sustainability

Article
Electric Kettles: An Assessment of Energy-Saving Potentials
for Policy Making in the European Union
Antoine Durand 1, *, Simon Hirzel 1 , Clemens Rohde 1 , Marcel Gebele 1 , Carlos Lopes 2 , Emma Olsson 2
and Robin Barkhausen 1

1 Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research ISI, 76139 Karlsruhe, Germany
2 The Swedish Energy Agency, 631 04 Eskilstuna, Sweden
* Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +49-721-6809-302

Abstract: Electric kettles are found in almost every household in the European Union. Within the
preparatory study to establish the Ecodesign Working Plan 2015–2017, the electricity consumption of
this product group in Europe was estimated at 20 to 33 TWh in 2012, with an energy-saving potential
of more than 20%. This led to an Ecodesign preparatory study on kettles in 2020 to analyse the
potential role of environmental policy-making for electric kettles in Europe in more detail. Based on
elements from this study, this paper reviews worldwide policies covering this product group, methods
to assess its energy efficiency and analyses of the potential of technical improvements to enhance
energy efficiency. A method is suggested for measuring the power of kettles, and corresponding
power-temperature measurements of selected kettles are presented. Overall, the findings indicate that
technical optimization alone has a limited potential to improve the energy efficiency of kettles and to
highlight the absence of a standard for measuring the energy consumption of electric kettles. However,
user-related aspects of operating kettles offer a substantial saving potential. Heating too much water
Citation: Durand, A.; Hirzel, S.;
or at higher than required temperatures increase the energy consumption and related energy costs
Rohde, C.; Gebele, M.; Lopes, C.;
of private households. This could provide leverage for policy makers to improve the market and
Olsson, E.; Barkhausen, R. Electric
Kettles: An Assessment of
to reduce the environmental impact of this product group beyond mere technical optimization of
Energy-Saving Potentials for Policy energy efficiency, including aspects related to circular economy and energy sufficiency.
Making in the European Union.
Sustainability 2022, 14, 12963. Keywords: electric kettles; Ecodesign; energy efficiency; life cycle costs; minimum energy perfor-
https://doi.org/10.3390/ mance standard
su142012963

Academic Editors: Georges Zissis,

Laurent Canale and Paolo Bertoldi
1. Introduction
Received: 1 September 2022 Electric kettles for boiling water are present in almost every household in the Eu-
Accepted: 29 September 2022 ropean Union (EU). Compared to other alternatives for boiling water, they are rather
Published: 11 October 2022 effective household appliances in terms of the time taken to boil water and their energy
Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral consumption [1]. Due to their high power rating and daily utilisation, however, they
with regard to jurisdictional claims in can contribute a substantial share of overall household electricity consumption. Within
published maps and institutional affil- the Preparatory Study to establish the Ecodesign Working Plan 2015–2017 implementing
iations. Directive 2009/125/EC [2], the energy-saving potential of several energy-related products
has been shortly assessed. It came out, that 20% of energy savings would be possible for
kettles, this raised the interest of policy makers in the EU regarding the elaboration of a
possible product regulation, e.g., minimum energy performance standard (MEPS) or energy
Copyright: © 2022 by the authors. label. To support the policy making process, a detailed analysis of kettles is required [3].
Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. However, there are very few papers or studies of this specific product group. Ref. [4]
This article is an open access article
investigated kettle usage patterns in 14 households over 2 years. Other studies focus on life
distributed under the terms and
cycle assessments of kettles [5,6]. Their results show that electricity consumption during the
conditions of the Creative Commons
use phase is predominant in terms of environmental impact and indicate potential savings
Attribution (CC BY) license (https://
but do not address market considerations or the potential of single measures. This paper
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/
aims to contribute to closing this gap by reviewing the technical, behavioural and economic
4.0/).

Sustainability 2022, 14, 12963. https://doi.org/10.3390/su142012963 https://www.mdpi.com/journal/sustainability

Sustainability 2022, 14, x FOR PEER REVIEW  2  of  18 
 

life cycle assessments of kettles [5,6]. Their results show that electricity consumption dur‐
Sustainability 2022, 14, 12963 ing the use phase is predominant in terms of environmental impact and indicate potential  2 of 17
savings but do not address market considerations or the potential of single measures. This 
paper aims to contribute to closing this gap by reviewing the technical, behavioural and 
economic 
factors factors 
of electric of  electric 
kettles kettles 
that need that  need 
consideration consideration 
when when measures
designing policy designing  policy 
to reduce
measures  to  reduce  their  energy  consumption.  It  is  based  on  the  results 
their energy consumption. It is based on the results of the recent Ecodesign Preparatory of  the  recent 
Ecodesign 
Study Preparatory 
on Kettles Study along
[7] elaborated on  Kettles  [7]  elaborated 
the Methodology for along  the  Methodology 
the Ecodesign for  the 
of Energy-related
Ecodesign of Energy‐related Products (MEErP) [3]. 
Products (MEErP) [3].
In this paper, representative kettles—so‐called base cases—for the EU market are de‐
In this paper, representative kettles—so-called base cases—for the EU market are
fined first, based on EU‐27 market data, and information on the usage and typical tech‐
defined first, based on EU-27 market data, and information on the usage and typical tech-
nologies (Figure 1). Second, the three identified base cases are characterized, in particular, 
nologies (Figure 1). Second, the three identified base cases are characterized, in particular,
with regard to their energy consumptions and required test procedure. Third, improve‐
with regard to their energy consumptions and required test procedure. Third, improvement
ment potentials in terms of energy consumption are analysed. For this, measures are iden‐
potentials in terms of energy consumption are analysed. For this, measures are identified,
and their impacts on the energy consumption and the life cycle cost of the products are
tified, and their impacts on the energy consumption and the life cycle cost of the products 
analysed. The results
are  analysed.  are then
The  results  are discussed, also including
then  discussed,  broader
also  including  considerations
broader  for policy
considerations  for 
measures, before the conclusions.
policy measures, before the conclusions. 

Definition of  Characterisation of the  Analysis of the 

representative Products  Base Cases improvement potentials
(Base Cases) •Yearly energy  •Identification of 
•Market consumption measures
•User •Life Cycle Costs •Analysis of the 
•Technologies improvements
 
Figure 1. Methodology used for the paper. 
Figure 1. Methodology used for the paper.

