Sunbeam Kyoto City Collection Jug Kettle

Love the collection of products :) – Bought during the Myer Boxing Day sale and got a great price after discount it was $179 but when combined with the toaster we paid $302.40 for both items. Super impressed by the packaging, so lovely I didn't want to discard. Absolutely love the colour/finish Gunmetal metallic and the light feature when kettle is on it's a great look too. This is… Read more ·  1

not a noisy kettle to use either and sits on it's own little charging base (some make a dreadful noise). Looks great in our kitchen with other appliances of black and white. A slight negative from me I've noticed both the toaster & kettle are getting a few light marks (perhaps from water or fingers?) on the stainless steel that wiping with a damp cloth, then microfibre hasn't removed, I'll try stainless steel cleaner but of course that's another product to buy. Overall, it's a stunning addition to our kitchen, boils quickly enough, I haven't as yet had any problem with the press/pop lid and the light glowing is a very nice feature - I'm enamored by this product collection.

Not choice of Colour but a good kettle – I purchased Kyoto City Collection kettle "Orange" as it was listed at half price to other colours and in a review it showed the kettle being poured. I was initially looking for the traditional style kettle for the pouring attributes (no dribbling or tsunami of water) but sadly it was limited and so expensive. I have used the kettle quite a lot… Read more ·  1

since purchase as Im a severe tea drinker, the kettle is pretty quick to boil and is less noisy than my previous kettle and most others I've heard and the pouring is great, no dribbling or gushers of water going all over the place except within the cup. The kettles lid opens via a push button (nice alternative)and the base, power switch & water level light up when turned on which makes seeing the water level even easier. Once boiled the kettle feels quite hot to touch but the composite & stainless steel handle is solid construction and has no heat transference at all. Although orange would never be my first choice, but the price and quality is what I was chasing and in this instance it was delivered without fail.

A well designed Premium kettle – We revived the Sunbeam Kyoto City Collection Jug Kettle (and a matching toaster - separate review) in blue (seems more like a grey) as part of the Product Review Ambassador Program. The kettle arrived in a nice well packaged box, it was easy to setup with the cord being adjustable (under the base) to desire the length required. Our first… Read more ·  1

impressions were the quality of the design; the attention to detail and thought that went in to all aspects; from the button to turn on, button to open the lid, weight materials used and, cleanability.

Having used the kettle a few times a day for a month, my wife are impressed overall. This is a premium product that I would consider for my kitchen.

What we liked: • The quality and attention to detail in the design, the brushed metal is a nice finish, not gregarious but a good balance • The on button is a nice firm click • It boils relatively fast, taking approximate two minutes to fully boil at 3/4 full The button to open the lid is nice, you can't miss it and the lid automatically opens once pressed (some premium kettles don't) with little effort to close. • I liked the aesthetics; however, my wife wasn't so keen, I guess this is subjective! • We like the subtle light that glows at the bottom when on, a good after thought • The weight is good, we expected it to be much heavier, but were pleasantly surprised • It seems fast at boiling and relatively quiet • There a spout filter than can be removed and cleaned • Easy to clean the outside • The level can be cleaned • There a lot of colour options available, we received a blue colour, which suits us best • The spout pours well, it precise and great for pouring in to hot water bottles • Well insulated, the handle doesn't feel hot after boiling and even the kettle outside temperature is cooler than I expected (it seems dual walled), I wouldn't recommend not using the handle!

What we didn't like: • It's hard to clean the inside, I simply can't fit my hand in to clean; however, my wife can so perhaps my hands are too big • We often put the kettle away after being used and it's hard to wind and unwind the cord in the base each time • I find the handle isn't comfy, the metal edges dig in to my hands, I know we generally don't hold a kettle for long • The kettle wobbles a little on the base, it doesn't feel like a firm fit, although this might be a design feature that makes it quieter when boiling. • My wife wasn't so keen on the aesthetics; however I liked it, I guess this is subjective! • The level isn't easy to see when filling, I guess this is a compromise on design and practicality

I am not sure about the durability of the kettle, I guess time will tell.

Ultimately, the kettle does what it needs to very well and the positives by far outweigh the negatives making it a good competitor in the premium market.

I'd give it 9/10, which round to 5 stars here.

Nice one Sunbeam – This kettle was received as part of the Product Review Ambassador program. We have used it extensively over the past two weeks. While its performance is expectedly the same as other kettles (nothing new in boiling water is there?), its most outstanding feature is its visual appeal. The one we received is a metal grey. It seems funky appliance… Read more

colours are in, and the Sunbeam doesn't disappoint. My partner loves the look.


Though, I'm more of a function type person and in this regard I can say I like the spout - its more pointed than most and therefore more precise. I appreciate that.


It's also light, which is handy when you're lifting a jug full of water. The other aspect which appeals is the light when it is switched on. Not only does the switch light up, but the base has a ring that lights up too. I mean, I can tell when the kettle is on, but again, my partner thinks it's a nice touch.


Sunbeam designers have done a good job in making the kettle more of a statement piece. When paired with the toaster, you have a striking combination on your kitchen bench. You won't want to stick it under some cupboard.
Buy with confidence. There's nothing not to like about this kettle.

A nice companion for the Sunbeam toaster – The Sunbeam Kototo collection is not a budget buyers first choice as you can buy a fully functional kettle for significantly less. Not having thought too much about kettles before I was asked to test this one, I set out to find what might justify the price. The first thing to note is I was asked to test this kettle and matching toaster as a… Read more

pair. This is significant because they, obviously, have a similar look and feel to them. If you rate aesthetics and design highly you probably want to look at the matched pair. It should be unsurprising that several comments below are also reflected in the matching toaster review.

