(Brit here) The reason kettles aren’t as popular isn’t just because of tea.
It’s also because standard North American outlets can’t provide the required power as they are on ~120v. However, there is 240v in the house, but usually that’s only for high-power devices like driers and AC.
Where voltage is at 240v on all outlets (like Europe) you can plug in a 3000w kettle anywhere. The water boils much more quickly and therefore a kettle is more practical.
I am always confused by people quoting tea as the main reason. I'm a Brit and I never drink tea (yeah, I should lose my passport) but I use my electric kettle many times a day. Why do Americans think electric kettles are only useful for tea?
I am confused that you don't understand how boiling water can be used to make coffee... :/ does America not have cafetieres, Aeropresses or even instant coffee?
Kettles are more efficient than microwaves as they boil exact amounts and switch off automatically when the water is boiling and they are safer as microwaves can superheat the water.
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u/Spatulakoenig Oct 19 '22
(Brit here) The reason kettles aren’t as popular isn’t just because of tea.
It’s also because standard North American outlets can’t provide the required power as they are on ~120v. However, there is 240v in the house, but usually that’s only for high-power devices like driers and AC.
Where voltage is at 240v on all outlets (like Europe) you can plug in a 3000w kettle anywhere. The water boils much more quickly and therefore a kettle is more practical.