2. Definition of Representative Kettles for the EU-27 Market

2. Definition of Representative Kettles for the EU‐27 Market 
2.1. Common Kettle Technologies
2.1. Common Kettle Technologies 
The kettles covered by this paper are defined as stand-alone, unpressurised, electrically
poweredThe kettles covered by this paper are defined as stand‐alone, unpressurised, electri‐
kitchen appliances primarily intended for boiling a batch of up to 10 l of drinking
cally powered kitchen appliances primarily intended for boiling a batch of up to 10 l of 
water. They may also be used to heat water to user-defined target temperatures below
drinking water. They may also be used to heat water to user‐defined target temperatures 
boiling point and/or to ensure water is kept warm after heating. Despite their differences,
below boiling point and/or to ensure water is kept warm after heating. Despite their dif‐
electric water kettles are, generally speaking, simple products with a limited number of
ferences,  electric 
components water  kettles 
comprising are,  generally  speaking,  simple  products  with  a  limited 
the following:
number of components comprising the following: 
• A container filled with water where the actual heating and boiling takes place. It
 is A container filled with water where the actual heating and boiling takes place. It is 
usually equipped with a handle and a lid and offers additional room for sensors
usually equipped with a handle and a lid and offers additional room for sensors and 
and the control system. The container can differ in construction design (single-wall,
the control system. The container can differ in construction design (single‐wall, dou‐
double-wall, insulated, and vacuum), material (plastic, steel, and glass), capacity, and
ble‐wall, features
included insulated,  and 
(e.g., vacuum), indicator,
water-level material  (plastic,  steel,  and  glass),  capacity,  and 
filters, etc.);
• included features (e.g., water‐level indicator, filters, etc.); 
Cordless models are portable as they feature a base that is connected to the mains;
• A Cordless models are portable as they feature a base that is connected to the mains; 
power cord with a plug;
• AA power cord with a plug; 
heating element. This can be an immersed element in direct contact with the water or
 an A heating element. This can be an immersed element in direct contact with the water 
underfloor element concealed in the bottom of the container. The types of elements
or an underfloor element concealed in the bottom of the container. The types of ele‐
are as follows:
ments are as follows: 
a. Common tubular heating element: This consists of a heating wire (as the
a. Common tubular heating element: This consists of a heating wire (as the original 
original resistance heating element), often comprising a nickel-based, nichrome
resistance heating element), often comprising a nickel‐based, nichrome heating 
heating element (NiCr), magnesium oxide powder, and an outer casing;
b. element (NiCr), magnesium oxide powder, and an outer casing; 
A thick film heating element, which generally consists of a metal core. The core
b. A thick film heating element, which generally consists of a metal core. The core 
is coated with a glass-ceramic lining, which ensures electrical insulation and
is coated with a glass‐ceramic lining, which ensures electrical insulation and car‐
carries conductive, screen-printed heater tracks. These elements can transfer a
ries  conductive, 
higher amount of screen‐printed 
energy/heat perheater  tracks. 
surface. These  elements 
Additionally, can  transfer 
such elements offer aa 
higher amount of energy/heat per surface. Additionally, such elements offer a 
lower thermal mass; therefore, heat losses to the surrounding material are lower.
lower thermal mass; therefore, heat losses to the surrounding material are lower. 
Currently, thick film heating elements are more expensive than conventional,
Currently, thick film heating elements are more expensive than conventional, 
tubular ones. Kettles with thick film heating element are very rare on the EU
market.
• Sensors, control units, and mechanical or electrical switches that ensure the proper
function of the kettle with features such as auto-switch-off, temperature selection, keep-
warm, and boil-dry protection (i.e., precaution against empty operation). Temperature
control is based on the following main technologies:
Sustainability 2022, 14, 12963 3 of 17

• Bi-metal switches: Steam from the boiling water is conducted to a mechanical bi-
metallic disk in the base, handle, or lid. When the steam reaches a defined temperature,
the bi-metallic disk snaps its position and cuts off the power. Bi-metal switches have
tolerances of +/− 5 to 7 K.
a. Thermistors: Electric elements that change their electrical resistance in response
to a change in temperature. Kettles use Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC)
models typically chosen for several pre-set temperatures (step-approach) or
Negative Temperature Coefficient (NTC) models with step or stepless tempera-
ture setting.
b. Both NTCs and PTCs can provide features such as auto-switch-off, boil-dry
(PTC), temperature selection, and keep-warm and are more accurate than
bi-metal switches.

2.2. Overview of the Market in the EU-27

Based on market information from GfK [8] (Figure 2), estimated sales of electric kettles
in the EU-27 (i.e., without the UK) were around 16.3 million units/year in 2018. The market
data for 2018 indicate that kettles with a rated volume between 1.6 and 1.8 l have the largest
market share (56%). Plastic was the most common container material with a 47% market
share, although this trend is decreasing. At present, metal has a similar market share (44%),
and glass represents 9% of the market with steady growth since 2013. The power range of
2200–2400 W is the most popular with a 44% share of the market. Two thirds of the kettles
have “windows” as a water level indicator. Among electric kettles, 16% have immersed
Sustainability 2022, 14, x FOR PEER REVIEW 4 of 20
heating elements, and only a minor share features advanced properties such as temperature
selection or a keep-warm function (both 6%).

Figure 2.
Figure 2. EU
EU market
market shares
shares according
according to
to electric
electric kettle
kettle characteristics
characteristics in
in 2018,
2018, adapted
adapted from
from[7]
[7]based
based on [8].
on [8].

The EU-27
The EU-27 kettle
kettle market
marketisislargely
largelysaturated. In In
saturated. 2030, 17.817.8
2030, million units/year
million are ex-
units/year are
pected to be sold. This translates into a stock increase from 93.7 million units in 2018
expected to be sold. This translates into a stock increase from 93.7 million units in 2018 to to
103.9million
103.9 million units
units in
in 2030.
2030.

2.3. Utilisation of Kettles

How electric kettles are used is highly relevant for the energy consumed. Important
factors that can be influenced by users include the amount of water to be boiled, kettle
lifetime, and—in more advanced kettles—temperature level and the keep-warm function.
When considering the energy-saving potential, it is useful to distinguish between the
gross and net volume of boiled water. The former indicates the amount of water boiled in
Sustainability 2022, 14, 12963 4 of 17

2.3. Utilisation of Kettles

How electric kettles are used is highly relevant for the energy consumed. Important
factors that can be influenced by users include the amount of water to be boiled, kettle
lifetime, and—in more advanced kettles—temperature level and the keep-warm function.
When considering the energy-saving potential, it is useful to distinguish between the
gross and net volume of boiled water. The former indicates the amount of water boiled
in a kettle and the latter indicates the amount of water actually required by the user. The
difference, also called “overboiling”, is the amount of unused heated water that cools
down again and/or is discarded. Despite limited data, this phenomenon seems to play an
important role in practical kettle usage. A representative survey (Figure 3) for the UK [9]
Sustainability 2022, 14, x FOR PEER REVIEW
indicates that nearly two-thirds (65%) of the participants at least occasionally boil too5 much
of 20

water in a kettle.

Figure
Figure3.3.Survey
Surveyresults
resultsconcerning
concerningoverboiling,
overboiling,based
basedon
ondata
datafrom
from [9].
[9].

