I’ve been using electric kettles for over 20 years. I use my kettle all day long, probably heating it 20+ times in a day, adding hot water to my perpetual Tervis tumbler of tea. Have used 4 brands, and 6 models – Rival, Cusinart, Chef’s Choice, but mostly Braun. They typically last about three years under these conditions.
I researched metal electric kettles because of the recent health concerns of plastic, and the failure of our 3 year old Braun. I was all set to buy the Breville SK500XL (we love the new coffee grinder we recently bought from them) but purchased the Chef’s Choice 678 ONLY because it claimed technology that eliminates build-up of mineral deposits. Which it did not do.
The Chef’s Choice 678 is the worst electric kettle I’ve ever used. Leaked all over, was loud loud loud and had various other issues. I wrote a review of our experiences, if you want to check it out.
Needless to say, within 10 days I returned the Chef’s Choice and purchased the Breville SK500XL.
It’s absolutely wonderful, and so quiet! I was standing right next to it while it was heating, talking on my cell phone using a bluetooth headset and didn’t even realize it was on until I heard the little bell ending the heating cycle. The Chef’s Choice was about 4-5 times louder, we had to leave the room when it was heating, and it weighed much more than the Breville. This Breville is very fast, heating a full pot in about 3 minutes! The handle is much easier to grip and you can even use both hands, if necessary.
The footprint on the counter is smaller, and it just looks and feels better manufactured than the Chef’s Choice.
I recommend this to anyone who wants quality.
I will update my review in a few months if any problems occur.
Okay, update on a GREAT Product!!
Feb 2010 = still working perfectly. Of all the electric kettles I have ever used (in more than 22 years) this is by far the best. It still looks like brand new. Easy to use and keep clean. MUCH less buildup of mineral deposits! I only have to heat vinegar once every few months now, compared to once a week for the other brands.
Breville SK500XL recently flew to the floor during a 6.4 earthquake (everything inside the cupboards and counter were on top of it) and did not break or even dent! Destruction/breakage of several of our other counter top appliances proves the quality of the construction of this electric kettle. On a brand quality note, our 2 year old Breville Conical Burr Coffee Grinder also survived being jolted to the floor during our major earthshaking event and still works perfectly.
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This post was written by admin on August 11, 2010
