What are thermopots and what are they like?
Thermopots have appeared on the household appliance market recently, but have already gained popularity among buyers. From the material in this article, you will learn what they are, what they are. In addition, we will show you how to choose the best model and repair it in the event of a breakdown.
What is it and what is it for?
A thermo pot is a device that combines the functions of an electric kettle, a samovar and a thermos. This is a kitchen appliance that constantly warms up water. It is designed to heat the liquid to the desired temperature and maintain it for a long time.
The choice of temperature is set in the settings and can be 60, 80, 95 ° C.
Device and principle of operation
A thermopot is a device whose circuit consists of several structural elements. The thermal kettle consists of a container placed in a case made of different materials. The device has double walls and a removable flask type. The flask can be rectangular or semi-cylindrical. The heating element is located at the bottom of the device. The device is complemented by a convenient handle, equipped with a device for pouring water, keys and indication.
Some modifications are supplemented with filters, lighting, the option of brewing tea or coffee. The device is powered by an electrical network. Due to the low power, the water in the thermal pot heats up more slowly than in a conventional kettle. The package includes a power cord. The thermo-pot circuit has a control board, a time relay, a thermostat, heating elements, and a control panel.
The principle of operation of the device is as follows. Water is poured into the flask, and then the power button is pressed. As the water boils, the kettle turns off automatically. Boiled water is poured into cups using a built-in hand pump. The device is not tilted or lifted, which excludes the possibility of accidental overturning and injury.
Depending on the type, the device may have not only several modes of heating water, but also the option of delayed activation. Other versions have a sound absorber, a self-cleaning option, and an adjustable device rotation due to the stand.
On sale there are modifications with a blocking of liquid filling when the power button is accidentally pressed in an empty tank. This option extends the life of the product and increases its cost.
Advantages and disadvantages
Thermopots have a number of advantages. The key ones are capacity and energy and time savings. They are more economical than an electric kettle: the monthly electricity consumption of a 1200 W model is 27 kW, or approximately 95 rubles. Most of the range is equipped with 3-4 water heating modes (less often 5 and 6). The user can set the desired value at his discretion. The devices are functional, easy to operate, maintain and safe for users.
The surface of the case does not heat up from the outside. The hand pump or automatic pump works regardless of the electrical connection.
Thermopots have several disadvantages along with their advantages. The key one is pricewhich exceeds the price of a classic electric kettle. In addition, the devices take up more space during installation. They have low power... Compared to conventional teapots, they boil water much longer. In addition, they must be constantly descaled.
Description of species
Thermopots can be classified according to various criteria. For example, according to their characteristics, they are classic and professional. Products of the first type are used in everyday life, professional models are equipped with a set of additional functions. They are more powerful, more practical, more durable.
Besides, products are simple and "smart", ordinary and flowing. Varieties with a display are equipped with temperature control, operating mode. Hand pump versions are budget and outdated options.
Analogues with an automatic pump pour water into the thermopot on their own after pressing the desired button.
By body material
Most often, the body of structures is plastic, metal and combined. The type of raw materials used determines the aesthetics and practicality of the product. Models with a metal case are not subject to mechanical damage. They do not wear off with constant cleaning of the surface. They can be classic silver or colored.
Plastic analogs are not so inert to mechanical damage. Such models can be painted in any color. In addition, they can be transparent, decorated with decorative elements. The disadvantages of the material are the loss of an attractive appearance during operation and the appearance of fragility.
Glass body options look beautiful and aesthetically pleasing. However, these structures need constant cleaning and careful maintenance.
Combined models most often consist of metal and plastic.
By type of heating element
Modern modifications are equipped with different types of heating elements. Zand at the expense of one of them the water boils, thanks to the other, a high temperature is maintained. The type of heating element can be spiral or disc. The open-type device works quickly, heating the liquid and not emitting extraneous noise. Such a spiral is located in the interior of the device. It is inexpensive but needs constant cleaning to remove large scale deposits.For stable operation of the heating element, a certain volume of water is required (it must cover the surface).
The closed view of the heating element is located in the housing under the disc. It is good because it allows you to use a minimum of water for boiling and heating. However, the devices themselves are noisy, they need more electrical energy consumption. They have protection against scale, but they are more expensive than open-type counterparts.