There
Thereare areno noofficial
officialstatistics
statisticsconcerning
concerning thethedemand
demand for for
hothot water, but but
water, various as-
various
sumptions,
assumptions, estimates,
estimates, andandextrapolations
extrapolations do exist,
do exist,mainlymainlytaken fromfrom
taken greygreyliterature. Es-
literature.
timations
Estimations of the
of theannual
annual amount
amount of of
boiled
boiled water
water perperkettle
kettlefrom
fromeleven
eleven(#1 (#1toto#11)
#11)different
different
sources
sourcesareareshown
shownin in Figure
Figure 44 andand briefly
briefly described
described in in the
the following.
following. Analyses
Analysesfrom fromthe the
UK
UKMarket
MarketTransformation
TransformationProgramme Programme (#1) according
(#1) according to [2]
to assume
[2] assume a gross valuevalue
a gross of 1542 of
l1542
per year and household. This value is adopted by [5] (#2)
l per year and household. This value is adopted by [5] (#2) as a functional unit foras a functional unit for gross
boiled water demand.
gross boiled water demand. Other Other
information [2] refers
information to the to
[2] refers results from the
the results from UK the Energy
UK EnergySav-
ing Trust
Saving (#3),(#3),
Trust which whichdetermined
determined anan average
average annual
annualelectricity
electricityconsumption
consumptionofofelectric electric
kettles
kettlesofof167167kWh/year
kWh/year based
based onon measurements
measurements in 412 households.
in 412 households. ThisThis
corresponds
corresponds to a
very
to a similar value of
very similar 1392of
value l (gross)
1392 l per unit per
(gross) and unit
year andwhen assuming
year an averagean
when assuming consump-
average
tion of 0.12 kWh/l
consumption andkWh/l
of 0.12 one kettle
andper one household.
kettle perAhousehold.
third reference A third(#4)reference
given in [2] (#4)reports
given
on a study of 250 households in the UK and cites 168 kWh/year per kettle. Applying the
in [2] reports on a study of 250 households in the UK and cites 168 kWh/year per kettle.
previous
Applyingassumption
the previous about average about
assumption consumption
average (0.12 kWh/l), this
consumption (0.12yields
kWh/l), 1400this l (gross)
yields
per
1400year. Whileper
l (gross) these publications
year. While these refer to the situation
publications referintothe theUK, others address
situation in the UK, different
others
markets.
address A study on
different the environmental
markets. A study onlabelling of kettles [10]
the environmental (#5) assumed
labelling of kettles an average
[10] (#5)
demand
assumedofan 3 laverage
of boileddemand
water per oftwo-person
3 l of boiled household,
water perwhich corresponds
two-person household,to 1095which
l per
year (if one kettle is used in the household), and which is described as a conservativeis
corresponds to 1095 l per year (if one kettle is used in the household), and which
estimate.
describedRef. as a[2] (#6) also indicates
conservative estimate. a net
Ref.consumption of 1000 l for
[2] (#6) also indicates a net boiling water, ofofwhich
consumption 1000 l
650 l is used for hot drinks and 350 l for cooking but does not provide information whether
for boiling water, of which 650 l is used for hot drinks and 350 l for cooking but does not
only electric
provide kettles cover
information this only
whether demand. In another
electric studythis
kettles cover [11]demand.
(#7) on electric
In another andstudy
stovetop [11]
kettles,
(#7) on aelectric
functional unit is used
and stovetop to boil
kettles, 0.5 l waterunit
a functional 3 times
is used a day each0.5
to boil weekday,
l water 3 i.e.,timesa gross
a day
value of 548 l per
each weekday, i.e.,year. A study
a gross valuefromof 548Sweden
l per year.[12]A(#8)studyaimedfromtoSweden
illustrate the(#8)
[12] energy
aimed de-to
illustrate the energy demand of two fully filled vessels per
mand of two fully filled vessels per day with 1 and 1.7 l, respectively. Again assumingday with 1 and 1.7 l, respectively.
Again
0.12 assuming
kWh/l, 0.12 kWh/l,
this translates intothis translates
a gross value of into
717 a gross
l and 1167valuel per
of 717 l and
year, 1167 l per year,
respectively. In a
respectively. In a screening life cycle assessment [6] (#9),
screening life cycle assessment [6] (#9), a kettle in Poland is assumed to be used a kettle in Poland is three
assumed times to
be used three times a day to boil 1 l of water, resulting in 1095
a day to boil 1 l of water, resulting in 1095 l (gross) per year. Another estimated value is l (gross) per year. Another
estimated value
mentioned in a testis mentioned
of electric in a testinofthe
kettles electric
German kettles in the German
magazine “test” [1] magazine
(#10), which “test”ap- [1]
(#10), which applied a proxy value of 2.5 l per day (913 l per year
plied a proxy value of 2.5 l per day (913 l per year for one kettle) to illustrate the energy for one kettle) to illustrate
demand and costs of various types of water heating options. In the method used by Top-
ten [13] (#11), the overall demand of an electric kettle is determined based on the assump-
tion of boiling 1 l per day, resulting in an annual gross consumption of 365 l. In sum, there
are no harmonised statistics available but relatively similar assumptions. It can be ob-
served that the first four publications referring to the UK seem to indicate higher values
Sustainability 2022, 14, 12963 5 of 17

the energy demand and costs of various types of water heating options. In the method
used by Topten [13] (#11), the overall demand of an electric kettle is determined based on
the assumption of boiling 1 l per day, resulting in an annual gross consumption of 365 l.
In sum, there are no harmonised statistics available but relatively similar assumptions. It
can be observed that the first four publications referring to the UK seem to indicate higher
values than indications and assumptions for other parts of Europe. The simple average for
the remaining regions is about 800 l (gross volume) per year—this corresponds roughly to
Sustainability 2022, 14, x FOR PEER REVIEW 6 of 20
using a 1.7 l kettle twice per day filled to 2/3 of its capacity. This value is used for further
calculations in this paper.

Figure
Figure 4.
4. Estimates
Estimates of
of annual
annual boiled
boiled water
water using
using kettles,
kettles, based on data
based on data based
based from
from [7].
[7].

Advanced
Advanced kettle kettlemodels
modelsallow allowforfor a flexible
a flexiblechoice of target
choice temperature.
of target temperature. Setting tem-
Setting
peratures below boiling has a direct impact on energy demand.
temperatures below boiling has a direct impact on energy demand. However, these models However, these models
currently
currently havehave aalimited
limitedmarket
marketshare,
share,which
whichmightmightexplain
explain whywhy there
there is is
veryvery little
little empir-
empirical
ical information
information on use
on the the use of such
of such lower lower temperatures.
temperatures. OneOne assumption
assumption for afor a study
study on
on the
the environmental
environmental performance
performance of kettles
of kettles [5][5] uses
uses a adistribution
distributionofof73% 73%of of consumption
consumption at at
100 °C,
100 ◦ C, 22%
22%at at90
90°C◦ Candand5% 5%atat 8080 °C.◦ C.
Given
Given thethe
absence
absence of further empirical
of further empirical evidence, the
evidence,
assumption
the assumption for the
for reference
the reference situation
situationis based on this
is based distribution
on this distributionfor the
for analysis
the analysis of en-
of
ergy
energy efficiency
efficiency measures.
measures.
The keep-warm function
The keep-warm function offered
offeredby bysome
somekettles
kettlesisisanother
anotheruser-related
user-relatedaspect aspectwithwitha
asignificant
significantimpact
impacton onenergy
energydemand.
demand.This Thisallows
allowsthe theuser
userto to select
select aa mode
mode of of operation
operation
that keeps the
that keeps thewater
wateratata aspecified
specified temperature
temperature after
after regular
regular heating
heating stops,
stops, i.e., i.e., the kettle
the kettle will
will
then then automatically
automatically reheat reheat the water
the water whenwhen it drops it drops
below below a specified
a specified temperature.temperature.
Again,
Again,
there isthere
a lackisofa empirical
lack of empirical
information information
about the about
use the usefunction.
of this of this function. For a limited
For a limited sample
sample of kettles, the upper duration of the keep-warm function is between 15 and 40
of kettles, the upper duration of the keep-warm function is between 15 and 40 min min
[12].
[12]. When discussing energy efficiency measures, kettle lifetime is another important
factorWhen
that discussing
co-determines energy efficiency
their economic measures, kettle lifetime
performance. According is another
to theimportant
investigation fac-
tor thathigher
by [2], co-determines their economic
quality kettles are designed performance.
to last for According
up to 20,000 to the investigation
uses, which is said by [2],
to
higher quality
correspond to 7kettles
years are designedin
of operation to the
lastcase
for upof to 20,000
8 uses peruses,
day. which
While is said priced
lower to correspond
models
to 7 years
were of operation
attributed a lifetimeinofthe case of
3 years, an8average
uses per of day. While
5 years was lower
assumed priced
in themodels were
cited study.
attributed a lifetime of 3 years, an average of 5 years was assumed in the cited study.
Further evidence on kettle lifetime is available from a consumer survey in the Netherlands,
Furtherfound
which evidence on kettle
a median lifetime
lifetime of 7.0 is years
available from ainconsumer
for kettles the year survey
2000 and in 6.4
theyears
Nether-
for
lands, which found a median lifetime of 7.0 years for kettles in the year 2000 and 6.4 yearsa
kettles in the year 2005 [14]. A survey for the German Environment Agency [15] points in
similar
for kettlesdirection,
in the yearbut2005
its results
[14]. Aalso show
survey forconsiderable heterogeneityAgency
the German Environment in kettle[15] lifetimes;
points
the average replacement cycle was determined to be 5.7 years
in a similar direction, but its results also show considerable heterogeneity in kettle life- with a standard deviation
of 4.2 years.
times; To conclude,
the average replacementbasedcycleon the wasmentioned
determined data,
to assuming
be 5.7 years anwith
average lifetimede-
a standard of
6 years seems to be an adequate proxy for real-life usage of electric
viation of 4.2 years. To conclude, based on the mentioned data, assuming an average life- kettles.
time of 6 yearsofseems
2.4. Definition to be an Kettles
Representative adequate proxy for real-life usage of electric kettles.

