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Why don't Americans use electric kettles?

(And why that might be changing...)

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What’s the first thing you do when you fancy a cuppa? Probably fill a kettle. But that’s not the case everywhere. If you’ve ever been on TikTok or Instagram, you might have seen that in the United States, electric kettles are just not as popular. In fact, you’re just as likely to see Americans pop their tea in the microwave. Sacrilege!

But does America have kettles? Generally speaking, they’re actually quite rare. And we reckon this is for a number of reasons, including cultural preferences and differences in voltage. We’ll explore why electric kettles aren’t the go-to water boiler in the US, but why also our American friends might be shifting to electric kettles too.

So pop the kettle and take a seat…

Voltage difference explained

One key reason for the minimal use of electric kettles in the US is the difference in voltage. The electrical system in the US operates at 110-120 volts, while most electric kettles are designed to be used with 220-240 volts. As a result, electric kettles in America take longer to boil and may not function as efficiently as here, so we can’t blame them for giving kettles a miss.

Cultural preferences: coffee vs. tea

Another boiling issue is that in the USA, coffee is a more popular morning pick-me-up than tea. Americans drink more than a whopping 145 billion cups of coffee per year, compared to 85 billion cups of tea.

And because lots of coffee drinkers use coffee machines of all kinds, there’s no need to boil water separately. Even homes that don’t use coffee machine, are more likely to use a stove or a microwave. As a result, there may not be as much demand for electric kettles in the US.

Alternatives to electric kettles

Despite the lack of popularity, Americans still have plenty of options when it comes to boiling water. Two common alternatives to electric kettles are stovetop kettles and microwaves.

Stovetop kettles

Stovetop kettles are heated on the hob and have been around for centuries. In the UK, you’re more likely to take one of these on a camping trip, but you won’t often find them in our kitchens.

Microwave use

Microwaves can also be used to boil water, although they are generally not as fast as electric kettles.

But there’s a good reason to stick to the electric kettle, since they’re pretty energy efficient. Yes, even black kettles can claim to be pretty green. Kettles are about 80% efficient at converting power into boiling water - since the coils sit in the water and kettle’s are generally well insulated. Compare this to stovetop kettles (70%) and microwaves (50%).

And they’re cost effective too. Go for a brand like Grundig kettles and you’ll get plenty of boil for you buck.

The rise of electric kettles in the US

Despite all this, it is a bit of a myth that the US don’t use electric kettles. In fact in recent years, electric kettles have seen a rise in popularity in the US. This may be due to more people discovering the convenience and speed of electric kettles.

And there’s another reason too. Americans are becoming tea drinkers! According to thehill.com, the USA imported $508 million worth of tea in 2023, nearly double the amount imported thirty years ago. Part of this is down to health trends, as coffee-hooked Americans look for alternative pick-me-ups. Tea is also less acidic than coffee, and can be a bit more friendly for people with dietary restrictions.

Changing attitudes

As Americans become more accustomed to electric kettles, their attitudes will likely continue to change. For example, many people are now using electric kettles in offices and homes to make tea and other hot beverages. Millenials are also the most likely to drink tea - with black and green being top teas. This will likely to see electric kettles adapting to the American market, with an emphasis on quicker boil times.

But kettles are keeping up with the times too. Whether quick boil, energy effcieint kettles or Wi-Fi connected kettles,

FAQs

Are electric kettles slower in the US?

Yes, due to the voltage difference, electric kettles in the US take longer to boil water than in other parts of the world.

Can I use a UK kettle in the US?

It is not recommended to use a UK kettle in the US due to the voltage difference.

How do most Americans boil water?

Stovetop kettles and microwaves are the most commonly used methods for boiling water in the US but (as we’ve seen) kettles have been on the rise too.

Want to get better tech for your countertop? Check out our Small appliances buying guide for inspiration!

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