If you don’t have an electric tea kettle then you are really missing out on piping hot teas, coffees, and soups made in minutes. Electric tea kettles heat up water faster than a microwave, and the water tastes much fresher. They are becoming more popular than the old fashioned stove top tea kettles. The electric tea kettle has a plug in cord, and some kettles even are cordless. Both types are very convenient and look great. You don’t have to have a stove to use an electric tea kettle, and that is a big plus. If you’re traveling or using your electric tea kettle at work, all you need is electricity.  You can also travel oversees with your electric tea kettle as long as you have the right adapter.

You can purchase electric tea kettles almost anywhere. You will find them in department stores, specialty stores, hardware stores, cooking supply stores, grocery stores, and retail chain stores. You may also want to go online and check out the various websites full of electric tea kettles of every style. There are very expensive electric tea kettles that have many special features such as automatic shut off, locking lids, and whistling or chiming noises. The Capresso H2O Plus costs around $60 and comes with a glass carafe and detachable base. It can boil a quart of water in 5 minutes flat, which is faster than a stove top kettle. Another less expensive electric tea kettle is the Bodum Ibis, and it costs around $40. This kettle has a safety shut off, see through water level indicator, and a mineral filter that helps prevent calcium build up.

When choosing an electric tea kettles pick one that will suit your needs. If you have a large family or like to give tea parties you will want one that holds a large amount of water. There are kettles that hold 48 ounces of water. If you’re single, you may want a smaller electric tea kettle that holds 8 to 16 ounces of water. Decide what you want your kettle made of, stainless steel or plastic. Look for an electric tea kettle that has safety features such as an automatic turn off and locking lid. And when you do make your electric tea kettle purchase, make sure the store has a good return policy, just in case you need to make an exchange or return.

Now you are all ready to brew some great tea or coffee in your new electric tea kettle. First of all, wash out your tea kettle before you use it. Electric tea kettles heat up by a heating element like an electric range, so add the water first, and then turn on the kettle. In approximately 5 to 7 minutes the water will come to a boil. Once the water is boiling, turn down the heat, and adds your tea bags to the water.  Let the tea steep for around 4 minutes, and then remove the tea bags. You can put your electric tea kettle on low heat to keep the tea perfectly warm for drinking.

Take good care of your electric tea kettle and it will last for years.  To clean out the scale and calcium deposits that build up over use, you clean with vinegar, water and a scouring pad. First unplug your kettle, and then fill with warm water and ¼ cup vinegar. Mix with a spoon and allow the mixture to set in the kettle for around 20 minutes. The vinegar will loosen up and dissolve the calcium, then using the scouring pad; you wipe away all the buildup. Gently scrub the walls of the electric tea kettle and remove any remaining debris. Be careful not to scrub too hard and damage the heating element.  Pour out the vinegar water, and rinse the kettle with cool water. Let the kettle dry out for around 20 minutes, then fill up the kettle again with new water. Heat the water to boiling, and then dump the water out to help remove any aftertaste of the cleaning process. Rinse and dry your kettle again, and put it up till next time you use it.

Since an electric tea kettle is so regularly used, it makes the perfect gift for someone. It makes a great wedding or house warming gift. Maybe your child is now and adult and moving out into a place of their own or going to college. An electric tea kettle would be perfect for them to take with them. You can make way more than just tea in your electric kettle. You can brew coffee, hot chocolate and cider. Electric tea pots are also used for making soups and jello. You can even make lemonade and green tea in an electric tea kettle. It is highly recommended for brewing green tea as you don’t get that metallic taste that green tea sometimes has when over brewed. The electric tea kettle is a very versatile and usable kitchen appliance.