The Koyoto range says it styles itself off "Japanese and scandinese" minimalist influences. Styling is obviously subjective. However the finish is actually high quality and has a nice feel to it. My previous kettle was a Kogan wireless kettle, which was very functional as I could switch it on from the bedroom, but in comparison leaves a lot to be desired aesthetically. The Koyoto unquestionably looks (and feels) much smarter in my kitchen. I recommend taking a look at the kettle and its smooth finish if aesthetics are a factor on your list. The whole design is quite slick, even the way its integrated into the base. The minimalist styling is quite evident.

Continuing with the minimalist styling, at first I didn’t notice the internal light showing it was switched on. Once I knew it was there, it kind of fitted in with the minimalist styling. Unlike my Kogan kettle which used to light up blue from top to bottom. There is also a neat looking ring light illuminates when the kettle is on, something you won't see in the shop, so a picture is attached below.

I wondered if there were any other differences in the higher price ranged kettles. A quick comparison with my existing kettle suggests so. 1.7L of water took 45 seconds longer than the Sunbeam. I might have thought this wasn’t important, but I realise I often don’t plan ahead and end up waiting for the kettle to boil. So for me this is a big plus.

The lid is a push button release, same as my existing kettle. However the latter doesn’t open when pressed unless you also pull back slightly on the lid. The Sunbeam opens immediately. You might not expect whether the lid opens easily or not as a purchase consideration. But clearly not everyone gets this right.

Something that you get used to, but consider when evaluating a product, is the noise. The Sunbeam is also noticeably quieter than all of my previous kettles. This might be down to the shape and materials of the main body, or cladding, or something else. But its certainly noticeably quieter. Lastly I have had other kettles that, over time, take longer and longer to switch off when boiling, to the point it becomes too annoying to use. I suspect this is due to the same temperature sensing component drifting out of calibration over time. Whether better quality components can be had, I don’t know. Only time will tell. But I will update the review should any problems arise.

As with the matching toaster I'm reviewing, I find it hard to criticise the kettle unless you don’t like the design or want a budget item. But I will report back if I find anything after continued use.

In conclusion, this kettle, believe it or not, outperforms other, admittedly lower budget, kettles. The styling is its strongest point in my opinion – and that’s something only you can decide upon. If you think you might like the styling, or are unsure, I strongly recommend handling one of them and taking a closer look.

Overpriced and Impractical Kyoto Kettle – Form: Stylish? It is OK, but Style is Subjective, It is supposed to be a matching set with the Toaster, But the plastic bottom is white, whereas the majority top section is light grey. (The Toaster is all white.) The metal parts (eg spout) are nice quality, but appear to be stuck on afterwards.... disjointed appearance. The electrical base is a… Read more

rounded square... looks like it is for another appliance. Function: Boils well; not too noisy; pours well. Sits on the base well. Lid opens wide. Weight - very heavy; when full, some may find it hard to lift one-handed. The single window is in the wrong place - at the back under the handle... very hard to read at any time. When filling, it is facing at right angle to your sight, and your hand and shadow block the vision. The button to release the lid is in the centre of the lid, and cannot be operated single handedly.... You have to use your other hand to press it... the hand that is usually operating the tap. To close the lid, which feels flimsy, you have to press it right at the front near the spout. The catch feels vague, when it clicks shut. At around $150, it compares badly with the equivalent from your electrical store or discount house (under $10), which is lighter, easier to use with the lid button within easy thumb-reach of the handle, two large windows... one either side for right or left handers; the round base fitting neatly, and just as good quality, finish-wise, with a similar touch of chrome trim.

Disappointed Purchaser – The kettle is nice to look at (we got the bright orange one) and easy to hold. As mentioned by someone else, it does seem to boil for an unnecessarily long time before it goes off. It seemed to do its job fine for about a week then the following flaw became evident. The major flaw is that the push button lid opening mechanism is very hit or… Read more

miss to say the least. I have to press it multiple times to get it to open. Sometimes as I press down, I need to try and catch the lid with my fingernail to prise it open. Not the best idea if it is still hot of course - I have to let it cool down first.

Also related to the list issue, every now and again the lid just pops open by itself when nearing the boil. It then does not want to turn itself off and I need to switch it off by hand. Fortunately that first happened while I was still in the kitchen. Now we don't leave the kettle alone while it is coming to the boil - not happy about needing to do that.

I tried phoning the 1300 number listed against other reviews and followed the option only to be told that all the staff are in training and to call back later - it then hung up my call. ALL the staff, really! I thought I would write my review while waiting to call back.

Edit: They have been in touch and I'm now jumping through their hoops. They want me to return it to a store even though I bought it on-line. I would have though they would be more accommodating given it is quite clearly a safety issue (see boiling video).

Great looking appliance with some issues – It boils water... Which is is a very good attribute for a kettle. It does it quietly and with a nice modern led glow from its base. Its not faster than other kettles of the same output (physics dictates this). It has a built in filter, nice tactile switch, clear level indicator although somewhat hidden by the handle, lovely matte finish in my… Read more

case Navy which has a really classy look. It's also a "cordless" kettle so it just pops onto the base and you're ready to go!

What I liked: Very attractive Led glow lights up my kitchen bench in the morning. Small footprint Short easy to store cord. Great packaging, the kind of appliance you might gift and not have thrown away.

What I didn't like: The lid, it's rubbish, sometimes it can take 15 taps to open. At this price point it should have higher quality materials I feel - they're not bad, they're just not justified in the price I feel like you're paying largely for the attractive box.

This toaster and kettle combination look absolutely fantastic in my kitchen but I feel like the price point is not justified in the quality of the materials or the functionality of the design.

Broadly speaking I wouldn't recommend it for the frail aged. It's a flash name for a mediocre kettle – Sunbeams Kyoto City Collection is made up 4 items. Those being two types of toasters (2 slice & 4 slice) and 2 electric vessels for boiling water (an electric jug and an electric kettle). The Kyoto City toaster is an outstanding product but the jug is less than great, the unit I trialled is not the conventional electrical kettle design, its an… Read more

electric jug and the packaging is very stylish and elegant looking if you are considering either item as a gift.

