How To Buy The Best Kettle For Your Kitchen & Lifestyle

Chances are that your kettle is one of the first appliances you reach for when you get up each morning - so investing in the best kettle for you is a surefire way to add ease and convenience to your morning ritual. But how do you know which kettle to choose?

At Harris Scarfe you can find a huge selection of electric kettles with a range of great features and functions to best suit your needs. Explore our kettles buying guide to discover more about how the right kettle can benefit your home, so you can easily choose the ideal kettle for you and your family.

Quick Links

• Electric Kettles vs Stovetop Kettles - What's Best For You?
• How To Choose The Best Electric Kettle
• Our Top Selling Electric Kettles
• Electric Kettles FAQs

Electric Kettles vs Stovetop Kettles - What's Best For You?

With most people choosing an electric kettle for their kitchen, it's sometimes easy to overlook the option of a stovetop kettle. So do you go for the convenience of an electric appliance, or choose a cosy stovetop number? Let's start by looking at the pros and cons of electric versus stovetop kettles.

Stovetop Kettles

There's something romantic about igniting your stovetop and boiling water for your morning cuppa, and waiting for the kettle to whistle cheerfully when it's ready. But is it practical? For some, using a stovetop kettle rather than an electric kettle is a way of life, and there are certainly benefits to a stovetop kettle.

If you find you have minimal bench space or no convenient powerpoint, then a kettle that goes on the stove might be right for you. Or, you may have a large gas stovetop that can house a kettle on it full-time, making it a statement piece for your kitchen. Better still, you can now find a great range of induction stovetop kettles that are specially designed for your induction stove.

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Electric kettles

There's no denying that electric kettles are vastly more convenient than stovetop kettles and they're also safer to use, especially if you're multitasking. Often, they also have a range of settings that avid tea drinkers appreciate. These range from 'keep warm' settings to timers, temperature gauges and retractable cords.

The only downside to electric kettles is that they take up bench space. But with so many people dedicating a section of their kitchen to tea & coffee making, it's clear that we're generally happy to prioritise that kitchen real estate.

How To Choose The Best Electric Kettle

At Harris Scarfe we're proud to stock some of the best electric kettles in Australia. We know there's only one thing that's equally important as a good cuppa, and that's beautiful homewares that work for you and your lifestyle. But what should you take into consideration when choosing the best kettle for your needs?

Electric Kettle Buying Checklist

• Capacity: Do you live alone, or are you a family who lines up the mugs numerous times a day? Do you use your kettle to pre-boil water for cooking? Ask yourself whether a small electric kettle or large kettle will serve your needs best.
• Boiling speed & temperature settings: When you invest in a good quality kettle, you can expect quick and efficient boiling times - some even come with rapid boil settings. Unfortunately, one of the most common problems with cheaper kettles is how long they can take to boil. You can also find electric kettles with different temperature settings- a must-have option if you drink a range of teas with optimal brewing temperatures below 100 degrees Celsius.
• Shape, weight and convenience: For some, a heavy kettle can be a hindrance, as can one with a thick handle. The ideal kettle should also have easy to use switches and a lid that opens with one touch - extremely handy during food preparation.
• Cord length: The best kettle in Australia won't be convenient if the cord doesn't reach your powerpoint, so keep this in mind. Explore cordless electric kettles for a neat, streamlined addition to your kitchen countertop.
• Aesthetics: It's a good idea to consider how your kettle suits the aesthetics of your home. If you have a modern style kitchen, consider a stainless steel electric kettle or a glass kettle to add a sleek and contemporary accent to your kitchen. Or why not consider a retro kettle if you're a lover of vintage charm? You can also explore toaster and kettle packs so you can coordinate your two favourite breakfast appliances.
• Added features: With a great range of added extras like noise control solutions, various temperature controls and safety features like boil-dry protection and cool-touch exteriors, it's easy to find a kettle that's nearly tailor-made to your needs!
• Price & warranty: It's important to consider the cost. It makes sense for avid tea drinkers and coffee devotees to prioritise bells and whistles (literally!). But for those of us who boil the jug just a couple of times a week, a top-quality kettle may not be a necessary investment. Always check the warranty offered, so you're aware of all the details.

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Electric Kettles FAQs

How do electric kettles work?

Electric kettles contain an internal metal coil, which is sometimes concealed to prevent the build up of limescale. When the kettle is switched on, energy in the form of electricity travels through the coil, which is then converted into heat to warm the cold water inside it. Electric kettles are able to boil water quickly due to the design and shape of the kettle: heat energy can be added to the water with more efficiency and less heat loss than a stovetop version.

How do I clean my kettle?

To clean your kettle interior, fill your kettle with equal parts vinegar and water. Boil once and let stand until cooled. Drain the vinegar solution and rinse three times. Avoid using a scrubber or brush unless you can see a build-up that needs to be removed. For the exterior, follow the manufacturer's instructions, as different materials such as stainless steel require different cleaning methods.

How often should my kettle be descaled?

This depends on how often you use your kettle and the unique qualities of your local water. As a general rule, quarterly descaling is a good idea. To descale your kettle, follow the "How do I clean my kettle" steps above.

How long do electric kettles last?

How often you use your kettle, how well you care for it, and the quality of manufacturing are all factors that influence the lifespan of your kettle. You can get a good idea of lifespan from checking the manufacturer's warranty. The number of years the warranty covers will represent the minimum lifespan you can expect from your kettle.

Why is there a taste to my boiled water?

If your boiled water has a taste to it that's not present before boiling, there may be build-up, or 'scale' inside your kettle. It may be a good idea to descale and clean it, see above for our "how do I clean my kettle" instructions.

Shop For The Best Kettles In Australia With Harris Scarfe

Explore the huge range of electric kettles at Harris Scarfe to best suit the needs of you and your family. Whether you're looking for a retro kettle, glass kettle or an electric kettle with a wooden handle you can find it all at your nearest Harris Scarfe store. Discover an extensive selection of kitchen appliances and learn more about how you can save time and add efficiency to meal times with our ultimate guide to kitchen appliances. Shop for electric kettles and time saving kitchen appliances online today and enjoy the convenience of home delivery or click & collect for your order. Inspire your next culinary creations with handy tips, tricks and recipes from our Food Hub articles to create mouth-watering dishes for the whole family!

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