this post was submitted on 07 Jul 2025
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I use them all the time! Unfortunately though our power system uses 120v and not 240v so our kettles aren't as effective here. Still, MUCH more effective than boiling on the gas or electric stovetop/range.
Ironically it was after I spent time in Europe for work in the early 2000s that I picked up on this and bought one for my house. Now with my family of four, we use them regularly.
Edit - also Technology Connections (my favorite nerd out YouTube channel) did a video on this.
And I'm an absolute bonehead for missing that this is the same video as OP posted. Please forgive me for being excited as an American that uses kettles!
I'm curious since you guys still use 240V for washer, dryer, cooker, EV charger, etc. Could you legally install a 240V socket (with a different plug type) and use an appliance from a 240V country?
I get it would probably be overkill for a kettle alone but I'm curious why it's only common for some things. Is it regulated, like do devices need a special approval to be allowed to run 240V in US?
Nope, it generally is not a good idea to try that. It might possibly work, but European power typically runs at 50hz (50 cycles per second) and the US is designed at 60hz. This small difference can mean that a European device would operate more quickly than designed. This is especially an issue with devices that have internal timers or motors.
Also, we have different plugs in the US for our 240v appliances, which would mean an interesting plug adapter situation.
So it could possibly work, or it could break the thing, or start a fire. Generally not for the faint of heart and definitely should consult an electrician.
You're right about the frequency for sure, most things with an AC motor for example wouldn't handle it.
But a quick search shows people have done this for things like kettles without issue.
For an electric kettle, which is usually a simple resistive load, I'd feel safe plugging it into American 240V60Hz.