If you find yourself away from the comforts of your kitchen – and you miss sitting down with a nice warm cuppa – it might be time to invest in the ultimate travel accessory. The cordless travel kettle!
When you want to brew up a cup of tea on the go, a cordless kettle is the perfect buy. Here, we tell you about all the features to look out for when you’re on the hunt for one. And to make things even easier, we’ve put together a list of three of the best you can get right now.
What to look for in a cordless kettle
The best travel kettle is really going to differ from person to person. But a reliable one will make you feel right at home wherever you are - especially for us Brits. Before you buy though, have a quick read of these. They might help a bit with picking out your new cordless kettle…
Size and weight – You don’t want it taking up too much space in your luggage or adding unnecessary weight. So, make sure it’s light and not too bulky.
Capacity – Think about how much water you’ll need. If you’re travelling alone, a smaller one will be fine. But if you’re with family or friends, you might want to go bigger.
Boiling speed – Time is precious, especially when you’re on holiday. Look for a kettle that’ll boil water quickly. Some models will heat up in just a couple of minutes.
Power source – Check whether the kettle is compatible with the power outlets in the countries you’ll be visiting. Some kettles have dual voltage options, which can be really useful.
Safety features – Splashing yourself with scolding hot water isn’t much fun. Luckily, lots use clever safety functions that’ll stop you from hurting yourself if anything goes wrong.
Durability – Travel can be tough on your gear. Choose a kettle built from sturdy materials that can handle a few bumps and knocks.
Easy to use – A good travel kettle should be easy to fill, pour and clean. Look for a wide opening and a comfy handle.
Top cordless kettles
Not sure which sort of cordless kettle is worth buying? We’ve rounded up some of our favourites…
Bosch MyMoments jug kettle
Even if you’re in a rush for your flight, there’s still time for a tea. The Bosch MyMoments kettle is absolutely rapid when it comes to boiling water. Fill it up and you’ll be able to boil one cup in under a minute. There’s no chance of missing your taxi here.
Breville Linear VKT244 jug kettle
Limescale can leave you with a chalky, metallic aftertaste. But with the Breville Linear VKT244, you’ll have a fresh tasting cuppa every single time. And that’s all down to the removeable limescale filter, which stops it from building up in the kettle. The result? You can enjoy a coffee every morning of your hols that’s full of flavour. Lovely stuff.
Tefal Includeo jug kettle
The dinkiest of the three here, the Tefal Includeo is small but mighty. It’s still rocking a 1-litre capacity, holding up to four cups of water. So, when you and the gang get to the hotel after a long road trip - and are desperate for a brew – everyone can have one. And because of that mini size, it’s not going to take up loads of room in the boot either.
Why choose a cordless kettle?
Cordless kettles have a few handy features that make them a great shout for when you’re on the move…
Convenience – Because there’s no cord, they’re easy to move around. And that’s pretty useful if you’re in a small hotel room or a cramped kitchen.
Portability – Their compact, lightweight build means carrying one around won’t do a number on your back and shoulders. And they won’t take up tons of room in your bag either.
Versatility – You can use a cordless kettle anywhere there’s a power outlet. So, you can have a hot drink in your hotel room, at a campsite, or even in your car (if you’ve got the right adapter).
Quick and efficient – They’re designed to boil water quickly – you won’t have to wait long for your tea or coffee.
Safety – Many come with safety features like automatic shut-off and boil-dry protection, lowering the chance of any accidents.
Cordless kettles vs. traditional kettles
If you’re weighing up a cordless kettle and a traditional one, here’s a few things to think about first:
Mobility – You’re not tethered to a power outlet with a cordless kettle, making it perfect for travel.
Ease of use – Without a cord, cordless kettles are easier to handle and pour. Traditional kettles can be a bit heavy and cumbersome, especially if the cord gets in the way.
Boiling speed – Both types will boil water nice and fast, but cordless kettles usually have the edge when it comes to speed.
Safety – Remember those safety features we mentioned up above? Some traditional kettles might not have these at all.
Design – Cordless kettles usually have a modern, sleek look. On the other side, traditional kettles are exactly what they sound like – classic and nostalgic.
Versatility – You’re limited to using a traditional kettle at home. Whereas cordless kettles can be used from hotel rooms to campsites.
Maintenance tips for your cordless kettle
To keep your cordless kettle in tip top shape, it’s going to need a bit of TLC here and there…
Regular cleaning – Clean your kettle every so often to stop limescale buildup. Use a mixture of water and vinegar to descale the inside, then rinse it out thoroughly afterwards.
Dry after use – Always empty and dry your kettle after you’ve used it. This’ll prevent water spots and limescale.
Check the filter – A lot of kettles have a removable filter that’s there to catch limescale. Check and clean this filter regularly to keep your kettle working properly.
Inspect the cordless base – Make sure the base is clean and clear of any debris. This guarantees a good connection and means there won’t be any electrical issues.
Store properly – When you’re not making a brew, store your kettle in a dry place. Don’t wrap the cord tightly around the base though, as it can cause damage over time.
Handle with care – Even though your standard travel kettle is designed to be durable, try and be careful with them. Avoid dropping them or accidentally banging them against hard surfaces. Otherwise, you might find yourself needing a replacement sooner rather than later.
So, that’s everything you need to know about the humble travel kettle. Need some more kettle advice? We’ve got you covered. What makes an energy-efficient kettle? Our handy guide could save you a bit of cash. And if you want to take your brews up a notch, you could always celebrate national tea day with a perfect cuppa. There’s a science behind it you know.
