Electric Kettles

[Michael Chare]

The element in our Russell Hobs kettle failed after the equivalent of

3-4 years use. The heating element is under the water container and does not appear to be removable, unlike older kettles where the element was in the water and could be replaced.

Many new kettles are of a similar design to the one that has failed, so I thought I should buy a cheap one as it also probably can't be repaired. I was able to get a cheap £12 one from Tesco. It has a slightly lower power rating, 2.2Kw and a much higher minimum water level. I wonder how well it will last

Have others had similar problems with this type of kettle?

[Nick Odell]

Do you mean the cordless "kettle-shaped" model with a very heavy base with the elements built in? I have one of those and the kettle itself hasn't caused any problems but the plastic base with the mains connector has gradually sunken under the weight and heat so that, several years later the contacts no longer make -erme- contact. I like the kettle - and it wasn't cheap! - so I have a little project on to mould the base back into shape and reinforce it with more plastic inside. A lot of fuss over an old kettle? That's what retirement is for isn't it? Now.. ... where did I put my set of spool clamps?

Nick

[Harry Bloomfield, Esq.]

Michael Chare pretended :

I bought a cheapy entire glass one, with a flat internal base on ebay, it lasted a week before element packed in and replaced it with a similar styled glass one from Lidl - one of the well known names (Swan/MR ?). Likely a three year guarantee. That has been absolutely fine so far.

Modern kettles are so cheap these days, they are just not worth repairing, so why make the elements replaceable? If it breaks in guarantee, get them to replace it, if outside just buy new. Getting the replacement part would cost almost as much then there is the fitting cost of your time.

[tim...]

12 pounds!

you woz done

does it really matter when replacements are so cheap?

[Jeff Layman]

Looks like it's got one of those hinged lids - the type which break off

366 days after purchase. I've given up buying kettles with hinged lids, especially those which are spring-operated by a button on the handle. I prefer those with "old-fashioned" completely removable lids. No hinge, no button, no spring - mechanically robust, in other words.

[RobH]

Not specifically related, but the main problem we have with electric kettles is the push down switch at the bottom, under the handle. They break off after a while, usually between 3 and 18 month.

I doesn't matter how much we paid for them as they all suffered the same breakage. Last year I bought one of those Hadeeon kettles which had the switch at the top, which was just a push in type, but the failed after a short while dues to some other problem.

[Bob Eager]

We have a Bosch kettle. Push buttons are in the separate base.

Occasionally the contacts give trouble.

[R D S]

Yes, I have a collection of kettles at work that we've mothballed for one reason or another. Keep meaning to chuck em but you know how it is....

[Roger Hayter]

Yes, whether cheap or expensive models the elements tend to fail after one to three years. I suspect people boiling less than the minimum quantity of water is the main cause, but I am generally too circumspect to say so too often! A useful side effect is that the RCD gets tested at least that often.

[JohnP]

I was quite concerned about this move toward legislation to make things repairable. Higher costs and bulkier items will be to result - as well as incompetent people causing accidents. A spot weld is probably better than a screw and is more compact.

[The Natural Philosopher]

I have had this kettle 5 years. the previous ones lasted 14. The switch has not broken, the lid has not broken and the base as not melted nor the element gone.

Perhaps you should treat your kettles better, or buy a better one to start with?

[Robin]

Bosch going strong here after 8+ years use by pensioner household (so typically a dozen times a day).

There was some force in the EU ECO-bods plans to mandate concealed elements. (But rather odd politics for them to make so much of it only being black tea drinkers who generally need boiling.)

[JohnP]

Probably all made in the same factory in China. Have you noticed how all toasters seem to share the same, not quite big enough, elements?

[Max Demian]

It's worth paying twice the price for one with a circular base so you can put the kettle down any way round.

[Max Demian]

Mine - £12 from Wilko - broke after seven years so I fixed it with Araldite. It mostly works as it should, but you can't reset the switch until it is completely cold.

I see that the new ones from Wilko mostly appear to have metal switch levers - unless they are metallised plastic.

[Max Demian]

Russell Hobbs should be ashamed of themselves. (Perhaps the name has been sold to the Chinese.) I bought one of the original Forgettles in

1978 and the element never needed replacing and the cutout never failed. I only got rid of it in 2013 as it leaked slightly from the bottom.

[Roger Hayter]

I find it difficult to correct other members of the household on their kettle technique without creating resentment. I suppose I could demand they report to me for a water adequacy check before every use ...

[tim...]

wouldn't know

I fill it up through the pouring hole

empty it through the pouring hole

simples

[Mark Carver]

All of us will eventually.

[RobH]

Ok, what make and model is it.