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Folks Online Roast ‘The New York Times’ For An Article Introducing Electric Kettles Like They’re Some Revolutionary New Product
The modern electric kettle has its roots in the late 19th century, but it was nothing near the efficient and convenient appliance we have today. Before the invention and wide accessibility of an electric kettle, people used to use stovetop kettles to boil their water.
Although it is convenient to use, it is actually not that widespread in American households. It may be that some people haven’t even heard of such a contraption, at least you get that impression after seeing a New York Times article titled, A Swift And Easy Way To Heat Water Without Using A Stove.
People online are very amused by what the title implies. They didn’t miss a chance to mock the American daily newspaper and were curious to know if it was true Americans heat their water in the microwave, starting a hilarious thread on Twitter.
More info: Twitter
The New York Times published a kettle review article and people found it weird how they introduced it
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It all started when Twitter user Stefan Roberts posted a Tweet showing a screenshot of the New York Times article and pointing out that it was published in 2022 and not in the middle of the last century.
The title seems to imply that New Yorkers might not know that there is another way to heat up water that doesn’t include a stove. In the introduction of the article, they proceed to suggest considering the electric kettle, as nowadays they often even include a temperature regulator.
The title made it seem like a kettle is some sort of a new innovation that Americans might not know about
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According to statista, 95 percent of UK households had a kettle in 2017. The nation known for their afternoon tea can’t live without this appliance and as Stefan Roberts is a Brit himself, he was confused this was not common in other parts of the world as well.
He joked about Americans who criticize people in the UK for drying their clothes on a rack instead of having a dryer not being allowed to mock them about it anymore after this article.
Many people mocked the way The New York Times thought Americans might not know about such a simple kitchen appliance
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If you go and look at the article now, its title is changed to The Best Electric Kettle. However, the interdiction still includes the questionable kettle description: “Electric kettles provide a swift and easy way to heat water without using a stove. And many models will even let you set a precise temperature—key for getting the best flavor from coffee and tea.”
It is actually a review article, pointing out the good and not-so-good qualities of various kettles as the staff at New York Times tried out them themselves and turned to experts to consult them. Their first review was published in 2013 and they have been adding new model reviews ever since. It is quite a detailed review, useful for those searching for their first kettle or wanting to upgrade their current one.
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There were people who claimed they definitely know about them and some of them even own them
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However, the title and the introduction are the parts of the article that drew most people’s attention. As it gets clear looking through the comments, Americans were as confused at the wording as non-Americans.
In the thread, they claimed that they know about kettles existing and some of them have used one for years. The few comments confirming Americans are aware of house appliances that heat water drowned in the flood of non-Americans mocking the way The New York Times introduced the topic of their article.
Others trusted that the paper should know its audience and were quite confused that Americans might not know about the water boiling device
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Image credits: Beatrice Murch (not the actual photo)
There were many comments in which people mocked the US itself as it is one of the economic powers of the world and they might not know about such a simple kitchen appliance. They pointed out some other things that they found weird to exist in a modern country and were guessing what other things they might not know about.
However, it seems that a kettle is actually quite rare in American households
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Even though this thread was filled with sarcastic comments, a few people gave serious feedback. One of them confessed that they actually didn’t know about electric kettles before coming to Scotland and putting one on a stove, so they believe there are people who could learn something new from the article.
Another Twitter user who introduced herself as Canadian shared her observation that not that many Canadians or Americans drink tea, so they don’t see the need to have a kettle. When they do fancy a cuppa, they just use the stove to boil the water.
In other cases, they might use a microwave. Just like Americans may be surprised that there are electric kettles to heat your water that turn off when it reaches boiling temperature, non-Americans are baffled to learn that some Americans heat their water or tea or coffee in the microwave.
It may be due to the fact that Americans don’t have the ritual of afternoon tea as people in the UK do
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But there is a more practical reason and that is a lower voltage in their sockets, which means that kettles don’t make the process faster
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Also, there is another boring but logical reason why Americans use kettles more rarely than British people. It has to do with the standard voltage. In the UK and the rest of Europe, wall sockets for power cords are 220-240 volts, but in the US, it is much less than that, usually around 100-127 volts. Meaning, using a kettle doesn’t really make the water boil faster so why invest in yet another appliance when the stove does the same thing?
Having a lower voltage than most of the world is a completely separate issue. They actually wanted to increase it, but then changed their minds because it would have been too expensive to change all the appliances. Which wasn’t the case in many other countries, which managed to shift to a higher voltage. So now the US, along with Canada, Japan, Brazil and a few other countries have to adapt to the consequences this brings, like not being able to efficiently boil water in a kettle.
