Breville Glass BKE260

Great but planned obsolesce? – Great kettle but now that the mesh in the pouring spout has deteriorated the automatic cut out is delayed and so steam accumulates in the kitchen. Because of this deterioration in such a small part I look like having to discard the whole kettle. II have been unable to find a replacement bit. Usually Breville is better than this!  Show details

Great clear glass kettle – I have had this kettle for many years now, and it has always worked well. I decided to get a clear glass kettle after an unfortunate incident* with a previous stainless steel kettle. (*Had a friend around for a meal, and afterwards we drank several cups of tea. I brought my old steel kettle to the table to top my friend's cup up, and out plopped a… Read more

large cockroach into her cup - dead and well boiled by now, but still it did create something of a crisis, although that meal is now very memorable!) Anyway, the next day I bought this glass kettle (Breville BKE260 batch no. 842), and it has been working well ever since, and its been for many years now. A while back, the mesh around the spout disintegrated from age, but it still worked fine without that.

Advantages:- clear glass, attractive, easy to pour from, and to refill from a tap, because of its large top opening.

Disadvantages:-

The on/off switch is a lever that protrudes from the back near the bottom of the handle, and it is easy to accidentally set on, by placing something across it, which makes the kettle boil, and if the object is heavy, will prevent it shutting off, as the lever cannot pop upwards.

The lid must be firmly clipped into place, or else the kettle does not shut off upon boiling. It takes a little firm pressure to seat it, but it clicks into place. Failure to do this means the kettle boils continuously.

Other:-

Cleaning the scale deposits from the inside is easy - just add a half teaspoon of citric acid (available in supermarkets in the baking section) to a half full kettle; boil it, and then discard the hot water. Citric acid is found naturally in lemons and oranges, so is safe.

Unfortunately, one of the two prongs that keeps the lid closed has just broken off, and replacement lid assemblies are no longer available (Mar 2015), so I am off to buy a later model glass kettle... I will be sad to see this kettle go.

Lasted just over 2 years – Kettle was good while it worked but has just died after just more than 2 years. Certainly wont be paying over $80 every 2 years for a new kettle.

Great kettle but not perfect – We've had this kettle for at least 5 years. Mine was manufactured in 2009, but there are a batch (manufacturer codes 1044 - 1425) which are being recalled as they weren't made to the proper standard. It's an excellent kettle, but the mesh in the filter has recently given way (may or may not have been my guests trying to fill the kettle through… Read more

the spout instead of opening the lid), and a small section of the plastic in the base has recently cracked, but this hasn't affected the operation of the kettle.

The glass is a good quality borosilicate I believe, the same as laboratory glass, and can take a few gentle knocks. The lid should be opened while filling, and it sits in this open position by itself, until pushed closed. If the lid is not closed properly with the mesh filter in place, the pressure will not build up inside the kettle so it will not turn itself off. Even so, if it boils down to nothing, the safety cut off will prevent damage to the kettle. You just have to pull the plug and let it cool down before it will work again. Twice I've thought I killed it when I accidentally knocked the on switch while it was empty, but both times it started working again.

Here in QLD, the kettles get white scale, not brown like down south, and it builds up very quickly, but a splash of white vinegar in the base left to sit for just a few minutes makes it sparkle again. If any white scale builds up around the spout, I leave a vinegar cloth wrapped over the spout overnight and it's gone.

So, after 5 years, this kettle is working well, and it only costs less than $18 to replace the mesh filter (comes complete with the lid), so I might just do that.

Dangerous Breville glass kettle – This is a pretty looking but dangerous electric kettle . The lid flies open when boiling and red hot steam goes everywhere. It often fails to turn off automatically and fills the kitchen area with steam presenting a slip hazard as well as a scald hazard. The kettle is new and in use for less than a month.

Don't buy – I had to remove a screen from the spout as it poured hot water on my hand. Now, it won't turn off when it boils. I've let it run for a full minute (boiling) and it doesn't shut off. This product is dangerous and dysfunctional. It uses more electricity than it should. Don't buy. Attractive looking Won't shut off, Dangerous to pour water.

