How we pick our products
You want to heat water quickly and safely? Glass kettles are the right choice, because they heat water without emitting harmful substances as plastic containers can do. The glass material not only offers health benefits, but is also environmentally friendly and does not adulterate the taste of water.
With the following glass water boiler test 2023 we want to help you find the best glass water boiler for you. Depending on your needs, you can choose between electric, cordless glass kettles or devices for the cooker or microwave. We also show you some great additional features that your glass kettle can have.
The most important
- Unlike kettles made of plastic or stainless steel, the jugs in glass kettles are made of glass. This has health benefits and is more environmentally friendly.
- One variant is the electric, cordless glass kettle with contact station. The second option is the glass water boiler for the cooker or microwave.
- Electric glass water boilers heat the water through a contact station connected to the electricity, work faster and often have additional features such as LED lighting. Hot water boilers for the cooker or microwave are simple glass jugs in which the water is boiled.
Glass Kettle in the United Kingdom: Our Selection
Guide: Questions you should ask yourself before buying a glass kettle
What is the advantage of glass kettles?
One of the most significant advantages concerns the health aspect. Recently, there has been a lot of discussion about the health relevance of plastic products. This also applies to kettles.
Conventional appliances are made of plastic or metal and can therefore be harmful to health. Especially devices made of plastic can leave pollutants in the heated water when used frequently, which is a health problem especially for babies and children.
In addition, plastic or metal appliances can distort the taste of the water. This process does not occur with a glass kettle. Glass leaves the water with its neutral taste.
Another advantage is that germs cannot settle so quickly in glass water boilers. The glass structure has no pores, so boiling water is more hygienic. In addition, limescale deposits and dirt are much easier to see through the transparency of glass and can therefore be removed immediately.
On the other hand, a glass water heater also appears dirty more quickly and fingerprints in particular are visible more quickly than with comparable products made of other materials.
Another positive aspect is that the heated water is kept warm for longer thanks to the heat-insulating properties of glass. So you can always fall back on a smaller amount of water. This is particularly suitable for a household with a few people, where small amounts of hot water are needed throughout the day.
Finally, another not insignificant aspect: glass kettles convince with their simple and stylish design. In contrast to many a plastic or stainless steel appliance, they almost have an elegant and futuristic design. So they are definitely a highlight in every kitchen.
The biggest advantage of glass kettles is, of course, the material. In contrast to plastic or stainless steel appliances, glass does not release any harmful substances into the water, is more environmentally friendly and does not adulterate the taste of the water.
Does a glass water maker break quickly?
Of course, they are nevertheless more susceptible to shattering or breaking than similar devices made of plastic or stainless steel. You should bear this in mind especially if you have a household with children. However, if you handle your appliance with care, it will last just as long as comparable products made of other materials.
Can a glass kettle leak?
However, if the glass kettle is cracked or broken because it has been dropped, water can of course leak out. In this case, the appliance is broken and a new one must be purchased. However, since glass kettles are made of very sturdy glass, a crack should not occur so quickly if the kettle is handled with normal care.
If it turns out that the newly purchased glass appliance is leaking, it must be returned immediately. This is due to poor workmanship. It is therefore advisable to research the internet for experiences or recommendations before buying. This way, you will be alerted to potential defects of a product early on and can choose the right appliance.
What is the capacity of glass kettles and how many watts/volts do the electric versions run on?
So you can find an appliance that is adapted to your individual water needs. Electric kettles are generally operated with a voltage of 12 or 24 volts. The wattage is approximately in the range of 2000 watts. Of course, the wattage depends on the power and additional functions of the appliance.
What additional functions can glass water boilers have?
The most common additional functions are:
- LED lighting
- Temperature control, preselection
- Keep-warm function
- Filter
LED lighting
A very popular additional function is LED lighting. This is usually blue, but can also be available in different colours with colour changes and light plays. This feature enhances the already modern and stylish design of a glass water boiler.
