Krups FLF2 Cordless Electric Kettle

I am fond of electric kettles. They offer the convenience of having hot water in much shorter time than a conventional range top water kettle. And for those of you who like brewing your coffee the manual way, or who just want hot water available for instant soups or oatmeal, you just can't beat these little wonders.

I own, and reviewed, a Bodum Mini-Ibis; a great kettle in a compact size, that heats just enough water for 28 ounces of coffee (or about one 8 cup presspot). However, due to its compact size, and super fast heating ability, my wife took it to work with her for her own use. This left me searching for another, but the stores were out of this particular kettle. So, I found the Krups on sale for $25.

Now, my folks have one of these, and they have been happy with if for more than a year now. I've had it for two weeks, and am fed up with it. It does a terrific job of boiling the water. It just doesn't always do quite so terrific a job of shutting off after the water has begun boiling. Additionally, the locking lid mechanism is a little strange. By squeezing on the trigger mechanism on the handle to open the spout for pouring, you can unlock the lid.

And the noise; did I mention the noise? Yes, this thing does make a great deal of noise while heating up. With my Bodum mini-Ibis, I never heard a thing until the loud "click" of the swith shutting off alerted me to the fact that the water was ready. As for countertop convenience, the tubby Krups just looks out of place. It's plastic, cheap looking plastic at that, and it just seems to have a bigger footprint than necessary.

Now, for what I paid for the Krups, I guess I shouldn't complain; so long as I don't boil it dry or scald myself. However, had I paid full retail for this, I would have taken it back immediately. It does not work any better than Bodum's Ibis or mini Ibis, but it costs more. And, it is less safe.

I realize that this review has not addressed all of the technical specifications of the Krups, but that is listed in the product description anyway. And I really wish I had more to add to what other reviewers have written, but I don't. But, so far as I know, I am the first to write about the problem with the lid.

Krups has always managed to do a terrific job building things that cost way too much for the quality offered. And their electric kettle is just another shining example of this poor quality to cost ratio. For less money, you can go out and buy any number of electric kettles that are at least as good, if not better.