Why is there almost always a kettle in hotel rooms?
You arrive at the hotel late. Maybe after a long flight, maybe after a full day of sightseeing. And there it is: the little kettle on the sideboard. Next to it are two cups, tea bags, sometimes instant coffee.
Unspectacular?
Not quite.
The short answer
The kettle is one of the most cost-effective comfort extras—and meets different needs around the world.
One device, many functions
A kettle is amazingly versatile. It allows you to make:
- Tea
- Instant coffee
- Baby food
- Quick soups
- Even heating drinking water in regions with unsafe tap water
For hotels, it is an easy way to give guests a sense of independence – without having to install expensive coffee machines.
Cultural habits
In countries such as the UK, Australia, and many parts of Asia, hot water is an integral part of everyday life. Tea is a natural part of this.
International hotels adapt to these expectations, especially for guests from these regions.
In the US, on the other hand, kettles are less common, with coffee machines tending to dominate. Europe lies somewhere in between.
Cost-benefit analysis
A kettle is:
- inexpensive to purchase
- easy to replace
- low-maintenance
- space-saving
Compared to more complex coffee systems, it is uncomplicated. And that is exactly what makes it attractive for hotels.
The little twist
Interestingly, not all guests use the kettle exclusively for drinks. There are reports that some travelers wash socks or cook pasta in it.
This is precisely why many hotels clean these appliances thoroughly on a regular basis—even if it’s better not to think about it for too long.
The next time you stay at a hotel, you may see it differently: the kettle is no accident. It is global minimalism with maximum utility.
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