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So Americans stick to the stove or in some cases, they use the microwave to heat their water
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Did you find the New York Times’ title out of place? Do you think more Americans should try boiling water with a kettle? If you are American, do you have this appliance and is it widely used where you live? Let us know your thoughts on the topic in the comments!
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What do you think ?
Daman dan 2 years ago
I used my kettle to boil a pot of water. It's faster than a stove. I bring it to a boil and then transfer it to a pot to continue cooking
Paul C. 2 years ago
I've got a Thermos flask, it keeps hot things hot and cold things cold. I've got some soup and a choc-ice in it.
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Deidre Westover 2 years ago
Why do people think electricity in America can't operate a kettle? Mine works fine. You can get set up for higher voltage for electric driers or kilns, but most things simply don't require that. A kettle is one of those things. I feel like I need to make a TikTok video showing an electric kettle functioning in America.
Honu 2 years ago
Kettles boil much faster on UK mains power than US 120V mains. I've lived my whole life in the US, but my husband was raised in England. I've had an electric kettle for the 20 years we've been together. Back then, they were a specialty item. For the last decade or so, they've been easy to find. I think everyone I know has one. They're way faster than the stove-top kettle I used before, but when we visit UK it is always a joy how fast the kettle is. Though now I use a water boiler that holds the water at a configurable temperature, so I have tea on demand.
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April Dancer 2 years ago
Years? I'm English, 61 and I can't remember a time pre kettle, although I guess in the early years we must have used what you guys call a 'tea kettle' heated on the hob of the electric oven The M.I.L. had a whistling stove one but she thought she was being 'traditional'.
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ADumpsterFire 2 years ago
I'm sorry, but the statement that it's "not faster than the stove" in America is very wrong. I've had an electric kettle for years and it's much much faster than the stove.
Jacqueline Pie Francis 2 years ago
I’m an American and use an electric kettle every day. All of my friends use electric kettles. So. Ta da
MJ 2 years ago (edited)
I’m from the USA and I just got an electric kettle last year. It’s changed my life. I can enjoy me tea, add hot water to the pan to make it boil faster. I add it to recipes that require water. I use the water to clean with. It’s endless. So much faster than using the stove. And I no electrical issues. It’s just the same as plugging in a toaster.
Wanda Queen 2 years ago
Yep. Just what we need. Thanks, NYT, this is why the rest of the world thinks we're morons. They read that stuff and believe it represents all of us, rather than a handful of city dwelling authors with their heads up their butts.
Gin 2 years ago
We don't, honestly. Some of you are morons in just the same way that all countries have morons (mostly in Government). Sadly, in this instance, one got employed by NYT!
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Benita Valdez 2 years ago
Ok I'm nearly 40 and lived in NY my whole life. This is idiotic considering they're like a college must have when you're dorming. I bought my first 21 years ago but knew about them longer.
Nathaniel 2 years ago
Just had a thought? How do the kettle dodging barbarians heat up their water to put in a Pot Noodle?
Honu 2 years ago
Well, I've used an electric kettle for over 20 years. It's pretty standard kitchen equipment where I live in the US. You can get one at Costco or Target. That wasn't always the case. 20 years ago, we had to find them online and the selection was pretty poor. My husband grew up in England, so for him it was a necessity. Before that, I used an old fashioned stove-top whistling kettle. Our electric kettles aren't nearly as fast as UK kettles, but they are still faster than the stove.
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Hobby Hopper 2 years ago
One of the comments says most Americans don't drink tea. I probably would if I could casually grab good tea off my grocery store shelf, but the only truly great tea I've ever had was gifted to me. I drank it every day until it was gone. I wouldn't even know where to start getting more quality tea, other than somewhere on the internet, probably.
Honu 2 years ago
There are some great tea merchants online. Otherwise, it depends on where you live really. I live in a fairly large metro, so there are quite a few good tea shops here. Though with Covid, I think pretty much all of them have started selling online, too.
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A. Jones 2 years ago
I grew up with using a stove-top kettle (the old school ones) then was gifted an electric one at my first house warming. I still have this 10 year old e-kettle and works like new. Ya' see them all the time in grocery marts like Walmert. >_>' I always though electric kettles are ancient tech.
YaMaOnToast 2 years ago
Assume it's not just Scotland but when staying up there the place we stayed at said that Americans regularly take the plastic electric kettle, fill it up and the place it onto the hob to boil.
GFSTaylor 2 years ago
A friend of mine tried putting an electric kettle on the gas stove once - this was spotted quickly so no harm done. This was the UK in the mid-80's. His family were still using a stove top kettle but they were uncommon in the UK by then. We were all astounded that he didn't automatically assume the kettle was electric, as was normal for the majority.
