Molly Ayala
Electric kettles are a common household appliance in the UK, with Brits drinking 100 million cups of tea daily. While there are many options available in the market, ranging from budget-friendly to premium models, are any of them actually made in the UK? This is an important question for consumers who value supporting local manufacturing and want to know the origins of the products they buy. In today's globalised market, it is worth exploring the landscape of electric kettle manufacturing to understand if and where UK-made kettles exist.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Country of manufacture | The UK |
| Brands | Richmond Kettles, Philips, Russell Hobbs, Simplex Tea Kettle, Strix, Sage, Smeg, Black & Decker, Cuisinart Signature Collection, Bella |
| Materials | Copper, chrome, lead-free ceramic, stainless steel, plastic, borosilicate glass, silicone |
| Features | Temperature control settings, "keep warm" functions, LED lights, fast-boiling technology, auto-shutoff function, boil dry protection, corded or cordless, BPA-free, removable limescale filter |
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What You'll Learn
Electric kettles made in the UK in the past
The history of electric kettles in the UK goes back to the late 19th century when electricity began to gain popularity in British homes. The first electric kettle is believed to have been manufactured by Crompton & Co. in 1891, using a unique electrical heat radiator concept devised by Colonel Rookes Evelyn Bell Crompton. However, some sources suggest that the Carpenter Electric Company of Chicago introduced the first electric kettle in the same year, 1891, featuring a heating resistor in a separate underwater compartment. In 1893, Crompton & Co. began featuring electric kettles in their catalogue, with the heating element housed in a separate compartment underneath the water storage area, a design that was inefficient compared to traditional stovetop kettles.
In the early 20th century, electric kettles continued to evolve, with G H Williamson and Sons of Worcester applying for a patent on a large spout opening that doubled as a storage space for a detachable handle in 1920. During the 1920s and 1930s, Premier kettles, manufactured in Birmingham, gained popularity. These kettles featured separate compartments for water and the heating element, with early models having ceramic or copper feet. The Premier Quickset, introduced in 1925, featured a safety cut-out mechanism, a replaceable fuse, and a reset button.
In 1922, an important innovation in electric kettle design was made by Leslie Large, an engineer at Bulpitt & Sons of Birmingham. He designed a heating element with a wire wound around a core and sheathed in a metal tube, allowing direct immersion in water, making the kettle significantly more efficient than stovetop alternatives. This design was incorporated into the 'Archer' electric kettle by Premier Electric Heaters in Birmingham in 1902, which was marketed as a luxury item.
In 1955, the British company Russell Hobbs introduced the first fully automatic kettle, the stainless steel K1 model. This kettle featured a bimetallic thermostat that cut off the current once the water reached a certain temperature, preventing evaporation and electric shocks associated with earlier designs. The Russell Hobbs K1 marked a significant advancement in electric kettle technology, and its design has been widely adopted by manufacturers worldwide.
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Electric kettles made in China
It seems that most electric kettles are now made in China, with many previously UK-made kettles now being manufactured in the Far East. This includes Philips, which used to make electric kettles in the UK, but now makes them in China. Similarly, Russell Hobbs kettles were previously made in the UK, but are now foreign-made.
Some consumers are unhappy about the shift to China-made kettles, citing concerns about the use of bad chemicals and lead from raw materials, as well as the potential for parts to break prematurely. There are also concerns about human rights abuses in China, with some consumers stating that they do not want to support "slave labour and communism".
However, it is difficult to find electric kettles that are not made in China. Even brands that are based in other countries, such as Tiger Corporation and Zojirushi in Japan, and Mueller and Bodum in Europe, outsource their production to China for products sold outside their home countries.
Some alternatives to China-made electric kettles include:
- Ottoni Fabbrica, an Italian brand that sells to Europe
- Chemex, an American brand that may make electric kettles
- Strix, a manufacturer of kettle controls, thermostats, and water boiling elements based in the Isle of Man
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Electric kettles with plastic components
While some kettles are marketed as "BPA-free", a 2014 study found that even these products can release estrogenic chemicals when exposed to heat. Therefore, consumers concerned about their health and the environment are increasingly opting for non-toxic, plastic-free kettles made from materials like stainless steel, borosilicate glass, or ceramic. These kettles are free from toxic materials and do not release harmful chemicals into the water.
However, finding a truly plastic-free kettle can be challenging, as many stainless steel or glass kettles still have small plastic components inside, particularly in the lid, spout, or filter. Additionally, borosilicate glass kettles are often made with plastic lids, defeating the purpose of avoiding plastic contact with boiling water.
When choosing an electric kettle, it is essential to consider not only the potential health risks associated with plastic components but also the environmental impact of plastic waste. While plastic-free kettles may come with a higher price tag, they offer peace of mind and a reduced risk of exposure to toxic chemicals.
To ensure a safe and healthy drinking experience, consumers should opt for kettles made with food-grade stainless steel, borosilicate glass, or ceramic, minimizing the presence of plastic parts, especially those that come into contact with boiling water. Regular descaling and cleaning of the kettle are also recommended to maintain optimal performance and reduce any potential health risks associated with plastic components.
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Electric kettles with glass components
While most kettles are now made in China, there are a few electric kettles with glass components that are manufactured in the UK.
Philips used to make electric kettles in the UK, and while they have since moved their production to the Far East, you may be able to find some older models that were made in England. For example, the vintage Philips HD 4601 Filterline electric kettle from the late 1990s was made in England.
The British Domestic Appliance Company also claims that once in production, their electric kettle will be the only one manufactured in the UK. This classic kettle will be supplied in a range of off-the-shelf patterns and aims to build local businesses while reducing the environmental impact of importing kettles from thousands of miles away.
If you are looking for a glass kettle specifically, some concerns have been raised about BPA in plastic kettles, and glass kettles can be a stylish and clean alternative. While it is not made in the UK, Argos offers a glass and stainless steel illuminating kettle from Cookworks that allows you to see the water from any angle.
In summary, while there may be limited options for electric kettles with glass components made in the UK, you can consider older models from Philips or keep an eye out for the upcoming release from the British Domestic Appliance Company. Alternatively, you can explore options like the glass kettle from Cookworks or even a non-electric glass kettle from a British company like Simplex or Netherton Foundry.
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Electric kettles with stainless steel components
While it is unclear whether any electric kettles are made in the UK, there are several electric kettles with stainless steel components available for purchase. Stainless steel kettles are more energy efficient, saving you more money over time, but they generally cost more than £60.
The Aarke Kettle, for example, is crafted in stainless steel with a heat-safe handle and offers a unique combination of functionality, design, and engineering. It has a wide opening and seamless surfaces for easy cleaning, as well as a removable limescale filter. The Aarke Kettle also features a smart double-wall design, making it a quiet and energy-efficient kettle that retains heat and keeps water warm for longer. It offers variable temperature settings ranging from 104° to 212°F and includes an LED temperature indicator.
The OXO Brew Gooseneck Kettle is another option with an all-steel body and lid. It offers variable temperature control, allowing temperature adjustments in 1-degree increments from 140 to 212 degrees Fahrenheit (or 40 to 100 degrees Celsius). The OXO kettle also comes in a stainless steel finish, providing a modern aesthetic for those who prefer it over matte black or white options.
Other electric kettles with stainless steel components include the Cosori Electric Kettle with an upgraded stainless steel filter and inner lid, the AmazonBasics Stainless Steel Electric Kettle, the KitchenAid 1.25-Liter Electric Kettle, and the Russell Hobbs range of kettles. These kettles vary in features, performance, and price, so it is essential to consider your specific needs and preferences when making a purchase decision.
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