An electric kettle is a perfect companion to thermos cooking at home. It boils water faster than any other method. Here are the results of our test of boiling 3 cups of water using various methods:
- Electric Kettle: 3 minutes 23 seconds
- Microwave: 6 minutes 20 seconds
- Gas stove: 6 minutes 51 seconds
As you can see, you’ll be sitting around a lot longer waiting for water to boil on the stove or in your microwave.
Also, it makes me nervous to boil water in the microwave because it can become super heated and explode when you go to remove it from the microwave. Because of this, you’ll always want to place something – a chopstick, wooden stir stick, etc. – into the water. This will provide an irregular surface so that bubbles can form and be released in the boiling process.
Boiling water on the stove is problematic as well, especially when you’re trying to pour the boiling water from the pan into a small opening of the thermos. An electric kettle has a pour spout that can direct the boiling water exactly where you want it to go.
I’ve owned a used a Breville electric kettle for a years and I’ve been really happy with it. I’ve also heard good reports about the Aroma-brand kettles. I like buying from Amazon because they have a great selection and I usually can’t find kettles in my local department stores.
The wooden stick in the microwaved cup doesn’t dissipate heat directly – it’s a lousy conductor – it provides an irregular surface so that bubbles can form from the boiling process. The bubbles convey heat from the water to the air, thereby dissipating heat.
You are exactly right Mark. That’s what I was trying to say, but you explained it perfectly. If you don’t mind, I’ll add your description to the article.
Well, I never read the review so shame on me. I don’t have a problem ’cause I don’t heat the water that long but will have a something in the cup from now on. Thanks, Mom