How Long Should a Kettle Last? (And Why They Stop Working)

Nothing lasts forever! Not even your kettle. However, a good quality kettle should last for quite a while. That is what we’re trying to say. 

But the question is, how long should a kettle last? In other words, when should you be thinking of replacing the kettle in your kitchen? 

We’ll respond to this question and share other information regarding kettles. But keep one thing in mind. Always ensure your kettle is in good shape to prevent a hazard. A leaky or faulty electrical kettle could be dangerous. 

Now, let’s discuss how long your kettle should last and how to maintain it, so it would last long!     

How Long Does an Electric Kettle Last?

The durability would depend on the type of kettle you’re using. Two types of kettles exist – stovetop and electric kettles. 

As the name implies, the stovetop is used on a gas or electric stove. In other words, the kettle is placed on the heating element. 

Stovetop kettles can last for many decades. Good quality stovetop kettles last much longer. And in general, stovetop kettles tend to last longer than their counterparts – electric kettles. 

Now, how long does an electric kettle last? Well, it depends on how often you use it and how well you maintain it. But according to a study conducted at the University of Manchester, an electric kettle tends to last 4 to 5 years. 

However, several variables determine how long a kettle would last – the kettle’s quality and maintenance. If you don’t maintain your kettle properly, you might not even get up to 4 years out of it. 

Why Do Kettles Stop Working?

If you were fond of tea and coffee, you would want your kettle to be in good shape every single day. But the thing is, electrical appliances might develop a fault and stop working when you least expect. 

However, you can fix some of the things causing your electric kettle to stop working while some need professional help. 

But a thorough understanding of why your electric kettle stopped working will allow you to troubleshoot and probably, fix your kettle. Let’s discuss the possible reasons your kettle stopped working. 

1. The lid isn’t properly closed

If your kettle doesn’t work, don’t start panicking. The reason could be the lid isn’t properly closed. And this is a security measure introduced by manufacturers to prevent injuries. 

So, check the lid and close it properly. Otherwise, your kettle won’t work.

A Handy Tip:  The feature that prevents a kettle from working when the lid isn’t properly closed isn’t available in all kettles. Some kettles don’t require it.

2: Faulty shutdown system

This is quite useful in kettles. It helps prevent injuries by ensuring the kettle is off when the water reaches boiling point. 

So, if this shutdown system becomes faulty, chances are your kettle might not work. The system might send a wrong signal ensuring the kettle doesn’t work. 

The kettle’s shutdown system might have developed some fault in most cases. But then, sometimes, debris on the shutdown system might be why it is malfunctioning. 

So, empty the kettle, clean it up and turn it on again. If it doesn’t work, you might need professional help to fix the problem.

3: Overfilling

This is a common reason most kettles don’t work. When you overfill your kettle, especially past the mark, chances are it might not work. 

However, not all kettles have this feature. Some will work when filled to the brim, but you’ll be taking a big risk. 

But, if your kettle is the type that won’t work when filled to the brim, then do the right thing. Reduce the level of water in the kettle and turn it on again.  

If you reduce the water level, and still the kettle won’t work, you can try other means to get it to work. 

4: Issue with the power supply

Your electric kettle will not work when you don’t plug it into the power supply. That is the truth. 

So, check properly and ensure it is plugged into the outlet before you turn it on. 

The second area you need to focus on is the switch. Check to ensure it is working properly.

Thirdly, check if the kettle clicks at the base. Remember, the kettle won’t work if it doesn’t sit in the base properly. 

A Handy Tip: An easy way to check if the kettle is working is to dip a finger into the water. But first, you have to turn off the kettle before checking if the water temperature has risen. 

If the temperature remains the same, chances are the kettle is faulty. If the warranty is still on, please have it returned to the store you bought it from. 

But if you can fix the kettle, get it done to keep using your kettle. 

How Often Should You Clean Your Kettle?

Limescale buildup is the reason you need to keep your kettle clean as often as possible. Remember, water from the kettle goes into your system. Thus, if the inside of your kettle is dirty, you might fall sick. 

Now, the question is, how often should one bother about cleaning their kettles? Let’s put it this way.

• If the water in your area is soft, you should consider cleaning your kettle once every 3 months. 
• If your area has hard water, clean your kettle once or twice every month. 
• Finally, please clean up as often as possible if you utilize your kettle more than 5 times daily.

The bottom line is to ensure the kettle is dirt or limescale-free. Whenever you discover limescale buildup, clean up the kettle before using it. 

How To Clean Your Kettle?

Do you reside in a hard water area? If so, then limescale buildup is a possibility. Limescale buildup will make your kettle look untidy on the inside. And it can cause water to take longer to reach boiling point. 

You can use natural cleaning methods and store-bought cleaners to clean the internal part of your kettle. 

Let’s explain the various ways to clean a kettle. 

Step 1: Cleaning with white vinegar

Did you know you could clean a range of things with vinegar? Yes, you can. You can also clean your kettle with vinegar. 

Here is how to get it done. 

• Mix vinegar and water in an equal ratio. Pour the mixture into the kettle and make sure it is three-quarter full. 
• Let the water in the kettle boil.
• Pour the water off and rinse the kettle several times.
• Put water in the kettle, boil, pour the water out, and rinse the kettle again. 

Step 2: Cleaning kettle with lemon

Most people may appreciate this method because it is natural and simple. By the way, other methods are simple too. 

Lemon boasts citric acid, making it a cleaning agent of choice for many people. It can do a nice job when used to descale a kettle. 

Here’s how to use lemon. 

• Fill half the kettle with lemon. 
• Now, fill the remaining portion of the kettle with water. 
• Boil the lemon and water mixture.
• Allow the mixture to sit for approximately 30 minutes so the limescale buildup can come off. 
• Pour the mixture off and rinse the kettle repeatedly. 

Should You Clean The New Kettle Before Using It?

Yes, it is important. Do not start using a kettle right out of the box. Why? Manufacturers use chemicals to protect the interior and even exterior of kettles from rusting. 

So, you have to clean up new kettles before using them. It is not safe to start using a new kettle when you haven’t cleaned it. Water is such a kettle will taste different.

Is It Okay To Leave Water Inside The Kettle?

No, it is not a good act. Why? Leaving water in your kettle will encourage limescale buildup, which can reduce the kettle’s lifespan, including its heating performance. 

Limescale can change the taste of your beverages too. So, don’t leave water in your kettle. It would even be better to rinse the kettle, pour out the water and dry it up before storing it. 

When Should You Buy a New Kettle?

A good quality kettle will last 4 to 5 years. How well you maintain it and how often you use the kettle would also be crucial in deciding its lifespan. 

Nevertheless, kettles won’t last forever. Nothing does.

But then, what will convince you that your kettle needs changing? Here are the tell-tale signs: 

• Poor heating performance:  Has your kettle started taking more time to boil? That is a sign you need to get a new kettle. Your current kettle isn’t boiling faster because the appliance’s heating efficiency has dropped. 

• Taste of water has changed:  If your water has changed its color or boasts a metallic taste, then it’s time to get a new kettle. 

• Discoloration of the kettle:  Rusting can cause discoloration. And when this starts happening, you can’t do anything to stop it. You have to purchase a brand new kettle. 

Conclusion: How long should a kettle last?

Well, a good quality kettle would last for 4 to 5 years. But then, maintenance and frequency of use will play a huge factor. 

We also discussed how to clean a kettle. We mentioned you could use vinegar and lemon to dislodge limescale buildup. 

We also mentioned how to identify a kettle that requires replacement. Here, we said that we need to monitor how the water tastes, the discoloration of the kettle, and the color change.