Make the right choice this winter for the perfect cup of coffee or tea to help you stay warm.

Winter is the perfect season for coffee, tea, soup and other delicious warm beverages and that is why it is so important to choose the correct electrical appliances to ensure that you are geared to stay warm and happy.
A kettle must certainly be one of the items that is used most during winter and therefore buying the best one to suit your needs is very important. We did some kettle shopping and here is what we found:

DeLonghi Argento Stainless Steel Cordless Kettle

This stainless steel kettle is cordless and can be rotated at 360°. It is fitted with a stainless steal concealed element, twin neon power-on-lights, a removable washable filter and 3-level safety protection. The kettle switches off automatically and can hold up to 1.7 litres at a time. Its sleek triangular design is the ideal way to compliment hi-style, ultramodern kitchens.

Bialetti Mukka Express® SPOT

A unique product which enables you to make Italian cappuccino at home. With Mukka Express you can prepare 2 cups of cappuccino or basic milk coffee with just a few simple moves. The New Bialetti Mukka Express is the first Stove-Top Cappuccino maker. It comes with full instructions for water in the bottom, coffee in the middle and milk on top to automatically make you a cappuccino or latte as the water boils. The Mukka Express can also be used without milk for an ordinary espresso. Available in the original ‘cow print’ design or a simpler version in black and steel. Mukka Express brews and froths 2 cups of creamy cappuccino right on the stovetop in under five minutes. It is safe for use on gas, electric and ceramic cooking tops and an instructional DVD is included with each purchase to guarantee success in every cup.

AEG EWA 4040 Electrolux

This sleek, cordless stainless steel kettle is a must-have in any kitchen. It can hold up to 1.7l litres and the cord can be stored neatly underneath the kettle. The lid can be opened with a special button and the handle is fitted with a plastic finish to ensure that you can’t burn yourself when operating this beautiful kettle. It also has a water-level indicator and run-dry protection to ensure that your kettle doesn’t damage when it’s empty and someone accidentally switches it on. One of its most outstanding features is the Auto Safety Switch Off-function: After switching on the hob, a heat setting or function must be selected within 10 seconds, otherwise the appliance automatically switches itself off.

Kenwood Virtu SJM312

The Kenwood Virtu-range is modern and stylish. The kettle is manufactured from brushed aluminium wrapped body with a high gloss tint PC. It puts out 3kw and can hold up to 1.5 litres. This cordless kettle is fitted with the Stealth-quiet rapid boiling system to ensure that the kettle will not wake up everyone when you sneak off for a midnight delight. The element is concealed and the filter removable and reusable.

Mellerware Luna Stainless Steel Kettle


The new generation Luna stainless steel kettle from Mellerware oozes with the flair of classic Italian design. This cordless kettle has a curvy look and feel that will blend in easily with your stylish kitchen. The product forms part of the Mellerware Executive range which is very popular at the moment. The kettle makes a sophisticated design statement in any kitchen and boasts the following features:

• 1.7 litre capacity
• 360° cordless base
• Automatic switch-off
• Water level indication window
• Concealed element
• Removable and washable filter
• Rust-free stainless steel chrome finish

Russel Hobbs Thermal Technology Kettle

The Russel Hobbs Thermal Technology Kettle keeps water hotter for up to 6 hours longer than a convention kettle. As the water is kept hotter for longer it takes less time to re-boil the water, saving both time and money. Even after 3 hours the temperature is still ideal for making a perfect cup of coffee. The kettle is fitted with a large water gauge for easy viewing, concealed element-reducing lime scale build-up and can hold 1.5 litres of water at a time. It also has a tilt-control-lid - lift the lid handle up to close and keep water warm and push lid handle down to open and pour. The lid seals perfectly to keep water warm and the handle is soft and makes handling the kettle a pleasurable experience.

