How many times each day do you make yourself a quick coffee or tea? Do you use a jug or kettle to do so? Most people put a stovetop or electric kettle to work when they want a hot beverage, and yet these same people may not be using the best model for their needs. There are many factors to consider when you invest in a kettle or jug, and it really will pay to conduct a thorough search.

What to Consider

What factors should be taken into consideration when setting out to buy a kettle? The following points are the most significant:

• What is the size of the vessel?

• How is it operated?

• How fast does it work?

• What is the expected lifespan?

• What is it made from?

• How difficult is it to maintain and clean the vessel?

• What are any special features or functions?

• What is the cost?

As you can see, that is a lot to consider. So, let's begin with that first item.

Size of the vessel

The size of any jug or kettle really does matter because too small a vessel and you will come to dislike it. Too large and you may constantly overfill it and stand around waiting for water to heat. This means you have to seriously consider how much hot water you use at any given time. Few people understand that they do go through much more than they initially believe, and our advice is to go fairly big.

How is it operated?

The next issue is to consider how it is operated. Though we all enjoy the hiss and whistle of a kettle, we may be unable to conveniently use one. Thus, you do have to consider if it would be beneficial for you to have an electric kettle. For example, if you are going to use the jug or kettle at the office or outside of the usual kitchen setting, it can be remarkably handy to have an electric unit.

Speed

Naturally, the question of how it works should then lead to "how well" does it work, or how fast does it heat the water? Most manufacturers provide such details when it is an electric unit, and they are often quite accurate in their stated times. Do keep in mind that any collection of lime or other minerals on the heating element will slow down heating times substantially.

Lifespan

When we talk about mineral build up it also means we have to discuss the lifespan of the jug or kettle. This often depends upon the amount of use, the materials from which it is made, the quality of the electrical supply, and how much maintenance the owner provides. Generally, a stovetop kettle should last indefinitely while the electric kettle should come with a warranty or guarantee of at least a few years' time.

Maintainenace and cleaning

The lifespan of most kettles also relates directly to the materials from which it is made. The stainless steel models are the ones that will usually provide many years of service. The glass jugs and kettles can be tempered and endure many long years, and the same can be said of the copper units. The plastic models, on the other hand can be fairly vulnerable. Many people keep them in the kitchen and near the stove. This results in heat damage. Plus, the plastics do have a tendency to discolour over time and this makes it likely that the owner will upgrade to a newer model.

Naturally, if any jug or kettle is well maintained, cleaned often, and cleared of mineral deposits it will tend to last a very long time. This means that one of the things a buyer wants to consider is whether or not the materials from which the kettle is made are challenging to keep clean. Though stainless steel is good-looking, it can also stain very easily and show fingerprints. Thus, it is important for a buyer to really consider if they are going to be dedicated about upkeep or if it is best to purchase a kettle that doesn't show the neglect as much.

Features

There is also the need to consider if any special functions are required. For example, there are some programmable kettles that can have the tea water ready at the ideal time each morning. These also have some self-cleaning options, alerts to mineral build up, and more.

Cost

Finally, we have to consider the price. Where kettles and jugs are concerned, it really is true that you get what you pay for, and that means that purchasing a relatively higher priced model is quite likely to get you a superior product. If you have asked all of the necessary questions and found the best answers for your needs, you will be able to enjoy a lot of use from the jug or kettle that you choose.