Customer Reviews

Russell Hobbs RHOK3123 Brushed Stainless-Steel Kettle

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1 star:		(1)

 

 

As a Brit living in the US, the American idea of a kettle has always been a source of perplexity (not to mention some vexation). Nothing against our transatlantic cousins, but frankly we got the design of this essential piece of kitchen equipment nailed back in the sixties, if not before! The US versions nearly always have a tiny capacity, are achingly slow to boil and - the cardinal sin - they do not switch off automatically when the water boils! OK, some have whistles, but having a kettle whistling until all the water boils away is NOT as useful as having a little thermostatically-controlled switch in it that cuts the power. Ahem.

Anyway, enough griping. Here - for all those who still boil water on the stove top, in the microwave or the coffee percolator - is the modern British solution. This kettle is well made, light and easy to handle. It stands on a plastic base that plugs into the wall - there's no cord attached to the kettle itself, so it can be picked up easily with either hand. It fills easily, pours cleanly and *thank goodness*, does not whistle. It's quick - taking around 6 minutes to boil a full kettle of cold water, and unlike older kettles, it does not have an exposed element inside. The new element resembles a flat disk in the bottom. It switches off automatically when the water has boiled. There is even a filter at the spout to prevent limescale flakes from getting in your tea (should you live in a hard water area), and a fill-level marker inside to remind you not to try and overdo things. There is no indicator for water level on the exterior of the kettle, which I don't mind at all.

The only slightly negative thing about this kettle is the on/off switch. It has a very light and positive action but it appears quite insubstantial, and I'm not sure it would survive if it received a good knock.

All in all, this is a very nice kettle and an excellent piece of equipment to have on the counter top in any kitchen. Now, to have a nice cup of tea...!

Pleasant to look at, sits unobtrusively on the counter with excess wire easily hidden away, steam does not fill the room or burn your hands and arm when you pour, and the pour spout is efficient -- doesn't dribble hot water like some kettles will do. It's quick and efficient, too. Slightly more lightweight than I would like, having a preference for heavy kitchen equipment, and I'm mildly concerned that a rod inside the kettle will ultimately be a mineral build-up issue. Those issues aside, I recommend this product.

You will love this kettle. It heats water so fast you can hardly get the tea bag out! One important thing to consider is the ergonomics of this particular kettle. When it is full of boiling water, it is easier to lift and pour this style rather than one with the handle on the side. The brushed surface is easier to keep looking nice, doesn't show finger prints.

Having owned a Russell Hobbs electric tea kettle that performed perfectly for over 15 years before it wore out, I am distressed that its replacement ( also a Russell Hobbs) has lasted less than 1 year. And now that I need to replace it, there are none available.I want a kettle, not the cheesy looking jug. So, what has happened to Russell? I will have to try another brand. Suggest you do the same.

The heating element has broken after 15 months. This is not an inexpensive unit. I'm a Brit and my previous (UK) Russell Hobbs kettle lasted me for at least 11 years. Otherwise this is an attractive and reasonable product, but obviously corners have been cut. I should also mention that the handle makes it a little difficult to fill from our filtered water spiggot.

Summary: Buy something else folks. Sorry Russell Hobbs.