We work hard each day to find a few more minutes in the day to enjoy a few more minutes of what we like to do, it begins to sound like an unending circle doesn’t it? Using our time wisely, while it’s an old saying, is still relevant today. Certainly we all believe that saving time is good and then using that time to spend a few more minutes with our loved ones or spending that time taking an extra breath for ourselves is important to the quality of our lives as well as those around us but doing so without risk is extremely important. How could saving time be unsafe?  And how does a tea kettle enter into the equation?

One of the first places we look to save time is in our morning routine but with the economy like it is, grabbing a bite at the drive-thru is not really the best option anymore – it’s killing our budget and our waistline (not to mention our overall health). More and more people are taking the time to have breakfast at home – or even preparing it at work – and there are so many choices available. Instant oatmeal, instant cream of wheat, instant grits, instant hot chocolate, toaster pastries, bagels, etc. and even more are making their coffee or tea at home – then filling a thermos and heading into the day. In an unofficial poll, I found most people use their coffeepot, their toaster and their microwave in the morning. I also found that people in highly staffed workplaces can spend as much as 15 to 20 minutes of their lunch time just waiting in line to be able to use the microwave and waiting for the microwave at morning break time has become a serious productivity issue for many employers. Just looking at the lunch hour wait time, these stats mean we lose an hour or two each week “waiting” for the microwave. So we lose whatever we saved in the morning…ugggggh!

Instant soups, instant breakfast cereals, hot tea and so much more only need boiling water to make but we’re boiling the water in the microwave! This is not only time-consuming but also dangerous. Plain water acts differently in a microwave oven than other substances. It reaches the boiling point without actually bubbling – plain water that is “bubbling” in the microwave is actually called “superheated water”. If not handled correctly, unexpected and violent eruptions can occur causing scalded hands and faces. The FDA has actually issued warnings about this phenomenon but to no avail. Their suggestion is that a non-metal item be placed in the water to offset the effects of “superheated” water (the suggestion has been made that a wooden stir stick or wooden spoon be used). Knowing that in a 1000 watt, very clean microwave oven a cup of water will boil in one minute is wonderful but not all microwaves are 100% clean and sometimes we are using ovens that are different wattages with no way to figure the exact time needed.

But why all the fuss? If you like hot tea or instant foods that just require boiling water to prepare, try one of the new “electric kettles” that are on the market. They are wonderful, usually built to resist rust and usually heat water in less time than a microwave. Hot water pots are easy, convenient, will boil water almost instantaneously and are safe. They are also one of the hottest items on the market today. But how do you decide between all the choices? Price, size, convenience? Start with potential to rust, obviously you want one that is guaranteed against such a disaster, secondly check out how easy it is to pour – are you a left-hand or right-hand person? Making sure the base is 360 degree lockable will ensure that everyone will be able to use it easily. Then move on to how quickly the water will boil and lastly determine your use so that you can choose the appropriate size. I personally like the one I use which is the Chef’s Choice Cordless Electric Kettle, it is sleek, comes in two sizes, has 1500 watts of power, has a hidden heating element to eliminate mineral buildup and seems to me to be safer as well because It boasts an automatic shut-off as well as a boil-dry automatic shut-off. The lighted on/off switch is my favorite so I can flip it on without having to turn on the overhead kitchen light.

I use it for everything, making tea (no matter what time of day), pouring over vegetables that I only want to boil slightly, making breakfast, making instant soups or instant noodles. I even keep one at the office and I no longer participate in “microwave wait” time. As an added benefit, keeping a supply of teas on hand ensures that I am always prepared for anyone who may drop by my office as well as ensuring that I am always at my personal best during the day.