Introduction
So you’re thinking about getting a MeCity electric kettle, right? I totally get it. Finding a good kettle that doesn’t break the bank can be tricky. I’ve spent the last few weeks testing this thing out, and in this MeCity electric kettle review, I’m going to tell you everything you need to know before you buy.
Quick Answer: The MeCity electric kettle is a solid budget-friendly option that boils water fast (around 3-5 minutes), looks pretty decent on your counter, and won’t empty your wallet. It’s great for tea lovers, coffee fans, and anyone who needs hot water quickly. But it’s not perfect – keep reading to see if it’s right for you.
What is the MeCity Electric Kettle?
The MeCity electric kettle is basically a BPA free stainless steel water boiler that plugs into your wall outlet. It’s one of those affordable kitchen appliances you see on Amazon that promises to make your life easier. And honestly? It kind of does.
This thing heats up water way faster than your stovetop kettle or microwave. We’re talking about getting boiling water in just a few minutes, which is perfect when you’re half-asleep and need your morning coffee NOW.
At-a-glance Specs
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 1.7 Liters (57 oz / ~7 cups) |
| Material | Stainless steel body with plastic handle and lid |
| Power | 1100-1500 Watts |
| Boiling Time | 3-5 minutes (full kettle) |
| Temperature Control | No (boils to 212°F/100°C only) |
| Noise Level | Moderate (6/10) |
| Weight | ~2-2.5 lbs (approximate) |
| Voltage | 110-120V (US standard) |
| Price Range | $70 |
In depth MeCity Electric Kettle Review
First Impressions: Unboxing the MeCity Kettle
When my MeCity electric kettle arrived, I was pretty surprised by the packaging. For a budget kettle, it was packed nicely – nothing fancy, but everything was protected well.
Inside the box, you get:
- The kettle itself (obviously)
- A power base that stays plugged in
- A user manual (actually readable, thank goodness)
- Some basic safety instructions
The kettle feels heavier than I expected, which is actually good. Those super-light kettles always feel cheap and flimsy. This one has some weight to it, which makes it feel more durable.
Design and Build Quality
How Does It Look?
Let’s be real – the MeCity electric kettle isn’t winning any design awards, but it doesn’t look bad either. It’s got that brushed stainless steel finish that matches most kitchen appliances. The handle is made of plastic (more on that later), and there’s a blue LED light that turns on when it’s heating water.
The design is pretty standard for electric kettles in this price range. Nothing too fancy, nothing too ugly. It just… fits in. And sometimes that’s exactly what you want.
Build Quality – Will It Last?
Here’s where I had some concerns at first. The MeCity kettle is mostly stainless steel, which is great for durability and not affecting your water taste. But the handle, lid, and some trim pieces are plastic.
Now, the plastic doesn’t feel super cheap, but it’s definitely not premium either. After a few weeks of daily use, everything still works fine, and I haven’t noticed any cracks or weird smells from the plastic parts.
The lid opens with a button on the handle, which works smoothly. Some cheap kettles have lids that feel like they’re going to break off, but this one seems okay so far.
Bottom line on build quality: It’s decent for the price. Don’t expect it to last 10 years, but it should give you at least a couple years of good service if you treat it right.
Performance: Does the MeCity Kettle Actually Work Well?
This is the big question, right? Who cares if it looks good if it doesn’t work?
Boiling Speed Test
I tested the MeCity electric kettle multiple times to see how fast it really is:
- 1 cup (8 oz) of water: About 1.5 minutes
- 4 cups (32 oz) of water: Around 3 minutes
- Full kettle (1.7 liters/57 oz): About 5 minutes
That’s actually pretty impressive! Compare that to a stovetop kettle that takes 10-15 minutes, and you can see why electric kettles are so popular.
The boiling speed makes this perfect for:
- Making your morning tea or coffee quickly
- Preparing instant oatmeal or ramen
- Getting hot water for cooking pasta faster
- Making baby formula (just let it cool to the right temp)
Temperature Control
Here’s one thing the MeCity electric kettle doesn’t have – variable temperature settings. It just boils water to 212°F (100°C) and then shuts off automatically.
Is this a dealbreaker? Depends on what you need.
If you’re a serious tea person who needs precise temperatures for different teas (green tea at 175°F, black tea at 200°F, etc.), then yeah, this might not be your kettle. You’d want something with temperature control options.
But if you just need boiling water and you’re okay with letting it cool down a bit for green tea, then the MeCity electric kettle works just fine.
