Russell Hobbs Electric Kettle

I like it but...
I used Russell Hobbs electric kettles for years in England (they last decades!) and sought this one out as soon as I moved to the US and discovered that electric kettles were widely available here. It looks good, as it appears here, although it is very tall; the handle a little out of proportion. It boils speedily and I haven't found any problems with it, but I would have to qualify that with one grouch. The turn-on switch is very, very easily activated; so that you can flip it on accidently by just resting a cloth next to it, for instance. The switch is located at the base of the kettle and I feel that it would be better placed higher, closer to the handle perhaps. Other than that, I'm happy with my kettle and would have given it four stars but for this qualm.

"You can't get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me."--C.S. Lewis
Because we drink a lot of tea at my house (and I mean a LOT. Six cups per day just for me. I can stop if I want to!) I was excited to get this Russell Hobbs Electric Kettle to replace our old much-abused stove top kettle. The box promises a brand that "delivers the best in class innovations, designed to inspire your culinary talents", and boasts of its "British Heritage". The product itself turns out be made in China, with somewhat chintzy-looking materials, sporting several design flaws and a few risks to your actual person. As follows:

APPEARANCE/DESIGN: The picture looks a tad nicer than the product itself. Be sure to check the measurements as the kettle is large and you will need enough room for the unit to be clear of clutter on all sides and the top. Two things I don't like: If you have weak eyesight, it may be difficult to read the waterline, as it's transparent against the clear background. I also don't like that the on/off light is on the other side of the kettle...

Not it's usual quality.
I have been using a Russell Hobbs kettle for the last 15 years and would rate it 5 stars.

The current kettle that I bought has 2 features that I do not like. 1) the opening is such that you cannot clean the inside of the kettle by hand; 2) the water level indicator stays permanently fogged up and is totally useless.

I wish that they did not change a product that was the best in the market.

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