The best device is the one with a closed or disc heating element. It is desirable that the step thermostat has at least 4-5 modes.
By volume
The volume of water in a thermopot flask is less than that of a samovar, but more than that of ordinary teapots. The simplest devices hold 1.5-3 liters. These are models for singles and families without children. Thermal kettles of a universal type are designed on average for 3-4.5 liters of water. These are options for families who use a lot of hot water (for drinking, washing dishes).
On sale there are products with a flask volume of 5-6 liters or more. Such devices are relevant for use in summer cottages or during celebrations. There are also devices for 10 liters, they are used in catering points and office premises of large companies.
Top Models
Many leading companies are engaged in the production of household and professional thermopots. Moreover, each of the firms has models with good performance characteristics. It is worth noting several options for thermopots that have received the largest number of positive customer reviews.
- The 680W Polaris PWP 3620D holds 3.6 liters. The device is equipped with a power-on indicator and a screen. The flask is packed in a steel case and has a closed-type spiral heater. Due to the double walls, the thermal kettle does not heat up and does not make too much noise during operation. It has a built-in thermostat with 5 heating modes, and is equipped with an indication of the liquid level.
- REDMOND RTP-M801 with a tank volume of 3.5 liters is slightly more powerful (750 W). Equipped with an internal metal flask, a metal casing and two pumps (manual and automatic). The design includes a filter, screen, indicator of inclusion, volume of liquid, timer. Has a backlight, 3 operating modes. It is characterized by stable performance and spectacular design.
- Kitfort KT-2502 is a small but powerful (2600 W) version for 1-2 users. Equipped with a closed coil heater, electric pump type. The device case is combined (metal-plastic). The device quickly boils and heats water, has 4 operating modes. It has a built-in indicator for the inclusion and volume of the liquid.
- Limme LU-299 - a universal version with a metal flask, with a volume of a little more than 3 liters and a low power (750 W). It has 2 types of pump (manual and automatic). Closed spiral heater. The body is made of metal, the thermo-kettle has double walls.
The device has a blocker for operation without water and a PU block. Due to this, the thermal kettle is safe for families with babies.
- Panasonic NC-EG4000 - a classic option for large families. The volume of the tank is 4 liters, the power is 750 watts. It has a safe lockable lid, 4 working modes. The package includes indicators for the inclusion and volume of liquid, an energy-saving timer. The model has a nice design, the price of the device is more expensive than other analogs.
- Tesler TP-5055 - modification with a capacity of 5 liters. Powerful enough model (1200 W), designed for use in large families and office spaces. The flask is packed in a plastic case. The removable lid model provides touch control. It is considered one of the safest, has 6 modes of operation.
- Oursson TP4319PD - a capacious device with a reservoir volume of 4.3 liters, a built-in timer, a display, an indicator button for switching on and the volume of liquid. Closed spiral heater. The thermopot has a plastic body, 5 temperature modes of heating.In addition to the energy-saving timer, the device is equipped with a child lock.
- Sinbo SK-2395 - a medium-power device (730 W) with a volume of 3.2 liters. It has 2 pumps (automatic and classic), attractive design, metal body with double walls. Equipped with a classic set of options. It turns off when there is no water inside, equipped with a pump blocker. Has a budgetary cost in comparison with counterparts from other manufacturers.
Quite good models are supplied to the domestic market by the Philips trademark. Products of the brands Zojirushi, Rommelsbacher, Caso, Bosch are distinguished by a high price and improved functionality. Expensive models are equipped with water purification upon delivery, sound signals about readiness, delayed start.
How Do I Pick a Good Thermos Kettle?
When buying a specific option for a home or office, there are a number of criteria to consider. In addition to the desired volume of the tank, you need to pay attention to the boiling rate. It depends on the power of the device and is indicated in the passport or instructions for use. Usually the manufacturer indicates 2 indicators. A higher value indicates the rate at which water heats up to a given temperature. Smaller - indicators of the thermostatics of the heated liquid. Ideally, it is better to purchase a device with a power of at least 800 watts.
Modern high-quality devices are equipped with a water level indicator. This is convenient to use as it eliminates the need to constantly monitor the fluid level inside the device. When choosing a specific option, you need to pay attention to the presence of a filter. It is necessary to retain limescale deposits when using tap water.
The presence of a filter will exclude the ingress of harmful impurities into tea or coffee.
