Comparison Xiaomi Mi Smart Kettle 2 Pro 1800 W 1.7 L white vs Xiaomi Electric Kettle 2 1800 W 1.7 L white

The design in which the electric kettle is decorated. In addition to the classic design, nowadays there are more original styles, namely:

— Retro. Devices stylized antique — mainly for kitchen utensils of the 30s — 50s of the XX century. The degree of stylization in this case can be different: for example, some appliances are not different from ordinary kitchen kettles that are placed on the stove. Also note that almost all samovars are performed in retro style (see "Type"). But thermopots and teapots in this design are almost never produced. Anyway, a retro kettle will be indispensable for a kitchen in the same style, but it can also fit into a modern interior.

— Hi-tech. The devices that have a technological, sometimes even futuristic design — using unpainted metal, transparent glass, as well as a minimal amount (or even complete absence) of decorative details. At the same time, the design can be quite unusual: for example, there are models that taper upward and vaguely resemble laboratory flasks. Like the retro style, almost no other devices are produced in this style other than classic kettles.

When choosing a device in a specific design, note that the design inevitably affects the cost — sometimes quite noticeably, despite the fact that it usually does not provide functional advantages.

A device that allows you to set the temperature to which the water will be heated — the thermostat monitors the temperature and automatically turns off the heating when the desired value is reached. In fact, water heated in a kettle does not always need to be boiled: for example, for brewing some types of tea, the optimum temperature is about 80 °C, and for preparing baby food — 60 °C. Thermopot are most often equipped with a thermostat, but there are also classic electric kettles with such a function.

The ability to operate a classic kettle (see "Type") in the mode of maintaining the water temperature — when the heated water is kept hot due to the operation of the heater at low power. For kettles, unlike thermopots, this mode is far from necessary, so its presence is indicated separately in the specs.

A device that displays the temperature of the water in the kettle. The presence of a thermometer is useful if the water needs to be heated to a certain temperature. However, the thermometer does not automatically turn off the kettle, unlike a thermostat — this must be done manually. Also, the thermometer allows you to assess how much the heated water has cooled over time and whether it can be used without heating again.

The ability to remotely control the kettle from a smartphone, tablet or other similar gadget with a special application installed. The connection can be made via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

This feature does not only allow you to control the device from a distance, but often gives you more options than the classic control method. For example, special "chips" like a timer or thermostat can only be accessed through the application. In addition, the information about the operation of the kettle is transmitted to the application — for example, thermometer data, status (on/off), etc. Due to plenty of features, models controlled from a smartphone are often called “smart kettles”. Their main disadvantage is their high cost.

Double-walled are found mainly among traditional electric kettles.

This design performs several functions at once. First of all, it significantly improves thermal insulation, allowing the kettle to retain heat longer and save energy when heating. Also, double-walled increase strength and reliability — it is more difficult to break through such a wall or noticeably damage it than a single one. And in some models, the outer side is made of plastic, and the inner side is made — of metal; this allows you to combine the advantages of both materials without a significant increase in cost.

The own display noticeably simplifies and facilitates the use of the kettle. Most often, this is the simplest single-colour screen, capable of displaying 2 — 3 figures and possibly the individual special symbols — however, in this case, more is not required. The display is especially convenient when selecting and controlling the heating temperature — after all, it is much more convenient to navigate by specific numbers than by simpler devices like colour indicators. Actually, the presence of a screen almost 100% guarantees that this model is also equipped with a thermostat.

The name of the controller installed in the device.

The controller is called an electronic circuit, which is directly responsible for managing the operation — primarily for turning off the heating when boiling or turning on without water. In our catalog, the name of such a circuit is specified if we are talking about an advanced controller that significantly exceeds most solutions on the market in terms of quality and reliability. At the same time, the specs indicate not a specific model, but a general brand — this is quite enough in this case.

The most reliable, durable and safe nowadays are the controllers of the British manufacturers Strix and Otter. There are no fundamental differences between these options in this regard, any of them is a sign of a quality kettle (even if the overall functionality of the device is rather modest). On the other hand, such equipment affects the price.

Decorative lighting of the body or capacity of the kettle. It has mainly aesthetic value — it improves the appearance of the device. Sometimes it can serve as a kind of indicator, for example, change the colour when water is boiling.