Looks great, but not perfect – I've been using this kettle for a month or so and really like its clear glass look. It boils well, is not too noisy and on that front passes a basic use test with ease. As noted elsewhere you do need to fill it to at least 3 cup capacity in order to make pouring easier. It's not the most ergonomic kettle to use, either. Aside from that I've got no complaints. Looks great, not too noisy Hard to pour when capacity is below 3 cups

Great kettle, super easy to clean, would buy another – Bought one in January 2011, had absolutely no issues with daily use up till Oct 2012 (when I moved house and housemate kept the kettle - believe it's still going fine). I researched a lot of kettles before buying, and this one was about the only one that met all my criteria. It is strong, durable, good quality glass, no plastic parts in touch… Read more ·  1

with the water (avoids plastic toxins leaching into your water), no exposed element (part that heats water) to get damaged, easy to clean, and you can get your whole hand in it to clean the inside properly. It is also very cool to watch the water boiling!! haha - had so many comments from visitors about that, and also you can see how full it is which is handy.

Some people have mentioned 'rust marks' on the bottom of the kettle - after some use, brownish/reddish marks will appear on the bottom part of the kettle, with scale buildup on the inside of the glass. This is completely normal, it is not rust as such (which is not toxic anyway), but rather a buildup of the various minerals and impurities in your tapwater - probably not a health concern, but for appearance's sake, easy to clean off (I cleaned it completely, probably about once a month - may need to do more/less often depending on your tapwater). Use some bicarb soda (100% safe, cheap to buy in baking section of supermarket - great for cleaning lots of things) and a little water to make a thick paste and clean it off with your fingers in a rubbing motion, then rinse well with warm water and use kettle as normal - also take the opportunity to rinse the mesh filter part near the spout. The difference is, in plastic/metal kettles where you cannot see it, the scale buildup will continue unchecked (and usually it's very hard to clean that sort of kettle), which is kind of gross :P

Anyway, had no issues with the glass (no cracks, etc), one small crack in bottom plastic surround of base (this a visitor did that somehow) but it didn't affect the performance of the kettle at all, also it is very easy to fill, just open the lid and stick it under the tap (don't try to fill it up just by the spout, as some other reviewer did - it is not designed for that and the filter is rendered pointless if you do that anyway). Elegant, simple design too.

Hope this helps - I would definitely buy another. easy to use/fill/clean, strong, durable, no plastic in contact with water, no exposed element, looks cool, elegant design a bit pricey (paid $70) but worth the cost

A terrible design – I'm returning mine to the store. It's a bad, and unsafe, design. The kettle does not pour properly, unless it's a bare trickle. Any more than that and the water gets jammes behind the filter, and then pours out the sides of the lids all over the bench, hands, whatever, Very unsafe. Also, the plastic base is so flimsy and uneven that the entire… Read more

kettle rocks from side to side when boiling. It's unstable and unsafe. It's been repacked in it's box to be retruned as soon as the stores open after Christmas.

Does not pour properly, base is flimsy and unstable.

Best of the lot! – I have been using this type of kettle (glass) for a few years now. Never had a problem, only had to replace it once and that was because my husband dropped the first one. The original kettle was better in shape and size for me, it was more squat and rounded and easier to handle. It would be good to have the choice in size. The water tastes clean, no metallic after-taste, therefore a much healthier option.

Excellent – I don't like plastic kettles as I believe plastic can affect your health when used at high temperatures. So this was the number one reason for my purchase. It is extremely hard to find any Kettle these days that doesnt have some plastic part below the water line. Haven't had any issues with lime build up, and I use normal tap water. Kettle glass… Read more ·  1

is clean and clear after 12 months use. Despite the design fault mentioned in Cons, I would buy this model again. I purchased it from K-Mart 12 months ago. I think is was around AUD$89. Only thing plastic the water comes in contact with is the lid/spout when you pour. Cordless. Great look, catches visitors eyes. You can see how much water you have. Being glass, it will last years longer than a plastic kettle. If you don't close the lid properly it won't stop boiling, which is a pretty stupid design fault. I thought it was broken the first time it happened, but then realised after the 3rd or 4th occasion it was the lid not clicked down.