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Impetus 2 years ago
I used to use the microwave, figuring an electric kettle was unnecessary. But then I moved into a place where the microwave is mounted above the cook top, which means it's also above my head. One or two splashes later I bought an electric kettle. Once I realized how much better the water tastes than when it comes out of the microwave, I started drinking more tea. Since I have the kettle now, I also use it for instant oatmeal, hot chocolate (no, I don't use warm milk, it makes my teeth fuzzy), French press coffee when I'm feeling fancy, to speed up boiling water, and to increase the temp of sink water when I'm soaking labels off of glass things to recycle.
April Dancer 2 years ago
That's a really dangerous place to put a microwave, why do people do that? Re other uses for boiling water - there's pouring it on ant's nests. Also stain removal. Put the clothing item in a bowl, sprinkle on washing powder (the P one is best) pour boiling water over to cover the stain. Voila. Don't use it on colours though as it might bleach them.
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Keyrara Sanchez Michael 2 years ago (edited)
I was born and live in the US( wish it was in Japan or England instead forevvah ago) I have had a electric kettle when they were available on Amazon for $20 thats what 10 -15 years ago? I have to buy water where I live now due to constant boil water alerts ( Texas) I stopped using my kettle for tea because the water dispenser has a hot tap. I still use my kettle for soft and hard boiled eggs with toast soldiers
Lee 2 years ago
Thank you SO much NYT. Now the world thinks we're even stupider than they did before. For the record, not only do we have an electric tea kettle in the kitchen, my roommate and I both have one in our own rooms. Far more convenient than going downstairs to make tea, coffee, whatever you want.
Liam Walsh 2 years ago
Nah... honesty, we just think the writer of the article is stupid.
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Zol 2 years ago
110volt in the US . So to have a 2000 watt element it takes ~ twice as much current as the rest of the world that has 220v~ 240v supplies . That heavy current draw will trip a lot of lower current rated breakers . If its only a 1000 watt element it'll heat slower . Screw 110 volts ... its useless
SirDigbyChickenCaesar 2 years ago
American here, electric kettles work just fine, they make kettles that work on 110. I've never in my life made tea or coffee with microwave. The person who wrote that article is an idiot and has no idea how normal people live.
Load More Replies... Nathaniel 2 years ago
A what now? Electric kettle? What next? Electric blanket? Living in the USA must be like living the Jetsons for real!
Aria Whitaker 2 years ago
So...I take it you just skipped over ALL the answers, from Americans, in both the article and this very comment section....mocking this due to the fact that we know and utilize kettles?
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Michael Sanders 2 years ago (edited)
This is not even close to all we can roast the current NYT for.
Shane S 2 years ago
I’m American and drink tea daily but I’m an exception. Most people here don’t drink tea unless it’s iced. There are some but we are definitely the exception, not the rule. An electric kettle would be a waste of space if it’s only used every once in a while whereas the microwave is frequently utilized.
Lucas 2 years ago
I don't drink tea or use a kettle for making drinks - still consider my kettle essential. Still, if you don't have room, then you don't have room 🤷
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Kenny Kulbiski 2 years ago
Americans had the Boston tea party and switched to coffee just to get away from the Brits constant yammering about the sacred tea kettle. That tax thing was just an excuse.
Johnny U 2 years ago
I have seen many coffee makers on friends kitchen counters. Never an electric kettle. It would just be another appliance taking up limited counter space.
Honu 2 years ago (edited)
I've never bothered with a drip coffee maker and I drink coffee daily. I've mostly used a press or a filter basket over the years, so I've always had a kettle (first on the stove, then electric). It always seemed strange to me to have a separate appliance taking up space to heat water specifically for coffee, especially given that most drip machines make pretty mediocre coffee. I'm in my 50s, so I grew up with that being the standard, too. Of course, I also drink tea. Plus, when I first moved out to go to university, I ate a lot of ramen. Student survival food. A kettle was a necessity. Though now I have a big espresso machine taking up counter space, but that makes really great coffee. It's worth it to me.
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Bunzilla 2 years ago
My mother just uses a regular kettle on the stove. I've offered to get her an electric kettle, but she's not interested. Plus, looking through reviews of those things, almost all of them have some kind of horrible issue. So, sure, we've got electric kettles in North America, but most of them are c**p.
Bored Retsuko 2 years ago (edited)
I think a kettle is something you don't have go too crazy researching about. You just buy one you like, or that is on sale, and hope it will last a while.
