On Thu, 12 May 2016 20:13:30 +0100, Steve Walker wrote:

As for kettles, I do think more efficent kettles can be made, the
basic designs have not changed since the 1950s.

How? 99% of the energy goes into the water with a tiny tiny bit lost
in the lead and through the case.

Have you every heard or seen steam come out of teh spout.
Have you ever touched the side of a kettle.

When you switch a kettle off it doesn't stay boiling for very long does
it.

Well it wouldn't. Boiling absorbs energy (latent heat of vapourisation)
and when you switch off you stop adding energy.

Have you come across this wonderful new invention, the thermos flask?