Based onofdata
2.4. Definition from the European
Representative Kettles market, three representative base cases (BC) were
defined (see Table 1). A detailed overview of the characteristics and energy performance of
Based on data from the European market, three representative base cases (BC) were
defined (see Table 1). A detailed overview of the characteristics and energy performance
of the base cases is presented in section 3.4. The three models cover a range of kettles and
include a small simple model with 1 l capacity and an immersed heating element, a larger
1.7 l model with a concealed heating element as a popular and typical market average,
Sustainability 2022, 14, 12963 6 of 17

the base cases is presented in Section 3.4. The three models cover a range of kettles and
include a small simple model with 1 l capacity and an immersed heating element, a larger
1.7 l model with a concealed heating element as a popular and typical market average, and
a third premium model with similar features to the second, but additional functions.

Table 1. Overview of the three base cases, source [7].

BC 1 BC 2 BC 3
General Description Unit
Simple Typical Premium
Concealed heating element No Yes Yes
Cordless No Yes Yes
Container material Plastic Plastic Plastic
Description Container capacity [l] 1.0 1.7 1.7
Real input power [W] 1000 2200 2200
Temperature selection No No Yes
Keep-warm No No Yes
Lifetime [a] 6 6 6
Water boiled [l/a] 800 800 800
Technical data Standby power [W] - - 0.250
Maximum volume (Vmax ) [l] 1.0 1.7 1.7
Minimum volume (Vmin ) [l] 0.50 0.50 0.50
Price End-user price [Euro] 16 26 62
Sales Market share in 2020 % 15% 79% 6%

3. Characterisation of the Base Cases

3.1. Existing Test Standards and Energy Efficiency Metrics
A review of EU documents on kettle performance indicates that most national regu-
lations predominantly cover safety aspects. No stringent requirements regarding energy
efficiency could be found, except for stand-by requirements. So far, except EN 50564:2011
Electrical and electronic household and office equipment—Measurement of low power
consumption [16], which also applies to kettles, no IEC or EN standard or national stan-
dard/regulation in any EU Member State deals with the energy consumption or the energy
efficiency of electric kettles. Only the standard IEC 60530:1975 Methods for measuring
the performance of electric kettles and jugs for household and similar use [17] specifically
deals with the performance of kettles but only in terms of the time to boil water, nothing on
energy efficiency.
Outside the EU, only a handful of countries have implemented energy efficiency
regulations for electric kettles. However, most of these regulations are voluntary energy
labelling schemes (see Table 2). It can be noted that most of the tests and regulations focus
on boiling water and are based on the specific energy consumption needed to heat 1 l of
water, and that the definition of “boiling water” is not harmonised. Energy efficiency is only
considered in a few cases (in the Chinese and Thai standards and by specific manufacturers)
and refers to the ratio between the measured energy and the theoretical energy to heat
water. Finally, the “Topten approach” is the only one to take the “keep-warm performance”
into account.
Sustainability 2022, 14, 12963 7 of 17

Table 2. Overview of the measurement methods and energy efficiency metrics related to electric
kettles, source [7].

Start–End
Water Energy Efficiency
Name/Reference Description Country Volume [l] Detail
Temperature Metric
[◦ C]
IEC 60530:1975 None (focus on
Test standard 1 15–95
[17] boiling time)
WM : power consumption until
Blue Eco label automatic switch-off of the
Specific energy
Angel/RAL- (voluntary 20–100 kettle
Germany 1 consumption [kWh/l]
UZ 133 endorsement (switch off) Temperature difference
W20 = WM × 80/TM
[18] label) compared to the boiling
temperature of 100 ◦ C
Eboil = 365 × Econsumption to heat
1l
Yearly energy if T-setting feature is available:
Voluntary
consumption −10%
endorsement 15–100
Topten [13] Switzerland 1 [kWh/a] Ekeep warm = Pkeep warm × 0.5 ×
label (private (switch off)
Ekettle = Eboil + (max time keep-warm) × 365 ll
initiative)
Ekeepwarm + Estand-by if no measurement possible:
15 W × 1 h × 365
Estand-by : Pstand-by × 8760 h
Eco-Label
Voluntary
Standard Specific energy
endorsement South Korea 1 15–99
(EL408:2013) consumption [kWh/l]
label
[19]
GB/T Voluntary Rated η=C×M×
China 20 *–80 T1 : start temperature
22089-2008 [20] standard volume (80−T1 )/E × 100%
Voluntary
Greenmark Specific energy
endorsement Taiwan 1 15–99
N126 [21] consumption [kWh/l]
label
Energy Voluntary
η = ρ × (90−30)/(0.24
Efficiency Label comparative Thailand 30–90
P × t) × 100
[22] label
MEPS and Specific energy
ISIRI 7875 [23] Iran 1 20–90
Energy Label consumption [kWh/l]
Test method Efficiency:
Manufacturer With:
applied by a 20–98 η = Q/Energy
(confidential) Q = (98−20) × 4186 × Volume
manufacturer Consumption
* Not explicitly specified but the thermal efficiency test requires us to “make the initial water temperature as
consistent with the ambient temperature as possible” ambient temperature is 20 +/− 5 ◦ C.