Load More Replies... Passerby 2 years ago
Wait until they learn about electric rice cooker. It is by far the easiest way to cook rice ever. It surprised me when I learned that many people cook rice in a pot on a stove. Remind me of cooking rice while camping. To be fair, if you don't cook rice that often, owning a rice cooker might sound like an unnecessary expense. But you don't really need an expensive one; a cheap one works just as well. The more expensive one usually just comes with more bells and whistles (like being able to cook food too).
SirDigbyChickenCaesar 2 years ago
Yeah we have those here, along with electric kettles. The author of that article is just an idiot.
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Timmy Pillinger 2 years ago
Once we get an induction hob we might get rid of the separate kettle
marianne eliza 2 years ago
Unbelievable! Some people like them, some don't. Some have a need, some don't. Is this really the hill you're ready to fight and die on?
Dusty Rose 2 years ago
I use a kettle right on my gas burner. Guess I'm lucky to have gas available.
Exotic Butters 2 years ago
I live in the US and I only drink tea now and then. I just have an old school kettle that I keep on my stove. I like the way it looks. And it's there if I want tea:)
Reyn-Guo 2 years ago
This is how we boil water and how I make coffee. Nothing is more efficient. Once boiled the water stays at 208F or 97.77C Hot-Water-...8-jpeg.jpg 
Ophelia Vandergurgleduffen 2 years ago
I had a hot pot in college in 1980. Made tea, coffee, ramen. Feh!
Bobby 2 years ago (edited)
I dont have the math skills to figure this out. How much difference does 120v vs 220v make in an electric kettle. There has to be a point where upping the voltage has minimal impact on time to heat. I'm assuming the amperage would be the same too, but I guess that may be a big assumption
Honu 2 years ago
Pretty rarely. When I see someone paying with a check in a shop, they're usually octogenarians. I'll occasionally write one to pay a contractor doing work on my house, or if I owe the government for taxes, I mail in a check. I haven't used one in a shop or to pay a bill in decades. I've been paying my bills online for over 20 years.
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Jake Wheeler 2 years ago
It's just another plastic aluminum Chinese THING cluttering the kitchen counter, which may or may not be killing you. I have a beautiful heavy chrome tea kettle on my gas stove, American made, which simply vibes right with me, along with my cast iron wok and my over-built mechanical can opener. A long, clean horizontal work space; I resist having my kitchen counters become appliance menageries.
Jose Carlo 2 years ago
Way back in the Philippines we have that water heater since the sixties!
E Hall 2 years ago
This is one of the stupidest articles by the NYT ever, but it's the NYT, so par for the course I guess. How do yall not know what an electric kettle is? You can literally buy them in any store in my region of the USA. and they've been available forever! Jesus Christ, I live in a country full of MORONS!!!
ADumpsterFire 2 years ago
Most people do know what an electric kettle is. It's just this author who seems to think they're brand new
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SirDigbyChickenCaesar 2 years ago (edited)
I'm an American, 40yrs old. Have never in my life made tea with a microwave, have used an electric kettle, and make coffee with a French press or coffee maker and NEVER go to Starbucks, I can't stand their burnt coffee. I'd bet this was written by a very young person. Somehow the younger adults now don't know about anything that existed before they were born and keep acting like they discovered it. It's a bit disturbing to see it in the wild. Especially in the NYT.
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Justme 2 years ago (edited)
I drink tea and see nothing wrong with heating the water in the microwave. I use a Pyrex pitcher, I don’t heat it for a crazy length of time and I definitely don’t put the bag in the microwave- but there’s nothing wrong with heating water in a microwave.
Alex Bailey 2 years ago
It's all about temperature of the water. You do not want to boil it. Temperature needs to be between 93-97 degrees. Too cold, tea won't brew sufficiently. Too hot, the tannin in the tea makes the drink bitter. The reason why electric kettles win over microwaves is the accuracy of the temperature. By the time they switch themselves off and you pour the water on the tea the water is in the right temperature zone. That's why. So, nothing wrong per se in heating water in a microwave, you just can't be that accurate and your tea won't be anywhere near as pleasant. However, if you are happy with how it tastes, and a lot of the time taste is what you are used to (acquired), then why would anyone else care?
Load More Replies... Andie 2 years ago
Whenever I want to annoy my English husband, I make "American tea". Heating up water in the microwave. He gets irrationally upset by this.
marianne eliza 2 years ago
Most Americans do not have a need for an electric kettle. We don't have tea time and most of us have a coffee maker. Water brought to a boil in the microwave isn't contaminated and doesn't taste any different so what's the big deal? I personally do not drink any hot beverages and cannot think of anything else that would justify the space for an electric kettle.
