[Geezer (OP)]

When you boil the water in a kettle to make tea, is it best to empty the kettle first and use only fresh water, or should you add more water to any water that was already in the kettle?

[rosy]

In terms of energy/water conservation, or of good tea? In the former case, definitely top up. In the latter, I've heard it said that better tea is made with water with more dissolved gases (possibly specifically oxygen?) in which case starting with fresh water and not re-boiling would be better.

[peppercorn]

Or, if you've got a good enough 'eye' to put the right amount of water in every time you can satify both []

[RD]

When you boil the water in a kettle to make tea, is it best to empty the kettle first and use only fresh water, or should you add more water to any water that was already in the kettle?

If you kept doing that the mineral content of the water in the kettle would accumulate with time: the left over water from the previous boil has higher mineral content than "fresh" tap water.
The minerals could effect the taste of the beverage and scale up the kettle sooner, (scale reduces the life and efficacy of the kettle's heating element).

[Geezer (OP)]

Thanks all!

I will advise Mrs G that she's been doing it all wrong for years  []

By the way, to quote Kenneth Horn,

"Should you always buy a kettle in the South of England on defurred terms?"

[maffsolo]

Be nice to her Geezer she may tell you to do it yourself from now on.

Might be a good practice to boil some strong vinegar in there to reduce any calcium buildup from time to time.

[Geezer (OP)]

Mrs G was slightly underwhelmed  [B)]

The black eye was a function of unexpected kettle interaction.

[Don_1]

Goodness gracious!!! It has to be fresh water every time for a good cup of char.

Mrs G was slightly underwhelmed  [B)]

The black eye was a function of unexpected kettle interaction.

I wouldn't stand for that Geezer........... sit down for it.