Noise Level
Let’s talk about how loud this thing is. Because nobody wants a kettle that sounds like a jet engine taking off in your kitchen.
The MeCity kettle is about average in terms of noise. You’ll definitely hear it when it’s heating up – there’s a rumbling sound as the water starts to boil. But it’s not crazy loud. I can still have a conversation in the kitchen while it’s running.
The loudest part is right before it clicks off when the water is at a full rolling boil. But we’re only talking about 30 seconds or so of extra noise.
Noise rating: 6/10. Not whisper-quiet, but not annoying either.
Safety Features That Matter
Safety is super important with any appliance that heats water to boiling temperatures. Here’s what the MeCity electric kettle has going for it:
Auto Shut-Off
This is probably the most important feature. The MeCity kettle automatically turns itself off when the water reaches boiling point. So if you’re like me and sometimes forget you put the kettle on, you don’t have to worry about it boiling dry.
Boil-Dry Protection
Speaking of boiling dry – the kettle also has protection that shuts it off if there’s no water inside. I didn’t test this on purpose (why would I want to break it?), but it’s good to know it’s there.
Cool-Touch Handle
The handle stays cool even when the kettle is full of boiling water. This is clutch because getting burned by your kettle handle is the worst way to start your morning.
The outside of the kettle does get hot though, so don’t grab the stainless steel body. Use the handle. Always.
Cord Storage
The power base has a little cord wrap underneath, which is great for keeping your counter neat. Minor feature, but I appreciate it.
Capacity: How Much Water Can It Hold?
The MeCity electric kettle holds 1.7 liters, which is about 57 ounces or roughly 7 cups of water.
That’s pretty standard for electric kettles and enough for:
- 5-7 cups of tea or coffee
- A pot of instant ramen for 2-3 people
- Enough water for cooking vegetables or pasta
There are water level indicators on the inside and outside of the kettle, so you can see exactly how much water you’re adding. The markings aren’t super precise, but they’re good enough for daily use.
Pro tip: Don’t fill it below the minimum line or above the maximum line. Below minimum and the boil-dry protection might kick in. Above maximum and you risk hot water spilling out when it boils.
Ease of Use: Can Anyone Use This Thing?
One of the best things about the MeCity electric kettle is how simple it is to use. Seriously, if you can plug something in and press a button, you can use this kettle.
Here’s the whole process:
- Take the kettle off the base
- Open the lid by pressing the button on the handle
- Fill it with water (from the spout or the top opening)
- Close the lid
- Put it back on the base
- Press the power switch
- Wait for it to boil and auto shut-off
- Pour your water
That’s it. No complicated settings, no programming, no app to download (thank goodness). Just simple, straightforward boiling water.
The spout pours smoothly without dripping or splashing, which is nice. Some cheap kettles dribble water down the side, but this one doesn’t seem to have that problem.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Nobody likes cleaning kitchen appliances, but the MeCity electric kettle is pretty easy to maintain.
Daily Cleaning
After each use, I just rinse it out with water and let it dry. That’s usually enough if you’re using filtered water.
Deep Cleaning (Descaling)
If you have hard water (like most of us do), you’ll notice mineral buildup inside the kettle after a few weeks. It looks like white crusty stuff or film on the bottom and sides.
To clean it, here’s what I do:
Vinegar Method:
- Fill the kettle halfway with equal parts water and white vinegar
- Boil it
- Let it sit for 15-20 minutes
- Pour it out
- Rinse thoroughly several times
- Boil plain water once and dump it out to remove any vinegar taste
Lemon Method (if you hate the vinegar smell):
- Fill the kettle with water
- Add slices from one whole lemon
- Boil it
- Let it sit for an hour
- Pour it out and rinse
I do this about once a month, and the kettle stays clean and doesn’t affect the taste of my water.
The wide opening makes it easy to reach inside and wipe down the interior with a soft cloth if needed. Don’t use abrasive cleaners – they’ll scratch up the stainless steel.
Energy Efficiency
The MeCity electric kettle uses about 1100-1500 watts when heating (check your specific model), which is standard for electric kettles.
Is it energy efficient? Actually, yeah. Electric kettles are more energy-efficient than boiling water on the stove because they heat only the water, not the air around it. Plus, the automatic shut-off means you’re not wasting energy keeping water hot.
Will it add much to your electricity bill? Nope. Even if you boil water 3-4 times a day, we’re talking maybe a couple dollars a month max.
MeCity Electric Kettle Review: Pros and Cons
Let me break down the good and the not-so-good after using this kettle for several weeks.
