If you only reach for your electric kettle when you want a cup of tea, you're missing opportunities to put this versatile appliance to work. We've put together a list of our favorite electric kettle uses to help you make the most of this multipurpose appliance.
Key Takeaways
- Make coffee, steep tea and herbal infusions, or prepare hot chocolate with water heated in your electric kettle.
- Prepare instant oatmeal, grits, noodles, and other cup meals by adding kettle-heated water to a separate bowl or container.
- Use hot water to help clean suitable cookware, warm water to fill hot water bottles, and cold water to water houseplants.
- Empty leftover water once your kettle has cooled, refill with fresh water when needed, and descale regularly to manage mineral buildup.
1. Make a Pour-Over Coffee
Pour-over is one of the best ways to enjoy coffee and experience the wide range of flavors you can pull out of it. Grind some quality coffee beans (we’re partial to a light roast), and place the grounds in a dripper that sits on a carafe or cup. Pour hot water from an electric kettle over the grounds, ensuring the grounds are evenly saturated to extract the most flavor. We recommend using a gooseneck electric kettle like Stagg EKG for complete control of your pour.
2. Make Hot, Iced or Sweet Tea
For tea, we recommend using a temperature controlled electric kettle like Corvo EKG so you can heat your water to the exact degree for the best steeping experience. They feature auto shut-off functions, so you don't have to watch over the kettle. Once the boiling water is ready, let the tea leaves steep for several minutes, and enjoy your favorite green, oolong, black or herbal tea.
Remember, tea isn't only delicious hot. After steeping the tea, you can pour it over ice for a cool, refreshing drink, or add sugar and make a big pitcher of Southern-style sweet tea to store in the fridge.
3. Have a Quick Breakfast
Stock your pantry with instant hot cereal so you can have a warm breakfast without cooking on the stove. Mix a packet of oatmeal or farina with boiling water, and top it with brown sugar, cinnamon, berries, nuts or fruit. If you're on the go, take a flavored oatmeal packet along with you. You can keep a kettle in your office and make oatmeal in a mug for a quick breakfast.
Some stores sell instant grits in plain, butter or cheese-flavored varieties. Stir some grits with hot water for a standalone meal or as a side dish to complement your morning eggs or sausage.
4. Sip on a Hot Chocolate
When you crave a sweet, warm drink, boil water to make hot chocolate. Instant hot chocolate comes in many flavors, including salted caramel, white chocolate and peppermint. Most mixes contain dry milk powder to add creaminess to the drink, but nondairy options are available. Empty a hot chocolate packet into a mug, add hot water and stir. We like to top hot chocolate with marshmallows and a dollop of whipped cream for a special treat.
5. Make Instant Noodles
We can't forget instant ramen cups, one of the most popular uses of kettles. These convenient meals hit the spot when you need a quick bite. To prepare a noodle cup, add the seasoning packet to the dried ramen, pour boiling water into the heat-proof container and let the noodles sit for a few minutes until they're cooked. Some stores sell similar cup-style instant meals featuring pasta, rice and soups.
6. Ease Aches and Pains
Hot water bottles are an alternative to electric heating pads and gel packs. They're made of flexible rubber or plastic and may have fabric covers for a softer feel. Fill these containers with slightly cooled, boiled water, and apply them to sore muscles and joints. You can also tuck a bottle beside you in bed to warm up on chilly nights. Hot water bottles don't need electricity to create warmth, making them easy to move around as needed.
7. Create Your Own Infusion
We also like the use of electric kettles for homemade infusions made by steeping the plants' leaves, flowers, roots, berries and seeds in boiling water. You can make an infusion with fresh herbs and spices, such as rosemary, lavender, peppermint, lemon balm and cinnamon. Place your ingredients in a heatproof mug or container, and pour freshly boiled water on top. Let steep for a few minutes, then use a fine mesh strainer to remove the solids. You can drink the infusion warm or refrigerate and serve chilled. Experiment with different flavors until you find your favorite combination.
8. Water Your House Plants
If you have a gooseneck electric kettle like Stagg EKG, the long narrow spout makes it a fantastic watering can for your house plants — just make sure it’s filled with cold water when you do!
9. Put Kettle-Heated Water to Work on Stubborn Dishes
Use hot water from your electric kettle to help loosen dried or stuck-on food. Check your cookware’s care instructions first, then pour enough hot water into suitable pots and pans to cover the residue.
Let the food soften, and wait until the water has cooled enough to handle safely before washing as usual. It’s a simple way to give your sponge a little less work after dinner.
Explore Fellow's Kettle Collection
Looking for a new kettle to spice up your daily routine? Explore our kettle collections and see what fit is right for you!
Frequently Asked Questions About Electric Kettles
Your kettle can lend a hand throughout the day in many ways, and a little care can help keep it functioning for longer. Here are some quick answers to common questions about electric kettle use and maintenance.
Can I Boil Milk in an Electric Kettle?
No, avoid placing anything other than water in your electric kettle. The same goes for other liquids or for boiling foods like eggs and pasta. Using a kettle for anything other than water can damage the heating elements and create hazards.
Should You Leave Water in an Electric Kettle Between Uses?
No, you’ll want to empty any leftover water once you’ve finished using your kettle and it’s cooled, then refill it with fresh water when you’re ready for your next cup. Minerals in water can leave deposits inside, so follow your kettle’s cleaning and descaling guidance to keep buildup in check.
What Are the Disadvantages of Using an Electric Kettle?
An electric kettle needs counter space and a nearby outlet, and its capacity limits how much water you can heat at once. Smaller models may need a second fill when you’re making drinks for a group. You’ll also need to descale your kettle regularly, especially if you regularly boil hard water.
