> "Tracy" wrote
>> Cshenk wrote:
>
>>>> I saw in the small appliances thread that some use an electric kettle
>
>>> As a non-user of such, I cant recommend a brand but they can be useful to
>>> have hot water always ready for making tea, powdered coffee, noodle packs
>>> (ramen bowls). They are not all that energy efficient in themselves but
>>> if you find you need hot (almost boiling) water always ready due to use
>>> patterns, it would be cheaper than heating it over and over on the stove
>>> or in the microwave.
>
>> Cost isn't an issue - though I am not a energy hog.
>
> I try to be energy efficient, but can easily afford the cost of running
> electrical toys ;-)
>
>> I am looking for a replacement for the yucky looking "stainless" model on
>> my stove top.
>
> Oh? I like mine! Very retro 50's and highly functional.
>

I do like the look of a retro kettle. I just hate trying to keep the
thing clean.

>
> I think of it much like a rice cooker. Useless waste of space to a person
> who eats rice at best once a week. An energry saving essential for folks
> like me who have it 2-3 times a day and need to keep a batch warm from
> breakfast to dinner time. Useless to me are rice units that just cook then
> turn off.

I agree. My husband has been bugging for a rice cooker, but we eat rice
about once a month. I don't see the need.
>
> Grin, I see on the appliance thread I am abnormal. I can easily afford 300$
> a month electric bills but my habits run me far less stateside. My only
> electric bill so far came in and was 87$ (5OCT-15NOV). I'm augmenting the
> gas heat and electric blower with the fireplace (have a real one, functional
> and 2 cords of wood). The stove and water heater are also gas. Havent got
> a gas bill yet but I think it will be pretty low comparitive to my area.

We put our son to the task of helping lower our electric bills. He is
constantly turning out lights on us...saying things like "do you really
need this 3rd light on?" We created a monster.

We also recently moved. Our new apartment has a timer on the thermostat.
I love this! I can set it so the heat goes off during the day when we
aren't home and at night for sleeping (I set it to 58-60F) It comes on
in the am for a bit and when we come home from work. 68F in the winter
- on really cold days like today - 27F right now. I can deal with 64 or
65 if it is not below freezing outside.

Tracy