HOW TO USE AN ELECTRIC KETTLE AND WHAT TO USE IT FOR
Whether crafting a cup of pour over coffee in the morning or unwinding with herbal tea at the end of a long day, learning how to use an electric kettle can help you create your favorite beverages and more.
An electric kettle plugs into an outlet and uses electricity to power an integrated heating element, rather than using a stovetop burner to heat water. Electric kettles come with a power base that uses electrical current to send heat energy directly into the kettle (though not all electric kettles have a separate base.
Most electric kettles are operated by either a simple on/off switch or feature controls that heat water to a precise temperature to create specialty drinks like tea, coffee, hot cocoa or other warm drinks. However, they can also be used to heat water for soup, oatmeal and more. New parents may find kettles helpful for cleaning baby bottles or preparing formula.
Read on to learn more about how to use an electric kettle and other helpful information.
STEPS TO USE AN ELECTRIC KETTLE
After you have washed and rinsed your kettle before its first use, using an electric water kettle is a simple process that requires adding water, powering it on, selecting a temperature or function (if available), pouring water over your tea or select beverage and then emptying the kettle for future use.
STEP 1: Set up the kettle
If you’re starting off with a brand new kettle, be sure to read the owner’s manual for exact instructions. Place the base on a flat surface and make sure that the cord reaches an outlet nearby; then, put the kettle on the base.
STEP 2: Wash and Rinse out the kettle
One of the first steps with a new kettle is either washing it with soap and water, or simply filling it with water and boiling it, then discarding that water. This helps ensure your kettle is clean and ready to help brew your first beverage.
STEP 3: Add water to the kettle
Add only as much water as you’ll need, whether you’re brewing just a cup for yourself or more if you’re hosting company. If you’re adding more water, the kettle will need longer to boil or reach your desired temperature.
STEP 4: Set kettle on base and secure lid
Not all electric kettles have a separate base, but if yours has one, place it firmly on the base. Then, secure the lid to ensure boiling water stays inside the appliance.
STEP 5: Select function and turn on the kettle
Turn on your kettle and, if available, select the temperature or settings for your brew.
STEP 6: Listen for the kettle to finish
Your kettle may feature indicator lights, icons or audible tones to let you know your water is ready. Some electric kettles will turn off automatically once the water has reached a boil or your desired temperature. Others may feature a hold option, such as the KitchenAid® Precision Gooseneck Electric Kettle which can hold your selected temperature for up to 30 minutes.
STEP 7: Pour water
Pour water over coffee grounds, tea bag or tea infuser, or into a teapot with loose leaf tea and steep for the recommended amount of time. You can also pour boiled water into a bowl to make oatmeal or noodles, or into a baby bottle for formula. Use caution when pouring.
STEP 8: Empty the kettle
After you’re done making your beverages with boiled water, pour out any excess water that you didn’t use so it doesn’t sit inside the kettle. It’s also a good practice to unplug the kettle after use.
HOW TO USE A KETTLE TO MAKE TEA
The basic process of making tea starts with heating water in a kettle, then passing it over tea leaves or letting the tea sit (or steep) in the water.
Steeping tea is the process of soaking tea leaves in hot water. This is when the brewing, or extraction, happens. For most types of teas, use 1 tsp. of dried leaves per 6–8 oz. of water. The water temperature and length of time you should steep depends on the tea type and your desired strength. Use this table as a basic guide to steeping different teas:
| TEA TYPE | GREEN | WHITE | OOLONG | BLACK | HERBAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
| SUGGESTED TEMPERATURE SETTING (C°/F°) | 80° | 85° | 90° | 95° | 100° |
| 176° | 185° | 194° | 203° | 212° | |
| SUGGESTED STEEP TIME (MINUTES) | 1-3 | 3-5 | 3-5 | 4-5 | 5-7 |
TIPS FOR USING AN ELECTRIC KETTLE SAFELY
When using any appliance, you should always make sure to read all instructions in your owner’s manual and basic safety precautions should always be followed, including:
Do not overfill your kettle. Pay attention to max fill indicators.
Do not immerse the base, cord, plug, or the kettle body in water or other liquids.
Unplug from outlets when not in use and before cleaning.
Check your owner’s manual for additional safety information.
Do not add any other liquids other than water inside electric kettles, unless permitted per your owner's manual.
Use caution when pouring: pour slowly to avoid splashing boiling water.
HOW LONG DO ELECTRIC KETTLES TAKE TO BOIL WATER?
Depending on the amount of water inside, an electric kettle can take between two to four minutes to boil water. In order for water to boil effectively, be sure to only use as much water as you need. The more water, the longer it can take to heat up.
The speed at which a kettle boils water varies based on its volume capacity. KitchenAid® kettles range in capacity from 1 liter to 1.7 liters, which means they can take 4 to 8 minutes to boil. The lower the volume of water, the quicker a kettle can boil.
IS AN ELECTRIC KETTLE FASTER THAN A STOVE?
An electric kettle can be faster than a stovetop kettle, especially when it’s filled with the appropriate amount of water. It’s possible that electric kettles tend to be faster because they can add more heat energy to water in less time (and without as much heat escaping) than a flame can for boiling water in a stovetop kettle.
IS IT OK TO LEAVE WATER IN A KETTLE?
For best results with an electric kettle, only boil the amount of water you need, so there shouldn’t be water left over in the kettle. If water is left in the electric kettle too long, it can lead to increased water deposit build up, so be sure to empty it when finished and descale your electric kettle regularly.
CAN YOU HEAT MILK IN AN ELECTRIC KETTLE?
You should not heat any liquids other than water in most electric kettles because they’re specifically designed to heat and boil only water. This is because different liquids boil at different temperatures, and boiling liquids other than water may affect how the kettle performs and the condition of its interior. Always check the owner's manual for your electric kettle for more details on how to use it.
DISCOVER THE KITCHENAID® KETTLE BEST FOR YOUR KITCHEN
Brew your favorite artisan beverages or enjoy creating your own specialty drinks with an electric kettle. From variable temperature settings to precision pouring, KitchenAid brand offers an electric kettle perfect for your recipes. Shop the entire collection of KitchenAid® electric kettles and bring the cafe to your kitchen.