Chris Jones 2 years ago
Speeds up cooking many things and saves money as it's more efficient. I don't drink tea and have a quality bean to cup coffee machine (not boring drip or those cafetieres fashionable in the 90s) but I still find my kettle very, very useful. The microwave is more expensive when it comes to heating water, ditto using a hob. Per cup doesn't make much difference, sure, but added up over time... yes. For those who do drink tea they WILL taste a difference, only those who haven't tried it will persist in thinking there isn't. That is just lack of experience. Read the comments from those who bought a kettle and could instantly see an improvement in the flavour of their tea. The temperature of the water matters and will alter the taste of what comes out of the tea leaves and microwaves heat water unevenly, that's a fact. Don't want a kettle fine, no one cares but insisting there is no difference or no benefit isn't true. If you have a tiny kitchen, well, that's just unfortunate.
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Really 2 years ago
Kettles of all types are so quaint. Why would I need one? Coffee from a drip coffee maker, hot tea you are kidding me, ice from a ice tea maker. Microwave to heat any hot water I need asap. Kitchen faucet 120F degrees hot side. Need it hotter it goes into the microwave. Even better, my youngest had an under sink hot water tank installed with an above counter top spigot when he remodeled their kitchen.
Carrie de Luka 2 years ago
Drip coffee is quaint. Don't have a machine that makes all the different types? Home version of a barista machine - why limit yourself with boring coffee.
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Mir Adwari 2 years ago
Yeah... don't use something that just makes it easier. That would be so silly.
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Lucas 2 years ago
Ah, no boiling! I'm not a tea drinker but I do know this particular little gem for some reason! Anyway, water should NOT be boiling when poured on tea. The temperature should be around 93-97 degrees. If you boil it then you end up with too much tannin coming out the tea and it makes it disgustingly bitter and sour. When an electric kettle comes to the boil and switches itself off by the time the water is splashed over the tea it is actually the right temperature. Microwaves, and knowing when water is just about to boil or how long to wait for the temperature to cool sufficiently, are pretty inaccurate - you do not want the water to be bubbling away. I'm a coffee drinker and welded to a couple of different coffee machines but I still find my kettle invaluable for cooking.
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Jenny Michelle 2 years ago
You mean that thing I put my bread in that pops out toast ...isn't a toaster?? 😬
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Daman dan 2 years ago
I used my kettle to boil a pot of water. It's faster than a stove. I bring it to a boil and then transfer it to a pot to continue cooking
Paul C. 2 years ago
I've got a Thermos flask, it keeps hot things hot and cold things cold. I've got some soup and a choc-ice in it.
Load More Replies... Deidre Westover 2 years ago
Why do people think electricity in America can't operate a kettle? Mine works fine. You can get set up for higher voltage for electric driers or kilns, but most things simply don't require that. A kettle is one of those things. I feel like I need to make a TikTok video showing an electric kettle functioning in America.
Honu 2 years ago
Kettles boil much faster on UK mains power than US 120V mains. I've lived my whole life in the US, but my husband was raised in England. I've had an electric kettle for the 20 years we've been together. Back then, they were a specialty item. For the last decade or so, they've been easy to find. I think everyone I know has one. They're way faster than the stove-top kettle I used before, but when we visit UK it is always a joy how fast the kettle is. Though now I use a water boiler that holds the water at a configurable temperature, so I have tea on demand.
Load More Replies... April Dancer 2 years ago
Years? I'm English, 61 and I can't remember a time pre kettle, although I guess in the early years we must have used what you guys call a 'tea kettle' heated on the hob of the electric oven The M.I.L. had a whistling stove one but she thought she was being 'traditional'.
Load More Replies... ADumpsterFire 2 years ago
I'm sorry, but the statement that it's "not faster than the stove" in America is very wrong. I've had an electric kettle for years and it's much much faster than the stove.
Jacqueline Pie Francis 2 years ago
I’m an American and use an electric kettle every day. All of my friends use electric kettles. So. Ta da
MJ 2 years ago (edited)
I’m from the USA and I just got an electric kettle last year. It’s changed my life. I can enjoy me tea, add hot water to the pan to make it boil faster. I add it to recipes that require water. I use the water to clean with. It’s endless. So much faster than using the stove. And I no electrical issues. It’s just the same as plugging in a toaster.
Wanda Queen 2 years ago
Yep. Just what we need. Thanks, NYT, this is why the rest of the world thinks we're morons. They read that stuff and believe it represents all of us, rather than a handful of city dwelling authors with their heads up their butts.