THIS REVIEW IS ABOUT THE JUG STYLE KYOTO COLLECTION 1.7L JUG KETTLE (that's how Sunbeam have marketed it, it's printed on the box). The format of this review is to present my overall conclusions first, in the title, then the good & the bad. In the interests of saving your time knowing this should aid you in finding exactly the highlights your seeking. If you want the detail you can read all of it. My review and assessment is based upon use in my home with my wife & myself + my disabled sister-in-law whom lives with us. Our home is in the SA outback, in a remote, rural, little town and on a central SA sheep station. I'm utilising experiences from both town and life on the land for a thorough review.

There are really good aspects of the kettle which warrant recognition, starting before its even plugged into the powerpoint and used.

The cord, being able to be coiled and secured under the base is a stroke of design brilliance. In this way the cord length between base & powerpoint is always just the right length. Little to no-excess lead is left sprawled over a counter-top or left dangling in front of a cupboard, this jug'll make anybody smile that has nightmarish visions about children dragging a boiling jug off a bench and over themselves.

The removable filter is shaped & angled for better water channelling to the filter, then onto the spout, ensuring that most /all of the jug's outflowing water passes through the filter instead of building up and flowing over the top of the filter. The filter is readily removable and easily cleanable. A feature I find reassuring as the town water in my outback locale is bore water, from the Great Artesian Basin, it is brackish, hard water with high salinity, calcium and lime deposits.

The water which we use for drinking water is rain water and a couple of years ago our tanks ran dry. Good rain has since refilled them but for a while we were boiling bore water for our cuppa's and drinking water. The value of a good filter can't possibly be overstated enough.

A closer peek at the base shows it to be a well designed, heavier than average platform, upon which a raised mound (hill shaped) with a stubby central mast is found. This makes for easier locating of jug onto base. A large, lever style, flick switch with simple on /off is located on the base, not on the jug itself and there is no variable temperature cut off for degrees of boiling water just a big switch that's ideal for arthritic hands and mittened up, wintery fingers alike. The base is also fairly grippy and sure footed. What I mean by this is it stays in place on the countertop without easily sliding about, especially with the added weight of a full jug helping to secure it in place.

The handle has a comfortable grip. It's got a solid, reassuring and secure feel to it, allowing it to be gripped and manoeuvred about with confidence. Alas it's also here that the wheels fall off the wagon.

The handle obscures the view of the water level indicator. The broad handle design that allows for a confident and comfortable grip, it also blocks out light from clearly & easily showing the water level indicator. It's nearly impossible for someone with less than great eyesight to read the jugs water level. Regardless of the light source, be it from above eg a ceiling light or more from a front-on direction such as from a window or lamp, the shadow from the handle severely hampers sight.

I'm theory, simply underfilling the jug should just have nuisance, irritation value, as it has safeguards against blowing the element. If the water level isn't high enough it simply shuts off. This should be another positive tick but I think that the ease of filling to an incorrect level, especially for the less visually capable folk amongst us (including myself lol) directly due to the handle obstructing sighting & the handle's shadow impeding sighting cancels any tick out.

Overfilling can have more severe consequences. Overfilling the Kyoto jug potentially has more severe consequences. An electric jug by nature is tall, has a tapered shape with the base being broader than the top. When we've overfilled the Kyoto jug and poured, a significantly increased volume of hot water, in a rush, came flooding out causing minor scalding to the hand that was holding the mug. That was to my hand and I'm only 50yo. Imagine if I was in my 70's or 80's, perhaps a youngster about 8-10yo, tender skin... I'm the first to admit that less rush with the pouring and a greater level of personal awareness was warranted in this circumstance, nonetheless it highlights the possible results of what's probably the most common instance of improper use in everyday circumstances.

There is no middle ground on this. Such a simple design blunder but one with nasty potential, if only the water level gauge or the handle had been placed in another spot.

The Kyoto jug has been trialled for a number of weeks in my home. My disabled sister in law lives with us, whilst not being elderly in age her condition has made her old before her time, she complained that it was too heavy, making it difficult to handle. To be fair, the kettle was fully filled when she first made the comment and I know a lot of more senior people who are far more capable than my sister-in-law (late 40's), nonetheless it's an observation she's made more than once so it's an observation I'm reporting. Pragmatic folk might just fill it to a lesser level and thus reduce the weight but that only works if you don't want to sit down for a cuppa with friends or family.

*****Owners update April 2024***** I'm giving this update after less than 2 years of ownership and very frequent use.

I first reviewed this jug back in June of 2022. For at least the past 2 months it's been leaking around the base, at first we blamed the water droplets on our bench from our being overfilled but over time this theory's been disproven, facing reality what began as a seep is now a leak and getting worse. It seems to be a safe design with little possibility of it being dangerous in terms of electricution but what began as a few drops on the bench during pouring, progressed to a seep necessitating a tea towel being placed under the base and has worsened to the point that on a couple of occasions we've traded a dry tea towel for a drenched one. I'm now shopping for a new electric jug /Kettle and will be throwing this one away.

If you've read this far then you know I'm far from impressed with this kettle but with it failing after less than a 1.5 years of use, purely based on long term usage I've deducted one full star further from my earlier assessment.

WOKRS OKAY BUT – While the kettle is aesthetically pleasing to look at it has some small faults. The lid is starting to play up by not opening on the first press off the button and some mornings when I go to fill it I am keeping my fingers crossed it actually opens. A different lid would make all the difference, one that you actually have to pull out off the jug… Read more

would be better. It might not look as pretty but it is more practical. The water level indicator is under the handle which makes it hard to read especially if like me you place the kettle with the handle in a position so that it is easy to pick up when full. I also find that I have to top it up more than my old kettle as I cannot judge whether there is enough water in it especially when it has reached the bottom marking. The instruction manual also recommends not letting the water level drop too low as well which is probably another reason I do this, it also means opening that lid more often too. Like the toaster there is a light in the base which is one while the kettle is boiling a good idea so you know it is working okay and it turns off then the jug has reached boiling point and switched off.

