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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Try Steam Therapy
If you're feeling congested from allergies or a cold, use an electric kettle to create steam. Warm, moist air can ease cold symptoms, opening nasal passages and making breathing easier. Steam inhalation doesn't cure illnesses but can provide temporary comfort while you recover.
To give steam therapy a try, fill a large bowl with hot water from a kettle. Placing a towel over your head, move toward the bowl until you can breathe in the warm air. Your head should be about 8-12 inches from the bowl to avoid getting too close to the steam. Close your eyes, and inhale slowly and deeply for up to 5 minutes.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Can You Put Milk in an Electric Kettle?
Avoid placing anything other than water in your electric kettle. It shouldn't be used for heating milk or other liquids, nor should they be used to boil foods such as eggs, pasta, rice and oats. Using a kettle for anything other than water can damage the heating elements and create hazards.
Even so, there are so many ways to use your electric kettle, it’s well worth investing in one. Considering the many ways we use hot water daily, electric kettles are a must-have appliance for a home or office.