Having spent a few weeks weighing up various reviews on kettles I finally decided to take the plunge and spend some extra pennies on what hopefully will prove to be worthwhile purchase. Yes it does have its share of negative reviews,and as is the norm, the negative reviews normally hit the press first!(And quite rightly too!).
So OK,this is up there with the expensive ones and not everyone will want to spend this amount on a cup of tea (or coffee for that matter), but this looks like it should be a "get what you pay for" item. As of yet I can't speak from the longevity value of its worth, but initial usage is favourable.(Owned it for a month so far).
The kettle is double lined and therefore is a tad heavier than average,that said,it is metal on the inside as well as the outside (unlike some other popular models).
The lid opens easily from a button on the upper part of the handle(you do have to close it manually,a soft pad ensures you don't burn your fingers),alternatively you can fill it through the spout - tap size permitting!
The fill gauge,although not in "cup" measures,does increase in increments of 500ml(2x cups = appx 500ml),with intermediate markings inbetween,and it possible,if needed, only to boil 250ml. The gauge does light up when you press the on button, and although condensation does tend to form in the plastic gauge, it doesn't obliterate the markings.
Noise level - all I'll say is that this one of the quietist we've had, it actually goes quieter as it reaches boiling point.(Example boiling times:250ml=30" / 500ml=1'20" / 1.8l=3'32").
The brushed steel isn't a finger print collector and wipes down easily.
It also came with a 3year guarantee so I hope it will outlive its warranty and exceed expectations!