Poor quality – Have only had this kettle for a few weeks, but pouring water out of kettle can be difficult, you have to almost hold the kettle upside down to get any water out. Also filling up the kettle with water can be difficult spout isn't bigger enougth. We use the this kettle regularly with no other issues, upgraded to this kettle with most other kettles having a metal taste to the water this product hasn't had this problem. Looks stylish Spout is poor

Great kettle – I love this kettle, has always worked perfectly, Looks great and is easy to clean and you can easily tell when it needs to be descaled. This kettle has been used ALOT probably more than 10 times a day and after 7 months its still going strong. Would happily buy this kettle again. Ease to clean and use

Poor build quality. Condensation or leakage at bottom plate a potential hazard! – We have had previous issues with kettles rusting or leaving a metallic/plastic taste in our boiled water. On that note, we were quite keen to purchase the Breville glass kettle, despite reviews here. We purchased from Myer 25% off for roughly $75. Initially, we were impressed. The glass appeared to withstand a quick boil and the kettle was not… Read more

too heavy. The glass spout poured water in a controlled fashion. There were a few build quality concerns however. We were uncertain how sturdy the plastic handle was attached to the glass mounting and there was a small amount of play between the handle and it's mounting. There was also little to suggest pouring cold water into a recently boiled but empty hot kettle woud be safe so we avoided doing so.

In the end, we noticed that there was a pool of water forming underneath the kettle near the base it connects to. Water and an electric base do not mix and due to potential safety concerns, Myer refunded our kettle without question.

If only this was designed with better QC, I would be much reassured. The water DID taste better out of a glass kettle. Alas, we now use the plain ol' metal kettle from a different manufacturer. Glass kettle - clear view, able to see water inside and clean tasting. Leaking from the bottom, uncertain quality control and plastic handle mounting

Disappointing quality – Hi there, I bought the Breville glass kettle around 2 months ago. We use the kettle about 3 to 4 times on daily basis. There is some white color floating powder like produced after the first few weeks. And now I can see the base of the kettle is now rusty?!!! I am utterly disappointment with the kettle especially when I trust the brand of the… Read more

quality of the product. Is this suppose to happen or what? I will try to claim for refund but would like to find out the reason of the rust on the kettle base. We have 2 young babies at home who drinks water from the kettle. Good looking Rusty base disapproving quality

OK – Overall we are happy with the product but still wonder about the deterioration of all the plastic at the top which comes in contact with steam. Time will tell as to whether this kettle suffers from a design fault!! Clear glass, easy to clean Can become very hot. This is our second kettle which Bing Lee gave us in return for our 14 month old… Read more

original after the handle suddenly detached from the glass. Luckily this happened while filling with cold water and not while pouring hot water. Could have been a nasty accident.

Loved it until it shattered while boiling water! – I loved everything about this kettle when it was purchased - it looked great, the water tasted natural (unlike acrylic) and it was a breeze to clean. Unfortunately just after the warranty expired the glass jug shattered while it was boiling. Thankfully no one was hurt. I should actually give this a one star for this dangerous fault alone but… Read more

there is so much to like about it too. Looks great, water tasted natural, easy to clean Shattering glass when boiling is never a good thing, I have been too nervous to buy another one. Although from these comments it does seem my experience may have been a one off.

great kettle – This is a great kettle - glass is much healthier to boil water in. I have had mine for 3 years and the only problem is that it doesn't automatically switch off so I have to watch it to switch it off manually. Never had a problem with the glass breaking. I will buy another one. The glass The auto switch off button doesn't switch off automatically.

Love it until 'rust' appearing on rim of the metal plate!! – My initial reason for purchasing(at Myers for $99/-) a glass kettle is for better health reason as compared to boiling in some kind of 'plastic'. But after using for just about one year or so, stains(look like rust) started appearing at the edge of the metal base. As there were only a couple initially(few months ago), so it didn't occur to me… Read more

that I should be alarmed and as well as the warranty date. Unfortunately, these 'rust' have multiplied and now I'm out of warranty.

Myer can't help as I'm out of warranty and I was asked to contact Breville direct. But my recent correspondence with Breville were not quite a happy one. I was given the options either they refer me to a service centre for $$$ repair or their offer of $60/- including delivery for a replacement which I think both sound like a joke as it won't be cost effective to repair and also the retail price for this kettle has 'finally' come down for under $60/- in some stores!!!

