this post was submitted on 03 Aug 2023
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Voltage isn't an issue iirc, just that it isn't in our "culture" to use kettles. Of my extended family (20+) there's only 2 who have kettles.
voltage is a bit of a factor - electric kettles heat water more slowly (about half) in the US than in somewhere like the UK. There's a definete cultural aspect as well, but I think more people would hop on it if (as in the UK) having one meant basically instant access to boiling water
The amount of time it takes for our US kettle to reach temperature is ridiculous. My wife and I have a kettle that I only really use when I make us a pot of tea. It takes about 5 minutes to bring a liter of water to a boil and it doesn't get much better with less water. If I'm just making one cup, I'm just gonna put it in the microwave.
I've seriously considered getting a 220V outlet installed just for a proper kettle. We like our hot beverages, so I kinda think it would be worth it.
Might need to descale your kettle. Mine doesnβt take 5 minutes to heat a liter, and itβs on 120v.
Totally agree, I used to use an electric kettle for my coffee every morning and while waiting for it to boil, I could
All before being ready to pour
It's still the fastest way to heat water. It's just that people don't really care. It has nothing to do with the fucking voltage.
Yeah sorry I meant to say I know I've seen it mentioned as a factor before, didn't know whether it's actually true or not. If that's not a factor, get on it Murica.
Voltage * Amps tells you how fast the water will boil. So lower voltage can be fixed with higher amps.
The UK runs at 230V and 13A, ~3kW max. The US is typically at 120V and 15A, 1.8kW max. Though 20A circuits exist, 2.4kW.
But US kettles are 1800W or less. Doesn't matter what the circuit can support. Have a 240V plug wired from your oven or range circuit, then buy the UK version.
In Canada, the building code requires 20A sockets in kitchens. Obviously this only impacts new construction.