Hamilton Beach 10-Cup Electric Kettle - Stainless Steel 40870

J. J. Weel: This is a little more expensive than the little white plastic electric kettles you can get, but it really is better.

The kettle lifts off the base, and the base is what plugs in. That makes it easy to fill and empty without mucking around with the cord.

There is no exposed heating element, which makes it easy to clean the inevitable limescale. Just boil some vinegar in it the way you'd normally boil water. I'd still recommend you don't actually brew tea in the kettle. Use the kettle for boiling the water and a teapot for brewing the tea.

The see-through plastic part behind the handle lets you see how much water you put in, which is handy because without that I tend to overestimate how much water I need, and these things of course take longer the more water you put in, so it helps to put in just the right amount.

The plastic handle does not get hot, your hand is not in the way of the steam, and the little button mechanism to open the lid works.

There is a clear and bright indicator light to show you whether it's on or not.

It's made of quality black plastic and brushed stainless steel, which looks much better than the...

United States on Jun 25, 2014

Michelle: I got sick of running downstairs to the kitchen every time I wanted a cup of tea at the end of the day. Or, sometimes the middle of the night, as the Yogi Kava Stress Relief has become my go-to, non-drowsy-non-headachy-the-next-day, natural sleep aid. I have a small refrigerator in my bedroom, and I put this kettle with my teas on a silver tea tray on top of it. Perfect and convenient!

I have really been trying to eliminate plastics in the kitchen/food storage area. It's almost impossible to completely avoid it, but I figure every little bit helps reduce contact with nasty, breast cancer causing chemicals. At the very least, eliminating hot beverages coming in contact with plastic is a no-brainer.

The view window on the kettle is plastic, but somehow I think they've managed to keep the hot water out of contact with it. As nearly as I can tell, anyway. The inside of the kettle has a smooth, stainless steel plate covering where the handle is attached, which is where the view window is located. It seems as though a small amount of water is siphoned off to the view window area, but the main vessel where the water is hot is all stainless. They...

United States on Sep 07, 2013

Willow: After lots of research, I opted for this one. I drink hot tea every day and wanted an easy and safe way to make hot water, without using the microwave or turning on the stove. This electric kettle did the trick!

PROS:
- Kettle can be removed from heating base and carried around.
- Wide, sturdy handle for easy carrying and pouring.
- Very minimal if any dripping while pouring, really great pouring design.
- Heats water very fast.
- Automatic shut-off once water reaches a boil, very nice feature.
- Very simple switch for on/off and red indicator light tells you it is in the process of heating.
- Minimal plastic, mostly stainless steel parts that touch the water.
- Metal mesh filter inside pouring spout to catch mineral deposits. I don't really have a need for it, but some might. Can be removed.
- Kettle can be placed at any spot on heating base, no need to line anything up.
- Heating portions are internal to reduce corrosion and damage.
- Boil-dry prevention; it won't allow the unit to turn on the heating element if it detects kettle is empty.

CONS:
- Measuring indicator is behind handle, so not the easiest to...

United States on Jul 07, 2010