Kettle-Your thoughts please

LindsayT

I have an exposed element kettle which takes over 500ml to the minimum mark. 
I also have a kettle that goes on a gas hob which my late partner thought was a good idea to get but it has never been used.
Although gas is cheaper, I guess it would take quite a bit longer to heat.
I was thinking about getting a concealed element kettle for ease of cleaning anyway and always had a preference for electric kettle but also I live alone, so only need to heat one cup at a time.
So, your thoughts please about gas versus electric and can you put less than 500ml in a concealed element kettle?

FreeBear

I'd go for a small jug type kettle (concealed element type) - Ideal for boiling just the one mug of water.

Brewer21

We ditched our electric kettle to use a gas hob kettle. Definitely saving using gas to heat water than electric. Just put enough in the kettle for your drink. We fill enough for 2 drinks then a little extra to wash the mugs afterwards instead of running the boiler for hot water just for that purpose.

Section62

LindsayT said:

So, your thoughts please about gas versus electric and can you put less than 500ml in a concealed element kettle?

Check the manufacturer's specification for the kettle you have in mind.  Often there is a minimum amount specified even with concealed elements.

There are other threads which have debated this issue at considerable length. Some people may suggest ignoring the instructions and only putting in what you need - but if you wreck the kettle doing this then the money saving of only boiling what you need also gets ruined in the cost of (another) new kettle.

Ultrasonic

If you really want to know the financial answer you could test to compare the two. At a time when gas isn't being used for anything else, read your meter immediately before and after boiling just the water you'd need (300 mL ish for a mug). You could make a similar comparison for the kettle, or time how long it's on for and work things out using it's known power (typically 3 kW).

I live on my own and use a kettle with a covered element and use a jug to just measure out the amount of water I want to boil each time. I don't have a gas hob to compare to though. If your question is purely from a financial perspective you'd want to factor in the cost of any new kettle and how long this cost may take to recoup.

Miser1964

(very) In-depth discussion on this - Why don't Americans use electric kettles? - YouTube

wrf12345

Microwave a cup of water?

wild666

Just my opinion but if the element is under cover then it wouldn't matter how much water is put in the kettle whether it's 100ml or 1.7litres it would boil the water in the kettle. 

Section62

wild666 said:

Just my opinion but if the element is under cover then it wouldn't matter how much water is put in the kettle whether it's 100ml or 1.7litres it would boil the water in the kettle. 

The manufacturer's opinion should take precedence though.

If they specify a minimum quantity it shouldn't be ignored.

ChaunceyGardiner

wild666 said:

Just my opinion but if the element is under cover then it wouldn't matter how much water is put in the kettle whether it's 100ml or 1.7litres it would boil the water in the kettle. 

The water is basically acting as a coolant for the element. Too little would probably shorten the kettle's life.

sleepymans

I love my Breville one-cup boiler….just heats one cup at a time and you can adjust to the exact size of your cup/mug. Very quick too👍