How Kettle Thermostat works

When you boil water for tea, coffee or a cup of instant oatmeal, it's essential to know how hot the water is. A kettle thermostat is a small device that switches the power to the heating element off when the water reaches boiling point.

It's a surprisingly simple way to ensure your tea, coffee or instant oatmeal is brewed at the perfect temperature. It relies on physics and materials science, rather than an onboard computer.

Features

Kettle thermostats are used to set the temperature of boiling water. They work by using a bimetallic rod or disc that expands and contracts when exposed to high temperatures.

There are several types of kettle thermostats available on the market. Some of them are programmable and allow you to set the temperature in 5-degree increments.

Some also have a timer that shuts off the element once it has reached the desired temperature. This feature can save you money on energy costs and keep the element safe from burns and sparks.

Another type of kettle thermostat is a non-programmable model that only has a small knob to control the heating process. It may also have a lighted indicator to show when it has reached the desired temperature.

Functions

The main function of a kettle thermostat is to switch the heating element off when the water in the kettle reaches a certain temperature. This ensures that the water boils properly and does not burn or boil off as you pour it.

An electric kettle works by using a metal coil (or 'heating element') that sits at the base of the kettle. It has a high resistance, so when an electric current flows through it it turns electricity into heat.

That heat causes the water to rise up and the colder water to sink down. This continues as the water gets warmer and warmer until it reaches the boiling point.

When the water in the kettle reaches a set temperature, it triggers an air tube that runs from the top to the thermostat. When the steam from the boiling water comes into contact with this air tube, it causes the temperature to rise rapidly. This triggers the thermostat, which in turn cuts off the power to the heating element.

Cost

A kettle thermostat is a mechanism that auto-shuts off your electric kettle once it has reached the temperature you’ve set. It’s a great way to save time without having to wait for the kettle to boil again.

How it works

When you turn on your kettle, the electrical current flows through a metal coil, which is either situated within or under the water. The coil has a high electrical resistance, which turns that energy into heat.

The result is that the water in the kettle warms up and the colder water sinks to the bottom. This circulation is repeated, and the water eventually reaches boiling point.

Kettles with a thermostat typically have low, medium and high temperature settings. While this can be a handy option for coffee and tea enthusiasts, it’s important to remember that those settings may not always be accurate. It’s also best to double-check the settings with a thermometer if you rely on them for precise brewing.
Alternatives

If you’re a tea lover, consider buying a kettle with temperature control. These are great for brewing tea at a precise temperature (hotter for black and herbal teas, cooler for green and white teas) that will make a difference in the flavor of your drink.

Another option is a glass kettle that won’t heat up the entire water, but rather only heats the water to a certain level. This can save energy and keep the kettle cleaner since it prevents the water from getting a bad taste.