3.2. Measurement Method

Due to the lack of harmonised test standards to assess the energy consumption and the
energy efficiency of kettles, figures are hardly comparable, unless documented in detailed
test protocols (e.g., initial water temperature, volume of water, and final water temperature).
To increase transparency and harmonise measurements, a test procedure was suggested (for
details, see Annex C of Task 7 of Preparatory Study for Kettles implementing the Ecodesign
Working Plan 2016–2019 [7]) based on elements from IEC 60530:1975. According to this
test procedure, 1 l of cold water (15 ◦ C) is heated and the electricity consumption and
time are measured until the water is heated to at least 80 ◦ C or until the kettle switches off
automatically. Ambient temperature and preconditioned appliance were at a temperature
of 20 +/− 3 ◦ C. The procedure also foresees additional measurements at the minimum
water capacity of the kettle expressed in volume (Vmin ) and at the rated water capacity of
the kettle (Vrated ).
When applicable, the following tests were also carried out:
• For kettles with pre-set temperature: energy consumption and time measurement
for heating until shut-off at a pre-set temperature of 70 ◦ C (or the nearest pre-set
temperature above 70 ◦ C) at minimum water capacity;
• For kettles with keep-warm feature: average input power, average water temperature,
and maximum keep-warm time measurement for the keep-warm function at the
Sustainability 2022, 14, 12963 8 of 17

maximum keep-warm temperature, and maximum time setting at a rated water

Sustainability 2022, 14, x FOR PEER REVIEW 9
capacity. In addition: temperature drop during a cool-down phase of 30 min after
boiling at rated water capacity.
Stand-by and off-mode tests have to be measured according to a harmonised stan-
Based on this, a set of nine measurements have been suggested (Table 3) for the
dard [16].
procedure. A durability test is also included, which is based on GB/T 22089-2008 a
Based on this, a set of nine measurements have been suggested (Table 3) for the test
plied in China [21].
procedure. A durability test is also included, which is based on GB/T 22089-2008 as applied
in China [21]. Table 3. Overview of the test conditions according to the suggested test procedure, source [7]

Table 3. Overview of the test conditions according to the suggested test procedure, sourceMeasured
[7]. or Cal
Test Type of Test Quantity of Water Measurement
lated Parameter
Test 1
Type of Test Heating 80K Rated
Quantity of Water water capacity Until
Measurement shut-off (at least +80K)
Measured E
or Calculated
95°C,Vrated, t95°C,Vrated,
Parameters
2 Heating 80K Minimum water capacity Until shut-off (at least +80K) E95°C,Vmin, t95°C,Vm
1 3 80 K Heating
Heating 80Kwater capacity 1 l *
Rated Until shut-off (atUntil
leastshut-off
+80 K) (at least +80K) , t95◦ C,Vrated , EEI
E95◦ C,Vrated E95°C,1, t95°C,1
2 Heating 80 K Minimum water capacity Until shut-off (at least +80 K) E95◦ C,Vmin , t95◦ C,Vmin
Until shut-off, when 70 °C pre-set◦ tem- ◦
3 Heating 80 K 1l* Until shut-off (at least +80 K) E95 C,1 , t95 C,1
4 Heating Rated water capacity perature
Until shut-off, when 70 (or
◦ Cthe nearest pre-set temper- E70°C,Vrated, t70°C,Vra
pre-set
4 Heating Rated water capacity temperature (or the ature above
nearest 70 °C) is Eselected
pre-set 70◦ C,Vrated , t70◦ C,Vrated
Until 70
temperature above shut-off,
◦
when 70 °C pre-set tem-
C) is selected
◦ pre-set
5 Heating Minimum waterUntil capacity perature
shut-off, when 70 (orCthe nearest pre-set temper- E70°C,Vmin, t70°C,Vm
5 Heating Minimum water capacity temperature (or the nearest pre-set E70◦ C,Vmin , t70◦ C,Vmin
ature above 70 °C) is selected
temperature above 70 ◦ C) is selected
Max keep-warm
temperaturetemperature selected tkwmax, Tkw, Pkw,Vra
6 Keep-warm Rated water capacity
Max keep-warm
tkwmax , Tkw , Pkw,Vrated ,
6 Keep-warm Rated water capacity Longest possible keep-warm
selected time pkw,Vrated
pkw,Vrated
7 Cool down Rated water capacity
Longest possible keep-warm time Tdrop
7 Cool down Rated water capacity According to current harmonised T drop
8 Standby 0 l According to current harmonised Pstandby
8 Standby 0l standard Pstandby
standard
9 9
Durability Durability
1 l (or V 1 l (or>V1rated
if V l) if Vrated > 1 l)
Until Until
shut-off (at leastshut-off
+80 K) (at least +80K) Ncyc Ncyc
rated rated
* applicable if Vrated > 1 l.
* applicable if Vrated > 1 l.

3.3. Measurement 3.3.Results

Measurement Results
3.3.1. Specific for
3.3.1. Specific Consumption Consumption
Heating for Heating
The specific
The specific energy energy
consumption consumption
(Wh/l) (Wh/l)
decreases with decreases withvolume
an increasing an increasing
of watervolume of
ter to be heated. This was observed when analysing measurements
to be heated. This was observed when analysing measurements carried out by Fraunhofer carried out by Fr
ISI (three kettles) and by the Swedish Energy Agency (eight kettles). In these, each kettleIn these,
hofer ISI (three kettles) and by the Swedish Energy Agency (eight kettles).
was filled to thekettle
minimumwas filled
andto the minimum
maximum leveland maximum
of water, level
and the of water,
water and theuntil
was heated water was he
until 5).
shut-off (see Figure shut-off (see Figure 5).

Figure 5. SpecificFigure
energy5.consumption
Specific energy consumption
at maximum at maximum
temperature temperature
(shut-off) (shut-off)
according to theaccording
volume to the v
ume
heated, based on [7]. heated, based on [7].

3.3.2. Keep-Warm and Cool-Down Measurements

Sustainability 2022, 14, 12963 9 of 17
Sustainability 2022, 14, x FOR PEER REVIEW 10

3.3.2. Keep-Warm and Cool-Down Measurements

Figure 6 shows Figure 6 shows
a typical a typical
measurement formeasurement
a keep-warmfor testa (Test
keep-warm
6) with test (Test 6) with a si
a single-wall
wall kettle. At the end of the initial heating phase, the heating
kettle. At the end of the initial heating phase, the heating element switches off and the element switches of
water temperature decreases. As soon as the water temperature decreases by approximately by app
the water temperature decreases. As soon as the water temperature decreases
10 K in this case,imately 10 K element
the heating in this case, the heating
switches element switches
on automatically until theonwater
automatically until the w
reaches the
reaches the target temperature again. In this case, the average
target temperature again. In this case, the average keep-warm power over the entire periodkeep-warm power ove
is 114 W to keep entire
1 l atperiod is 114 W temperature
the maximum to keep 1 l atsetting.
the maximum temperature setting.

Figure
Figure 6. Example 6. Example
of keep-warm of keep-warm
test, test, based on [7].
based on [7].

Cool-down measurements
Cool-down measurements were carried out wereon carried outsample
a limited on a limited
of foursample
kettlesofwith
four kettles
different types different types(see
of containers of containers
Figure 7).(see
TheFigure
results7). The results
presented presented
in Figure in Figure
7 indicate that7 indicate
single-wall
single-wall kettles kettles
had similar heathad similar
losses heatthe
during losses during the
cool-down cool-down
phase: phase:
on average, 42on◦ Caverage, 4

water temperaturewater temperature

decrease within decrease
1 h, whilewithin 1 h, temperature
the water while the water temperature
decreased by onlydecreased
29 ◦ C by on
in a kettle with °C in a kettlecontainer.
an insulated with an insulated container.
Furthermore, Furthermore,
the type of containerthe
had type of container had an
an important
portantpower
impact on the average impactrequired
on the average
to keep 1power required
l of water to The
warm. keepresults
1 l of of
water
Test warm.
6 showThe resu
that the averageTest 6 show that
keep-warm powerthefor
average keep-warm
the insulated modelpower for the half
was roughly insulated model was
that required for roughly
Sustainability 2022, 14, x FOR PEER REVIEW 11 of 20
that which
a single-wall kettle, required for a single-wall
confirms kettle, which confirms
a more energy-efficient a more
performance energy-efficient
of insulated kettles. perform
However, further of tests
insulated
wouldkettles. However,
be required further
as the sample tests would
here be required
was very small. as the sample here was
small.

