Kitchen

• making a hot drink more easily

These are devices that are designed to make it easier to make hot drinks.

SMART KETTLE - this is like a traditional kettle but with additional features, it can be connected to Wi-Fi which means it has additional functions and ways to use it. These can include:

• Boil water by using an app or voice control by smart speaker, making it convenient to have hot water ready when needed and prevent the need to stand in the kitchen waiting for the kettle to boil. Preset times for the kettle to boil water or voice control can mean that even if someone can't see very well they might be able to use a smart kettle.
• Set specific temperatures for the water to heat to for specific drinks or personal preference.
• Many smart kettles can keep water warm for extended periods, avoiding the need to reboil it which can save energy. 
• These kettles often come with safety features like auto shut-off and boil-dry protection.

ONE CUP KETTLE - this is a small kitchen appliance that quickly heats and dispenses just enough hot water for one cup at a time. This can make it easier to use than a traditional kettle.

• Easy to use as no need to lift a heavy kettle, just place the cup under the water spout. 
• Heats up water quickly due to it only heating enough water for one cup. 
• Small in size so works well in areas with limited space.

They are usually available to buy in shops which sell kettles and drinks makers. You can also find and buy these products by searching phrases such as 'smart kettles', 'one cup kettles' or 'smart coffee machines' on the internet.

• Convenience: These types of device can make it quicker and easier to make hot drinks
• Increased independence: If someone has difficulty standing using these devices can reduce time waiting for the kettle to boil increasing ability to make a hot drink. Devices can help if the person using it has difficulty seeing, has co-ordination difficulty or is unable to lift a standard kettle which might mean a person can make themselves a hot drink more safely without needing help from someone else. 
• Money saving: devices that only heat enough water for one cup generally use less electricity.

SMART KETTLE

• Suitability: Smart kettles usually use Wi-Fi or connect to an app on a phone or tablet via Bluetooth. If the person doesn't have Wi-Fi or a smart phone then they won't be able to make use of the additional features, manually operating the kettle is still possible but the additional cost for a smart kettle is probably not worth spending.
• Setting up and use: Think about how the kettle will be set up, how easy is this to do? will help be needed? If it stops working would help be needed and is there someone to do this? 
• Safety: Check that there are inbuilt safety features so the kettle shuts off automatically if there is no water in it, particularly if it is going to be switched on remotely from another room using the app. 
• Cost and Value for money: Smart kettles are generally more expensive than traditional kettles due to their advanced features. Check warranty and company customer service support.

ONE CUP KETTLE

• Ease of use: Different models have different features. How easy is it to use? are there complicated controls or just one button to dispense boiling water. Is there a visual marker or raised guide to make it easy to place the cup correctly to prevent boiling water spilling. How easy is the water container to refill, will the person who will be using it be able to do this or is there someone who can do this for them.  
• Maintenance: Regular cleaning is required to prevent limescale build up. Who would do this?
• Capacity: One cup kettles only boil enough water for one serving, if this is not enough, water dispensers can boil more water, but without the need to lift a kettle.
• Safety: Safety features are usually built in so the machine doesn't try to heat water when there is none in it but it's worth checking this before purchasing.