While we're on the subject. Kettle Vs Microwave Vs Electric Kettle

You ever met someone that is seriously picky about something that most wouldn't pay much attention to? Perhaps you'd describe them as persnickety. To some they may be a tad eccentric. Others may think them unhinged, missing a few marbles. It's one thing to talk about someone else that demonstrates these characteristics. It's something altogether different when people talk about you in this way. There's no nice way to put it. I am all of those things. I can assure you that this specific character trait can and will complicate every single relationship you have. From your spouse to the gas station attendant. I've learned to control it for the most part. But every now and again I let the caviling canis out of the cage. I'll give you a few examples so you can understand more fully the level of persnickety we're talking about.

If I walk into a restaurant and see multiple dirty tables and seemingly ample staff to rectify the issue, I'll turn around and walk. I'm not saying they're lazy. In fact I'm fully aware any number of things could be going on behind the scenes. I'm actually judging them, I've just seen too many episodes of Kitchen Nightmares.

Then there's wrinkles. I abhor wrinkles. When I interact with people in any professional capacity (I'll admit it. Personal interactions too) and their clothes are wrinkled, I can't take them seriously. I am keenly aware of how this must sound. I've grown a lot since having children so I'm far more understanding and tame. But sometimes, I just don't like to compromise.

Food and drinks are a great example. I'm far too old and particular to settle these days. So I do the leg work required to find what I really want. I'm obsessed with tea so today, kettles are my focus.

The electric tea kettle, microwave and stove-top kettle are all appliances used for heating water, but they differ in terms of functionality and convenience. The electric tea kettle is designed specifically for boiling water and offers a quick and efficient way to make tea or coffee. It is compact, easy to use and boils water rapidly. On the other hand, the microwave is a versatile appliance that can heat water as well as perform various other cooking functions. While it may take longer to boil water in the microwave compared to the electric kettle, it provides the advantage of multi-functionality. Lastly, the stove-top kettle requires a stove or heat source to boil water. It offers a traditional and hands-on approach to boiling water but may take longer and require more effort. Overall, the choice of appliance depends on personal preference and the desired functionality.

Well, we can toss "Chef Mike", right out of the gate. It's a terrible cooking method and should only be used in extenuating circumstances. I do not own one and I have no intention of procuring one any time soon. I'm not saying that in the future we will regard them as something akin to the arsenic laden makeup of the Victorian Era. But I'm not, not saying that either. In any case, lets move on to the stove top method. I'll be honest. This, as of this review, is my personal preference. Something about the ritual, I suppose.

Maybe it's the smell of the heat reacting with the steel. Perhaps that satisfying whistle when you reached peak temperature. The ritual of filling the kettle with clean, cool water then placing it on the stove-top while you prepare your nest. A warm quilt in your favorite spot. A dog eared copy of The Silmarillion or Roadside Geology of Washington, begging to be held and read. The anticipation is something entirely different from anything else. Somehow patience is in ample supply. Your cup is warmed and ready to be filled. A favorite tea standing ready for its plunge into the steaming cup. The ritual is so calming and reassuring. But you do pay the utilities bill. It's expensive. At least where we live it is. My Gran used to say "take care of the pennies and nickles and the dollars will take care of themselves". Truer words have never been uttered or spoken. That leaves one other method, The Electric Kettle.

I'll be honest, I was not a fan. You could say I felt the same way about an electric kettles as most chefs feel about the Air Fryer. Just another counter cluttering, pointless appliance. If you bought all of the contraptions you see, soon your counter-top would be bestrew with corporate rubbish. Leaving no room for actual cooking, baking and preparation. That's what I thought at first.

I drink all types of tea. Some require different temperatures for the optimal steep. I was used to using a candy thermometer to brew appropriately. When the Electric Kettle ended up on my counter-top, I decided to give it a chance. I had some delicious Oolong that suggests a 190 degree(F) temperature. Not convinced it would be accurate, my trusted thermometer in hand. I tested it. I'll be damned, it was actually accurate! I was both disappointed and intrigued. What else could this contraption do? We'll head down that rabbit trail some other time.

My last question. Was it actually more energy efficient? The short answer is yes. Without going into the kwh (kilowatt hours) of each and the type of energy or fuel source your stove-top uses, at least. What you can't argue is using an electric kettle is generally more efficient, stable and precise. And my Oolong came out wonderfully!

So for my money, The Electric Kettle wins.