Automobile teapots act as constant travel companions of fans of long trips. Such devices are powered by a standard cigarette lighter. Therefore, they allow you to brew hot drinks on the go without any problems.
Varieties
Consider the main types of electric devices for boiling water that work from a car cigarette lighter:
- portable boilers;
- thermomugs with heating function;
- standard kettles;
- heated thermoses.
Let's look at each category of devices individually, highlight their advantages and disadvantages.
Car Kettles
What is a cigarette lighter car kettle? Such devices act as a miniature copy of household electrical devices for heating water. The volume here ranges from 0.5 to 1.5 liters. Most models have mounts that contribute to the reliable fixation of the body in a static position.
Automobile teapots will help not only to make tea or coffee, but also prepare food, relax by the road, warm up. Ultimately, the purchase of the device makes it possible to reduce the cost of visiting catering establishments.
Today, automobile kettles powered by 12 volts are widely used. Most often, such devices have lightweight plastic cases; they differ in rather modest dimensions and ergonomic shape.
Boilers
They are the simplest, cheapest devices that are suitable for heating a small amount of water. Car boilers are connected to the cigarette lighter using a special adapter, and then placed in a container with liquid, which is brought to a boil.
Among the advantages of devices of this plan, it is worth highlighting the rapid heating of water and small dimensions. As for the shortcomings, we can note the inconvenience of operation during the movement of the car, the lack of the possibility of reliable fixation on the mug.
Thermomugs
According to the device, containers that operate from the cigarette lighter are similar to standard thermocups. The only difference is the presence of an electric cord and a built-in heater.
Car mugs with heating function are not suitable for boiling water. At the same time, built-in heaters are capable of heating liquid foods or drinks to a temperature of about 80 ° C.
Heated thermoses
In fact, devices of this plan are still the same large-volume thermocups. Built-in heating elements make it possible for a long time to maintain the water temperature at a level of more than 70 o C.
The most advanced heated thermoses contain temperature indicators. Most models are conveniently fixed in the car. The shape of the lower part of the body most often corresponds to the geometry of standard consoles for containers on the car panel or extendable cup stands.
Benefits of Automotive Dummies
How practical is a car kettle? Owner reviews show that the device is an indispensable tool for car enthusiasts who are on the road for a long time. The device can be especially useful when traveling through areas where roadside cafes are rarely found.
An alternative to a car kettle is a gas burner. However, to boil water using such a device, you have to stop. In addition, the burner needs refueling and takes up more space.
Automobile kettles do not affect battery performance. Devices in this category consume the minimum amount of energy. At the same time, it takes a minimum of time to heat the water.
Operational Features
How to use a car kettle from a cigarette lighter? User reviews say that turning on devices of a similar plan is necessary only when the engine is running. Otherwise, the battery will discharge faster. Thus, the preparation of a cup of aromatic drink can be quite expensive.
When purchasing automobile teapots, you should dwell on models that have the function of protection against inclusion in the absence of water in the tank. Also, the purchase of devices that automatically turn off after boiling is also welcome.
When you turn it on for the first time, it’s worth checking if the wire of the automobile kettle is overheating. Operation of the device with a poor-quality power cord can lead to a short circuit in the system and, as a result, to a shorting of all vehicle wiring.
Selection tips
To choose a car kettle, it is worth noting for yourself what is required from such a device, in what conditions the device will be operated. If you need a tool for use on long flights, in this case, preference should be given to a conventional electric kettle from a large volume cigarette lighter. When it is planned to rarely use the device during normal trips around the city, you can restrict yourself to the purchase of a heated thermos or thermo mug. In the latter case, ready-made drinks can be warmed up in any free minute.
As for capacity, for a few people a kettle with a volume of not more than 0.5 liters will be enough. If boiling water is needed for cooking, you will have to purchase a more capacious device of 0.75-1 liters.
An important selection criterion are technical specifications. Devices with a voltage of 12 V look like the best solution for cars. For trucks and buses, 24 V kettles are suitable. If the fast boiling of large volumes of water is a determining factor, preference should be given to the most powerful devices.
Having made the right choice, you can get a reliable, functional and extremely practical device that will brighten up the time spent on the trip and warm you away from civilization.