Australian man living in America left in hysterics over bizarre note left next to kettle in kitchen: ‘This is mind boggling’
- A man in the US came across detailed instructions on how to use a kettle
- Americans usually use microwave ovens or stoves to boil water instead
An Australian expat living in North America was “baffled” after seeing extensive instructions on how to use a popular kitchen appliance.
Originally from Melbourne, the man moved to the US nearly three years ago and was recently shocked to find detailed clues about using a kettle in a communal area.
The instructions contain obvious steps such as ‘refill the kettle with tap water’ and ‘press the kettle’ [switch] heating water’ and ‘pouring’.
Kettles are unusual in North America due to low voltage sockets (110V) taking twice as long to heat water as Australian kettles – which use 220V.
Many Americans simply use their microwave or stove to heat up water for tea and coffee, with stove-top kettles being an alternative option.
An Australian expat living in North America was ‘baffled’ after seeing detailed instructions on how to use a kettle to heat up water
The man posted a photo of the kettle along with the instructions.
‘How to use the kettle for hot tea’ read the title.
Step 1: Use the cup to refill the kettle with tap water. The sink is on your right
Step 2: Press the black button to enter the water
Step 3: Wait for the water to heat up
Step 4: Pour
The kettle also had a special label on the switch that read ‘PUSH’ to avoid confusion.
One man defended the instruction to use a cup to fill the kettle after another questioned why someone couldn’t fill it straight from the tap.
“They want you to boil only the amount of water you need to fill one cup. At 110V cooking takes longer than [Australians] are used to, so by reducing the amount of water, the jug can be really helpful.’
Hundreds made fun of the instructions, with many sarcastically claiming they were still not clear enough.
“Where do you load the bullets?” a man asked.
‘How to donate? Directly on my face? Without more instructions I might never know!’
Another jokingly replied, “I think you put the tea bag in your mouth and pour it [boiling water] straight in.”
Some were primarily concerned with the need to give instructions.
“I’m more concerned about them having to point the way to the sink,” said one person. “It’s not like anyone in their right mind would use toilet water.”
“I feel if you need instructions on how to make tea, you shouldn’t go near hot drinks.”
People even shared similar ridiculous signs they encountered.
“My work has instructions ‘don’t use a kettle to boil milk’ so some people clearly need help.”
If you use a kettle to heat milk, the drink may curdle and spoil.
“When I was in a hotel in New Zealand, their kettle had instructions not to cook food in it… what’s wrong with people.”