Electric copper and stainless steel samovar

What is an electric samovar and how does it work?

In an electric samovar the water is heated by an electric element inside or under the tank, and the teapot on top stays hot from the steam of the boiling water. No wood or fire is needed, so it is plugged in and used indoors, in offices and in businesses.

Most models have a thermostat that cuts the heater once the water boils and switches it on and off to keep the water at a set temperature. That makes an electric samovar practical for homes and businesses that want brewed tea all day.

What capacity should an electric samovar have?

• Small (about 2–4 litres): enough for 1–3 person homes and an office desk.
• Medium (about 5–7 litres): a balanced choice for larger families and days with guests.
• Large (about 10 litres and up): suits cafés, office kitchens, meeting rooms and businesses.
• Choose for the number of people you serve most often; a size that fits you is better than running a big tank with little water.

What does wattage mean?

Wattage shows how much energy the heater can use per hour and how fast it heats the water. In household electric samovars and kettles, power is usually in the 1,000–2,200 W range; larger and commercial models can be more powerful. The exact value is on each product’s label and in the manual.

Higher wattage heats water faster but draws more current at once. If powerful appliances such as an oven, heater or washing machine run on the same circuit, the breaker is more likely to trip. To work out consumption yourself, see our guide to electric samovar power consumption.

Thermostat, dry-boil protection and other features

• Thermostat: cuts the heater once the water boils and keeps it at a set temperature in keep-warm mode.
• Dry-boil protection: switches the heater off when there is no water in the tank – one of the first safety features to look for.
• Concealed element: with no exposed heater inside the tank, descaling is easier.
• Tap and teapot: a non-drip tap and a matching teapot with a sturdy handle make daily use easier.
• Cable and plug: an earthed plug, enough cable length and a solid base connection matter.

Limescale and care

In an electric samovar, limescale builds up on the heating element, slowing heating and potentially increasing energy use. Descaling the tank regularly with water and vinegar or the manufacturer’s descaler protects the element.

The electrical parts, base and plug must never be immersed in water. For detailed steps, see the electric samovar section of our cleaning guide.

Copper or stainless steel?

Copper-bodied electric samovars stand out with their traditional look; the outside darkens over time and needs polishing. Stainless steel models suit daily use with less care. See our copper vs stainless steel samovar guide for a detailed comparison.

Frequently asked questions