bit-tech Shopping: Breville Ikon Electric Kettle - SK500XL

Rating: 10

Time with product: 3 Weeks

Strengths: Boils in minutes if not seconds

Weaknesses: None really. Just be sure it is off when you set it back down on its mount if the jug is empty.

Summary: Well, I put water in it and did my thing but it was already boiling when I checked on it. So now I keep a close eye on it as I grind my coffee beans and prepare the French press to keep it from ever reaching a true boil. Just when it is about to I take it off the mount and let it settle for ten seconds or so, then I pour the hot water into the loaded French press. Before placing it back on base I turn the switch to it off and set it down with the lid open so it is nice and dry for my next pot of water.

Rating: 8

Time with product:

Strengths: Good stainless steel construction appearing high class; 1500W heats very effectively; Cordless design is a plus

Weaknesses: Base should be more steady; Kettle a bit difficult to clean

Summary: We love this tea kettle! It boils water very quickly and we always have our tea ready in 2 - 3 minutes! It has built in filter so we can just place tea in the kettle without messing our tea cups. It is also good for boiling plain water only. The only complain is that the kettle has this and that "pluses" inside and makes it a bit difficult to clean (especially for the small filter). Also the base could be made heavier to match its heavy gauge electric cable so that it would move around on the counter top. Overall this appears a high quality kettle and we trust it would last long!