Is the heating element exposed? Also, do any parts of the kettle retain dangerous levels of heat for an extended period of time?
599298
I agree -- it is not exposed and it's a great electric kettle. My only quarrel was that the cord was so short but I found a 3 foot extension cord and that took care of it.
599299
No, the heating element is not exposed. When the water comes to a boil, it shuts off automatically. I have always poured the water immediately and have not noticed if the kettle maintains heat for an extended period of time.
599300
The heating element doesn't appear to be exposed at all on the bottom. All that I can see is a metal tube running up the inside of the kettle along the handle. I'm not sure if that's the heating element or something else.
599301
No, it is not exposed. We are VERY happy with this product. We bought it to use in a hotel room on a trip so we could have good coffee in our room, but we use it exclusively now for all hot beverages. It boils water fast and conveniently.
599302
The heating element isn't exposed, but the kettle itself is metal and gets very,very hot. Only the handle and maybe part of the lid stay cool. Other kettles I've had have been more insulated and get warm but not extreme hot.
2134542
I would err on the side of caution and say don't use it anymore. If you've burned the chrome coating off the copper, there's a good chance you have compromised the seams of the kettle or maybe also the soldered connections that hold the "heating element" to the bottom. It was an unfortunate mistake that can happen to anyone. Trying to do too much at once, while making tea! Sorry this happened to you and your VERY EXPENSIVE kettle, but I wouldn't risk using the kettle again. Do you have money? Use it as a pretty flower pot and buy another!
1946481
I would say yes. I have had this kettle for a couple years now, and would not buy it again. Very atractive sitting on the counter, but with a plastic-like interior I don't reheat or drink the hot water that's been sitting in it for any length of time. It is heavy and lately the lid catch seems to be losing it's ability to stay closed. It does heat the water fairly quickly, and the temperature gauge is nice to have, but my next kettle will have a stainless interior (which I had asked about prior to buying this, and was told it did have that), and cost much less. I cannot recommend spending the money for this one based on those factors. I would say yes. I have had this kettle for a couple years now, and would not buy it again. Very atractive sitting on the counter, but with a plastic-like interior I don't reheat or drink the hot water that's been sitting in it for any length of time. It is heavy and lately the lid catch seems to be losing it's ability to stay closed. It does heat the water fairly quickly, and the temperature gauge is nice to have, but my next kettle will have a stainless interior (which I had asked about prior to buying this, and was told it did have that), and cost much less. I cannot recommend spending... » Read More I would say yes. I have had this kettle for a couple years now, and would not buy it again. Very atractive sitting on the counter, but with a plastic-like interior I don't reheat or drink the hot water that's been sitting in it for any length of time. It is heavy and lately the lid catch seems to be losing it's ability to stay closed. It does heat the water fairly quickly, and the temperature gauge is nice to have, but my next kettle will have a stainless interior (which I had asked about prior to buying this, and was told it did have that), and cost much less. I cannot recommend spending the money for this one based on those factors. « Show Less
363273
The inside of the kettle is plastic, except the heating element on the bottom.
617445
The heating element looks like a stainless steel plate, but not water tight. There should be no rusting if you don't dump water onto the plate. It is very easy to keep the plate clean actually, since the kettle is cordless.
393365
Not at all, I have been using mine for about the last 8 months, and apparently the Weber is built for high heat, without any ill effect whatsoever. I thoroughly enjoy using the kettle attachment, and the pizzas come out very very good. Hope this helps.
249232
I've boiled water in the pot and there was no obvious damage. Have not used the pans at high temps tho.
1019870
Never! I have had the kettle for years and apart from a slight cosmetic blemish on the outside from when I forgot to put water in before I turned on the flame, it is just like new. It doesn't wobble, its whistle is Met Opera quality, and it still shines. I love it.
1079421
The heating element is in the bottom of the kettle, not in the plug in base. If you look carefully at the photo of the base, the part with the plug on it, you'll see the electrical connections. The bottom of the kettle has corresponding electrical connections. The plug in base gets a little warm from the radiant heat from the kettle, but does not get hot.
909098
I have not had any problem with steam burning my hand when pouring water out. The only time the steam has been an issue is when we want to refill the kettle immediately after use and do not let it cool down before opening the lid. The handle is just above the lid, so any steam remaining inside the hot kettle is hard to avoid with the lid off. But we don't often need to refill it so quickly, so it's not a big deal. This is a very nice kettle and we use it all of the time.
2225204
The entire electric kettle probably should not be immersed in water. The bottom of the kettle has electronic components which probably should not be immersed. The manual recommends wiping the outside, but the inside can be easily cleaned.
505925
No, I didn't experience any rust and I bought about 1 and half years ago. It's one of the best glass electric kettles I have used. The best thing is I can put my hand inside to scrub and clean the residue built up on the bottom of the kettle. So the inside surface still looks pretty good and shiny. I wish the spout can be better designed to avoid spills when pouring the hot water. Now I make sure I lift the hot lid up till it's perpendicular and pour carefully to avoid spillage. Good luck.
1061637
I like you am concerned about plastic and aluminum parts. This boiler has no aluminum or plastic parts at all, except the handle which does not come in contact with the water. The inside of the lid is hollow. It's stainless steel and snaps into place. Some people have comented on it getting hot, but if you just hold the handle, and not the lid itself it's not so hot that you can't hold onto it. We are very happy with this water boiler, we use it every day for pour over coffee. We'd be suffering over stove boiled water without it. Heats water in less than 4 minutes.
494148
I have had mine for about 7 months so far and do keep water inside of it when not in use. There has been no issues with rust thus far, and I just checked the interior of the kettle.
1164881
I actually do leave water in it. I have had past tea kettles rust as well, but not this one. Not a speck of rust or any problems with it.
1589301
Yes. The bottom of the kettle is covered with a smooth metal. This is about as little metal I have been able to find in an electric kettle. The alternative is an all glass pot requiting a stove. It is a no frills unit that works great and is not hot to the touch on the outside (double wall...).
966828
I owned my first of this kettle for nearly 10 years and never had the base gunk up inside. I'd categorize our use at moderate, not heavy/daily. I washed it in soap and water when necessary to remove splatters-- no issues. Ended up replacing it only because I wanted a shiny new one for a shiny new kitchen. Still keep the old one with a faded handle as a backup.