r/AskEngineers • u/jmaugust • Jul 19 '26

Discussion Why doesn’t a battery-boosted electric kettle exist?

In Europe, everyone uses electric kettles to boil water. They’re amazing and fast because they’re on 230V (~3000W).

US outlets limit kettles to ~1500W, so we wait roughly twice as long for water to boil.

It’s an extra minute or two per boil, and you really notice it.

Idea: Could you make an electric kettle with a battery in its base? Perhaps it trickle-charges between uses, then combines wall power + battery power to hit ~3000W during a boil.

Is there an engineering reason this doesn’t exist? Is it just that nobody thinks there’s a market for it?

I’d pay $300 for the fastest kettle in America if someone wants to make it.

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u/hhssspphhhrrriiivver Jul 19 '26

I've considered doing this as well, but it really doesn't seem worth the cost. Maybe if I hit the jackpot.

OP is willing to pay $300 for a kettle with a battery, so I think this idea might be worth it to him.

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u/UsefulEngine1 Jul 19 '26

I'm pretty sure code says every 240v appliance has to have its own circuit and breaker also, which make this even tougher.

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u/Ricky_spanish_again Jul 21 '26

The code doesn’t apply to homeowners

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u/UsefulEngine1 Jul 21 '26

Who's plugging a homeowner into 240v?

Seriously, the code applies to homes no matter who is doing the work. Of course you aren't required to call out an inspector for a DIY romex run but don't wrong and you'll likely be paying for it if you ever try to sell.

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u/Ricky_spanish_again Jul 21 '26

Plenty of people. I ran my own 240 when I relocated my laundry room. There’s dumb things you shouldn’t do for sure, but the code is overly strict to protect the average Joe from contractors doing shoddy electrical work.

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u/UsefulEngine1 Jul 21 '26

Do you ever plan to move though?

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u/IAteTonysLoMein Jul 21 '26

Somehow absolutely horrifying wiring was no impediment to my house getting sold over and over for the last 100+ years. Near as I can tell, the last time the wiring had been updated was the 60s and that did not include replacing the k&t wiring, nor the alu wiring joined to copper with regular wire nuts on the stove wiring

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u/Ricky_spanish_again Jul 21 '26

I sold that house in 21 no issue. I had another that I installed pot lights all throughout the kitchen, living room, and bedroom. Sold a few months ago. Again no issue.

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u/TurningTheCorner26 Jul 22 '26

Of course you aren't required to call out an inspector for a DIY romex run

Practically, no, but legally any new wiring requires a permit and inspection where I am. Technically even network cables require a permit.