Click, Pour, Sip: The Electric Kettle

The electric kettle is the first thing I reach for early in the very morning, rubbing my eyes to make myself a coffee. Even half-sleep, I instinctively do two things: press the automatic switch and grab a packet of coffee, waiting for that familiar sound of a click. It’s amazing that even in the drowsy state of mind, I can still manage to prepare hot water for my coffee. Impressive mark of a well designed product.

The button is large, reducing the chances of misclick, and with the simple click, the water begins to boil and interestingly it does not even take that long. I wonder how much current it requires at that rate. The handle is comfortably sized, easy to grip and the spout is well designed to pour smoothly into a cup with minimal risk of spilling. What’s more interesting is how effortlessly it detaches from the power base, perfectly balanced and operable with just one hand. Truly, thoughtfully crafted design.

There is also a button on top that flips open the lid with ease. Everything can be done single handedly, leaving the other free to hold a cup or do something else. If you are not clumsy like me, you will do it correctly all the time. The power cord is neither too long or too short, seemingly designed with a countertop outlet in mind. Its transparent plastic body, marked with water levels and illuminated by a soft light, makes it easy to read even in the dark. Pretty clever, innit?

Even the sleep walkers can prepare hot water with it. Okay, too much said.