The very first electric tea kettle was made by the Carpenter Electric Company in 1891. Back then, the heating element was in a compartment beneath the water and not inside like modern versions. Since then, many advancements in safety, convenience, and aesthetics have been made. Nowadays, the majority of electric kettles are cordless, making it simpler to boil water on the counter and pour it into a mug across the room without the fear of tripping. Over the course of decades, the electric tea kettle has also become safer by automatically turning off once the water boils, eliminating the fear of boiling the water till dry and damaging the heating element. Though ceramic was common in England during the second world war, the most common materials used now are plastic and stainless steel. Both must be boiled and washed several times before use, though plastic, the cheaper alternative, must be washed upwards of a dozen times.

The advantages of electric tea kettles versus the traditional stove top whistling kettles are numerous. Depending on the quality of the model you buy, the electric version can boil seven cups within five minutes. Most electric tea kettles easily boil enough water for a cup of tea within thirty seconds. They are also easier to clean, thanks to their shorter and wider spout. They are safer, too. The automatic switch off makes it impossible to risk damage to the kettle or your home by forgetting it, and handles are made to be kept cool even when the body and water is scorching hot.

While trying to discern what tea kettle is best for you, keep these electric models in mind. They are not a new concept but potential buyers are still leary of purchasing something that they are unsure of. For the cost it is not to bad of a kitchen appliance, escpecially if you do not have time to wait on your normal stove top tea kettle. Is speed worth it over tradition?