Russell Hobbs 15082 1.7 L Blue Illuminating Glass Kettle

Update: 18 Oct 2011 Well, I now have to fess up that I too am very very disappointed with this kettle. A few months back the lid started to stick as others had reported although I had the fortune/misfortune? of it taking considerably longer to do so. I was going to return it then but then it suddenly was fine again. Another couple of months have now passed and to my vast shock the lid is not only sticking again, but yesterday it actually clean came off after depressing the button several times to release the lid in order to make a cup of tea! What is the point of having such a seemingly great item, paying more than one would normally do for a so called trusted brand, only to experience such absolute frustration to make a simple cup of tea! I am returning this today!!! For those of you considering purchasing this, my advice along with everyone else is, don't waste your time, sense of peace and definitely your money!This was my previous review pre above:After reading the reviews before buying this kettle I decided to live with it for a while before writing a review. Having now done that I can now say that I would buy this kettle again! I do agree with some of the reviews regarding the steam and potential scalding issue but the solution is to just hold it a little further down the handle when pouring. Seems to work for us. As far as we've experienced with previous stainless steel kettles, the amount of noise this makes isn't really any different. In fact, I would say it's quiter.About limescaling - we live in a very hard water area so limescale build up is a given. I would agree and disagree with some of the other reviews who also have this problem. My experience has proved that just filtering the water isn't enough. It definitely helps slow the build up down but it by no means eradicates it. Placing one of those stainless steel limescale 'catchers' at the bottom of the kettle and following usage instructions, combined with filtering the water has been the most effective method of virtually eliminating the limescale issue. Granted looking at a stainless steel wirey 'ball' through your lovely glass kettle isn't the nicest thing to see, it's a lot better than one that's covered in limescale. (oh, I did try the lemon suggestion too but it sadly didn't make any difference).One final comment - the first time you boil up the water is quite an indescribable experience. And yes, I feel very sad that blue illumination in a kettle was the highlight of the domestic day (for all of us!) but until you experience it you won't be able to appreciate it. Try it with the lights off to get a truly amazing first time experience! :-)

Overall a nice and stylish kettle. Well made and attractive design. However, for me, there are two issues with the lid. Firstly, the lid only opens at a 45 degree angle when pressing the lid release button, which is fine if you are filling from a tap but doesn't quite work if you have to fill from a water purifying jug, which I use. I have to manually lift the lid to a ninety degree angle (the maximum it will open) every time I need to add water. Secondly, I have noticed that condensation remains on the underside of the lid, so when the lid is opened, water runs down the handle (which is a little concerning given that the on off switch it at the bottom of the handle). Apart from that, I'm pleased. I have seen this product retail for up to £60 and given the competition, I wouldn't pay more than £30 for this product.**********************************************************************************Update after a month of use..........the spout on this kettle is of a very poor design, resulting in a very uneven flow when pouring. This is a constant frustration. After a month of use, the failure to get the practical aspects right like the pour performance of the spout and the issues with the lid outweigh the aesthetic properties of the modern glass design and mesmerising blue bubbles when the kettle is boiling. Therefore, I regret buying this kettle as it doesn't do what it's designed for very well. On the upside, I note the current price on this site is £10 more than what I paid :)

Despite all the negative reviews I still wanted this kettle. It's sooo pretty!So I bought it on 16 Nov 2011 and have been since using it several times a day, and no problems with the lid or kettle so far.First I took the filter from the spout away, did't understand why it was there...I've had no problems pouring boiled water from this kettle.This might be so because I don't keep the kettle and my tea mug at the same level while I pour, instead the mug is on the counter, but I hold and pour keeping the kettle on the side of the counter, so I don't have to pour from a great height. If you understand my broken english :)Lack of problems with the lid might be because I live in Helsinki, Finland, and the lime content in our tap water is not so high.Only negative point with this kettle is that in time the metallic heating element at the bottom of the kettle turns slightly brown.My hand fits inside the kettle and I can scrub the heating element with a slightly abrasive cleaning sponge, but doing this scratches the metal surface slightly. No biggie, scratches show only when the kettle is empty.And the real reason for buying this glass kettle? If you've seen Blade Runner and remember the scene where Pris picks up eggs from from a boiling water, they used a glass vessel to show that she puts her hand into boiling water. After seeing that scene I decided that one day I would get a see-through kettle. This product made my day!UPDATE!I bought this item 16 Nov 2011, and despite daily use, it's still as good as new. Lid is ok, nothing has broken, nothing sticks. So, it seems that if your tap water has high lime content, then you might have problems with the lid. Mine is still going strong, even the led light is still working fine.So, over 3 ½ years of daily use and this kettle still gets 5 stars.

Just be aware that the lid spring mechanism will probably break. I have read this on other reviews.Mine has broken too. To get the lid up you have to press the button then prize it up from the spout side as it no longer pops up. Inconvenient but the kettle still works tho.Cheers