Temperature control, preselection
In addition, there is often the option of setting the temperature by means of a preselector or a regulator and having it shown on a display. In particularly high-quality appliances, this is even possible via touch control.
Keep-warm function
Another useful function is the keep-warm function, which is available on some appliances. The boiled water can be kept warm for up to several hours. This is ideal if you need small amounts of hot water every now and then.
Filter
Glass kettles can also be equipped with different filters. Often there are water or limescale filters. Some devices also have a tea strainer so that loose tea can be prepared directly in the kettle.
Electric, cordless glass kettles with contact station are nowadays often equipped with many additional features. The most popular is the LED lighting, which makes boiling water a visual highlight.
Decision: What types of glass kettles are there and which is the right one for you?
In principle, a distinction can be made between two types of glass kettles:
- Electric, cordless glass water boiler with contact station
- Glass water boiler for the cooker or microwave oven
The two forms of the kettle differ in their functions and thus bring advantages as well as disadvantages in their use and results. Which water heater is best suited to your needs depends on your personal preferences.
Did you know that kettles can make hot water in less than 3 minutes, depending on their power?
That makes them faster than any cooker top, beaten only by traditional gas cookers.
To help you decide between the two variants, you will find a detailed presentation of the two products mentioned below with a list of advantages and disadvantages.
How does a cordless glass water boiler with contact station work and what are the advantages and disadvantages?
Probably the best known type of glass kettle is the cordless kettle with contact station. First, the water is filled into the glass jug. Then the filled glass jug is placed on the contact station. This station is connected to the electricity and thus brings the water to the boil.
Did you know that some cookers with an open heating element release nickel into the water?
In these appliances, the heating element lies directly in the water like an immersion heater mounted on the bottom. Depending on the material of the filament, metals can dissolve into the water when heated. Nickel is a common contact allergen: sensitised people react with inflammation of the skin on contact.
Such kettles without cables have many advantages. This starts with their appearance. They convince with a clear and modern design that becomes an eye-catcher in every kitchen.
In addition to their appearance, they are distinguished by many other features, such as temperature preselection or temperature control, depending on the model. Another highlight is the LED lighting, which makes boiling water almost an experience.
Various light effects and colour changes are often possible here. The cordless jug is particularly practical. You can pour the water easily and transport it without any problems.
One disadvantage is that the device is not completely made of glass. Other materials such as stainless steel or plastic have also been used. Only the water jug is made entirely of glass in most of the glass kettles on offer. However, since the water is exclusively in the glass jug, no other materials come into contact with the heated water.
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For everyday use and uncomplicated heating of water, this appliance is ideal.
How does a glass water maker for the cooker or microwave work and what are the advantages and disadvantages?
The glass kettle that heats water on the cooker or in the microwave is the second form of a glass water boiler. This kettle scores with its extremely easy handling as well as its 100 per cent health-safe material.
Water makers like these are placed on the cooker like a conventional pot to heat water easily and quickly. Additionally, the product can be used in the microwave. Unlike the cordless electric glass kettle, the glass pot can also be used to serve tea as it looks like a regular teapot.
The biggest advantage lies in the material. This kettle is made entirely of very shatterproof borosilicate glass and is therefore free of metal and plastic. Optionally, some glass kettles can have a tea filter, which is then made of metal, but does not have to be used.
Unlike the electric appliances with a contact station, these glass kettles are smaller and can therefore be stored more easily in kitchen cupboards. However, these glass kettles are not very present on the market. Online, they are only sold by a few manufacturers, which limits the choice.
Buying criteria: Use these factors to compare and evaluate glass kettles
In the following, we would like to show you which factors and features you can use to compare and evaluate glass kettles. This will make it easier for you to make a purchase decision and find the ideal appliance for you.
In summary, these are the factors:
- Weight / dimensions
- Capacity
- Power
- Design / Colour
- Product safety
- Additional functions
In the following paragraphs you can read about the individual purchase criteria and how you can classify them.
