Following other reviews, I picked this model as being able to boil without scalding a hand when pouring or handle getting too hot to hold. If you completely fill (to recommended level) and boil twice in quick succession, the handle will get hot, but hardly a serious quibble. My husband is still complaining about it as he has not got used to the change yet (flicking a switch takes less time than lighting a gas ring, apparently, and he can't just turn it on and leave the kitchen for half an hour - a bonus as far as I am concerned). I think it possibly does take a little longer than the old electric kettle to boil, but as I know it is cheaper to run, it does not bother me.