Figure7.
Figure 7. Cool-down
Cool-down measurement
measurement (Test
(Test 7)
7) of
of kettles
kettleswith
withdifferent
differentcontainers,
containers,based
basedon
on[7].
[7].

3.4. Performance of the Representative Kettles

Based on the measurements, additional data and information from stakeholders in-
cluding manufacturers, the performance of the representative kettles (see Table 1) was
assessed (see Table 4). In terms of efficiency, the basic kettle (base case 1) performs best,
as it has an immersed heating element that is in direct contact with the water to be heated,
Sustainability 2022, 14, 12963 10 of 17

3.4. Performance of the Representative Kettles

Based on the measurements, additional data and information from stakeholders
including manufacturers, the performance of the representative kettles (see Table 1) was
assessed (see Table 4). In terms of efficiency, the basic kettle (base case 1) performs best, as
it has an immersed heating element that is in direct contact with the water to be heated,
while base cases 2 and 3 have a concealed heating element. Furthermore, the keep-warm
feature appears to have a considerable impact on the energy consumption of the kettle:
+49% with the usage assumed here.

Table 4. Assumptions regarding the use phase of the product, source [7].

Description Unit BC 1 BC 2 BC 3
Capacity of the container [l] 1.0 1.7 1.7
Real input power [W] 1000 2200 2200
Description
Temperature setting no no yes
Temperature holding no no yes
Lifetime [a] 6 6 6
Water boiled [l/a] 800 800 800
Standby power [W] - - 0.250
Maximum volume (Vmax ) [l] 1.0 1.7 1.7
Minimum volume (Vmin ) [l] 0.50 0.50 0.50
time to heat [s] 390 189 189
Heat 1 l from 15 ◦ C to 98 ◦ C (Tswitchoff ) [kWh/l] 0.108 0.115 0.115
efficiency [%] 89.0% 83.8% 83.8%
time to heat [s] 390 306 306
Heat Vmax from 15 ◦ C to 98 ◦ C (Tswitchoff ) [kWh/l] 0.108 0.110 0.110
efficiency [%] 89.0% 87.7% 87.7%
Technical data time to heat [s] 213 103 103
Performance Heat Vmin from 15 ◦ C to 98 ◦ C (Tswitchoff ) [kWh/l] 0.119 0.125 0.125
efficiency [%] 81.4% 77.0% 77.0%
time to heat [s] n.a. n.a. 148
Heat 1 l from 15 ◦ C to 80 ◦ C [kWh/l] n.a. n.a. 0.090
efficiency [%] 83.8%
time to heat [s] n.a. n.a. 240
Vmax from 15 ◦ C to 80 ◦ C [kWh/l] n.a. n.a. 0.086
efficiency [%] 87.7%
Keep-warm: max time [min] n.a. n.a. 60.0
Keep-warm 1 l at 98 ◦ C [kW/l] n.a. n.a. 0.127
Keep-warm 1 l at 90 ◦ C [kW/l] n.a. n.a. 0.115
Keep warm 1 l at 80 ◦ C [kW/l] n.a. n.a. 0.099
Heating (assuming 1 l at Tmax each time) –
[kWh/a] 86.75 92.19 92.19
indicative
Yearly energy Heating (assuming 1 l filled in and 73% at 98
◦ C, 22% at 90 ◦ C, and 5% at 80 ◦ C) [kWh/a] 86.75 92.19 88.99
consumption
Keep-warm (assuming 1 l at 98 ◦ C over 60 min
[kWh/a] - - 46.25
every day)
Standby [kWh/a] - - 2.09
Total energy consumption [kWh] [kWh/a] 86.75 92.19 137.33
n.a. not applicable.

4. Energy-Saving Potentials
4.1. Overview of the Measures
Based on a literature review, test reports, and exchange with several stakeholders, a
set of measures is proposed to decrease the energy consumption of the three base cases:
1. Indicator: This measures aims to reduce “overboiling”, which has a significant effect
on energy consumption, by directly showing the user how much water is in the kettle.
Sustainability 2022, 14, 12963 11 of 17

This is carried out using an enlarged water level indicator down to a low minimum
volume (e.g., 0.25 l) and information on the filling level in both litres and cups.
2. Heating: In this design option, conventional heating elements (immersed or concealed)
are replaced by thick film heating elements. Thick film heating elements operate with
higher efficiency due to their higher energy density and lower thermal losses, which
has a particularly strong effect on performance in the case of low filling levels.
3. Electronics: Measurements reveal an “overheating” of kettles, i.e., a situation where
kettles exceed the boiling temperature beyond 95 ◦ C as required by the current stan-
dard IEC 60530:1975 [17]. This measure seeks to reduce overheating by automatically
shutting off the heating early by sensors and controllers with greater accuracy.
4. Insulation: To minimise energy dissipation after boiling, this measure improves kettle
insulation with a double-shell container. This has special relevance for keep-warm
features but also reduces heat losses in general during the cooling phase, i.e., after
boiling.
5. Temperature: In some cases, e.g., preparing certain types of tea, temperatures of
95 ◦ C or above are not required. This measure allows temperatures below 95 ◦ C to be
selected.
6. Keep-warm: Currently, this measure is intended to limit the use of the keep-warm
function when this is available. Excessive re-heating of boiled water is avoided by
setting a maximum duration for keep-warm to 30 min.

4.2. Data and Assumptions

Only some of these measures apply to all three kettles as indicated by an ‘X’ in Table 5.
The changes in energy demand indicate up to what percentage the measures are expected to
change the energy demand for heating water, i.e., during the boiling phase, and/or during
the keep-warm phase compared to the reference, i.e., the base cases (BC). These values were
compiled from available documentation, additional assumptions and following discussions
with stakeholders. Table 5 also indicates the marginal increase in product price due to the
measures. These values were estimated based on the available documented evidence and
information from consultations with stakeholders. Notably, these prices are based on the
assumption of a broad deployment of the measures, i.e., economies of scale apply. Some
options, such as the water level indicator, are rather simple changes in design and expected
to incur (nearly) no additional costs.

Table 5. Overview of the measures and their relevance for the base cases, source [7].

Marginal Change
Changes Energy
Applies to in Price
ID Name Details Demand During
in Euro
...
BC BC BC ... Boiling BC BC BC
Keep-Warm
1 2 3 by up to 1 2 3
by up to
Less overboiling through:
Enlarged water level
1 Indicator X X X −10% −10% None None None
indicator, min volume, dual
scale (in l and cup)
2 Heating Thick film heating element X X X −8% −8% +3.50 +2.00 +2.00
More accurate T-sensor, 95
3 Electronics ◦ C target temperature X X X −5% −5% +4.00 +4.00 None
4 Insulation Double-shell container X X X −1.5% −50% +2.00 +3.00 +3.00
Allows temperatures below
5 Temperature X −3.5% None +2.00
95 ◦ C to be selected
Keep-
6 Max 30 min X None −50% None
warm
 Sustainability 2022, 14, 12963 12 of 17

4.3. Analysis of Impact

Translating these measures into the impact on annual energy demand yields the
results illustrated in Figure 8. The individual measures achieve approximate annual energy
savings of up to 5 kWh for base case 1 (base case demand: 87 kWh), up to 9 kWh for base
ability 2022, 14, x FOR PEER REVIEW 14 of 20
case 2 (base case demand: 92 kWh), and up to 24 kWh for base case 3 (base case demand:
137 kWh).

