Not all electric kettles have exposed heating elements — it depends on the design and generation of the kettle.
Modern electric kettles, such as those made by Shenbao, typically use concealed heating elements, which are sealed under a flat stainless-steel plate at the bottom of the kettle. Older or low-cost models, however, may still feature exposed coil elements that are visible inside the water chamber.
The heating element is the core component that converts electrical energy into heat. It’s what boils your water.
When electricity passes through the element, electrical resistance causes it to heat up, and that heat is transferred directly into the water.
There are two main types of heating elements in kettles:
Exposed heating element — A visible metal coil inside the kettle, directly in contact with the water.
Concealed heating element — A hidden element located beneath a sealed metal plate at the base of the kettle.
| Feature | Exposed Element | Concealed Element |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Visible metal coil inside the kettle | Flat, smooth base with no visible coil |
| Boiling Speed | Slightly faster (direct water contact) | Slightly slower but more even heating |
| Ease of Cleaning | Hard to clean; limescale collects on coils | Easy to clean; smooth stainless surface |
| Durability | More prone to corrosion and scale damage | Longer-lasting and more protected |
| Safety | Higher risk of dry-boil or overheating | Includes automatic shut-off and thermal fuse |
| Modern Use | Rare in new designs | Standard in modern electric kettles |
The difference may look small, but concealed elements make a huge improvement in cleanliness, lifespan, and user safety.
In a concealed element kettle, the heating coil is sealed under a stainless-steel base plate.
This plate conducts heat evenly to the water while keeping the electrical component completely isolated.
Advantages:
Prevents direct contact between metal coil and water.
Protects against rust, limescale, and mineral buildup.
Makes the kettle easier to descale and wipe clean.
Ensures consistent boiling and better temperature control.
This is why concealed heating elements are now the standard for premium electric kettles worldwide.
Older electric kettles often featured exposed coils to cut manufacturing costs. However, they had several disadvantages:
Limescale buildup: Minerals in water collect on the coil, reducing efficiency.
Hard to clean: The shape of the coil traps dirt and residue.
Shorter lifespan: Repeated heating and cooling cycles weaken the metal.
Higher safety risks: If used without enough water, exposed coils can overheat and fail.
Because of these issues, most manufacturers — including Shenbao — have transitioned fully to concealed-element kettle designs.
Shenbao uses concealed stainless-steel heating systems across its electric kettle product line. These kettles are designed for:
Thermal fuse protection: Prevents overheating.
Boil-dry protection: Automatically cuts power if no water is detected.
Steam-sensor shutoff: Turns off immediately when boiling point is reached.
Flat-bottom interior allows easy wiping and descaling.
No exposed coils where limescale can hide.
The sealed stainless-steel plate prevents any metal taste.
Ensures pure, clean boiling water even with frequent use.
Protected heating coil resists corrosion.
Energy-efficient design transfers heat evenly and quickly.
Shenbao’s models meet CE, CB, GS, and LFGB certifications, guaranteeing international electrical and food safety standards.
Here’s a quick test:
Open your kettle and look at the bottom.
If you see a visible metal coil, it’s exposed.
If the bottom is smooth and flat, it’s concealed.
Most modern stainless-steel or Glass Kettles feature concealed elements, while older plastic kettles may still use exposed coils.
Even with a concealed element, regular maintenance helps keep your kettle efficient:
| Step | What to Do | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Descale | Boil equal parts vinegar and water, then rinse. | Once per month |
| Wipe Inside | Use a soft cloth, never a scrub pad. | Weekly |
| Rinse Filter | Remove and rinse under warm water. | Monthly |
| Empty After Use | Avoid leaving standing water overnight. | Always |
These habits prevent scale buildup and ensure long-term heating performance.
Electric kettles used to have exposed heating elements, but modern models — including all Shenbao kettles — now use concealed elements for greater safety, durability, and hygiene.
Concealed heating elements not only make cleaning easier but also protect your kettle from corrosion and overheating, ensuring consistent, efficient boiling every time.
Smooth. Safe. Superior — that’s Shenbao’s standard.
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