Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

After lots of research, I opted for this one. I drink hot tea every day and wanted an easy and safe way to make hot water, without using the microwave or turning on the stove. This electric kettle did the trick! PROS: - Kettle can be removed from heating base and carried around. - Wide, sturdy handle for easy carrying and pouring. - Very minimal if any dripping while pouring, really great pouring design. - Heats water very fast. - Automatic shut-off once water reaches a boil, very nice feature. - Very simple switch for on/off and red indicator light tells you it is in the process of heating. - Minimal plastic, mostly stainless steel parts that touch the water. - Metal mesh filter inside pouring spout to catch mineral deposits. I don't really have a need for it, but some might. Can be removed. - Kettle can be placed at any spot on heating base, no need to line anything up. - Heating portions are internal to reduce corrosion and damage. - Boil-dry prevention; it won't allow the unit to turn on the heating element if it detects kettle is empty. CONS: - Measuring indicator is behind handle, so not the easiest to read while holding. - Product guide states minimum water to boil should be no less than one liter. This is excessive for some of my uses, but not a big deal. - Uses a lot of power fast to quickly heat up that amount of water, actually tripped the breaker! - Lid is spring-loaded so when you push the button, it flings open and if the water is hot, it will fly back on your hand or arm. Though there is no real reason to open the kettle up when it has boiling hot water in it, it could be dangerous especially for kids. - Small opening makes it more difficult to clean, though you aren't to put anything other than water in it so only minimal cleaning is required. OTHER Noise: You can hear the kettle heating the water, and it sounds much like a kettle on a stove. There isn't a whistle, but you can hear the water boiling. When it shuts off, there is a 'click' as the switch flips off. I like that, lets me know it is done. Heavy: Remember, the more water is in it, the heavier it will be. You can't touch anywhere but the handle because it is too hot (and stays hot for awhile). The handle is sturdy and thick enough to pick up the kettle, but if you have weak hand/wrists and it is full, BE CAREFUL. Use a potholder if you need to touch the other side for balance. Overall: I'm happy with my purchase. You can easily spend a lot of money on an electric tea kettle, but I don't see the need to, this one from Hamilton Beach does a fine job.