Are you noticing limescale buildup in your kettle? No matter how many times you clean it, it always seems to come back and you are looking for a solution? There are a wide variety of electric kettles currently on the market labelled as “limescale free kettle” or “anti limescale kettle”, but are they really worth it?
We will be taking a deep dive into the different models and brands offered and what their differences are to judge which one is the best kettle for hard water.
Can a kettle be limescale free or is it a combination of different factors? Being made primarily of glass helps prevent the formation of limescale since glass is generally much less porous (presence of tiny holes that make it easier for limescale to “grow”) than plastic. The second is the presence of an integrated filter or filter kettle to avoid limescale present in the water from ever coming in contact with the heating element and the electric kettle.
Having a flat heating element instead of an immersion tubular heating element also reduces the rate of limescale growth in a kettle for the simple purpose that a flat heating element has more surface area with the water and thus it takes less time to boil water than an immersion heating element. Finally having a wide opening makes the kettle much easier to clean and increases aeration which prevents limescale or calcium deposits from forming inside the kettle.
External limescale filter kettles
These are part of the general kettle category and if you already own a kettle you most likely bought one with an external limescale filter without even knowing. These filters are located at the spout of the kettle and have the sole purpose of avoiding limescale from getting inside your cup when dispensing. These filters do not prevent limescale formation inside your kettle. So if you have hard water and you wish to have better tasting coffees and teas, then these kettles are for you. However, if you wish to eliminate the need of cleaning the kettle, and have better tasting hot water then the integrated filter kettles are a better choice. Below you will find a couple of our favour products in this category:
Salter® EK2841IR Iridescent Glass Kettle with Blue to Red
Dual Illumination with build-in limescale filter
Features:
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Built in limescale filter
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Capacity 1.7L
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Material: Glass
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Boil time (when full): 2min 0 sec.
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Price:
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Breville Impressions Electric Kettle, 1.7 Litre, 3 KW
Fast Boil, Black [VKJ755]
Features:
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Built in limescale filter
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Capacity 1.7L
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Material Plastic
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Boil time (when full):
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Price:
Integrated filter kettles
These kettles come with a built-in filtration system. It comes to no surprise that the world’s most famous water filtration company, BRITA has partnered up with some of the UK’s leading kettle manufacturers to create an all in one solution to limescale. However, these kettles vary widely in price-point and features but all serve the same purpose, fighting against hard-water.
Breville VKJ972 BRITA Filter Maxtra Jug Kettle
Features:
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Brita Maxtra + filter (replace every 2 months) - limescale protection.
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Capacity 1L
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Transparent plastic with blue illumination in boil mode
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Boil time (when full): 2min 9 sec.
Before using:
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Fill kettle with water
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Submerge the filter in the kettle
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Keep until no more bubbles are coming out from the filter.
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Price:
Morphy Richards 120009 Brita Filter
Features:
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Brita Maxtra + filter (replace every 2 months) - limescale protection.
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Capacity 1.5L
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Plastic with small window opening
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Boil time (when full): 2min 0 sec.
Before using:
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Fill kettle with water
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Submerge the filter in the kettle
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Keep until no more bubbles are coming out from the filter.
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Price:
Russell Hobbs BRITA Kettle
Features:
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Brita Maxtra + filter (replace every 2 months) - limescale protection.
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Capacity 1L
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Transparent plastic with blue illumination in boil mode
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Boil time (when full): 2min 9 sec.
Before using:
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Fill kettle with water
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Submerge the filter in the kettle
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Keep until no more bubbles are coming out from the filter.
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Pric
Ways to remove limescale from your kettle
Lemon juice
This is most probably the most commonly used way of descaling a kettle. Take 2 to 3 lemons and cut in half. After that refill your kettle with 2 cups of tap water and squeeze the lemons in the water. Close the lid and bring the water to a boil using the kettle. Once boiling, allow the hot water to rest for 2 minutes. Empty the kettle and clean the remainder using a sponge.
White vinegar
White vinegar is also used very frequently for descaling kettles. This method is for those who don’t mind strong smells in the kitchen. First of all take a large glass and fill it up ¾ with water and then just add ¼ of white vinegar in the same glass. Mix and pour the mixture in your kettle. Repeat the process, until your kettle is half full. Bring the mixture to a boil and allow then switch off the kettle. Let the mixture sit in the kettle for about 30min and then empty the kettle. Rinse the kettle with fresh water.
Conclusion
Now, if you are looking for a kettle that doesn't leave residue in your tea or coffee after pouring, then a limescale filter kettle is the way to go. The Salter® EK2841IR is a great choice since it is made of glass, has a circular heating element and a wide opening. However if you are looking to prevent the formation of limescale all together in your kettle, the a integrated filter kettle is for you. We recommend the Russell Hobbs Brita kettle since it is the only kettle that seems to satisfy all the requirements we set for a kettle to be ideal for hard water or limescale build-up.
