Kettles are useful appliances in the kitchen, helping us to have hot beverages throughout the day. Like with any kitchen appliance, there will always be safety concerns. In this article we outline some simple safety tips to take on in the home to ensure you are using your kettle safely.
Always follow water filling guidelines.
Your kettle is likely to have a minimum and maximum line when filling. You should always follow these regardless of the amount of water you need to boil. For example, you should not fill over the maximum line as this will be too much for the kettle and it risks the water from overflowing whilst heating up. Following these lines not only prevents the kettle from overflowing, but also ensures you get an effective boil. If there is not enough water to the minimum line, the kettle may cut out automatically as a safety feature as there is not enough water to boil without damaging parts.
Ensure that the lid is securely closed before boiling.
Before boiling, you should always be checking that the lid has clicked into position. If not, it may open slightly during the boil which can cause problems with performance. This may mean that the water takes longer to boil as the heat is escaping, but may also result in the kettle leaking out of the lid.
If you do notice that the lid isn’t shutting securely, check for any limescale or mineral build-up around the edges before switching on. This build-up can happen over time and simply descaling the kettle should remove this and ensure the lid shuts. You can do by using a descaling solution, or trying a descaling hack such as lemons.
Be aware of the power cord.
Positioning the power cord of a kettle carefully is crucial to ensure safety. You can place the cord away from the edge of countertops or surfaces to prevent accidental tugging and reduce the risk of the kettle falling. Keeping the cord away from hot surfaces prevents melting or fire hazards. It also prevents tripping over loose cords, especially in busy kitchens.
Do not leave the kettle unattended.
We recommend having set rules when using your kettle such as not leaving the kettle unattended. This allows you to keep an eye on it whilst it is boiling, and gives you the opportunity to switch off when it has reached the boil and no longer needs to operate.
Properly handle your kettle with care.
As mundane as it sounds, the way we handle a kettle plays a big role in the general safety of the appliance. This is because the way we hold and use the kettle effects the way the boiling water flows out of the spout. For example, being careful when pouring, ensuring you are pouring from a lower height reduces the risk of water splashing back.
Regularly maintain your appliance.
To keep your kettle safe and operating at peak performance, ensure you maintain your appliance as per your user manual instructions. This means descaling regularly to prevent limescale from building up which can damage the internal workings of the appliance, and wiping down any dirt that may form on the outer casing.
Keep the kettle out of reach of children and pets.
Your kettle should also be out of the reach of children and away from areas where pets may be able to reach. This prevents any accidental knocks and always keeps you in control of your appliance.
Conclusion
Whilst it may seem a lot to lay out ground rules using your kettle, it can minimise any safety concerns with your appliance. For specific information regarding looking after your appliance, refer to your user manual or contact the relevant support team for further assistance.