For many Brits, a cuppa tea is as essential to life as breathing. It’s a way to start the day, a pick-me-up in the afternoon, and a way to wind down in the evening.
For Americans, the concept of boiling water in a kettle is often met with confusion. But why don’t Americans have kettles? To answer this question, we’ve compiled five reasons why kettles aren’t as popular in the US.
1. Americans think that alternate methods are faster and more efficient
In the US, microwaves and stovetops are the go-to methods for boiling water. Many Americans believe that these methods are just as fast, if not faster, than using a kettle.
And in some cases, they may be right. For example, if you only need a small amount of water, it can be quicker to boil it in the microwave than to wait for a kettle to heat up.
2. The voltage is lower in the US
The US has a lower voltage than the UK (120 volts vs. 230 volts). This means that electric kettles in the US heat water more slowly.
As a result, some Americans may find that kettles are not worth the hassle.
3. Drinking tea isn’t ingrained in their culture like it is in Britain
Tea is not as widely consumed in the US as it is in the UK. In the UK, tea is a national beverage, and it is common to drink several cups a day.
In the US, coffee is the more popular beverage. As a result, there is less demand for kettles in the US.
4. They’re not aware of the benefits of an electric kettle
Many Americans are simply not aware of the benefits of electric kettles, such as their energy efficiency and ability to keep water hot for extended periods of time.
With the differences in voltage and tea not being as popular of a beverage, it’s understandable why Americans may not be aware of the benefits a kettle could bring.
5. Kettles just aren’t as popular
And finally, kettles just aren’t as popular in America as they are in the UK. There could be many reasons for this, some of which we’ve discussed above.
In fact, searches for “kettles” in the UK are nearly double what they are in the US (74K vs. 40.5K). But that’s not to say that kettles aren’t growing in popularity (because they are), it’s just not quite to the level we Brits are used to.
Final Thoughts from UK vs. USA
So, why don’t Americans have kettles? The answer is likely a combination of all of the factors listed above. However, it is important to note that not all Americans are anti-kettle. There is a growing number of Americans who are discovering the benefits of using a kettle, and the popularity of electric kettle is slowly increasing in the US.
If you’ve found this article helpful, why not check out our article on whether there is a UK equivalent to half and half cream like in the US?
Why Americans Don’t Have Kettles FAQ:
Why don’t Americans have electric kettles?
Americans don’t have electric kettles because they think that alternate methods are faster and more efficient, the voltage is lower in the US, drinking tea isn’t ingrained in their culture like it is in Britain, and the cost of electric kettles can be off-putting.
Do Americans have kettles in hotels?
Some hotels in the US do have kettles in their rooms, but this is not as common as it is in the UK. If you are staying in a hotel in the US and you would like to use a kettle, you can usually ask the front desk for one.
How do Americans boil water?
Americans boil water using microwaves, and stovetops, and a small percentage use electric kettles.
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