Tefal Express Cordless Kettle

This kettle is so advanced it doesn’t even have an element, meaning you don’t have to worry about those rusty old bits of it going into your favourite beverage. It is built to last and capable of boiling a gigantic amount of water. Performance wise this appliance is very advanced. It brings water to boil in a record time and is also fitted with a filter in the spout to keep dirt from coming through. It is also fitted with:
Assisted lid for easy filling

• 360° rotational base for left/right handed use
• Soft touch handle
• Removable washable scale filter
• Double sided water window
• Power light
• Cord storage
• 3kW rapid boil
• 1.7 litre capacity

How to clean your electric kettle

• Be safe: Remove the power cord plug for the kettle from the wall. You could be seriously burned or electrocuted if you try to wash your kettle and remove scale with the electric kettle plugged into the power outlet.
• Empty out: Empty all water out of the kettle, remove the top, and allow it to cool off if it is hot. Adding water to an already hot kettle may warp the metal and cause damage.
• Check for damages: After the kettle has cooled, check the kettle for any sign of damage. This would include burn marks, cracking or exposed wires, broken pieces on the connectors, melted plastic, loose rivets or screws, or holes causing leaks in the kettle.
• Kettle cleaning solution: It is better to clean your kettle with a product that is specially formulated for this purpose. Follow the direction on the packaging.
• Remember to: Allow the kettle to dry completely before using it again. Especially ensure all water had dried from the kettle electrical connectors on the base. After the kettle has dried, you may want to boil and dump a kettle full of water to remove any possible remaining aftertaste from the cleaning.

Winter warmers

Looking for something more the regular coffee and tea? Try these delicious hot beverages:

Vital Dreamland Tea

Enjoy a warm cup of Vital Dreamland Tea, a soothing and relaxing blend of chamomile, verbena, hibiscus, apple, rosehip, orange, lemon, elderberry, hops, ginger root and other gentle herbs before going to bed. Vital Dreamland Tea is ideal for those who suffer from stress or insomnia. It contains no caffeine, artificial colorants, flavourings, lactose or yeast. 
Benefits of Chamomile:

• Chamomile is well known for its relaxing and calming properties.
• Has a calming effect on the digestive system
• Has sedative and relaxing properties that affects the central nervous system
• May help treat insomnia associated with anxiety

Visit http://www.vital.co.za/ for more information.

Milo

Energy packed Milo has been a firm favourite amongst parents and children for a long time in South Africa. It contains yeast, malt and cocoa and rich in vitamins and minerals which is advantageous to ones health and gives lots of energy. Available in various options and now also as a cereal.
For more information visit http://www.milo.co.za/

Horlicks

Horlicks is a delicious malt-based drink that can be enjoyed hot or cold. It consists of a unique blend of nourishing ingredients, which are scientifically formulated to provide vitamins, calcium and protein. All of this helps to restore and maintain energy and vitality levels.
Horlicks is available in 3 great tasting flavours:

• Original Malt
• Chocolate
• Light (with 25% less fat)

Visit http://www.fastmoving.co.za/fmcg-suppliers/beverage/horlicks/horlicks-1/horlicks  for more info.

Hot chocolate

There’s nothing more divine than a cup of rich and foamy Nestlé Hot Chocolate on a cold afternoon - or whenever you need a quick pick-me-up! One can’t help but acknowledge that there is something undeniably mystical and irresistible about hot chocolate. The creamy, silky texture, the appealing colour, the exquisitely sweet, rich flavour and the tantalizing aroma makes it one of the most popular drinks to choose. 
Visit http://www.nestle.co.za/default.aspx?pid=123 for more information.

Instant cappuccino

Victorian Inn’s instant cappuccino’s are best sellers from the heartland of Illinois.
These instant cappuccino’s are so delicious and creamy that you would never know they are instant, if you didn’t make them yourself.
 Victorian Inn’s range of instant cappuccino’s comprises 7 flavours; Original French Vanilla, Irish Crème, Hazelnut, Mocha, Almond Amaretto, English Toffee and White Chocolate Caramel.
Visit http://www.instantcappuccino.co.za/ for more information.