Gorgeous minimalist design – The Kyoto City Collection Jug Kettle is certainly not a budget kettle, with a recommended retail price of $179 (though can be purchased for less). The premium price tag is reflected in both the packaging and visual styling of the product. The exterior packaging is beautiful featuring camellia flower decoration, making opening the product a… Read more

pleasant experience. The kettle itself is minimalist, featuring matte plastic base and brushed silver top. While the Kyoto City Collection Jug Kettle comes in five colour choices, black, white, orange, cream and blue, I opted for the white which was more off-white than white.

FEATURES:

7 cup capacity ➡ The Kyoto City Collection Jug Kettle has a capacity of 7 cups or 1.7 litres, perfect for entertaining or afternoon teas involving multiple cups of tea or coffee. Boiling is quick even at full capacity.

White LED illumination ➡ The Kyoto City Collection Jug Kettle has a pretty white LED light that lights up when in operation. Though for the first six uses the LED light flickered and didn't work consistently, something that has since fixed itself. It's a nice feature but to get the full effect you’d need to be toasting in the dark, not something I tend to do. I guess it could be seen as a safety feature as it shows people the kettle is in use and may be hot.

360° powerbase ➡ The Kyoto City Collection Jug Kettle has a 360° powerbase allowing you to swivel the kettle to whatever position you prefer.

Push button lid ➡ I have both a love/hate relationship with this feature. I've never had a kettle that I could safely refill it while the water was hot. The push button lid of the Kyoto City Collection Jug Kettle allows you to safely open the kettle for refilling without risking scolds or burns (see video). However, it didn't always work for me. I think the mechanism was a little tight on the first few uses so I was having to press the push button release multiple times which is not something I wanted to be doing with a hot kettle. This issue rectified itself, but I still wish the release mechanism was somewhere other than the top. It would be safer on the side of the kettle, so fingers and hands never had to be near the steam that is released when opened. Definitely a wish list item but safety is a priority for me.

3-way safety system ➡ The Kyoto City Collection Jug Kettle automatically switches off after boiling, cuts out when dry-boiled to prevent damage and shuts down when overheated.

The Kyoto City Collection Jug Kettle comes with a 12 month replacement or repair guarantee and a 5 page user manual, providing operation and safety information, cleaning instructions and toasting tips.

As I am fairly energy efficient, I plugged the kettle into an electrical meter to test for phantom draw (the amount of energy electrical devices use when they’re plugged in, but not turned on). The Kyoto City Collection Jug Kettle did not draw any power when on standby.

The only issues I have with the Kyoto City Collection Jug Kettle is the cost. It is by far the most expensive kettle I've ever owned, and while it admittedly is gorgeously designed and comfortable in the hand, at the end of the day its only real job is to boil water. If aesthetics is important to you, the Kyoto City Collection Jug Kettle is one of the most beautiful on the market. 4 stars out of 5.

Boils water - Looks cool – Looks great and boils water! Love the LED in use bling lamps. I am reviewing this as part of the ambassador program which we review products in exchange for our honest opinion. Let's get onto the good about the Kyoto Kettle - Aesthetically it's a good looking kettle - Love the happy orange colour which is nicely complemented with brushed metal… Read more

and mid grey plastics. - The LED lighting effect is cool. - Boils water pretty fast. - Turns off when needed to - Is large at 1.7 litres - Feels strong - no creaks, cluck and the hinge works smoothly - Easy to take off and replace onto the base. - Simple to operate - just a large lever switch to move. - Easy to pour - Design of the electrical connector looks robust and is well up out of the way from any potential overboiling spills - There is a sense of occasion when watching the illuminated water boil through the window with the inbuilt mood lighting. It's hard to explain in words but satisfying in person.

So with good scores already, what more does a kettle need to do?

Now, none of these things are deal breakers but compared to our previous kettle: -Alternate water temperatures - This kettle only has one temperature setting - Boiling. That's what most kettle do however our previous kettle had 5 temperature settings. The multiple temperature settings I initially thought to be a gimmick but actually found to be real world useful - such as 80 degrees hot water is good to speed up cooking boiled eggs - egg shells hardly ever crack when you pour 80 degree water over, whereas pouring boiling water over cold eggs almost always cracks the shell(s). The lower temperature options are also handy for those who don't have milk in their tea or coffee to cool them down... - The handle looks great with the metal and plastic combo but I find it it less comfortable to hold for longer durations compared to our previous kettles plastic only design. It's certianly not bad per se, just not as good as previous kettle.

The lid. The intended operation of the lid involves pressing downward on the large, flush, easy-to-push central button in the lid, which in turn retracts some clips on the underside. Then you release the button/lid by removing your hand and the lid opens via spring loaded force. From an ergonomic design perspective I would prefer a dedicated release button out of the way so there isn't counter force from the direction of the lids opening action... but that is by the by.

In operation, most of the time this lid design works as intended - press the button > lid opens. But every so often, mostly on the cold starts, one discovers that the lid has stuck closed. Releasing it requires a small fingertip or the handle of a spoon in the front edge of the (cold) lid rim groove while simultaneously pressing downward on the centre button to release the lid. It doesn't require much force to break the stiction of the seal, nor is it particularly difficult to do - just annoying. After the lid has been freed up, it works great again for a while, sometimes several days until the next time when it has stuck again. I'm sure being an early production run and being a reputable company, I have no doubt that Sunbeam will fix this relatively minor issue soon. Depending on how far into the future you are reading this, it will likely be a non-issue at time of reading.

Summary: Great looking kettle that is easy to use and makes hot water fast!