Gin 2 years ago
We don't, honestly. Some of you are morons in just the same way that all countries have morons (mostly in Government). Sadly, in this instance, one got employed by NYT!
Load More Replies... Benita Valdez 2 years ago
Ok I'm nearly 40 and lived in NY my whole life. This is idiotic considering they're like a college must have when you're dorming. I bought my first 21 years ago but knew about them longer.
Nathaniel 2 years ago
Just had a thought? How do the kettle dodging barbarians heat up their water to put in a Pot Noodle?
Honu 2 years ago
Well, I've used an electric kettle for over 20 years. It's pretty standard kitchen equipment where I live in the US. You can get one at Costco or Target. That wasn't always the case. 20 years ago, we had to find them online and the selection was pretty poor. My husband grew up in England, so for him it was a necessity. Before that, I used an old fashioned stove-top whistling kettle. Our electric kettles aren't nearly as fast as UK kettles, but they are still faster than the stove.
Load More Replies... Hobby Hopper 2 years ago
One of the comments says most Americans don't drink tea. I probably would if I could casually grab good tea off my grocery store shelf, but the only truly great tea I've ever had was gifted to me. I drank it every day until it was gone. I wouldn't even know where to start getting more quality tea, other than somewhere on the internet, probably.
Honu 2 years ago
There are some great tea merchants online. Otherwise, it depends on where you live really. I live in a fairly large metro, so there are quite a few good tea shops here. Though with Covid, I think pretty much all of them have started selling online, too.
Load More Replies... A. Jones 2 years ago
I grew up with using a stove-top kettle (the old school ones) then was gifted an electric one at my first house warming. I still have this 10 year old e-kettle and works like new. Ya' see them all the time in grocery marts like Walmert. >_>' I always though electric kettles are ancient tech.
YaMaOnToast 2 years ago
Assume it's not just Scotland but when staying up there the place we stayed at said that Americans regularly take the plastic electric kettle, fill it up and the place it onto the hob to boil.
GFSTaylor 2 years ago
A friend of mine tried putting an electric kettle on the gas stove once - this was spotted quickly so no harm done. This was the UK in the mid-80's. His family were still using a stove top kettle but they were uncommon in the UK by then. We were all astounded that he didn't automatically assume the kettle was electric, as was normal for the majority.
Load More Replies... Impetus 2 years ago
I used to use the microwave, figuring an electric kettle was unnecessary. But then I moved into a place where the microwave is mounted above the cook top, which means it's also above my head. One or two splashes later I bought an electric kettle. Once I realized how much better the water tastes than when it comes out of the microwave, I started drinking more tea. Since I have the kettle now, I also use it for instant oatmeal, hot chocolate (no, I don't use warm milk, it makes my teeth fuzzy), French press coffee when I'm feeling fancy, to speed up boiling water, and to increase the temp of sink water when I'm soaking labels off of glass things to recycle.
April Dancer 2 years ago
That's a really dangerous place to put a microwave, why do people do that? Re other uses for boiling water - there's pouring it on ant's nests. Also stain removal. Put the clothing item in a bowl, sprinkle on washing powder (the P one is best) pour boiling water over to cover the stain. Voila. Don't use it on colours though as it might bleach them.
Load More Replies... Keyrara Sanchez Michael 2 years ago (edited)
I was born and live in the US( wish it was in Japan or England instead forevvah ago) I have had a electric kettle when they were available on Amazon for $20 thats what 10 -15 years ago? I have to buy water where I live now due to constant boil water alerts ( Texas) I stopped using my kettle for tea because the water dispenser has a hot tap. I still use my kettle for soft and hard boiled eggs with toast soldiers
Lee 2 years ago
Thank you SO much NYT. Now the world thinks we're even stupider than they did before. For the record, not only do we have an electric tea kettle in the kitchen, my roommate and I both have one in our own rooms. Far more convenient than going downstairs to make tea, coffee, whatever you want.
Liam Walsh 2 years ago
Nah... honesty, we just think the writer of the article is stupid.
Load More Replies... Zol 2 years ago
110volt in the US . So to have a 2000 watt element it takes ~ twice as much current as the rest of the world that has 220v~ 240v supplies . That heavy current draw will trip a lot of lower current rated breakers . If its only a 1000 watt element it'll heat slower . Screw 110 volts ... its useless
SirDigbyChickenCaesar 2 years ago
American here, electric kettles work just fine, they make kettles that work on 110. I've never in my life made tea or coffee with microwave. The person who wrote that article is an idiot and has no idea how normal people live.
Load More Replies... Nathaniel 2 years ago
A what now? Electric kettle? What next? Electric blanket? Living in the USA must be like living the Jetsons for real!
