Before You Use Your Electric Kettle Again, Check These 4 Things

Electric kettles are among the simplest appliances in the kitchen. Fill one with water, press a button, and within minutes you have boiling water for tea, coffee, cooking, or instant meals.

But because kettles come into direct contact with water that we drink, their condition matters.

The good news is that you don’t necessarily need to replace a kettle just because it is old or inexpensive. What matters more is what condition it is in, whether it is made from appropriate materials, and whether it is being used safely.

Here are four situations that deserve your attention.

1. Kettles With Damaged Electrical Cords

A damaged power cord is one of the clearest reasons to stop using an electric kettle.

If the cable is frayed, cracked, exposed, burned, or unusually hot during operation, don’t ignore it. Electrical damage can create a risk of shock, overheating, or fire.

Never try to solve the problem by wrapping damaged wiring with tape and continuing to use the appliance as normal.

If the cord or plug is damaged, the safest option is to have the appliance properly repaired by a qualified professional—or replace it.

2. Kettles With Cracked or Damaged Bodies

Small cosmetic scratches are one thing. A crack that affects the container itself is another.