Some habits when using an electric kettle may seem harmless, but they can actually cause your electricity bill to rise and even pose a fire hazard.

1.  Boiling Water Continuously

Many families have the habit of boiling several kettles of water in a row to save time and electricity while the kettle is still hot.

However, this is extremely dangerous. When the kettle works continuously, the heating element can overheat, leading to a higher risk of the kettle catching fi.re.

It’s best to let the kettle rest between uses, allowing the heating element to cool for about 15 minutes before adding more water. This not only helps save electricity but also increases the longevity of the kettle.

Boiling water multiple times in a row can cause the thermostat to trip, causing the kettle to stop working. At this point, even if you try to turn it on, it won’t work. The only solution is to wait for the kettle to cool down before using it again.

2.  Using the Electric Kettle for Cooking Food

Remember, electric kettles are designed for boiling water, not for cooking food like boiling eggs or making soups.

Placing food in the kettle can cause oil, food residue, and particles to stick to the kettle's walls, reducing the appliance's lifespan and increasing energy consumption. Additionally, food cooked in an electric kettle might not cook properly and could lack flavor.

3.  Boiling Water in a Room with Air Conditioning or Fans

Boiling water in a room with air conditioning or a fan wastes the heat energy of the kettle, causing the water to boil slower and using more electricity.

4.  Not Adding the Correct Amount of Water

Each electric kettle has a minimum and maximum water level for safe operation. If you boil water below the minimum level, it can cause the water to evaporate too quickly, leaving residue inside the kettle, which may lead to overheating and fire hazards.

On the other hand, if you fill the kettle above the maximum level, it can cause water to spill over when it boils, leading to electric short circuits and fires, which are very dangerous.

So, always follow the recommended water levels indicated by the manufacturer.

5.  Not Closing the Lid or Closing It Incompletely

If the kettle lid is not closed properly, more heat will escape, causing the water to boil slower and using more electricity. Some kettles are designed with an automatic shut-off feature that activates when the lid is tightly closed. If the water boils but the kettle doesn’t automatically shut off, it can lead to overheating, dam.age, or even an explosion.