Sadly not a ergonomic design-masterpiece – I would have expected more from this latest design Sunbeam Kyoto-collection kettle: We already have a Sunbeam from the New York-collection (from here on I refer to it as: NY-kettle. It is model KE4430). We bought that one many years ago. That one is perfect... - and it is exactly the same price-range as the Kyoto-kettle. The NY-kettle has a… Read more

perfect grip, where to grab the kettle: Comfortably to hold on to and most of all: "Ergonomically perfect" designed. The "button" to open the lid in designed into the grip - easy one-handed operation, when it's time to open the lid and fill it with water. I dare to say that this NY-kettle could have been the work of Luigi Colani (who was in my opinion one of the greatest designers ever).

Sadly, the Kyoto kettle is the exact opposite of all positives above: The biggest flaw of the Kyoto-Kettle is that is hurts to hold it! The outer metal strip on the grip has very sharp edges, i.e. when filling it with water and then holding that heavy kettle with the water inside (including when pouring the hot water out), the edges cut into the hand that holds the kettle. This has not been designed by a person, who knows what he/she is doing. Also, opening the lid to fill it with water is a two-handed operation, as the release button for the lid is on top of the lid, i.e. out of reach of the hand, which holds the kettle... - again: not ergonomically - not thought-through. The operator would normally use the second hand to open the water-tap, but instead time is being wasted, as the user has to use that second hand first open the lid.

And another problem: Closing the lid after filling the Kyoto-kettle required pressing the lid with a precise amount of force on a precise spot. If you do not do it exactly right, the lid does not close and pops up again. It's a nuisance and requires unnecessary concentration from the user. That cannot happen with the NY-kettle - it just closes regardless how and where exactly on the lid you close it. Again: The Kyoto-kettle is not ergonomically designed.

It really baffles me: Sunbeam made/designed the NY-kettle long before the Kyoto-kettle. So Sunbeam knew how to design a good kettle. How is it then possible that a later model "forgets" all design-lessons, which were learned already and such major mistakes are being made now? I have a suspicion of how that could have happened: The Kyoto-kettle is Made in China. The NY-kettle made a few years earlier is also Made in China... - but Sunbeam produced in China only since about 10 years (relatively recent). And I just googled and could confirm: The NY-kettle was designed by Wyatt Cline (USA). In 2020 he received a design price for his NY-collection. However, I cannot find the answer on the net, who designed the Kyoto-kettle. This lack of information in combination with the very poor ergonomic design lets me believe that the Kyoto range has not only been MADE but also been Designed in a county, where Designers are cheap... - which would explain this regress of design-quality.

Other factors: Both kettles use about 2100W (I measured this). Both kettles boil the water very fast. The boiled water from both kettles taste good.

Both kettles get very hot on the outer surface - that's just how it is, which is why there is a handle to hold it. But again: The Kyoto-kettle's grip/handle is in one other aspect designed very poorly: Small hands can grip the handle just about OK (apart from the sharp corner issue mentioned above). But the knuckles of big hands hit each time - while grabbing it - the plastic of the water indicator. That feels uncomfortable (to have the hand squeezed in between handle and kettle). Luckily the water-indicator is not as hot as the surface next to it, otherwise the knuckles would get burned as well. Thus, this is another indicator that this kettle probably was designed in a country where they can't even imagine that people have big hands - although they designed for use in a country (Australia), where some people have big hands...

The water-level indicator is on both kettles in the same position. Most people do not use it anyway (they just "guess-timate"), thus it is not that important that it is difficult to see it behind the handle while you hold it. One thought would be to have it on the side, but this comes with 2 problems: It is not that nice to look at and it disturbs the optics, but most of all: There is not ONE correct spot, because for left-handed people, it would have to be 90 degree offset in one direction and for right handed people 90 degree offset in the opposite direction... (at least this FMEA design consideration did not get lost on the latest (Kyoto) model... - but maybe next year.... ;)

Looking at the picture, which I added (green NY-kettle and white Kyoto-kettle), I think it is also quite clear, which kettle could theoretically have been designed by Luigi Colani and which not - and that includes the shape of the kettle and the shape of the base-plate, which is pretty ugly on the Kyoto-kettle ("marriage" of a cylindrical kettle with a square base plate... :( )

And here is actually a plus point for the Kyoto-kettle over the NY-kettle: The Kyoto-kettle boils the water pretty quietly (i.e. the resulting noise is not annoying) - while the noise coming from the NY-kettle when boiling is very loud and annoying. This is why I give the Kyoto-kettle 3 points (and not less).

A good looking kettle (with video preview) – The Sunbeam Kyoto City kettle (in white) exudes Japanese stylings and minimalist elegance, giving both the look and feel of a premium product. It simply looks great, particularly when paired with the matching toaster (reviewed separately). Stats and notable mentions: -The bottom of the kettle has a beautiful soft white LED light that… Read more ·  1

illuminates when heating, a premium aesthetic, and sets it ahead of its competitors. -Conveniently, the lid is hinged with a pop-up button! Push it, and it pops open for filling. Such a nice touch (pun intended). -The contact point of the corded base is centred, allowing for 360 degree placement, so you don’t have to worry about positioning the kettle in any specific direction. -The 2400w element will bring a full 1.7L volume of water boiling to exactly 100.0’C degrees in 4mins and 48 seconds. -The base cord is a full 1 metre in length and can be wound-up inside the base to reduce unnecessary exposure/hanging cables, leaving your kitchen top looking tidy. -Internally, the body is contained in stainless steel which hides the element, making cleaning the inside of the kettle quick and easy.

