Cuisinart KUA-17A / KUA-17BCA

Minimalist But Noisy – I spent a lot of time reviewing this kettle in the shop. The whole construction is simple which equals less to go wrong with it. Solid construction without hinges or clips. Welded handle and I suspect what little polyprop there is is easily replaced or repaired. Concealed element so clean lines within the kettle interior and less problem with… Read more

scale. Cordless and the base stores the cord very neatly creating a safer area and less chance of cord trailing in bench mess. It is difficult to refill after the kettle has boiled and been emptied as the steam is coming straight up onto the handle where one is trying to hold it but that has always been an issue with this kettle design type, electric or stove top. Usually this can be negated by filling from the spout but it is too short and awkward on this kettle. I do agree with the previous review that it is neither fast nor slow to boil however I disagree with their noise level assessment. If you are boiling only enough for a couple of cups then it is excessively noisy. Noisy-turn-the-TV-up noisy. If the kettle is nearer to full then it is not so bad but it takes longer and uses more energy just to boil water for a cup of coffee in peace. I have also written feedback to Cuisinart via the "contact us" on their site but have not had any response.

****Update 05/01/2016*******

The kettle is still going strong and all parts appear as good as the day it was bought. Easily cleaned and maintained. Very little to go wrong with it construction-wise Unable to boil a couple of cups of water and still hear the TV in the next room

A respectable kettle – On an impulse I bought this kettle and actually got buyer's remorse due to the price, and unsuccessfully tried to return it. I am not disappointed I still have the kettle though as by and large it is a good one. For $120 I thought it would make the cup of tea for me, but there are no bells and whistles on this kettle. She is a little awkward… Read more

to fill & I usually end up spraying water all over the kitchen, but that may or may not be an operator error. The kettle is neither fast nor slow to boil, it is neither excessively loud nor particularly quiet. The water tastes like I imagined it would...like water, and cross my fingers...it has not leaked yet.

I would recommend this kettle to people who believe that more expensive equals better quality, but I am not convinced that there wouldn't be a cheaper kettle out there that could produce the same result. I don't have to turn up the volume on the TV whilst the kettle is boiling. It left a large hole in my purse.