Aria Whitaker 2 years ago
So...I take it you just skipped over ALL the answers, from Americans, in both the article and this very comment section....mocking this due to the fact that we know and utilize kettles?
Load More Replies... Michael Sanders 2 years ago (edited)
This is not even close to all we can roast the current NYT for.
Shane S 2 years ago
I’m American and drink tea daily but I’m an exception. Most people here don’t drink tea unless it’s iced. There are some but we are definitely the exception, not the rule. An electric kettle would be a waste of space if it’s only used every once in a while whereas the microwave is frequently utilized.
Lucas 2 years ago
I don't drink tea or use a kettle for making drinks - still consider my kettle essential. Still, if you don't have room, then you don't have room 🤷
Load More Replies... Kenny Kulbiski 2 years ago
Americans had the Boston tea party and switched to coffee just to get away from the Brits constant yammering about the sacred tea kettle. That tax thing was just an excuse.
Johnny U 2 years ago
I have seen many coffee makers on friends kitchen counters. Never an electric kettle. It would just be another appliance taking up limited counter space.
Honu 2 years ago (edited)
I've never bothered with a drip coffee maker and I drink coffee daily. I've mostly used a press or a filter basket over the years, so I've always had a kettle (first on the stove, then electric). It always seemed strange to me to have a separate appliance taking up space to heat water specifically for coffee, especially given that most drip machines make pretty mediocre coffee. I'm in my 50s, so I grew up with that being the standard, too. Of course, I also drink tea. Plus, when I first moved out to go to university, I ate a lot of ramen. Student survival food. A kettle was a necessity. Though now I have a big espresso machine taking up counter space, but that makes really great coffee. It's worth it to me.
Load More Replies... Bunzilla 2 years ago
My mother just uses a regular kettle on the stove. I've offered to get her an electric kettle, but she's not interested. Plus, looking through reviews of those things, almost all of them have some kind of horrible issue. So, sure, we've got electric kettles in North America, but most of them are c**p.
Bored Retsuko 2 years ago (edited)
I think a kettle is something you don't have go too crazy researching about. You just buy one you like, or that is on sale, and hope it will last a while.
Load More Replies... Passerby 2 years ago
Wait until they learn about electric rice cooker. It is by far the easiest way to cook rice ever. It surprised me when I learned that many people cook rice in a pot on a stove. Remind me of cooking rice while camping. To be fair, if you don't cook rice that often, owning a rice cooker might sound like an unnecessary expense. But you don't really need an expensive one; a cheap one works just as well. The more expensive one usually just comes with more bells and whistles (like being able to cook food too).
SirDigbyChickenCaesar 2 years ago
Yeah we have those here, along with electric kettles. The author of that article is just an idiot.
Load More Replies... Timmy Pillinger 2 years ago
Once we get an induction hob we might get rid of the separate kettle
marianne eliza 2 years ago
Unbelievable! Some people like them, some don't. Some have a need, some don't. Is this really the hill you're ready to fight and die on?
Dusty Rose 2 years ago
I use a kettle right on my gas burner. Guess I'm lucky to have gas available.
Exotic Butters 2 years ago
I live in the US and I only drink tea now and then. I just have an old school kettle that I keep on my stove. I like the way it looks. And it's there if I want tea:)
Reyn-Guo 2 years ago
This is how we boil water and how I make coffee. Nothing is more efficient. Once boiled the water stays at 208F or 97.77C Hot-Water-...8-jpeg.jpg
Ophelia Vandergurgleduffen 2 years ago
I had a hot pot in college in 1980. Made tea, coffee, ramen. Feh!
Bobby 2 years ago (edited)
I dont have the math skills to figure this out. How much difference does 120v vs 220v make in an electric kettle. There has to be a point where upping the voltage has minimal impact on time to heat. I'm assuming the amperage would be the same too, but I guess that may be a big assumption
Honu 2 years ago
Pretty rarely. When I see someone paying with a check in a shop, they're usually octogenarians. I'll occasionally write one to pay a contractor doing work on my house, or if I owe the government for taxes, I mail in a check. I haven't used one in a shop or to pay a bill in decades. I've been paying my bills online for over 20 years.
Load More Replies... Jake Wheeler 2 years ago
It's just another plastic aluminum Chinese THING cluttering the kitchen counter, which may or may not be killing you. I have a beautiful heavy chrome tea kettle on my gas stove, American made, which simply vibes right with me, along with my cast iron wok and my over-built mechanical can opener. A long, clean horizontal work space; I resist having my kitchen counters become appliance menageries.
Jose Carlo 2 years ago
Way back in the Philippines we have that water heater since the sixties!