2 points of constructive/negative feedback: - Firstly, immediately after boiling, the entire kettle, with the exception of the pop-up button and handle is lava! You’re probably thinking, “dur, it’s a kettle, of course the whole thing is hot.” But, I’ve judged this on my previous kettle (Russell Hobb’s Inspire), which had a thicker plastic body that seemed to absorb heat better. Have already given myself a couple of heat-frights making tea. - Lastly, the wall plug is a completely different shape to the matching toaster, which I found odd. Generally, appliances from the same range have matching plugs, or maybe that’s my OCD judging. To conclude, I give this an easy 4-star rating and it only would have lost 1 star from the heat transference into the lid. Ow.

Thanks for reading, TechyGuy

Be aware if you have large hands – The kettle is part of the Kyoto breakfast collection - a matching toaster can be purchased separately. Impressions at unboxing - The presentation of the product is superior to other comparable products on the market. The box the kettle arrived in is aesthetically pleasing and made from sturdy cardboard. The packaging can be turned inside out… Read more

and converted into a gift box that can be reused as a storage box (see photo). This may appeal to consumers who are irked by wasteful packaging.

Impressions after using the product for a week - PROS The kettle functions as intended. It brings 1.5 litres of water to the boil in three minutes. The kettle is not overly noisy. It also illuminates when in use which provides a visual reminder that the kettle is on.

CONS BE AWARE - The design of this kettle's handle does not suit people with large hands and long fingers. When my husband and my son used the kettle for the first time, they both ended up with burnt knuckles! Both fellas are glove size XXL and have "working men's hands". When they grip the kettle handle in a natural fashion, their knuckles brush against the surface of the kettle near the water level indicator (see photo). This isn't an issue when filling the kettle with cold water. However the outside surface of the kettle gets very hot after the water inside has reached boiling point. Both my husband and son have to pick up the kettle awkwardly each time to avoid burning their knuckles. They also have to consciously remember to grasp the kettle in an unnatural way each time to avoid getting burnt.

Based on our family's experience - if you plan to buy this kettle and there is anyone in your household with long fingers or large hands, be sure to test a display model in the shops first to check there is enough clearance between the surface of the kettle and the knuckles. I would NOT recommend buying this kettle for anyone who has memory issues because if that person has to remember to grip the kettle in an unnatural way they might get burnt knuckles.

My knuckles don't get burnt when I grasp the kettle because my glove size is only medium as opposed to XXL. However I have noticed the distinct smell of hot plastic whenever I pour boiling water from this kettle. We use filtered rainwater, and I don't notice this smell with our other kettle. I think the plastic smell is something to do with the materials used in the kettle - possibly the clear water level sight because that is extremely hot to touch.

Quality in design, function and performance – Being more of a ‘designer’ kettle, the gift worthy packaging scores a pretty floral and muesli motif design on internal areas to make your unboxing more special and once you open the top flap your greeted with, ‘Welcome to Kyoto City Collection’. It’s all recyclable cardboard except for two small plastic bags and a sheet of styro. According to… Read more

Sunbeam, the design exudes a ‘Scandinese’ feel. Well whatever but it is attractive with a simple, sleek appeal accented by the matte blue finish and matte silver trim used for the top and rounded edge, square base. The grooved on off lever is formed in the same matte metal for a high quality feel. The unique selling point is the LED illumination ‘halo’ that emits from the base of the kettle. Intended to be “reminiscent of the delicate floating lanterns shining throughout the Old City”. Again whatever. There is also an LED in the centre of the on off lever and one inside the kettle opposite the water gauge window, thus illuminating the gauge. The LED light show indicates the kettle is on and turns off once boiled. The interior of the stainless steel handle is trimmed in a rubberised/silicone material that provides grip. There is some sharpness to the edge of the stainless, though overall it’s a comfy handle and feels very solid with no flexes and accompanying creaky noises that so many other kettles, even expensive ones, seem to exhibit. The navy colour is more a steel blue than true navy and in certain light can look too grey. I would recommend seeing in person if you are considering purchasing. The design matches perfectly with the toaster and they look great together.

The empty weight of the kettle is 930 grams. Add 1.7kg to that if you want the total weight when filled to max. The base weight is not excessive to me and is no heavier than the Delonghi Iconia I had before. Boil times meet expectation, being 4min45 sec odd for a full kettle. It is also a fairly quiet. One annoyance is the minimum fill is 600ml which is too much for one cup. I prefer to just look inside the kettle as I’m filling rather than rely on the water level gauges. As the gauge of the Kyoto is in line with handle it becomes obscured when in hand. I guess it keeps the look sleek rather than placing them elsewhere. The auto off works, but not after boiling hard for what seems too long. I end up just lifting the kettle off the base when I hear the water boiling (the kettle will switch off doing this). Time to start boiling a minimum fill of 600ml was a quick 1min 24 sec but the auto off did not activate for another 17 seconds. I think it needs recalibration to shut off sooner. The spout is excellent with a very good, direct pour. Better than the Iconia. The spout isn’t really big enough to fill through, though the pop up lid is super convenient and I prefer this type of lid to the more common pull off type. You open it by pressing the large metal trimmed button in the centre of the lid. Only a light press is required to close. I did experience some dud operation where the lid would not open when the button is pressed. There seems to be a sticktion effect created by condensation and the lid’s silicon seal. This mostly occurred first thing in the morning with a cold kettle. I found holding the button in for a couple seconds the lid would then release. Sometimes it wouldn’t doing this, so as a workaround press the button and lift the front of the lid with your fingernail. The matte finish resists fingerprints and is very easy to keep clean with a simple wipe. Overall the function of the kettle is very good and I enjoy using it.

The kettle meets perceived quality for its price and positioning with high quality materials and a solid feel and with very good performance I recommend this kettle. I have had both the Delonghi Iconia and before this the Argento and the Sunbeam is better overall. Whether the $179 RRP represents value is up to the buyer.