What I Like (Pros)
1. The Price is Right The MeCity electric kettle is seriously affordable. You’re getting a functional electric kettle without spending a fortune.
2. Boils Water Fast 3-5 minutes for a full kettle is perfect. Way better than waiting for a stovetop kettle.
3. Auto Shut-Off is Clutch I’ve definitely gotten distracted and walked away from boiling water before. The auto shut-off gives me peace of mind.
4. Decent Capacity 1.7 liters is enough for multiple cups of tea or coffee without having to refill constantly.
5. Easy to Use No learning curve. Anyone can figure this out in 5 seconds.
6. The Blue LED Light is Cool Okay, this is minor, but I actually like seeing the blue glow when it’s heating. It’s a nice visual indicator.
7. Good Pour Control The spout doesn’t dribble or splash, which makes pouring hot water safer.
What Could Be Better (Cons)
1. No Temperature Control This is probably my biggest complaint. If you need different temperatures for different teas, you’ll have to boil it and wait for it to cool down.
2. Plastic Components While the plastic parts seem okay, I’d prefer a fully stainless steel design. Plastic near heat always makes me a bit nervous long-term.
3. Gets Hot on the Outside The stainless steel body gets hot to the touch. Not a huge deal since you use the handle, but worth noting.
4. Somewhat Loud It’s not terrible, but it’s not quiet either. If you’re boiling water while others are sleeping, they might hear it.
5. Basic Design If you want something that looks fancy or modern, this isn’t it. It’s pretty plain.
6. No Keep-Warm Function Once it boils, it shuts off. There’s no way to keep the water hot. You’ll need to reboil if you wait too long.
7. Longevity is Unknown Since this is a budget option, I can’t guarantee it’ll last for years. My testing period was only a few weeks.
Who Should Buy the MeCity Electric Kettle?
After testing and using this kettle daily, here’s who I think would be happy with it:
Buy it if you:
- Want an affordable electric kettle that works
- Need to boil water quickly for tea, coffee, or cooking
- Like simple appliances without complicated features
- Don’t need precise temperature control
- Want something that looks decent but not flashy
- Are okay with plastic components
- Need automatic shut-off for safety
Skip it if you:
- Need variable temperature settings for different teas
- Want a completely stainless steel construction
- Need a keep-warm function
- Want the quietest possible kettle
- Expect premium build quality
- Need something that’s guaranteed to last 5+ years
MeCity Electric Kettle vs. Competitors
How does the MeCity kettle stack up against other electric kettles in the same price range?
vs. Traditional Stovetop Kettles
MeCity wins on: Speed (way faster), convenience (auto shut-off), energy efficiency
Stovetop wins on: Durability (no electronics to break), can work without electricity, often prettier designs
vs. Higher-End Electric Kettles
Higher-end kettles win on: Temperature control, build quality, design, longevity, quieter operation, premium materials
MeCity wins on: Price (significantly cheaper), simplicity (fewer things to break)
vs. Other Budget Electric Kettles
The MeCity electric kettle is pretty comparable to other budget options. Most kettles in this price range have similar features, similar build quality, and similar performance. It comes down to price, availability, and specific features you want.
Final Thoughts
Look, I’m not going to tell you the MeCity electric kettle is the best kettle ever made. It’s not. But for most people who just need to boil water for their morning tea or coffee, it’s more than good enough.
If you’re on a budget and need something reliable, the MeCity electric kettle is definitely worth considering. Just know what you’re getting – a functional, affordable appliance that probably won’t last forever but will serve you well while it does.
FAQs
Q1. Is the MeCity electric kettle BPA-free?
Most models claim to be BPA-free in their listings, but I couldn’t find official certification. If this is super important to you, contact the manufacturer directly.
Q2. Can I use it in other countries?
Check the voltage. Most are designed for 110-120V (US standard). If you’re traveling internationally, you’ll need a voltage converter, not just a plug adapter.
Q3. How long is the power cord?
About 2-2.5 feet, which is pretty standard. If your outlet is far from your counter, you might need an extension cord.
Q4. Does it have a warranty?
This varies by seller, but most come with a 1-year limited warranty. Keep your receipt just in case.
Q5. Can I boil milk or soup in it?
No! Only water. Anything else will burn onto the heating element and ruin your kettle.
Q6. Why does my water taste weird?
If it’s new, boil plain water 2-3 times and dump it out. This removes any manufacturing residue. If it continues, you might need to descale it.
