Updated: 04 Oct 2011

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Introduction

We find electric jugs that are safe and easy to use.

Electric jugs are simple devices: an electric element in a metal or plastic body. They all boil water effectively – but some pour better than others and are easier to fill. And then there’s the noise factor ...
 
We tested 16 jugs and found four that were too noisy for an open kitchen.

Models we tested

This report contains test results and recommendations for the following models of electric jugs:

Checklist

If you're thinking about buying an electric kettle, here's what to consider (auto-boil-off and boil-dry protection are common to all models):

Speed
Most models will boil a litre of water in around 3 minutes. But you may have a differential of up to one minute, depending on the model.

Minimum capacity
You'll save on power costs and get a faster result if you only boil as much water as you need. The ideal jug will boil as little as one cup (250mL), but the minimum capacity indicators on some models is one litre.

Pouring
Water should pour smoothly to the end, but with all the jugs, it was hard to pour out the last cup. Models with a wide spout are a bit tricky to pour into a narrow opening.

Safety
Jugs are usually well balanced for pouring, but some people will have a problem with the weight. The sides and lids of stainless steel models get very hot, and is thus a potential danger to very young or forgetful people.

Lightweight plastic jugs stay cooler to the touch and are easy to lift and use, especially if they are quite short and fit easily under the tap for filling. But they are more at risk of being knocked over than heavier, wide-bottomed jugs.

Filling
Either the spout should be large enough for easy non-spill filling, or the lid should be easy to open. You also shouldn't have to tilt the jug to fill it through the spout.

Central connector
Also known as "all direction base." Many cordless jugs now have a circular base with the electric connector in the centre. This means they can be turned on the base and easily used by left and right handers. We think this is a great step forward.

Whether you choose this or the older style with the connector at one side, make sure the jug fits securely and easily onto the base.

Water-level gauges
Many jugs now have gauges on both sides, to suit left and right handers. With some, you can see right through the plastic. Both solutions are great. Some jugs don't have an exterior gauge, which is a distinct disadvantage.

Power on light
A valuable convenience and safety feature. Surprisingly, some models still don't have this.

Switches
They should be easy to use and to locate without having to look at them.

Cord storage
The unit should have some way of storing unwanted cord, so it doesn't curl around loose, or worse, hang over the edge of the bench so a toddler can pull the boiling jug over. Storage is usually in the base.

Some models provide a choice of exit points, so you can stand the base in the direction that suits you best. This is valuable for any model that doesn't have a central connection.

Safety lock lid
Some models have a locking device to keep the lid on if the jug is overturned, and stops that gush of boiling water.

Spout cover
This is a handy feature which helps limit spills. It's also good if you have trouble with insects in your kitchen.

Scale filter
Valuable if your water supply is "hard" (or high in calcium carbonate), but that's uncommon in New Zealand. Note that it won't filter the water.

Cleaning
There should be a smooth surface with few crevices, to avoid accumulation of dirt. Plastic jugs are easier to wipe clean, but when grease and dirt gets ingrained it's harder to shift than on stainless steel. 

Too noisy?

To get to the boil quickly, a filled jug has to transfer plenty of heat into the water within a short time. That requires a powerful electric element.

The roaring noise happens when tiny bubbles of steam form near the element, then collapse and condense back into the surrounding water.

This noise usually reduces as the water heats, because the bubbles stop collapsing (instead they start forming the visible bubbles that you can see).

The problem is often worse in areas where the water is "hard" (it has a higher concentration of minerals). The furry scale that the minerals leave on the element seems to make the noise problem worse.

You can descale your jug or kettle by covering the element (or the bottom of the jug if it has a concealed element) with a 50:50 mix of white vinegar and water - use just enough to cover it. Do not boil the jug. Leave the solution to soak for an hour or two, shaking occasionally. Then rinse the jug thoroughly.

Report by Bill Whitley