The Breville JK46 is a value-for-money, basic, white-plastic jug kettle. Although inexpensive, it still boasts many of the same the features as the higher-priced models, and its simple design is quite stylish.
Appearance
The kettle is a jug shape in pure white plastic with a chunky ... Read review
The Breville JK46 3kW Rapid Boil Plastic Jug Kettle is great value and its non-fussy ... more
design will work in almost all kitchens. 3Kw fast-boil element 360 degree rotational base 1.7 litre capacity Removable washable lime-scale filter Neon indicator Concea...
Advantages: Inexpensive, jug-style, 360º position, cordless, 1.7 litre Disadvantages: Noisy. Handle can get warm/hot. Difficult to remove filter
The Breville JK46 is a value-for-money, basic, white-plastic jug kettle. Although inexpensive, it still boasts many of the same the features as the higher-priced models, and its simple design is quite stylish.
=== Appearance ===
The kettle is a jug shape in pure white plastic with a chunky hoop handle. Close to the top of the handle is the rocker-style on/off switch. On each side of the kettle there is a large ... ...allows you to see how much water is inside. The natural way the broad spout emerges from the main body of the kettle, and the way the solid handle follows a generous curve down the side, is very organic; there something fundamentally feminine in the design. It is saved from being all white by the use of some silver/grey plastic trim around the base and on the lever used to open the hinged lid. The overall appearance is very smart.
The Breville JK46 is a value-for-money, basic, white-plastic jug kettle. Although inexpensive, it still boasts many of the same the features as the higher-priced models, and its simple design is quite stylish.
Appearance
The kettle is a jug shape in pure white plastic with a chunky hoop handle. Close to the top of the handle is the rocker-style on/off switch. On each side of the kettle there is a large curvaceous opaque window, with a gauge marked in 'cups', that allows you to see how much water is inside. The natural way the broad spout emerges from the main body of the kettle, and the way the solid handle follows a generous curve down the side, is very organic; there something fundamentally feminine in the design. It is saved from being all white by the use of some silver/grey plastic trim around the base and on the lever used to open the hinged lid. The overall appearance is very smart.
Summary of main features
3KW fast-boil jug kettle. Capacity is 1.7 litres (approx. 3 pints). Twin windows that show water level in 'cups'. Illuminated on/off switch. Locking lid. Cordless. 360º base unit (incorporating excess cord storage). Heating element concealed beneath floor of kettle. Lime-scale filter is removable and washable.
Usability
Before using the kettle the instruction booklet tells you to fill to the maximum level, boil, and then pour the water away to discard any residue left from the manufacturing process. Also, you should remove the lime-scale filter (near the spout) and rinse it. This was when I discovered two small problems. Firstly, due to a funny smell from the new kettle I boiled with fresh water twice instead of just the recommended once and found that boiling twice in quick succession can cause the handle to feel rather warm. Secondly, no matter how I pressed, pushed, or pulled I was unable to remove the scale filter.
The circular power base has the cylindrical docking unit protruding vertically from its centre, which means the kettle can be seated on the base facing in any direction. This is convenient for left-handed and right-handed users. The base unit also allows for any excess length of electrical cord to be stored underneath and has several gaps for the cord exit from.
To open the lid you pull its silver/grey lever back towards the handle, which releases the lock, and then you allow the lid to rest backwards on its hinge. This reveals a very ample aperture for easy filling. To close the lid you just press it down and hear it snap shut. This 'locking' mechanism is a safety feature. If the kettle is accidentally pulled down and hits the floor the lid should remain closed and not shower anyone in hot water. Also, it should make it tricky for a small child to open the kettle, although they could still scald themselves with steam or boiling water from the spout.
When in the kettle is use, the water level must be between the minimum and maximum levels. Clear markings on the viewing window mean this easy to judge. The gradations are in 'number of cups' rather than fractions of a litre, and I personally find this very useful.
The kettle is turned on by pressing the clear plastic rocker-style on/off switch at the top of the handle just behind the lid hinge. When set to the 'on' position the switch is illuminated, and glows a pale blue/mauve colour. This is very pretty in a dark kitchen, but in normal or bright daylight it is very insipid and hard to see.
The kettle is very noisy, but fast.
When the water has reached boiling the kettle turns off automatically and the on/off switch flicks back to the 'off' position and is no longer illuminated.
The kettle, even when filled to the maximum, is easy to manage. The handle surface is not textured, but is substantial and can be easily gripped. The kettle's balance is nice and pouring is easy.
Overall this is a great little kettle.
Warranty
The product has a 12-month warranty against failure from the date of purchase, which is only valid for domestic use of the kettle. This guarantee is worth remembering. In the past I have been let down within a year by various brands of electric kettle; either they stopped working altogether or the water-level viewing windows started to leak. Fortunately, I always save my original receipt and all the original packaging, so I am able to obtain either a replacement or a full refund.
Price Guide
I purchased this particular kettle from Sainsburys, in July this year, and paid £14.99. A recent check of the Internet shows various online stores currently selling this model for between £14.99 and £22.88.
Verdict
Nicely designed (apart from the tricky lime-scale filter). Easy to use. Works well, although rather noisy and handle can get hot if used frequently. For the price a very nice little kettle.
