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?
I know that problem way too well, it's exactly the same at my place here in the Ruhr Valley. After 19 years as a plumber I can tell you: the material makes less difference than you think. Whether it's glass, stainless steel or plastic - the limescale buildup happens everywhere the same way, because it's about your water, not the appliance. That stuff just deposits everywhere. What really helps is descaling regularly - and doing it properly. I do it myself every two to three weeks with vinegar essence, then the kettle lasts longer. If you forget about it, even the most expensive kettle's done for after 3-4 years.
With stainless steel I'd be careful though: they can corrode on the inside if you're not careful. Glass looks fancier and you see right away when it's time to descale, but if it drops, that's it. Plastic works too, it's just less elegant. For your situation I'd go with one that's easy to open and where you can get in well to clean - that's more important than the price. And honestly: for 30-50 euros you get completely solid stuff that lasts just as long as the ones for 100 euros, if you take care of them.
But my real secret is one of those little filter cartridges with ion exchange. I just stick it on the front - since I've been doing that, I'm pretty much done with constant descaling. Doesn't cost much and has saved me years of hassle. Try that out before you invest a lot of money in a new kettle.
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