How does a cordless electric kettle work?
Content
Cordless electric kettles are a great way to save energy and get hot water at the push of a button. They work quickly and reliably, are easy to understand and are generally safe to use; they are a must-have kitchen appliance. But are you wondering how they work?
They work in the same way as corded electric kettles, but they can be detached from the "base" which is part of the wired connection. The container has a heating element that heats the water. When the set temperature is reached, determined by the built-in thermostat, the switch is activated and automatically turns off the kettle.
Keep reading to find out how they work in more detail.
Cordless electric kettles
The Carpenter Electric Company invented electric kettles in 1894. The first wireless type appeared in 1986, which allowed the jug to be separated from the rest of the device. [1]
Cordless electric kettles are similar to their wired counterparts, but with one obvious difference - they do not have a cord to directly connect the kettle to an outlet. This makes them more portable and easier to use than corded electric kettles.
There is a cord, a base on which it is attached and plugged into an outlet (see photo above). Some cordless electric kettles can also be powered by a built-in battery, making them even more portable.
The container contains an internal heating element that heats the contents. Usually it has a volume of 1.5 to 2 liters. The container is attached to the base but can be easily detached or removed.
A cordless electric kettle typically draws between 1,200 and 2,000 watts. However, the power can rise up to 3,000W, which makes it a very high wattage device that requires a lot of current, which can greatly affect the power consumption. [2]
How a cordless electric kettle works
Process diagram
- Content – You fill the kettle with water (or other liquid).
- Number system - Put the kettle on the stand.
- Power supply – You plug the cord into the outlet and turn on the power.
- Temperature – You set the desired temperature and start the kettle.
- Отопление – The internal heating element of the kettle heats the water.
- Thermostat – The thermostat sensor detects when the set temperature has been reached.
- Auto shut off – The internal switch switches off the kettle.
- fill – Water ready.
General process in detail
The cordless electric kettle starts working when it is filled with water, placed on the base, and the base is connected to the mains.
The user usually has to set the desired temperature. This activates a heating element inside the kettle which heats the water. The heating element is usually made of nickel-plated copper, nickel-chromium alloy or stainless steel. [3] Heat is generated due to the element's resistance to the flow of electricity, radiated into the water, and propagated by convection.
A thermostat controls the temperature, and other electronics controls the automatic shutdown when the set temperature is reached. That is, when this temperature is reached, the kettle automatically turns off. Typically you can set the temperature in the range 140-212°F (60-100°C). The maximum value in this range (212°F/100°C) corresponds to the boiling point of water.
A simple switch that can be used to turn off the kettle is a bimetallic strip. It consists of two glued thin metal strips, such as steel and copper, with varying degrees of expansion. The automatic function is also a safety measure to prevent overheating.
This is a general process describing the operation of cordless electric kettles. It may vary slightly for different types of electric kettles.
Safety measures
The kettle must be filled with water so that its heating element is completely submerged in water. Otherwise, it may burn out.
You must be careful if your cordless electric kettle does not have an automatic shut-off mechanism.
You must remember to turn off the kettle manually as soon as you see steam coming out of its spout, indicating that the water has started to boil. This will prevent wasting electricity and preventing the water level from falling below the top surface of the heating element. [4]
However, some models have an additional safety feature that ensures they won't turn on if there isn't enough water inside.
Types of cordless electric kettles
Different types of cordless electric kettles differ in their characteristics, and some also differ slightly in how they work compared to the general process.
Standard cordless kettle
Standard cordless kettles work in the same way as in the general process above and typically hold up to 2 liters of water. However, some basic types may not offer the option to set the desired temperature. However, safety measures in the form of an automatic shutdown should be expected. On some models, the base is also removable, making it even easier to store and carry.
Multifunctional cordless kettles
The proposed cordless kettles offer more options than standard or basic models.
A typical additional feature is precise temperature control or "programmed temperature" and the ability to charge using a car charger port. Other liquids can also be heated in non-stick models, including tea and hot chocolate.
Other features you might want to look for in a cordless electric kettle are a hidden heating element, a removable limescale filter, and a cord compartment.
Travel cordless kettle
A cordless kettle designed for travel usually has a smaller capacity. It has an internal battery that can be charged at home and anywhere else.
Specially shaped cordless kettle
One of the specially shaped cordless kettles looks like a gooseneck. It narrows the outlet channel, which helps to pour the liquid more easily. They are especially convenient for pouring tea or coffee.
Comparison of cordless electric kettles
A brief comparison between cordless and corded electric kettles, or conventional kettles used on stovetops, can also reveal differences in how cordless kettles work. Cordless electric kettles:
- Work on electricity – The heating element inside them is heated by electricity, not gas. While they are usually energy efficient, they can add to your electricity bill if used frequently.
- Heating faster – Cordless electric kettles can be expected to work faster. Shorter heating time saves more time.
- Heating to precise temperature – Programmable types of cordless electric kettles heat the liquid to a precise temperature before shutting off, which is not possible with conventional stove-top kettles.
- More portable – The portability of cordless electric kettles means you can let them work for you anywhere, not in a fixed location.
- Easier to use – You may find corded electric kettles are easier to use. The workflow is safer and easier. No need to evaluate whether the water is hot enough or handle the wires when cleaning them. However, since they are made of plastic, they are more prone to fire if, for example, the thermostat fails.
Summing up
This article aims to explain how cordless electric kettles work. We have identified the main external and internal details of this type of kettle, described some common features, outlined the general process of their work and explained in detail. We have also identified the main sub-types and compared cordless electric kettles with regular and non-electric kettles to highlight additional points that differentiate cordless kettles.
Take a look at some of our articles below.
- How to check the heating element without a multimeter
- What is the size of the wire for the electric stove
- How much does a pool add to your electricity bill
Recommendations
[1] Graeme Duckett. The history of the electric pitcher. Retrieved from https://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/homed/kitchen/109769697/graeme-duckett-a-history-of-the-electric-jug. 2019.
[2] D. Murray, J. Liao, L. Stankovich, and V. Stankovich. Understanding electric kettle usage patterns and energy saving potential. , volume. 171, pp. 231-242. 2016.
[3] B. Quail. Electrical skill. FET College Series. Pearson Education. 2009.
[4] SK Bhargava. Electricity and household appliances. BSP books. 2020.
