. Both materials have pros and cons, so it is up to you to weigh them to get an electric kettle that best suits your needs.