On a cold night, we all like a delicious hot drink. As you hold a nice cup of tea, it warms your hands and your spirit when you sip. That is why an electric kettle is an absolute need in every home. How long should an electric kettle last is determined by how well you care for it?
Nothing is eternal! Nothing, not even your kettle. On the other hand, a decent quality kettle should endure a long time. That is what we are attempting to convey. The durability would be determined by the materials used and how you used them.
How long should an Electric Kettle Last?
Nothing beats a hot drink on a cold winter night when you wrap up in a blanket. As a result, a kettle has become essential kitchen equipment in many houses. It helps to make the dry and chilly winters pleasant; combine it with a room heater for a heaven-like experience.
The typical lifespan of a kettle is determined by how frequently it is used and how well it is maintained. According to Manchester University research, the average electric kettle will survive four to five years. Of course, several factors can influence how long an electric kettle lasts, including the brand’s quality and how well you care for it.
Why does Kettles Break Down and How to increase Electric Kettle Longevity?
If you liked tea and coffee, you’d want your kettle to be in good working order daily. However, electrical equipment might develop a defect and cease performing when you least expect it.
Nevertheless, you can repair some of the issues causing your electric kettle to stop operating, while others require expert assistance. However, understanding why your electric kettle stopped operating can enable you to diagnose and, most likely, repair your kettle. Let’s go over the various causes of your kettle’s failure.
The Lid Isn’t Closed Correctly
Don’t get too worked up if your kettle breaks. It’s possible that the lid isn’t properly closed. This is a safety feature used by manufacturers to prevent injury. So, double-check the lid and make sure it’s correctly closed. Otherwise, your kettle will not function.
Quick Tip: Not all kettles have the function that prohibits them from working when the lid is not correctly closed. Some kettles do not need it.
System Shutdown Failure
It is pretty handy in kettles. It prevents injury by turning off the kettle when it exceeds boiling temperature. As a result, if this shutdown system fails, your kettle may not operate. The method may provide a false signal, resulting in the kettle not working.
In most circumstances, the kettle’s shutdown system may have acquired a flaw. However, debris on the shutdown system may cause the issue. So, dump the kettle, clean it up, and restart it. If it does not work, you may need to seek professional help to remedy the problem.
Overfilling The Kettle
This is a typical cause of most kettles not working. When you overfill your kettle, especially past the fill line, it may not operate. This function, however, is not available on all kettles. Some will operate when completely full, but you’ll be taking a considerable risk.
However, if your kettle is the type that won’t operate when full, then do the correct thing. Reduce the water level in the kettle and restart it. If you lower the water level and the kettle still does not operate, you might try additional methods.
Problem With Power Supply
When you do not plug in your electric kettle, it will not function. That is correct. So, before you turn it on, double-check that it is plugged into an outlet. The switch is the second thing you should pay attention to. Check to confirm it is operational. Third, see whether the kettle clicks at the bottom. Remember that if the kettle is not correctly seated in the base, it will not operate.
Quick Tip: Dip your finger into the water to verify if the kettle is operating. But first, turn off the kettle before checking to see if the water temperature has risen.
Signs of a Malfunction of your Electric Kettle; Do you need a replacement?
An electric kettle is an essential kitchen appliance that may make cooking more manageable in your kitchen. However, several concerns may necessitate replacing your electric kettle or, at the absolute least, seeking new components.
Rust is Present on the Interior of the Kettle
Of course, rust on the interior of your kettle is a problem. You don’t want to drink rusty water since too much iron can be hazardous to the bloodstream and tastes terrible. If you have a rusted kettle you have to clean it thoroughly. To deep clean, fill the kettle with two tablespoons of baking soda, two teaspoons of lemon juice, and water, and bring to a boil for 30 minutes.
Kettle Does not Generate Heat
If your kettle is not producing heat, you may always check to see if there is a problem with the heating element or if there is a problem with the outlet you are using. You may perform a short inspection to determine if you can fix the problem, but if it is more severe, you may be better off purchasing a new kettle.
Water Tastes Unpleasant
If the water in your kettle tastes terrible, it might be due to rust in the kettle, calcium buildup in the kettle, the water itself, or a leftover flavor left in the kettle. If extensive cleaning does not solve the problem, you may need a new kettle.
Power Cord Has Been Damaged
If the cable is broken, you must either repair it if you have one with a detachable cord or purchase a new kettle if you do not. Using a kettle with a faulty cable can be extremely dangerous, resulting in shock or fire.
Your Tea or Coffee has a Metallic Flavor
If you have a metallic taste, you may always try to thoroughly clean the kettle to check if anything remains in the kettle that can be cleaned out. If the taste remains, replacing the kettle may be your best option.
The Interior of the Kettle has Limescale on it
The lime scale is not always a deal-breaker. If you take the time to clean the kettle thoroughly, limescale can be eliminated. It would be best if you washed your kettle after each use to ensure that any possible accumulation is removed. You might consider purchasing a new kettle if you cannot remove the limescale.
Stainless Steel Kettle’s Bottom Is Discolored
If the bottom of your kettle is discolored, it might be due to accumulation that can be removed with a thorough cleaning. If the discoloration persists after a thorough cleaning, you may need to purchase a new kettle.
Heating Element is Visible
You should replace your kettle if the heating element is damaged. This potentially dangerous condition might result in a fire or electrical shock.
Glass Kettle has a Crack in it
If the glass kettle is cracked, you will undoubtedly want a new kettle. Using a cracked kettle can be hazardous because cracks increase the likelihood that the kettle can further break or possibly explode if used.
Kettle is Leaking
If your kettle leaks, there’s probably nothing you can do about it. If there is a crack, the kettle is no longer safe to use, and you should replace it altogether to ensure your safety and the safety of your kettle.
Cover is Shattered
If the lid is broken, you may be able to buy a replacement and keep using your kettle. If you cannot obtain a replacement lid, it is better to purchase a new kettle.
Final Thoughts
An electric kettle’s life expectancy is determined by how well you maintain it and the quality of the kettle. A decent quality kettle should last 4 to 5 years. However, maintenance and frequency of usage will be crucial. I also discussed how to detect a kettle that needs to be replaced. I stated before that we must watch the water’s flavor, the kettle’s staining, and the color change.
Kettles should be cleansed at least twice a week to remove any stains from the body and below the kettle and to avoid limescale buildup. Finally, unplug the electric kettle from the outlet when not in use and maintain it dry at all times.