The most common electric kettle faults and how to fix them

Every home needs an electric kettle that heats water to boiling point in just a few seconds, which helps housewives use it for many purposes in the kitchen.

Therefore, the most common cause of concern for customers is electric kettle malfunctions. Although electric kettles have few components and most of the time, malfunctions are simple and can be resolved at home, malfunctions do occur from time to time.

Therefore, in this article, we will learn about these faults, how to solve them, and recommendations for the best types of electric kettles.

Electric kettle malfunctions

A number of common electric kettle faults are prevalent in homes, prompting customers to seek out a maintenance center or engineer specializing in repairing electrical appliance faults.

But what if we helped you identify the cause of the malfunction and fix it yourself? All you need to do is figure out where the malfunction occurred and how to fix it. Common electric kettle malfunctions include:

1. The electric kettle is not heating.

One of the most common electric kettle malfunctions that many customers face is a problem with the heater—the part responsible for heating the kettle—located at the base of the kettle.

Therefore, this fault can be fixed by disassembling the base, checking the heater, and replacing it with a new one if there is a problem with it.

2. The electric kettle takes a long time to heat up.

Failure to keep the inside of the electric kettle clean and to wash it thoroughly from time to time can lead to electric kettle malfunctions, one of which is slow heating.

A problem with the thermostat located at the base of the kettle, such as breakage or damage, may cause this. Therefore, after cleaning and testing the kettle, if the problem persists, the thermostat must be checked.

3. The electric kettle shuts off quickly.

A problem with the thermostat fuse at the base of an electric kettle can cause one of the most common electric kettle faults: the kettle shuts off quickly and doesn't take enough time to heat the water.

Therefore, the base must be disassembled and the heater core carefully cleaned. If there is a problem with the heat fuse, it must be replaced.

4. Do not disconnect the kettle when it reaches a boil.

A number of customers find that one of the common problems with electric kettles is that when the kettle reaches the boiling point, it remains on without being disconnected, which can damage the kettle.

Therefore, when this problem appears, the fault is due to a break in one of the internal parts of the boiler, or a problem with the thermostat (heater). Therefore, the boiler must be disassembled and its parts examined carefully. If there is no breakage, you must test the thermostat and replace it if the problem appears with it.

5. There is a problem with the ignition switch.

The power switch is located on the top or side of the electric kettle. It is responsible for turning the kettle on as soon as you press it. If there is a problem with the power switch, it prevents the kettle from working.

Therefore, when you press the key and there is no response, you must remove the key and check it. It may be broken and need to be replaced.

6. Electric kettle leaking water

Some customers may find that their electric kettle is leaking water due to a break or hole in the jug or base.

Therefore, both parts should be carefully examined, the problem identified, and repaired if possible using glue or replacing the broken part if it cannot be repaired.

The kettle does not heat up

A common problem with electric kettles is that they do not heat water. When the kettle is turned on, the operating indicator light appears, but it does not heat water.

The problem lies in the thermostat (heater), so you must remove the base of the kettle to access the heater and inspect it carefully, as it may be broken and need to be replaced.

Electric kettle repair

An electric kettle consists of only two main parts: the base and the jug. Therefore, the problem lies with one of these parts. Therefore, you must disassemble the two parts and test each one separately, as follows:

• Unscrew the base and open its cover using a screwdriver to remove the existing screws.
• Test both ends of the electrical circuit at the base with a test bulb.
• If you notice the test light coming on, this means that the electrical circuit in the base of the kettle is working properly. If you notice the opposite, you should replace the electrical circuit with a new one.
• Replace the base cover and secure it securely with the screws.
• The kettle has a bottom base, just unscrew it and disconnect the wire connecting it to the kettle.
• Test the electrical circuit at the base of the kettle by connecting the ends of the test bulb to the ends of the coil.
• If the light comes on, the kettle is fine. If it doesn't, you need to replace the entire kettle.
• If there is damage to the internal base of the boiler, such as a damaged thermostat, simply replace the damaged part if possible or replace the entire base.
• Electric kettle malfunctions can be caused by salts or minerals in the water depositing inside the kettle base, so disassemble it and clean it thoroughly.

Alcatel thermostat

The thermostat is of great importance in an electric kettle, as it is the part responsible for regulating the kettle's temperature. Therefore, thermostats come in a variety of shapes and types to suit each kettle type.

When an electric kettle malfunctions, the quality and efficiency of the thermostat must be checked, as it can be easily replaced if a problem occurs.

How to fix a water leak from a kettle

Water leakage from the kettle is most likely caused by a break or crack in the water jug. Therefore, the jug should be carefully inspected to locate and detect the leak.

Salt deposits in the water may cause corrosion in the kettle. This can be treated by using grout or leaving the kettle for two or three weeks. A layer of minerals and salts will form in the water.

It works to block that hole. However, if there is a break in the jug that cannot be repaired, the jug must be replaced entirely.

Cleaning the electric kettle and keeping it from damage

Every housewife looks for effective ways to clean an electric kettle, as it is one of the most frequently used small household appliances on a daily basis.

Therefore, it must be cleaned regularly and protected from damage. We have compiled a number of solutions that will help you clean your kettle quickly and effectively in simple steps, as follows:

• Avoid using cleaning agents such as soap or dishwashing powder, as this will leave more residue inside the kettle.
• Use vinegar or lemon for cleaning by filling the kettle with water and vinegar, or filling it with water and lemon salt or lemon slices, and leaving the water inside for a while, then running it until it boils and leaving it to cool, then emptying the water and rinsing it with water only several times until the vinegar or lemon smell disappears completely.
• Some people use sparkling water to clean their electric kettle. They put sparkling water in it, boil it, then let it cool and rinse it with water.
• One of the most effective and widely used ways to clean an electric kettle is to use baking soda. Simply add a tablespoon of baking soda to half a liter of water in the kettle, turn it on to boil, then let it cool. Finally, rinse it with water several times.
• Some people resort to making a paste-like mixture of a little baking soda with some vinegar and lemon, then scrubbing the electric kettle with this mixture using a cleaning brush. We will find that the electric kettle has become completely clean, shiny, and free of any deposits.
• The electric kettle should be cleaned regularly if any deposits appear inside or outside, and it should be cleaned periodically once or twice a month, even if it appears clean.
• Cleaning soap can be used to clean the outside of the electric kettle using a cleaning brush or a clean cloth.
• Avoid using any sharp tool to clean the kettle inside or outside to avoid breaking or damaging any of its parts.
• Avoid placing the electric kettle in a wet area, as water can easily reach the base of the kettle, causing rust and corrosion of the metal parts, which may even damage the internal parts of the base.
• Do not clean the kettle if it is hot, but wait until it has completely cooled down. Do not use any cleaning cloths if it is hot, so that they do not stick to the kettle.
• Do not put too much water in the kettle if it is not necessary. When you put in a large amount of water, it requires more effort from the motor to boil a larger amount of water, which leads to the device weakening.
• Do not leave water in the kettle after use, as this may cause minerals and salts in the water to settle at the base and sides of the kettle.
• Do not press the power switch for a long time while the kettle is operating as this will damage the switch.
• Avoid operating the kettle if it is empty as this will cause a leak in the heater.