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How to Make Kettles More Efficient
Boiling water shouldn’t waste energy. Here’s how to make your kettle work smarter, not harder.
Isabella Forgione AO’s small appliance expert explains how to make your kettle energy efficient.
Does a kettle’s wattage affect its energy efficiency?
“A kettle’s wattage determines how quickly it can heat water it doesn’t necessarily make it more energy-efficient. A higher-wattage kettle will boil water faster, which can reduce overall energy consumption compared to a lower-wattage model that takes longer. Generally, a kettle with a power rating of 3000 watts is classed as rapid boil.
However, the most efficient way to use any kettle is to only boil the amount of water you need, as this reduces waste and unnecessary energy use.
Can limescale make your kettle boil more slowly?
“A kettle with a high level of limescale build-up has to work harder to heat the water, meaning it uses more energy than necessary. Limescale forms more quickly in hard water areas due to the high levels of calcium and magnesium in the water. Choosing a kettle with a limescale filter can help prevent build-up, and regularly descaling your kettle.
“You should give your kettle a clean every couple of months, using either a dedicated descale product or a homemade mixture of half white vinegar and half water. Fill the kettle halfway with this half and half mixture. Leave this solution to sit in the kettle for about an hour or preferably overnight if you have any stubborn deposits.
“After this soaking period, bring your kettle to a boil, unplug your appliance and let it sit for another half hour. Empty the kettle after this and rinse it thoroughly with clean water multiple times to remove any residual vinegary taste.
Can features like dual-wall insulation and keep warm functions help you save energy?
“Kettles with dual-wall insulation retain heat better, meaning the water stays hot for longer and doesn’t need to be reheated as often. The ‘keep warm’ function is another great energy-saving feature, as it maintains the water at a set temperature rather than having to bring it back to the boil from cold. This is particularly useful if you tend to make multiple hot drinks throughout the day.
Are there any other energy saving features I should look out for in a kettle?
“Look for rapid boil functions meaning the kettle is switched on for less time and uses less electricity.
Smart kettles use energy monitoring to track and manage electricity consumption every time you pop the kettle on. They also use precision heating to heat water to exact temperatures which can avoid any unnecessary energy use.
Auto shut-off prevents the kettle from continuing to heat once the water has reached desired temperature avoiding unnecessary energy use.”
What are some everyday tips for saving energy when using your kettle?
“To save energy, only boil what you need. Overfilling the kettle is one of the biggest energy wasters. Meaning if you’re only making one cup of tea, only fill the kettle with enough water for that.
Regularly descale your kettle as keeping it clean will keep it working efficiently.
If you’ve just boiled the kettle and need to top up your drink, the water is likely still hot enough without needing to re-boil.”
