Why Do Americans Use Gas Kettles Instead of Electric Kettles?
Why Do People in the US Primarily Use Gas Stoves for Boiling, While Electric Kettles Are More Common in the UK and Europe?
Americans tend to boil water on gas stovetop kettles rather than using electric kettles, largely due to differences in household voltage. The U.S. operates on a lower voltage (110–120 volts) compared to the UK’s 220–240 volts. This means electric kettles in the U.S. take significantly longer to boil water, making them less popular. In contrast, the higher voltage in the UK and Europe allows electric kettles to boil water quickly, making them the preferred choice.
In Europe, including the UK and other countries following IEC standards, the standard household voltage is 230V AC. This higher voltage enables electric kettles to heat water faster due to their higher power output. For example, a typical electric kettle in the UK operates at 3,000 watts, making it highly efficient.
On the other hand, the standard household voltage in the U.S. is 120V AC, which limits the power output of electric kettles to around 1,500 watts. This lower wattage makes electric kettles slower compared to their European counterparts, reducing their appeal.
Although 240V AC (single-phase, from Hot 1 to Hot 2) is also commonly available in the U.S., the use of electric kettles remains less prevalent.
For example, consider a 2,400W electric kettle designed to operate on both 120V and 240V. To compare its performance under each voltage:
- At 240V:
Power = Voltage × Current
240V × 10A = 2,400W - At 120V:
Power = Voltage × Current
120V × 10A = 1,200W
While the rated power of kettle remains the same (2,400W) in both cases, the current requirement at 120V is double that at 240V to boil the water at same rate as 240V. However, due to limitations in the standard household voltage in the U.S. (120V), the maximum power output is typically reduced to around 1,200W (120V × 10A), assuming a 10A circuit.
This calculation clearly shows that an electric kettle operating at 240V can boil water almost twice as fast as one operating at 120V, as the higher voltage allows for a greater power output. This is the same case to operated a 240V water heater element on 120V supply system. Similarly, that’s why a 240V bulb glows brighter when operated at 120V.
That’s the main reason why people in the United States and Canada prefer gas stoves over electric kettles for making coffee and boiling water.
Despite the voltage differences, there are additional factors why Americans continue to favor stovetop kettles over electric ones for making tea or coffee.
In the U.S., natural gas is widely available, affordable, and often preferred for cooking. Gas stoves are commonly used for heating tasks, including boiling water, making coffee or tea. Because gas stoves are so efficient and affordable in terms of operation, they’ve become an integral part in US kitchens.
In contrast, Europe has historically leaned more toward electric appliances due to differences in energy infrastructure and a stronger emphasis on electrification.
As a cultural habit, tea drinking is deeply ingrained in UK and European culture. Electric kettles have become the go-to appliance to have an instant tea. In the U.S., coffee is more popular, and coffee makers (such as drip machines or Keurigs) often include built-in heating elements, reducing the need for separate kettles.
In terms of kitchen design and appliance preferences, American kitchens tend to be larger and are often built around multifunctional appliances. Gas stoves are already central to most kitchens, making them a convenient option for boiling water. In the UK and Europe, kitchens are generally smaller, and compact, single-use appliances like electric kettles fit better within their design and lifestyle.
Historically, electric kettles gained widespread popularity in the UK during the mid-20th century. This is due to advancements in heating element technology and the availability of higher household voltages. In contrast, the U.S. continued to rely on gas for many household tasks.
Lastly, based on electrical standards (IEC and NEC), the prevalence of grounded outlets in the UK made electric kettles safe and reliable. In the U.S., older homes often lacked sufficient grounded outlets in kitchens until more recent decades, which may have slowed the adoption of electric kettles.
Related Posts:
- Stranded Wire vs Solid Wire. Which One is Best and Why?
- Difference Between 120V and 240V/230V AC Power Supply
- Why is the Standard Voltage in the US 120V/240V and 230V in the EU?
- Which One is More Dangerous? 120V or 230V and Why?
- Which One is More Dangerous? 50Hz or 60Hz in 120V/230V & Why?
- If a 1-Phase Supply is 230V, Why is 3-Phase 400V & Not 690V?
- Why is the Standard Voltage in the US 120V/240V and 230V in the EU?
- Standard and Common Voltage Levels in the US and CA – NEC
- Standard Voltage (V) and Frequencies (Hz) Around the World
- Why is the Standard Frequency 60 Hz in the US & 50 Hz in the EU?
- Why Does Japan Use Both 50Hz and 60Hz in Its Power System?
