Naked Science Forum

General Science => General Science => Topic started by: Futhark on 09/06/2006 16:57:49

Title: What is more energy efficient for heating water, an electric kettle or a stove?
Post by: Futhark on 09/06/2006 16:57:49

I heard the other day, that energy could be saved if you boiled water using an electric kettle and then poured it into your pot with pasta instead of heating cold water directly on the stove. Is this true?

- Futhark

Title: Re: What is more energy efficient for heating water, an electric kettle or a stove?
Post by: JimBob on 09/06/2006 21:46:48

It does work. The calories saved would be nice, but I have't been able to both 'hydrate' the pasta and keep it from clumping, even with oil. Other experiences, please?

The mind is like a parachute. It works best when open.  -- A. Einstein

Title: Re: What is more energy efficient for heating water, an electric kettle or a stove?
Post by: daveshorts on 10/06/2006 15:55:40

If you have an electric stove this is definitely the case as almost all the heat from the element is dumped in the water, as the kettle is very fast and the element is surrounded by water, a lot of heat is lost around the sides with a hot plate.

A gas stove on the other hand is more complex as the conversion of gas to electricity is 30-40% efficient in itself so if the gas ring looses less than 70% of it's heat around the side, it may be more efficient. I don't know the figures so can't say for sure.