Weight / Dimensions
When choosing your glass kettle, not only the weight but also the dimensions of the kettle can play a role. Glass is a heavier material than plastic and stainless steel. Therefore, glass kettles weigh more than comparable kettles made of plastic or stainless steel. In principle, you should expect the item to weigh between 1.5 and 2 kilograms.
Of course, the weight also depends on the capacity of the kettle. An appliance with a larger container weighs more. If you are looking for a very light kettle, you should go for the variant for the cooker or microwave. These glass jugs only weigh around 750 grams.
The dimensions of a glass water maker play a role if the appliance is to be permanently placed in the kitchen or tucked away in a cupboard with limited space.
Capacity
The capacity can play a central role when buying a glass water boiler. Depending on the intended use, a larger or smaller amount of heated water is needed. For a household with only a few people or only one person, an appliance with a smaller capacity is sufficient.
If, on the other hand, the kettle is to supply an entire office or a family with many members, a high-capacity kettle should be chosen. A capacity of 1.5 litres or more allows several people to use hot water at the same time.
Power
The power of the glass kettle is related to the duration of the heating process. Most electric glass kettles have a power of around 2000 watts. If a particularly fast heating is important, you should go for products with higher power ratings. Such higher-powered devices are available up to 3000 watts.
The higher the maximum power of the electric kettle, the faster the water is heated.
Design / colour
Since glass kettles (at least the electric version) often have a permanent place in the kitchen, the design and colour are also decisive for the purchase.
In principle, you can say that glass kettles already have a very modern and stylish design due to the material glass. This modern appearance can be made even more stylish by using muted colours such as black, silver or white.
The available colours mostly depend on the additional material processed. If the housing is made of stainless steel, the glass kettle is silver.
If plastic is used, many other colours can be available besides white and black. However, most glass kettles on the market are characterised by plain and simple designs. Colourful glass kettles are harder to find.
Product safety
The safety of the glass kettle should play a big role in deciding which product is right for you. After all, it is a fragile material and a not entirely harmless process.
With glass water boilers, it is important to make sure that the water containers are made of very shatterproof glass. This is the only way to guarantee that the kettle will not shatter into a thousand pieces in the event of minor knocks or a slight impact.
You should not only pay attention to the type of glass used in terms of break resistance. Special glass is needed to withstand extreme temperatures. During the cooking process (whether electric or on the stove/microwave), the glass is exposed to temperatures of around 100°C. Normal glass would not withstand these temperatures. Normal glass would not withstand these temperatures
With electric glass kettles, there are a number of other factors that significantly increase the safety of the product.
These are:
- Safety lid
- Automatic switch-off
- Overheating protection
- Dry-boil protection
Safety lid
Many glass kettles have special safety lids that are locked. These locks can usually be released by pressing a button on the handle or lid. Safety lids prevent the sudden opening of the container or the uncontrolled pouring out of hot water, which can be very dangerous.
Automatic switch-off
This automatic feature causes the kettle to switch itself off when it reaches a certain temperature. This not only helps to save energy, but also increases the safety of the water maker.
Overheating protection
The overheating protection is an important purchase criterion. This function increases the safety of the kettle many times over. If the kettle is defective for whatever reason, the safety function may be disrupted.
The water will then continue to boil. This is particularly dangerous when all the water has evaporated. Then the kettle overheats and a short circuit can occur. Scenarios like this can be avoided with built-in overheating protection.
Dry-boil protection
The dry-boil protection is another important safety feature. It ensures that the kettle switches off automatically if the water level is too low.
The safety of your kettle is very important. If an appliance lacks important safety features, you can scald yourself more easily and it is easier for a short circuit to occur.
Additional features
In addition to the buying criteria mentioned above, the additional features are also important features that can make the decision easier.
Additionally available features are:
- 360°C rotating contact station
- Limescale filter
- Water level indicator
- LED lighting
- Temperature control
360°C rotatable contact station
A factor that is particularly relevant for left-handers. The 360° rotatable contact station allows the kettle to be placed on the base from any position. This results in particularly convenient and practical handling. Whether right- or left-handed, kettles with this feature are suitable for all.
