Electic Kettle V Induction Hob

[Hillogs]

I am trying to reduce my electricity consumption as I seem to be paying a ridiculous amount each month. I have made the most obvious economies already, but does anyone know if it cheaper to boil water in an electric kettle or by using a hob top kettle on an induction hob? Thanks

[buildersmate]

In theory it makes not the slightest bit of difference because, with electric heating, all of the electricity used turns into heat. In practice, a hob kettle is likely to lose more of the heat produced into the air around the cooker (and not into the water), hence cost a bit more.
But you'd do far better in savings by ensuring each boil that you never boil more water than you actually need. This is going to save far more from this appliance. Achieving this may need the ability to boil for a single cuppa - so a kettle with a very small surface area around the bottom (to cover the element).

[raysparx1]

If you just want enough water to make a cup of coffee, it will be cheaper to use the microwave.

[Ethel]

I did an experiment - I boiled one cup of water in my electric jug kettle, and the same amount of water on the induction hob.

The kettle was quicker so I assume that the kettle was cheaper for that amount of water.

[Panic Button]

A microwave is a rotten way to heat water Ray.

[raysparx1]

is it panic? I have never done it, oh well have a milky coffee then :-)

as for the two options mentioned I would use the kettle, you can buy very small kettles now the one below has a 650 watt element

http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000R I2F08/nextag122-21/ref=asc_df_B000RI2F08310248

[Hillogs]

Thank you all. I am already using an Eco-Kettle so rarely boil more water than is needed. Since posting, I too have done an experiment, boiled 500ml of water in kettle and the same amount on induction hob, the kettle won hands down. However not being the bightest person around didn't know if the kettle has used more energy to achieve this. I have no idea how I am using so much electricity, �65 per month seems excessive for two people. Have ordered one of those Owl montors which shouls identify the culprits.

I confess to finding this whole energy saving business very confusing. As advised I recently did a load of washing at 30degrees instead of 40 degrees and it took longer so presumably used more energy

I am not a stingy person would just prefer to spend my heard earned on nicer things.

Many thanks for your advice. HIlary

[Scotaway]

Check out Tefal Quick Cup. A mug of coffee in 3 seconds! Built in water filter It only heats the water required

[buildersmate]

You have to look at the rating of the device and multiply it by the time it takes to boil the same volume of water to work out how much electricity was used.
Full-power kettles are typically around 2kW. If one of those boils 500ml of water in say 2 minutes, but another kettle rated at 1kW took 4 minutes, both kettles used the same amount of energy.
Unfortunately you can't do the same direct comparision with a hob because it goes on/off during the heating cycle.
And you can't assume that you were using more electricity in total in that washing machine at 30 degrees because the heating cycle (which uses up the bulk of the total electricity in the washing cycle) is only a small part of the total washing time .
Your best bet is to acquire one of those clever gadgets - which will actually measure the total energy consumed over a period of time.

[Hillogs]

Thanks Buidersmate, the gadget, an "Owl" is on it's way as we type! Cheers Hilart

[keneddy]

Just been supplied with a meter by my power company and it checks the costings of all appliances. Boiling an equal amount of water in a 3kw kettle and a 3.2kw induction hob ring takes the same length of time-but the hob is less than half the cost!

[Colmc54]

Heating water in boost mode on my Bosch induction hob is scary in a pan it starts bubbling almost immediately. I recently inquired in a major retail outlet whether induction is more efficient than electric kettle and was told emphatically yes, but also cautioned about boiling only what is needed at any time.

Induction works magnetically to heat iron/steel. No energy is wasted heating anything else including the glass above the hob which is very soon cool enough to touch. So with a steel kettle the whole kettle is acting as the element heating the water. induction hobs work best if the diameter of the pot/kettle is close to that of the hob ring, so a kettle with a nice wide base is going to work best if it fits with one of the largest rings. I'm going to buy one of these; http://www.redonline.co.uk/interiors/homeware/kitchen/hob-kettles

[Scienceboy]

Induction hob with a wide-based kettle such as those sold by Alessi, is much quicker than electric kettle and if you just use the amount of water you require is also more energy efficient as it uses fewer kilowatts. Instant hot water taps are a waste of money and a gimmick, they may save you about 20p a day over a conventional Kettle, but they are still not cheaper than the induction hobs. They cost on average at least £1000 so that 20p saving will take you around 13 years to pay off . Nice and convenient though.