Melitta MEK 17W

*Est. $25

Pros

Good-looking design
Budget price
Swiveling detachable base

Cons

Automatic shut-off only works when the lid is closed
Hinged lid can be difficult to operate

Our Analysis

Sources and research:

A professional review by editors at Cook's Illustrated includes the Melitta MEK 17W in its test tea kettles. Editors evaluated it for boil speed (average) and features (below average for its flawed shut-off). We found plenty of user reviews that echoed the concerns raised by Cook's, as well as users who praise their Melitta electric kettle for its low price and convenience.

While overall the Melitta MEK 17W electric kettle receives good ratings from some users, we found enough safety concerns detailed in reviews to warrant caution. The automatic shut-off feature only works when its lid is closed, so if you forget to shut the lid, your kettle could boil dry and become a fire hazard. Some owners say the hinged lid snaps shut too easily, making it difficult to pour. Altogether, we found better reviews for another basic plastic electric kettle, the Bodum Ibis (* est. $40). On a positive note, the Melitta Electric Tea Kettle has a unique swiveling base -- a feature we didn't find in comparable kettles.

Our Sources

1. Cook's Illustrated MagazineDetails/Subscribe

Eight electric kettles are tested and compared in this excellent review. The Melitta MEK 17W Electric Tea Kettle was panned for its shut-off function because the hinged lid must be closed to activate it, presenting a safety hazard in testers' minds. Otherwise, it scored average for boiling time and for pouring well.

Review: Electric Kettles, Editors at Cook's Illustrated, Mar. 2008

2. Cooking.com

Dozens of users on this site adore the Melitta MEK 17W Electric Tea Kettle, which earns a near-perfect (4.6 out of 5) star rating. We had to dig deep to find complaints. One owner says she couldn't get the kettle to sit properly on its base; another thinks the lid is too small. Overall, however, users say this kettle works great and is bargain-priced.

Review: White Electric Tea Kettle Reviews, Contributors to Cooking.com

3. Amazon.com

Dozens of users give the Melitta MEK 17W Electric Tea Kettle a good overall rating, commenting on its spiffy looks and low price. However, many share their concern over the safety of its automatic shut-off. Some owners also warn that the hinged lid is hard to operate, because it can snap shut when filling the kettle. Over time, the lid can also become difficult to close, because the seal breaks down.

Review: 1.7 Liter Express Kettle Reviews, Contributors to Amazon.com

4. Epinions.com

A few reviews laud the Melitta Express for its rotating base, low price and good basic performance, though users say the lid is awkward to use.

Review: Melitta Express Kettle 1.7 Liter MEK17W Reviews, Contributors to Epinions

Capresso H2O Plus *Est. $80

5 picks including: Amazon.com…

Adagio Teas IngenuiTea *Est. $20

3 picks including: Amazon.com, TheNibble.com…

Bodum Ibis Electric Tea Kettle *Est. $50

2 picks including: About.com, Amazon.com…

Breville Ikon Electric Kettle *Est. $80

2 picks including: Amazon.com…