An electric kettle is an electric device used to heat water and other beverages quickly. The first electric kettle was invented in 1891 but took over 10 minutes to boil water due to its design. Modern electric kettles have a heating element directly in the water for faster boiling. They consist of a base that transfers electricity to a top section containing a heating element, indicator light, and thermostat to automatically shut off the device once the water reaches its boiling point. Electric kettles work by converting electrical energy into heat energy through a thick metal coil at the bottom of the container.