Comparison De'Longhi Active Line KBLA 2000.BK black vs De'Longhi Distinta KBI 2000.BK black

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.

The ability to completely remove the lid of the kettle. Such a possibility is not of particular importance during regular use, however, it provides additional convenience if the kettle needs to be washed from the inside — a removable lid, unlike a traditional non-removable one, will not hang on the fixture, hit your hands and create other discomforts. On the other hand, there is a certain risk of losing this lid, so this feature is not common.

Kettles (see "Type") in which the lid opens at the touch of a button. This opening is faster and more convenient, and often safer than the traditional way (grab the lid and pull it up): the lid can get quite hot when the kettle is in operation, and long contact with it is fraught with burns. And although the button can also be placed on the lid, a short press is enough to activate it, and even in such cases the risk of getting burned is minimal. On the other hand, opening the lid with a button complicates the design of the kettle and reduces its reliability.

The general shape of the body of the electric kettle.

— Conical. The most popular option: a body is wide at the base and tapering upwards. This form contributes to stability: the centre of gravity is maximally displaced downwards. However washing such a kettle from the inside may not be very convenient due to the relatively small size of the opening in the upper part.

— Cylindrical. The cylindrical shape provides more or less the same width of the body at the base and at the top. With the same height and base diameter, such kettles hold slightly more water than conical ones; in addition, such a device is easier to clean due to the wide opening for the lid.

— Inclined. The body which is inclined forward; the width of such a body is usually more or less the same over the entire height. Such kettles have an unusual, eye-catching appearance; in addition, it is easier to pour water from them — the device must be inclined at a smaller angle than with a cylindrical and even with a conical body. However, this option does not provide fundamental advantages over the same cylindrical shape, but it is more expensive, and therefore is not common.

The main material of the kettle.

Note that this paragraph primarily considers external material; the inner coating may differ from it. As for specific options, metal (usually steel), plastic and glass products are the most popular nowadays. More rare are glass with metal and ceramics (including porcelain). Here is a more detailed description of the different materials:

— Steel. Stainless steel is a popular material for kettles due to its strength, stylish appearance, and non-corrosive properties. It is available in a wide range of price categories. However, steel's high thermal conductivity may increase energy consumption and create a risk of burns. Steel is also opaque, so transparent inserts are necessary to monitor water levels. It is not suitable for teapots as it can give an extraneous aftertaste to the drink.

— Plastic. Plastic kettles are inexpensive and can be produced in various colors and transparency. They have low thermal conductivity, which reduces the risk of burns when touched. However, plastic is prone to scratches and can fade over time. Inexpensive plastic models may emit an unpleasant smell and taste when heated, but higher-priced models may use better quality plastic or have a metal lining to prevent this issue. Some high-end plastic materials are available b...ut cost more.

— Glass. Glass kettles have a visually appealing and transparent appearance, allowing you to easily monitor the water level without any special indicators. This is especially useful for teapots, as it enables the user to monitor the colour and saturation of the tea during the brewing process. Glass containers do not affect the taste or smell of the drink, which is highly beneficial for tea drinkers. Although glass is considered fragile, it is difficult to break such a container in reality. However, one of the downsides of glass containers is that any scale or contaminants inside the container are easily visible from the outside, requiring extra care to maintain their appearance. The thermal conductivity of glass is average, making it less prone to heat transfer than steel, but more so than many types of plastic. Therefore, touching a heated glass kettle should be avoided to prevent the risk of burns.
It should be noted that glass kettles often have parts made of materials other than glass. Usually, the top and bottom, as well as the handle, are made of plastic or a combination of plastic and metal. However, if these parts are mostly made of metal, the material is referred to as "glass with metal."

— Glass with metal. There are glass kettles that have metal top and bottom parts, with only a plastic insert in the lid for convenience purposes. These teapots are considered more advanced than the regular glass models that use plastic, as metal adds a sense of solidity and enhances durability. Also, since the contents of the kettle do not come into contact with plastic, the possibility of foreign tastes and odors is almost non-existent. However, such teapots are relatively expensive, although there are also affordable options available.

— Ceramics. Ceramics have a distinct advantage in terms of aesthetics as they offer a stylish appearance, making them an ideal choice for retro-style kettles or those with a classic design. Moreover, they are usually adorned with unique patterns and designs. Apart from their appearance, ceramic kettles do not affect the taste of the contents and provide excellent heat retention due to their thick walls. However, they are heavy and vulnerable to shocks, their opaque cases make it difficult to check water levels without opening the lid, and they lack water level indicators. Therefore, if appearance is a priority, ceramics can be an attractive option despite these drawbacks.

— Porcelain. Porcelain is a type of ceramic material that is highly valued for its prestigious appearance and is considered expensive. However, it is also fragile and requires delicate handling, which is why it is not commonly used in electric kettles.