Budgeting for kettles: Weighing the cost between affordable and premium options
Article Title: The Truth About Expensive Kettles: Are They Worth the Investment?
In the world of kitchen appliances, kettles are often seen as simple devices that boil water effectively. However, the market is brimming with expensive kettles boasting various features, leaving consumers wondering if they are worth the investment.
To help answer this question, we turn to CHOICE, an independent consumer organisation that provides expert reviews and product testing. CHOICE assesses kettles based on factors such as safety, filling and pouring ease, water level visibility, and comfort when lifting. They also evaluate accuracy, time taken to boil, noise levels, energy used, and ease of use.
Contrary to popular belief, the price of a kettle does not necessarily reflect its performance in CHOICE's tests. For instance, the Smeg kettles, ranging from $199 to $329, did not perform exceptionally well. Surprisingly, the most expensive Smeg kettle performed worse than the two cheaper ones.
On the other hand, seven out of the 10 electric kettles recommended by CHOICE experts cost less than $100. The median price for these recommended kettles is a modest $70, while the median price for the lowest scoring kettles tested is $130.
So, what makes some kettles more expensive? Additional features such as pre-set or variable temperature settings, keep-warm functions, quiet boil technology, and enhanced aesthetics like attractive finishes, unique designs, and premium materials like stainless steel or glass can drive up the price.
More expensive kettles often allow you to select precise temperatures for different types of teas or uses, improving brewing quality. The keep-warm mode holds water at a chosen temperature for extended periods, adding convenience. Some higher-end models offer quiet boiling to reduce noise during operation.
In addition to functional features, price increases can be driven by designer looks, including colorful or retro-styled casings, raised patterns, or finishes such as polished copper or chrome plating known for both beauty and durability. Brand reputation can also add to the cost without necessarily improving performance.
Lastly, some advanced kettles serve multifunctional purposes, like programmable cooking kettles with multiple heat settings for tasks beyond boiling water, such as simmering soup, melting chocolate, or making yogurt. These multifunctional kettles tend to be pricier.
In summary, the main cost-driving features in expensive kettles are multiple and accurate pre-set temperature controls, keep-warm functions, quiet boiling technology, high-quality/unusual materials and designer aesthetics, brand premium, and multifunction capabilities for cooking or specialty food preparation. These features add convenience, precision, style, or versatility beyond basic boiling.
However, a $15 kettle can boil water effectively for a cup of tea. If you use your kettle extensively, it may be worth investing in a kettle of higher quality for longevity. But, if you're looking for a reliable, budget-friendly option, CHOICE's reviews can be filtered by price, brand, capacity, material, and noise to find the perfect kettle.
Remember, CHOICE does not take ads or sponsorship, ensuring unbiased advice. CHOICE membership provides access to expert reviews, independent product testing, and support when something goes wrong. So, before you splurge on an expensive kettle, consider the features you truly need and the value they bring to your daily tea-making routine.
References:
- CHOICE
- Consumer Reports
- The Spruce Eats
- Kitchen Gadget Lab
- Good Housekeeping
- When considering a new kettle, it's essential to review the privacy policy of retailers to protect your personal information, as lifestyle choices, home-and-garden appliances, and numerous other items are often purchased online.
- While browsing through home-and-garden stores or online marketplaces for a new kettle, make an informed decision by evaluating the features, such as safety, ease of use, and accuracy, based on expert reviews from organizations like CHOICE, to ensure you're making a worthwhile choice that aligns with your lifestyle and budget.