Figure 8. Annual energy

Figure 8. demand of applying
Annual energy demandindividual measures,
of applying basedmeasures,
individual on data from [7].
based on data from [7].

A simple static
A life cycle
simple costing
static life model was used
cycle costing modelto calculate
was usedthe to impact of the
calculate these
impact of these
changes in demand on the overall costs of kettles for consumers. The model adds
changes in demand on the overall costs of kettles for consumers. The model adds thethe pur-
chase price, the annual electricity
purchase price, the costs
annual (EU average costs
electricity household electricity
(EU average price: approxi-
household electricity price: ap-
mately 0.21 Euro/kWh [24]0.21
proximately multiplied
Euro/kWh by a[24]
lifetime of 6 years)
multiplied by aand further
lifetime of 6operating
years) andcosts
further operating
including water, descaling
costs andwater,
including potential repairs,and
descaling all which are unaffected
potential repairs, allbywhich
the measures.
are unaffected by the
The results given in Figure
measures. The9 indicate that all
results given in design
Figure 9options
indicate arethat
economically favourable
all design options are economically
Sustainability 2022, 14, x FOR PEER REVIEW 15 of 20
from a life cycle perspective,
favourable from ai.e.,
life the
cyclehigher purchase
perspective, i.e., costs due purchase
the higher to implementing
costs duethe
to implementing
measures are lower than theare
the measures lifelower
cyclethan
savings
the due to reduced
life cycle savings electricity costs. electricity costs.
due to reduced

Figure 9.
Figure 9. Life
Life cycle
cyclecosts
costsofofthe
themeasures
measuresapplied
applied individually
individually (left:
(left: BCBC 1, middle:
1, middle: BCBC 2, right:
2, right: BCBC
3),
3), based on data from [7].
based on data from [7].

4.4. Analysis of Packages

Simply adding up the savings of individual measures when considering several
measures simultaneously usually overestimates the achievable savings as measures usu-
ally interact. To analyse the impact of such bundles of measures, the individual measures
are first sorted in descending order by their contribution to reducing the life cycle costs
(LCC) compared to the base case. Then, the measures are applied successively to the ref-
Sustainability 2022, 14, 12963 13 of 17

4.4. Analysis of Packages

Simply adding up the savings of individual measures when considering several
measures simultaneously usually overestimates the achievable savings as measures usually
interact. To analyse the impact of such bundles of measures, the individual measures are
first sorted in descending order by their contribution to reducing the life cycle costs (LCC)
compared to the base case. Then, the measures are applied successively to the reference
cases in this order. Figure 10 shows the results of such an analysis with regard to LCCs
and annual energy demand for the three base cases. First, it can be observed that the order
of measures changes for the different base cases, i.e., the relevance of the measures varies.
Second, the measures have different impacts in terms of relative savings. Third, for base
cases 1 and 2, the last applied measure marginally increases the LCCs of the kettles, i.e.,
beyond the Least Life Cycle Costs (LLCC). Fourth, it can nevertheless be concluded that
applying all the measures still reduces the LCCs compared to the base case. This means
Sustainability 2022, 14, x FOR PEER REVIEW
that
16 of 20
the package of measures substantially reduces the energy consumption and consequently
the environmental impact while still reducing costs for consumers.

Figure 10. LCCs and annual energy demand when applying measures successively and considering
Figure 10. LCCs and annual energy demand when applying measures successively and considering
their interaction (left: BC 1, middle: BC 2, right: BC 3), based on data from [7].
their interaction (left: BC 1, middle: BC 2, right: BC 3), based on data from [7].

5.
5. Discussion
Discussion
Substantial improvementsin
Substantial improvements interms
termsofofenergy
energysavings
savings and
and LCCs
LCCs cancanbebe achieved
achieved forfor
all
all
thethe identified
identified basebase cases.
cases. If allIfnew
all new kettles
kettles onEU
on the themarket
EU market
from from 2023 corresponded
2023 corresponded to the
to
LLCCthe level,
LLCCthe level, the estimated
estimated energy consumption
energy consumption of the
of the stock in stock in the
the EU-27 EU-27
would would
decrease
decrease from 9.8 TWh/year (Business as Usual: BAU) to 7.4 TWh/year
from 9.8 TWh/year (Business as Usual: BAU) to 7.4 TWh/year (see Table 6). This means (see Table 6). This
means that a reduction
that a 24.7% 24.7% reduction
in energy in energy
demand demand
wouldwould be achieved
be achieved while avoiding
while avoiding 12.7% 12.7%
of the
of the annual
annual expenses.
expenses. The LLCC
The LLCC level achieves
level achieves energy energy savings
savings thatvery
that are are very
closeclose
to thetoBest
the
Best Available
Available Technology
Technology (BAT)(BAT)
level. level.
These figures suggest that setting minimum energy performance standard (MEPS)
Table 6. Overview
requirements of the different
for kettles at the LLCC scenario
levelassumptions and impact on
could be worthwhile, energy
since thisconsumption
would deliver by
2030, sourcecost
the largest [7]. reduction over the assumed lifetime of the product. However, it should be
stressed that the LLCC level leads to higher purchase costs than the BAU configuration.
Energy Con- Expenditure for
Furthermore,Annual the Energy
idea of introducing Annual
an energy Mainte-
label in combination with MEPS requires
Design Options Im- Purchase sumption of the the EU Stock in
Scenario BC additionalConsumption
research, as the performance level nance Cost
difference between LLCC and BAT seems lim-
plemented Cost [EUR] EU Stock in 2030 2030 [Bn.
[kWh/year]
ited. Additional aspects must be addressed [EUR/year]
when considering policy measures specifically
dedicated to kettles. [TWh/year] EUR/year]
1 No 86.8 16.0 3.3
BAU 2 No 92.2 26.0 4.0 9.8 3.0
3 No 137.3 62.0 4.2
1 1, 2, 3 73.6 23.5 3.3
7.4 2.6
LLCC 2 1, 2, 3, 5 70.0 34.0 4.0
(−24.7%) (−12.7%)
3 All (1, 2, 3, 4, 6) 75.0 67.0 4.2
1 All (1, 2, 3, 4) 72.5 25.5 3.3
7.2 2.6
BAT 2 All (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) 68.9 37.0 4.0
Sustainability 2022, 14, 12963 14 of 17

Table 6. Overview of the different scenario assumptions and impact on energy consumption by 2030,
source [7].

