Russell Hobbs 18256 Heritage Range Kettle in Country Cream

I am writing this review less than a year after purchasing this kettle. In this time I have experienced every one of the negative points made in most of the reviews here, and can therefore confirm that these negative reviews are entirely correct. The water does taste metallic, it does need replacing for each boil, meaning a high waste in water and power - if you 're-boil' any remaining water, it just tastes awful. At first I thought it was because I drink green tea, which is mainly water as opposed to tea or coffee with milk and sugar. Eventually friends and guests began to question the taste. I have never wasted so much water as I have wasted with this kettle.

It is very difficult to tell just how much water is in the kettle, not least because the window in the level indicator is extremely scaly and dirty. The kettle itself is very difficult to keep clean, and if and when you do clean it, more and more of the logo rubs off, making it look cheap, as well as dirty.

The spout leaks, leaving watermarks either on counters or work-top protectors. The top eventually de-seals itself, leading to steam escaping upon boiling, leading to burned hands with each use. The black handle fades (even with in year) to a cheap, faded plastic type colour. There is a big water mark under the spout, and the spout looks dirty inside. You'd think I had had this kettle for years, it looks so dirty, despite being regularly descaled.

The black small handle of the lid has come loose and can be turned round independently of the silver part of the lid. Aound the top of the kettle, when the lid is removed, all the paint has come off and brown marks, presumably rust or the start of rust, is starting to set in. Give it another few months and this kettle will just look awful.

Regarding the noise, it is noiser than most kettles, but I suppose it is because it is made from a different material than most kettles - metal rather than plastic, and is in a different style. You do have to leave the room if on the phone, it is quite correct.

All in all, absolutely 100% not worth buying. I'd be interested to see how many purchasers from last year are still happy with this model of kettle. We replaced ours today with a £30 one from Next, which I hope will last a lot longer than a year.

Please do not buy this model.

Had this kettle for just over 2 years and am very disappointed with the durability of the finish. Initially it looked good but it soon started rusting around the chrome on the lid. Two years on the enamel around the lid is coming off. Very poor quality of finish and I am looking to replace it.
Expected to get a decent quality item for the price it was. That was not to be, I should have saved my money and bought something cheaper.

Have been looking for a new cream kettle for some time and found some of them a yellowy cream but this one is perfect. Some of the reviews had mentioned that this kettle was noisy when boiling but it's quieter than my previous kettle. I was told in a local shop that 'fast-boil' kettles are likely to be noisier than the longer-boil kettles so I'm willing to deal with a bit of noise if it means a quicker cuppa! The design of the kettle is lovely and stylish and I think looks more expensive than it is. Would definitely consider buying matching items.