Brits have been left puzzled after discovering that many Americans do not own electric kettles, instead boiling water on the stove or in the microwave. The revelation has sparked a viral debate, with many expressing disbelief at the cultural difference.
Love Island Australia host Sophie Monk recently shared her shock after living in the US for a decade. She recounted being met with confusion when trying to purchase a kettle in American shops, saying, 'They don’t know what a kettle is! They must heat water up on their stove.'
The reason for the difference lies in electrical voltage. US homes operate on 100-127 volts, compared to around 230 volts in the UK. This means electric kettles in America heat water more slowly, making them less appealing. Additionally, the US has a weaker tea-drinking culture, with many households opting for coffee machines instead.
The debate has resurfaced online, with a TikTok user from Australia recently expressing her confusion. Commenters described the absence of kettles as 'weird' and 'strange', while Reddit threads have long discussed the phenomenon.