The number of operating modes is selected depending on the needs of customers and their number. For example, for a large family it is more expedient to purchase an option with 5 heating modes. This makes it easier to control the heating of water to a specific temperature. These models are recommended for families with small children and are convenient for preparing baby food. It makes no sense for retirees and single people to take models with a large number of operating modes. There are quite enough modifications with 3 types of temperature support and a self-cleaning option.
The correct choice of flask material is important. It can be metal, glass, plastic. Varieties of the first type are more practical: they are durable, inert to high temperatures, and easy to clean. The type of management is selected based on the budget and your own preferences. The microprocessor is considered more convenient. If some functions are not needed, there is no need to overpay. In this case, it is better to choose the simple option.
When choosing, you need to pay attention to the quality of the connection between the body and the lid. Its latch should work automatically. Forced opening is excluded. It is important to consider the degree of stability of the device. In addition, you need to watch that the thermopot has a clear measuring scale with divisions and numbers. If you buy a model with PU, it should be as simple and intuitive as possible for all users.
It is not only the speed of boiling that is important. You need to pay attention to the duration of the preservation of a particular temperature. This is one of the highlights of buying a device. The cup filling is almost the same for all devices.
How to use a thermopot?
The classic instruction for use consists of several sequential steps.
- The appliance is installed in a permanent place in the kitchen.
- Water is poured into the reservoir by pouring it into a ladle first.
- The lid of the thermopot is tightly closed, the device is plugged into an outlet.
- Press the Boil button to set the maximum heating value.
- As soon as the water boils, the device switches to the desired temperature control mode. To do this, press the "Select" key.
- To pour boiling water into a cup, put it under a special hole and press the water supply button.
Repair features
You can fix minor malfunctions of the product with your own hands, without resorting to the help of specialists. The type of work depends on the cause of the breakdown. These are often problems with the heating element. Common reasons: the thermal kettle does not turn on, the indicators do not light up. To restore the device's functionality, it is necessary to check the device's power cord, make sure that the wires are properly connected. In addition, the control module, fuse and thermostat can be checked.
When the appliance does not pour water into the cup, the cause must be looked for in the pump. If secondary boiling does not turn on, the device does not heat up the water, check the power module on the electrical board.
If the device does not boil water, and the indication indicates the opposite, it is necessary to disassemble the case and check the elements. When only heating is functioning, the problem lies in the heating element.
It happens that the device does not work correctly, for example, it does not turn off after boiling water. The problem lies in a malfunction of the circuit located on the control board. Make sure that there are no leaks in the flask. Also, the problem may lie in the irregular care of the device. In this case, you need to boil the water several times by adding regular baking soda to it.
If the thermo-pot does not turn on and the control panel does not light up, check the wires and connections for breakage. Also, a fuse or temperature regulator could be the cause. If the thermo-pot does not turn on, the contacts are also checked. If there are any defects in the power cord, replace it with a new one. Inspect the thermal switch connections.
Constant boiling without shutting down is a problem with cheap devices with a single thermostat. The solution to the problem will be to replace the switch.
If the thermal kettle turns off before boiling, this means that the bimetallic plate has lost its properties. It is necessary to bend the contacts or replace the switch. When the kettle does not pump water, this indicates a failure of the water supply key. This happens when the system is clogged. If cleaning the surface from scale does not change anything, check the motor winding. It happens that the reason lies in the poor contact of the button with the wire connection to the pump. It is necessary to check the circuit for breaks. If the second heater is broken, the pump cannot be supplied with the required voltage.
To disassemble the thermopot, you need to disconnect it from the power supply, drain the water, turn it upside down and unscrew the existing screws. Then, using a screwdriver, you need to remove the plastic ring from the mount. Unscrew the screws under the ring. After that, remove the pallet, opening access to the pump. Now the hoses are disconnected from it, removing the clamps. Hoses are removed from the nozzles, then the top cover is removed. The device is installed upside down, the board is unscrewed and removed to the side. Remove the gasket after unscrewing the screws. Remove the pallet, unscrew the last screws holding the cover. Next, unscrew the protection. Disconnect the heating element. Check it for performance. All elements are also tested. Inspect the case for cracks. After the breakdown is eliminated, the thermocouples are collected in the reverse order.
In the next video, you will find the top 7 best thermopots of 2021.