Boiling water in style! – Thank you to Sunbeam and Product Review for this wonderful Sunbeam Kyoto Kettle within the Ambassadors Program This most likely the best kettle I have ever used and wow the led lighting is just wonderful, highlighting the levels of the water, to the switch and the base of the kettle, very sleek and stylish and have to say that is the main point… Read more

to the Sunbeam Kyoto City line and that is a fantastic highlight and think Sunbeam has chosen very well

About the Koyo Kettle, the release door to add water is great, one of the best I have seen, its very responsive and easy to use, the button release is perfect, I have to state, the water levels are clearly seen but also the light shining from the level makes it easier for someone to see if they need to fill prior to next usage. The Handle of the Kettle is brilliant, it stays cool to the touch and ergonomically sits perfect in my hand, usual time frames for boiling, which can be obtained by wattage and power to volume of water, which is just a universal maths application. The noise level is normal, it boils water and that is natural and its purpose. The base of the unit is non slip and the cord can be hidden - it is a very nice and stylish Kettle. There is also plenty of room in the Kyoto Kettle to make plenty of cuppa's which is good, if you are entertaining guests.

It is a Kettle, but having the style and the LED lights makes it something that is a little more than a simple kettle and really defines a style, the style is worth it, its sleek, its functional and practical and there was nothing to give to fault on. Well worth to buy, if you are looking for style applied into your kitchen area it makes ordinary items we use to have a little more life and spark to them

Works well, looks good & takes up minimal bench space due to height – My Mum helped me review this Sunbeam kettle. She's a Sunbeam fan apparently as her generation has an affinity with the Sunbeam brand as being very reliable as well as being a regular tea drinker boiling the kettle several times a day. She still has some appliances from Sunbeam in the garage that my grandmother had in the 60's, you know, the ones… Read more

with cloth-like cords on them.

This is an attractive looking kettle that's obviously meant to compliment your kitchen decor and it comes in a range of colours as a result. While I can see that they've tried to match it with other products like the toaster in the range, I'm not so sure it looks terribly Japanese despite the name. It is however, premium quality, at a premium price, we'll get to that in a bit.

It boils water quickly and has an illumination on the pad while it does so, presumably to let you know that it's coming to the boil. One thing my Mum complimented it on was that it is a very light kettle. Very sturdy, yet light. This is important particularly for older people when pouring a full jug.

One of the biggest bonus of this kettle is that it takes up little bench space. It does this by sacrificing width, and making it taller and more narrow. This is definitely an advantage with benchtop space at a premium in most households and again makes it easier to pour.

It's of a very sturdy build, and has an upper mid range or lower premium range feel about it. It gives me the feeling that like most sunbeam products it's built to last.

Finally we get to the price, it retails for around $180. While this kettle is a very good, reliable and effective product I'm really not certain it's worth paying full price. There are other kettles in the Sunbeam range that arguably look better, and are somewhat cheaper in price.

However if this look is what you like and you want a very very good kettle, I can recommend this, but I'd wait till it's on sale. I've picked up a few Sunbeam appliances at Big W and Target during their 30% off sales, so it's well worth waiting for one if it's not an urgent replacement.

Great kettle. Great looks. Very effective. Very reliable. Get it when it's on sale. It's an upper mid range premium price for what it is - an electric jug that boils water, but a good one nevertheless.

Elegant Minimalist Modern and Functional Design by Sunbeam – The Sunbeam Kyoto City Kettle is stylish. With its unique glow lighting and modern colours it will enhance any kitchen bench top. It features clean simple and elegant design lines which are attractive and modern and will suit anyone seeking a stylish quality kettle. It is an attractive appliance to look at. It holds 1.7 litres of water, which… Read more

is ample for everyday use for most people, and draws 2,400 watts which brings water to the boil about as fast as it is possible in any electric kettle. The water taste is unaffected. When water is boiling the handle remains cool, but in keeping with other kettles we have owned the external wall of the kettle becomes too hot to touch. The kettle sits on a 360-degree powerbase so that it separates from the powerbase for filling after which it can be placed back on the powerbase. The advantage of the 360-degree powerbase is that the kettle only has to be replaced back onto it to operate –that is, there is no need to fuss about setting it down at the exact right ‘spot’. There is a water level indicator on the external kettle wall just above the ‘On/Off’ switch and it is very easy to read. The indicator has gradations so that at a glance the user knows how much water is in the kettle. A great feature is the illuminated lighting. When switched on the powerbase glows from a gentle illuminated circle, the ‘On/Off’ switch also illuminates, and from inside the kettle there is also an illuminated glow which gives the user visibility of the water level. These are visually attractive features, but they are also functional because they signal that the kettle is switched ‘On’ and heating a clearly indicated volume of water. When the water has boiled the ‘On/Off’ switch automatically switches off as does the illuminated lighting. The lid is opened by depressing a ‘Push’ button in the lid centre. It should open with a single push of the button, but in our case it sometimes failed to do this and we have needed to push the button several times. We’re not sure why this happens. It occurs intermittently and is a minor issue. The handle is comfortable to hold and has a solid feel. The whole appliance gives me the impression that even though it is an elegant and stylish design it is also robust. Whether it is robust and high quality in terms of materials, technical design and manufacture will only become evident over time, however the kettle does have a 12 months manufacturers replacement guarantee. That is important. Note that as Sunbeam has been a manufacturer of quality household kettles with a reputation for reliability for many years, and the Kyoto City Kettle seems to be taking Sunbeams design standards to the next level, any potential buyer should feel confident about purchasing one of these. The colour of the appliance we have is described as ‘Navy’ but it is very similar to a gun metal or battleship grey. It’s an attractive colour. My wife and I have been using the kettle a lot and we’re very happy with it. We recommend that for persons with arthritic hands or lacking strength in their hands or wrists they would be wise to test whether it’s weight and the handle are suitable to them. Highly recommended.

