I'm in the Ruhr Valley and the water here is super hard. My current kettle keeps getting limescale buildup and after 3 years it's done for again. Is it worth getting an expensive one made of glass or stainless steel, or is it all basically the same?
At home in my area, I'm constantly battling limescale buildup too. The material itself makes less of a difference than you'd think - whether it's glass, stainless steel, or plastic, limescale deposits everywhere. The real deciding factor is whether the kettle has a smooth inner surface or a rough one. Rough spots are the problem; limescale sticks way more stubbornly there. High-quality stainless steel appliances often have better interior coatings, which is why they last longer and are easier to clean.
What actually helps you long-term: descale regularly, and I mean before it gets bad. I do it every few weeks with citric acid or vinegar, and then cleaning goes so much faster than when the limescale hardens. It doesn't cost much and definitely extends the lifespan. An expensive kettle pays off mainly if the heating elements are well-protected - some cheap models have really crappy construction where limescale gets right at the heating element and the thing gives up the ghost sooner.
My experience: a mid-range stainless steel kettle with good craftsmanship (no scratches, even surface) and regular maintenance easily lasts twice as long as a cheap one. The premium glass models are more about looks; technically they don't do much for your hard water. Save yourself the money and invest in a solid mid-range model plus descaler instead.
Log into answer.
