Woman mind-blown as she discovers Americans don’t use electric kettles
If you’ve never visited the States, you might be surprised to learn that our American cousins have a very different approach to making a brew.
In Britain, if we fancy a cuppa or a quick instant coffee, the first thing we do is switch on the kettle.
However, in America, electric kettles aren’t as commonplace as they are here, and this revelation left some Brits flabbergasted.
One baffled woman took to social media platform X, previously known as Twitter, to voice her confusion, writing: “I’ve just been told Americans don’t use electric kettles.
“What?! A quick Google does not clarify the question at all. Do Americans use kettles? If not how do you make coffee or tea?”
She went on to say: “Looks like if I ever visit the US I’m going to have to pack a kettle and Nescafe!”
In response, people were puzzled about her lack of knowledge, stating that it had been “asked loads before” – but she was completely unaware.
An American responded: “I’m sure this has been answered many different times but we have lower voltage so our electric kettles don’t boil water as fast as yours. Also we don’t all drink tea all the time.
“And for coffee many use dedicated drip coffee machines (or at least that used to be the norm). Some people have stovetop kettles. A man highlighted the cultural divide in kettle usage, noting: “My parents always had an electric kettle and I have a gooseneck one with multiple temperature settings, so some of us do and a lot of Americans heat up water in the microwave.”
He admitted this method might be met with disbelief in the UK: “Brits may scoff at this,” but for him it made sense.
In response, another individual stated: “People who have tea kettles usually have the kind you put on the stove.” Dissecting North American habits, a Canadian said: “We use electric kettles. Our voltage is the same as in the US.
“Americans don’t use them because they don’t know how much easier it is to use a kettle. I tried boiling water on the stove when my old kettle stopped working and found it so dangerous.
“Got a new kettle right away. Much quicker, more energy efficient, and safer.”
Another joined the discussion by saying: “SUCH an interesting question!
“I use an electric kettle after I was introduced to one on travels to UK. Most Americans either (a) boil water in a pot they have to watch (b) boil water in a kettle that whistles when done or (c) stick their mug of water in the microwave.”
One woman chimed in: “Many American’s don’t drink tea like us Brits. Most aren’t big tea drinkers, but there are many who are. When we say ‘kettle’ we aren’t usually thinking tea.
“We’re thinking ‘boiling water’ for anything from ramen to instant oatmeal.”