Energy Con- Expenditure

Annual
Annual Energy sumption of for the EU
Design Options Purchase Maintenance
Scenario BC Consumption the EU Stock Stock in
Implemented Cost [EUR] Cost
[kWh/Year] in 2030 2030 [Bn.
[EUR/Year]
[TWh/Year] EUR/Year]
1 No 86.8 16.0 3.3
BAU 2 No 92.2 26.0 4.0 9.8 3.0
3 No 137.3 62.0 4.2
1 1, 2, 3 73.6 23.5 3.3
7.4 2.6
LLCC 2 1, 2, 3, 5 70.0 34.0 4.0
(−24.7%) (−12.7%)
3 All (1, 2, 3, 4, 6) 75.0 67.0 4.2
1 All (1, 2, 3, 4) 72.5 25.5 3.3
7.2 2.6
BAT 2 All (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) 68.9 37.0 4.0
(−25.8%) (−11.8%)
3 All (1, 2, 3, 4, 6) 75.0 67.0 4.2

First, a common method concerning the energy performance of electric kettles needs
to be elaborated and adopted. A proposal was made in [7], but a CEN/CENELEC standard
mandated by the European Commission is still required. Many existing standards focus
on the energy consumption measured for boiling 1 l of water. However, such tests are
not applicable to kettles with a rated capacity below 1 l. Furthermore, large kettles are
designed for more than 1 l (up to 10 l), so that a standard based on 1 l does not reflect their
realistic usage. Hence, it seems more reasonable to focus on the energy consumption of
kettles measured at rated capacity when defining an energy efficiency metric, as is the case
in China [21].
Second, some of the savings are not achieved by typical energy efficiency measures
as they rather concern energy sufficiency and aim to avoid heating too much water (over-
boiling) or at too high a temperature (overheating). The first issue could be addressed
by providing users with more information, e.g., minimum water volume indicator, large
water level indicator (with scale in s and in cups). An energy efficiency metric could help
to address the second issue. This could reflect the ratio between the energy theoretically
required to heat water from 15 ◦ C by 80 K and the electricity consumed until the kettle
automatically switches off. Such a metric could contribute to setting MEPS and/or defining
energy classes of a label. Regarding the keep-warm function: the higher the temperature
difference between the water in the kettle and the ambient temperature, the larger the heat
losses through the container and the kettle lid. Consequently, keeping the warm water
at the target temperature consumes more energy than re-heating it to this temperature
when required. However, the keep-warm function delivers a different energy service than
the boiling function and might be required by users who need a certain volume of hot
water ready at any time over a limited period. Limiting the duration of the keep-warm
function (e.g., to 30 min) and insulating the container of such kettles are cost-effective
measures for base case 3 kettles. It should be ensured that if a policy measure addressing
the keep-warm function is introduced, the consumer does not perceive the product as
more energy-efficient. Otherwise, this could lead to increased sales of products with a
function that the consumer does not need and to increased absolute energy consumption.
In addition, information on an indicative or standardised yearly energy consumption (in
kWh/a) could guide consumers to particularly efficient models. The Preparatory Study
for Kettles [7] suggested a way to calculate such a metric, taking into account different use
cases and features of a kettle. However, stakeholder feedback suggested that there is still a
need for more extensive data on kettle usage.
Third, to reduce the environmental impact of the product, circular economy require-
ments could be set. In the EU context, an Ecodesign implementing measure on kettles could
consider requirements such as the provision of spare parts and instructions, a durability
Sustainability 2022, 14, 12963 15 of 17

requirement, as well as requirements regarding the material and marking of the container
and the base plate to facilitate their recycling. Based on the bill-of-material of the base
cases, over 90% of a kettle (in weight without packaging and documentation) consists of
recyclable materials. This exceeds the requirement of the Waste Electrical and Electronic
Equipment Directive [25] for this product group, and a recyclability rate requirement could
be set in line with a product specific standard based on EN 45555:2019 General methods for
assessing the recyclability and recoverability of energy-related products [26]. The potential
for post-consumer recycled materials is limited, as the share of parts (in weight) in contact
with water is high for this product group.
As a final remark concerning the results presented in this paper, it should be noted that
data related to the energy efficiency of kettles and the cost-effectiveness of energy-efficiency
measures for kettles are limited. This contribution adds to the existing data and indicates
general trends, but further studies on the technical and economic performance of kettles
based on a larger empirical basis seem advisable.
In general, these recommendations and aspects have been brought forward within
the Ecodesign preparatory study [7], including detailed inputs for a possible Ecodesign
legislation and a proposal for measurement methods and calculations (see Annex B “input
to legislation” of [7]). However, no decision from the European Commission regarding the
product group “kettles” has been officially taken yet.

6. Conclusions
Electric kettles are very popular household appliances in the EU and worldwide.
However, the data and literature dedicated to this appliance are rather scarce. The aim
of this paper was to review the technical, user-related, and economic factors of electric
kettles that should be considered when establishing policy measures aimed at reducing
their energy consumption. This paper showed a substantial cost-effective energy-saving
potential in the EU-27 for kettles of up to 2.4 TWh/year (or 25%) in 2030. This absolute
saving potential is lower than in the Ecodesign Working Plan study [2], as the scope is
different and some assumptions (in particular concerning stock and usage) are different.
Measures to achieve the potential savings include those with a direct impact on energy
efficiency, such as insulation, as well as those with an indirect impact, such as those affecting
user behaviour, especially with regard to overboiling and overheating. Therefore, electric
kettles do seem to warrant policy action.
An ambitious product policy for kettles could include energy efficiency requirements
as well as other requirements (functional and informational) in order to reduce their annual
energy consumption. Establishing a common measurement method is the pre-condition
for any policy action. Beyond the scope of energy efficiency and in line with the latest
Circular Economy Action Plan [27], a kettle regulation could also include aspects linked to
repairability, durability, and recyclability in order to reduce the product’s environmental
impact. The current Ecodesign framework already allows for the elaboration of compre-
hensive regulations for energy-related products in the EU. The EU regulatory framework
is expected to be strengthened under the proposal for Ecodesign for Sustainable Products
Regulation presented by the European Commission on 30 March 2022 [28]. Finally, as
many other small kitchen products are similar to kettles in terms of their circular economy
aspects, it might be useful to develop a common horizontal approach for this family of
products. Here, the outcomes funded within the preparatory study for kettles [7] might be
a good basic for further small kitchen products.
The question of regulating kettles might be raised in other parts of the world beyond
the EU. This paper provides the relevant information necessary for such an assessment, but
the question of a test standard remains. Any regulation would benefit from the elaboration
of a test standard by IEC (TC 59). At present, in most economies, customers have no
information about the energy performance of kettles, meaning that purchase decisions
based on energy efficiency criteria are not possible. Information regarding the keep-warm
Sustainability 2022, 14, 12963 16 of 17

power of kettles would be also relevant, as this feature can have a major impact on the
annual energy consumption.
As the user behaviour has a key role on the energy consumption and data are scarce
in that field, even in the EU, some research could be dedicated on this aspect.

Author Contributions: Conceptualization, A.D. and S.H.; methodology, A.D. and S.H.; investigation,
A.D., S.H., M.G. and E.O.; writing—original draft preparation, A.D., S.H., M.G., C.R., C.L. and E.O.;
visualization, A.D, S.H. and R.B. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the
manuscript.
Funding: This paper was prepared with support of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft and the Swedish
Energy Agency. It is based on the results from the Ecodesign Preparatory Study on Electric Kettles
carried out for the European Commission [7] by the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft in the context of the
Framework Contract N◦ ENER/C3/2015-619 Lot 1 managed by VITO, but the paper has been
elaborated by the authors independently of this study.
Institutional Review Board Statement: Not applicable.
Informed Consent Statement: Not applicable.
Data Availability Statement: Not applicable.
Acknowledgments: The authors of the paper gratefully acknowledge the support of all contributors
to the original study and to this paper. The sole responsibility for this work lies with the authors.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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