How does a Kettle heat water?

A kettle typically uses a metal coil heating element to heat water. The type of heating element depends on the design of the kettle:

Types of Heating Elements in a Kettle:

1. Exposed Coil Heating Element

• Found in older or budget kettles.

• A nichrome wire coil is placed directly in the water.

• Heats water quickly but is harder to clean due to mineral buildup.

2. Concealed Heating Element(Most Common in Modern Kettles)

• A flat metal plate (usually stainless steel or aluminum) at the base of the kettle.

• The heating element is hidden beneath the plate.

• Safer & easier to clean since it prevents direct contact with water, reducing limescale buildup.

3. Induction Heating (Rare, High-End Kettles)

• Uses an electromagnetic field to generate heat in a metal base.

• More energy-efficient and faster than traditional elements.

How the Heating Element Works:

1. Electric current passes through the high-resistance heating element.

2. The resistance causes it to heat up (Joule heating effect).

3. The heat is transferred to the water through conduction.

4. A built-in thermostat or bimetallic strip detects when the water reaches boiling point (~100°C) and automatically shuts off the power.