E Hall 2 years ago
This is one of the stupidest articles by the NYT ever, but it's the NYT, so par for the course I guess. How do yall not know what an electric kettle is? You can literally buy them in any store in my region of the USA. and they've been available forever! Jesus Christ, I live in a country full of MORONS!!!
ADumpsterFire 2 years ago
Most people do know what an electric kettle is. It's just this author who seems to think they're brand new
Load More Replies... SirDigbyChickenCaesar 2 years ago (edited)
I'm an American, 40yrs old. Have never in my life made tea with a microwave, have used an electric kettle, and make coffee with a French press or coffee maker and NEVER go to Starbucks, I can't stand their burnt coffee. I'd bet this was written by a very young person. Somehow the younger adults now don't know about anything that existed before they were born and keep acting like they discovered it. It's a bit disturbing to see it in the wild. Especially in the NYT.
Load More Replies... Justme 2 years ago (edited)
I drink tea and see nothing wrong with heating the water in the microwave. I use a Pyrex pitcher, I don’t heat it for a crazy length of time and I definitely don’t put the bag in the microwave- but there’s nothing wrong with heating water in a microwave.
Alex Bailey 2 years ago
It's all about temperature of the water. You do not want to boil it. Temperature needs to be between 93-97 degrees. Too cold, tea won't brew sufficiently. Too hot, the tannin in the tea makes the drink bitter. The reason why electric kettles win over microwaves is the accuracy of the temperature. By the time they switch themselves off and you pour the water on the tea the water is in the right temperature zone. That's why. So, nothing wrong per se in heating water in a microwave, you just can't be that accurate and your tea won't be anywhere near as pleasant. However, if you are happy with how it tastes, and a lot of the time taste is what you are used to (acquired), then why would anyone else care?
Load More Replies... Andie 2 years ago
Whenever I want to annoy my English husband, I make "American tea". Heating up water in the microwave. He gets irrationally upset by this.
marianne eliza 2 years ago
Most Americans do not have a need for an electric kettle. We don't have tea time and most of us have a coffee maker. Water brought to a boil in the microwave isn't contaminated and doesn't taste any different so what's the big deal? I personally do not drink any hot beverages and cannot think of anything else that would justify the space for an electric kettle.
Chris Jones 2 years ago
Speeds up cooking many things and saves money as it's more efficient. I don't drink tea and have a quality bean to cup coffee machine (not boring drip or those cafetieres fashionable in the 90s) but I still find my kettle very, very useful. The microwave is more expensive when it comes to heating water, ditto using a hob. Per cup doesn't make much difference, sure, but added up over time... yes. For those who do drink tea they WILL taste a difference, only those who haven't tried it will persist in thinking there isn't. That is just lack of experience. Read the comments from those who bought a kettle and could instantly see an improvement in the flavour of their tea. The temperature of the water matters and will alter the taste of what comes out of the tea leaves and microwaves heat water unevenly, that's a fact. Don't want a kettle fine, no one cares but insisting there is no difference or no benefit isn't true. If you have a tiny kitchen, well, that's just unfortunate.
Load More Replies... Really 2 years ago
Kettles of all types are so quaint. Why would I need one? Coffee from a drip coffee maker, hot tea you are kidding me, ice from a ice tea maker. Microwave to heat any hot water I need asap. Kitchen faucet 120F degrees hot side. Need it hotter it goes into the microwave. Even better, my youngest had an under sink hot water tank installed with an above counter top spigot when he remodeled their kitchen.
Carrie de Luka 2 years ago
Drip coffee is quaint. Don't have a machine that makes all the different types? Home version of a barista machine - why limit yourself with boring coffee.
Load More Replies... Mir Adwari 2 years ago
Yeah... don't use something that just makes it easier. That would be so silly.
Load More Replies... Lucas 2 years ago
Ah, no boiling! I'm not a tea drinker but I do know this particular little gem for some reason! Anyway, water should NOT be boiling when poured on tea. The temperature should be around 93-97 degrees. If you boil it then you end up with too much tannin coming out the tea and it makes it disgustingly bitter and sour. When an electric kettle comes to the boil and switches itself off by the time the water is splashed over the tea it is actually the right temperature. Microwaves, and knowing when water is just about to boil or how long to wait for the temperature to cool sufficiently, are pretty inaccurate - you do not want the water to be bubbling away. I'm a coffee drinker and welded to a couple of different coffee machines but I still find my kettle invaluable for cooking.
Load More Replies... Jenny Michelle 2 years ago
You mean that thing I put my bread in that pops out toast ...isn't a toaster?? 😬
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