I'm not confident with any Breville product anymore. Fyi, I also own one of their 'popular' Fountain Juicer and again one of the part came loose about a year of using. I would away from Breville until they improve on their quality.

**Thought I should give it a 2 stars rating but both the customer support and product are a disappointment. Water taste better. Clear glass easy to clean and healthier to use. "Spot Rust" (tiny as pinhead) started appearing on and around the one year warranty period. Kettle will not automatically stop boiling if the lid is not closed properly. Can get quite noisy when water is boiling.

Good – All in all we are pretty happy with this kettle, though that may change if the filter mesh keeps disintegrating. It is great to clean with the glass, as opposed to acrylic kettles. I can easily get to the bottom and scrub of any lime deposits from the base. Looks good. The mesh which filters the water through the spout has completely disintegrated… Read more

after only 3.5 months. I bought it from K-Mart and they will exchange it for me. Hopefully the new one won't have the same problem.

Good – It's a good kettle, very easy to descale and clean. The jug is wide enough to fit the hand inside for cleaning. Overall, I am quite happy with it. The only complaint I have is the overboiling the water which makes coffee and tea taste a bit bitter, specially green tea. Next time I need a kettle I will certainly go for a glass body one as it is… Read more

much more practical to keep clean than the demanding stainless steel ones but I hope to find one that doesn't overboil the water and takes so long to turn off. It is very nice looking kettle and also very light. The glass body is made by the German brand - Schott that also produce glass ceramic cooktops, so the glass body is sure to be durable. The water overboils as the turn off button delays a lot to turn it off by itself, not occasionally but in every use.

Great!! No plastic viewing window, a truly clean boil – I'm still loving this kettle (have had it 4 months). I used to think stainless steel kettles were pretty inert, but from reading US reviews, was 'reminded' of the plastic 'level viewing windows', which apparently have nasty(ie toxic) components. So, happy, healthy days with the glass kettle! I also love the blue "on" light. (and watching the water boil) Purity of glass, blue light, watching water boil

Terrible – This is the WORST kettle I have ever owned. Bought after reading such good reviews here but extremely disappointed. The spout on this kettle pours so badly that water sprays all over the place - I wouldn't let my kids near it that's for sure. Also, to pour out the water you have to virtually tip the kettle upside down - the catch to open the lid… Read more

to fill it is awkward as well. Don't buy it.

I ended up buying the stylish Delonghi Icona KBO2001BK which is FAB and only $20 more at $99 (from Harvey Norman who reduced it from $129 for me). The ONLY good thing about this kettle is that it looks good. The Spout is awful

Have to tip the thing almost upside down to get water out

The lid awkward to open

Very Bad Design

Excellent – The requirement was a smooth inside without protruding bits so it is easy to clean, a sturdy lid latch, able to put a hand inside to clean it, and not too loud. This model hits every button. On sale it is a huge bargain. Very happy with it. Fun to watch the water boil. Easy to clean. Reasonably quiet. Light.

Excellent – A truly fantastic product! Bought mine at Bing Lee for $86 (RRP $99). A few months later, my mom-in-law bought the same thing at Bing Lee too for $75. But the best deal was at KMart last month, where I got to bring it home for only $45! Crazy bargain! :-) I have 2 glass kettles now and I am truly a happy lady. The glass material yet light weight!… Read more

- Kudos to the great (and modern) design that I have been searching for. Looks good on your countertop too!

Also, I am a staunch fan for Breville products, as I know they won't fail me. None, so far so good!

Excellent – I love this kettle, it looks classy on my kitchen bench. I would definitely buy this one again although it was a bit expensive - but you have to pay a bit more for good design I think. This kettle is so stylish! It is also great to see how much water is in the kettle and if it is actually boiling I'm told that calcium/lime deposits in the water… Read more

may cause the glass to become cloudy but as I use filtered rain water I'm hoping this won't happen to my kettle.

Excellent – Another great Breville product! Bought from Kmart for $45 - retired my older Breville which was rather noisy. This works like a dream and it is great to watch the water boiling away. 10/10!!! This kettle is very quiet, looks great and is reasonably lightweight.