For most people, mornings seem incomplete without a cup of coffee or tea. If you take breaks from your routine to enjoy a refreshing cup of joe, a kettle is most likely your go-to choice to boil water. Depending on their energy source, you can find two types of kettles: electric and stove top. But which one is better is a never-ending debate because both of them come with their own pros and cons. Whether you want to replace your old kettle or want to add a new one to your already existing collection, this article will help you make an informed choice.
Electric Kettle Versus Stovetop: What’s the Difference?
You might think that they are more similar than different. Obviously, both have an opening through which you pour hot water. But the main difference lies in the way both of them heat or boil the water. Many electric kettles include different heat settings to control the temperature, allowing you to heat the water according to your needs. Electric kettles also boil water quickly and have a water indicator. A stovetop kettle, on the other hand, gets the heat from an electric or gas stove and blends well with your kitchen’s interior.
To help you choose the right type of kettle for your needs, we’ve made a detailed comparison:
Kitchen Use
You can use stovetop kettles on an element for the stovetop, but you need only a standard power outlet to use electric kettles. Essentially, it's anywhere the cord will reach.
Outdoors Use
A stovetop kettle is a better choice for outdoor activities because you can use it on an open fire, but you need a continuous power source for the electric kettle. You're not likely to find easily accessible power outlets when hiking or camping. Thus, the stovetop kettle is a better choice if you want to travel far from the city.
Time
If you’re always short on time, an electric kettle is your best bet because it heats the water quickly. But they become slower if you use a higher-capacity version.
Safety
Because the electric kettle includes an automated shut-off feature, you don’t have to worry about water spillage from boiling over. Also, since many electric kettles are covered in non-conductive materials, they don't heat from the outside and feature heat-resistant grips. They're still uncomfortably hot to touch directly other than the handle, but there is definitely a lower risk of burning your hand.
Design
A kettle might simply be a kettle, but you probably don't want it to be an eyesore in your kitchen. If your kitchen has traditional decor, you might like a stovetop kettle’s classic, timeless look. Electric kettles make a better choice for more modern kitchen styles, though there's no shortage of retro-styled options either.
Why Get an Electric Kettle?
Electric kettles come with a lot of benefits, particularly if you're a fan of pour-over coffee. Because they provide better pouring accuracy and heat quickly, gooseneck electric kettles are becoming more popular. Certain electric kettles also come with temperature control functions, which is a huge advantage if you like a wide variety of hot drinks.
Here are a couple examples:
- The ideal brewing temperature for green tea is around 180 degrees Fahrenheit. Many people make the mistake of pouring boiling water directly into a cup with a tea bag inside it. This will result in a strange metallic or bitter taste. An electric kettle with a temperature control feature can help you brew better-tasting cups of tea.
- There's a lot of debate about the perfect water temperature to brew the best cup of coffee, but most coffee experts agree that 200 degrees Fahrenheit (give or take a few degrees) is the standard to strive for when making pour-over coffee.
The Bottom Line
Your needs and intended use will help you choose the ideal kettle. Though there's an argument to be made for both types of kettles, we lean towards recommending an electric kettle for most household uses. They're quicker, safer, and more versatile, though a stovetop kettle is considerably easier to travel with if you're a fan of outdoor activities. No matter if you choose an electric or a stovetop kettle, be sure to purchase it from a reliable manufacturer.