The electric kettle is undoubtedly an essential appliance in every household. Its convenience is undeniable, as in just a few minutes, you can have boiling water ready for tea, hosting guests, and more…
Common Mistakes When Using an Electric Kettle
- 1. Boiling water continuously in the kettle
- 2. Using the kettle to cook food
- 3. Emptying the kettle immediately after boiling
- 4. Not covering the kettle or covering it loosely while boiling water
- 5. Boiling too little or too much water at once
- 6. Allowing limescale to build up, not cleaning the kettle regularly
- 7. Plugging the kettle in with multiple other electrical devices
- 8. Reusing leftover water in the electric kettle
- 9. Plugging in the kettle before adding water
- 10. Not cleaning the base of the kettle
Despite its convenience, many people make mistakes when using this familiar appliance, which can lead to hazards for the entire family. What are these mistakes? Let’s check if you are making any of them!
1. Boiling water continuously in the kettle
With the kettle already hot, many think it’s convenient to boil several kettles of water in a row to save energy. However, did you know that continuously boiling water can overheat the kettle’s heating element, leading to rapid damage?
The best practice is to allow the kettle to rest between uses, giving the heating element time to cool down.
In many cases, boiling water for an extended period can cause the thermal relay to automatically cut off the power, making the kettle stop functioning. At this point, even if you plug it back in, the indicator light won’t turn on. You’ll need to wait for the kettle to cool down before using it again!
2. Using the kettle to cook food
Remember, the electric kettle is designed to boil water, not to cook food like boiling eggs, making soups, or cooking meat…
This can cause grease and food residues to build up on the kettle’s interior, reducing its lifespan. Moreover, using the kettle for cooking does not guarantee that the food will be thoroughly cooked.
3. Emptying the kettle immediately after boiling
We often have the habit of pouring out all the water from the kettle right after it boils. This practice should be stopped immediately. Even when the kettle is off, the heating element continues to generate heat.
If you do not leave a small amount of water in the kettle, the heating element can be damaged quickly. Therefore, you should leave about 20 ml of water in the kettle and wait for it to cool down before emptying it.
4. Not covering the kettle or covering it loosely while boiling water
This mistake not only wastes electricity but also prolongs the boiling process. Electric kettles are designed with a relay that automatically cuts off power only when the lid is securely closed.
Therefore, if the water boils and the power is not cut off, it poses a high risk of fire or kettle damage.
5. Boiling too little or too much water at once
On every electric kettle, manufacturers indicate the maximum (Max) and minimum (Min) water levels, allowing users to fill the kettle appropriately. Boiling too little can lead to quick evaporation and potential damage, while too much water can splash out when boiled, causing burns.
6. Allowing limescale to build up, not cleaning the kettle regularly
Just because the kettle only boils clean water doesn’t mean it doesn’t need cleaning. This mindset can lead to harmful bacteria or scale buildup. For safety, you should clean the kettle once a week.
You can mix equal parts vinegar and water, pour about half into the kettle, then gently swirl. Next, boil the solution, let it sit for 10-20 minutes, then pour it out and rinse with clean water for a like-new kettle. Alternatively, you can also slice some lemon and put it in the kettle with cold water, then boil!
7. Plugging the kettle in with multiple other electrical devices
Given that electric kettles have a relatively high power rating, you should plug them into a dedicated outlet for safety.
Moreover, you should avoid using multiple high-power devices simultaneously, such as cooking rice, using an electric stove, an iron, a washing machine, or a water heater, as this can overload the circuit, leading to automatic shutoff or, worse, fires.
8. Reusing leftover water in the electric kettle
The habit of storing boiled water in the electric kettle can harm your health. After 2 hours, cooled boiled water can harbor harmful bacteria, and the bacteria count doubles when the water is stored in a closed kettle.
Additionally, water loses a significant amount of oxygen when boiled and left to cool for long periods in the kettle. Drinking this water can lead to oxygen deficiency in the body, hindering the growth of beneficial microorganisms in the intestines, making you more susceptible to gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea, stomach pain, and indigestion…
9. Plugging in the kettle before adding water
Many users have the habit of plugging the kettle in before adding water, which seems normal but is actually one of the most dangerous practices.
This is because once the kettle is powered, it begins generating electricity, and even though it only takes about 30 seconds (for you to add water immediately afterward), during this time, if the kettle is empty, it can easily burn out and cause a short circuit.
Over time, the components in the kettle will age quickly, leading to damage and making the kettle increasingly unsafe to use. The correct method is to fill the kettle with water, place it on the base, and then plug it in to ensure the kettle’s longevity and electrical safety in your home.
10. Not cleaning the base of the kettle
When boiling water, many people overlook the bottom of the kettle. In fact, the bottom can get a bit wet during use, but if you don’t clean it and place the kettle directly on the heating base, it can easily cause electrical short circuits and safety hazards.
Therefore, remember to use a dry cloth to wipe the bottom of the kettle to prevent water residue, and after cleaning, place the kettle back on the base. Turn on the kettle and boil water as usual.