Limescale filter
If you live in an area with particularly chalky water, or if you like your water to be especially pure, you should not do without the limescale filter. These filters are usually removable so that they can also be cleaned. Enjoying hot drinks without fear of limescale particles is possible with this filter.
Water level indicator
The water level indicator is a very useful feature for accurately measuring the amount of water needed. Water level indicators are usually located on the outside of the transparent water heater in the form of markings. These can be litres or cups. These markings help you not to heat too much water and save energy.
LED lighting
LED lighting is a very popular feature. The mostly blue light that appears when the water is heated makes the process almost a spectacle. The blue LED illumination is typical. However, some products also have a colour change that is adapted to the respective temperature.
Besides the material itself, the LED lighting is also one of the most important aspects that distinguishes glass water boilers from conventional water makers made of plastic or stainless steel.
Temperature control
Those who want to manually determine the temperature of the water to be heated should pay attention to a temperature preselection.
This temperature selection is usually possible in steps of 5. The selection is made via push-buttons or sometimes also via a touch control. The temperature regulator allows the required temperature to be optimally adjusted to the use of the hot water.
Trivia: Interesting facts about glass kettles
How do I descale and clean a (glass) kettle?
Regular descaling of the kettle is highly advisable, as this not only saves energy and electricity, but also improves the taste of the water and subsequently that of the beverage.
| Product | Dosage | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Descaling tablets (chemical) | According to the instructions on the package, usually one tablet in the correct mixing ratio with water. | Boil with the specified amount of water and let it take effect. Then boil several times with clear water. |
| Vinegar / vinegar essence | Put about 2 tablespoons of vinegar essence in the kettle with cold water | Bring to the boil and then leave to soak for at least 30 minutes. Then heat pure water to get rid of the taste. |
| Lemon | Cut a lemon in half | Rub the cut lemon over the calcified areas. |
| Citric acid | Mix some highly concentrated citric acid with water. | Leave for 3-4 hours without boiling. |
| Baking powder/soda | Put a bag of baking powder or bicarbonate of soda in the kettle and fill with water. | Bring to the boil and then leave on for an hour. (Caution: Can foam strongly!) |
Glass kettles are descaled in the same way as conventional kettles made of metal or plastic. There are chemical products such as descaling tablets that you can buy in drugstores or supermarkets.
These are used according to the application instructions and promise a descaled kettle like new. However, there are also more natural, environmentally friendly and probably also cheaper ways to descale your appliance.
Descaling with vinegar or vinegar essence
Such home remedies include descaling with vinegar or vinegar essence. Here, a cup of water is mixed with a dash of vinegar or vinegar essence and brought to the boil to dissolve the limescale. Afterwards, pure water is heated in a further pass to remove the taste of vinegar.
Descaling with lemon
Another natural method of descaling is with lemon. Cut the lemon in half and rub the pulp on the inside of the kettle. Then fill it up with water, bring it to the boil and rinse with clean water.
Descaling with baking soda or baking powder
Baking soda is also a natural household remedy for removing limescale. You pour a bag of baking soda into the kettle, fill it with water and bring the mixture to the boil. You should be careful when filling the container.
As the baking powder mixture tends to foam, the kettle should not be filled to the brim. When the mixture is heated, leave it to stand for about 1 hour, then pour it off and finish the process by boiling fresh water.
Other, slightly more unusual methods of getting rid of limescale are to use aspirin tablets or denture cleaner. Since glass is a transparent material, limescale is immediately visible as a white sheen. This way you can react to the problem early and remove limescale but also dirt deposits.
Glass kettles can be descaled in the same way as kettles made of plastic or stainless steel. The home remedies listed above clean both glass water heaters and appliances made of other materials.
Image source: 123rf.com / Natthapon Ngamnithiporn
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