Misses the mark – Several weeks ago I was sent the Sunbeam Kyoto City collection Kettle and Toaster matching set as part of the Product Review Ambassador program, meaning - I didn’t pay for either and I am required to submit an honest and frank review on both products covering all aspects as to how I found them. This particular review relates to the electric… Read more

kettle. It arrived well packaged in a very decorative box and everything was recyclable. Tick. So firstly some relative facts. This kettle is one of two designs that are available. The alternative style has the handle on top and is a stouter shape (this can be seen in the attached photo on the front of the user guide). They are available in five colours, the colour of the one I was sent is called white, which is an off-white. It holds 1.7 litres, has a push button release pop up lid and a side window so as you may see the internal water level. The jug itself is cordless, sitting on a corded base plate which has cord storage underneath should the full length of 900mm not be required, it stands 253mm high and 158mm wide. It has an rrp of $179, however I quickly found it much cheaper with an online search. It has a 12 month replacement warranty. Now for some real world facts; Firstly the kettle looks small, I believe I came to that conclusion due the the fact that it is smaller than the kettle that I had been using, though both have the same claimed capacity of 1.7 litres. Maybe it is due to it’s colour blending in more with the bench top? Not a bad thing, just an observation. I can tell you it will fill 5 large mugs with boiling water. Regarding said boiling water - the kettle is relatively quiet. Some time ago I was the owner of a kettle that was so loud you required hearing protection when using it! This machine is nothing like that at all. However, it does seem to boil for an extraordinary time prior to automatically turning off. I almost always have found myself tripping the switch manually whilst (impatiently) waiting to make my cuppa. For the record when full it took 4’ 44” to boil cold water from a standing start. This figure - of course - is subjective and prone to influence from everything from to the starting water temp. to your internal house cabling and current draw. I do love the handle - well not in the biblical sense - it works, yes I know that may sound silly after all it is a handle, but I have owned a previous kettle and pots and skillets whose handle was rounded and slippery and quite dangerous, particularly to persons whom may have grip problems through injury or frailness. This particular handle has a rounded inner face and a square outer shape, fits the hand comfortably and is to be precise - ergonomic. Following on from this and regarding hand strength and frailness, the external body of the kettle becomes extremely hot to touch following the boil, I have a 95 year old aunt whom I know uses both hands to pour her kettle one holding the handle and the other supporting the body of the kettle, if she were to do so with this particular kettle, well let’s just say the outcome would not be good. This would be of little consequence for an able bodied person with normal hand strength, and to be fair I would assume that the designers never had persons with disabilities in mind with their designs. Should they have? As such I researched “cool to touch kettles” and found many of them available and all at a much lower price point than this particular kettle, something to ponder. On a more positive note the spout is well designed, yes we all have a jug or something or other with a spout which pours the liquid contents of said vessel everywhere except where you want it. Whether you are doing a full on pour or a little dribble to get your cuppa to the max. this spout will do it without so much as a slight dribble. Which is more than I can say for myself at the moment. Oh, did I mention the base of the kettle illuminates (see attached photo) lighting up the water and the end of the on/off switch, bit of bling if it is used in a dark part of the kitchen. Now the “not so good” bits. The sight window is almost useless, it is located in a vertical position straight behind the handle. As you would normally position the handle to the right or left side depending on your favoured hand the sight window cannot be seen, position the handle towards yourself and it obscures the window. Note: Dear Sunbeam, Please put the window on the side adjacent to and 90 degrees from the handle preferably on both sides so as to suit right and left handed persons. Simples! The lid - to open the lid you press down on the release button which is centred on the lid itself. This requires you to use both hands with one holding the handle whilst the other is used to release the lid. Having a release button on the top of the handle and being able to operate with the thumb is a much, much better option. This becomes apparent as habit dictates that when filling is required you pick the kettle up (by the handle) walk to the tap, turn on the water and .... whoops .....I forgot to open the lid and then you need to use the free hand on the tap to do so. Also whilst the button remains cool to the touch following a boil, the surrounding area does not and if your a little careless, well ... you’ll only do it once! So, in summary, if you are looking for a kettle in a colour to suit your decor, uses little bench top acreage, boils quietly, fits the hand and pours well with price not an issue this will suit, I am sure. If you like features such as easy and quickly identifiable water level - such as the clear glass styles offer - and a simple one handed use for both pouring and filling, and cool to the touch then this kettle misses the mark. I think the designers could have done better. Just my opinion, but hey this entire blurb is just that.

SUNBEAM – KYOTO CITY COLLECTION Kettle – Kettles and Toasters - an essential part of our daily lives - boiling water for our teas and coffees. Not something we have to do over fire anymore unless we are on a camping trip! The Sunbeam kettle and toaster are the perfect combination - but how is the Sunbeam Kyoto City Collection any different from any others on sale today? I have been… Read more

asked to review them both and give my opinion on their quality and style.

Kyoto Colors

“The Kyoto Breakfast Collection kettle are the perfect embodiment of the minimalist yet inviting design style synonymous with Japan’s historic cultural capital” (Quoted form Sunbeam website). Very stylish colors and design.

I was given a dark blue matt finish kettle called Blue Kyoto and I found the kettle to very pleasing to the eye. There is the option to get it in other colors, such as white, black, orange, cream and the blue Kyoto that I had. The matt finish resisted any fingerprint marks, which is good. I wish more manufactures would give us a wider choice of colors to match our appliances or kitchen color schemes.

Features of the Kettle:

• Gentle Glow Illumination Handy at night when you are making your evening brews and wandering around in the night for a late-night cupper. During the day the glow is not so obvious but appealing all the same.

• 1.7L Capacity For big family’s and family gatherings this is a must as a smaller capacity kettle would end up with you using more electricity and spend more time making teas and coffees.

• Easy Push Lid Button Pressing the middle of the lid opens its up and I found this to be easy. It would of been nice to have a trigger button around the handle for people who have already got their hands full with other things.

Observations and niggles Care would need to be taken when cleaning the kettle – as with most household appliances - No use of harsh chemicals in order to maintain the appearance of the kettle since it has a metal finish.