Before purchasing this kettle I first researched Morphy Richards to check out their status as a brand in the reasonably cramped UK kitchen appliance market (for want of a better term). They seem to have a very good reputation, and this particular kettle is rated highly on other websites for both its style and functionality. But what did I think of the '43774' (the product's code), its material quality, styling, performance, and cost?

Designed by Morphy Richards and stylised to suit their up-market appliance range, the 43774 is made from stainless steel components, some painted and some not, all fitted together firmly to create a durable, relatively user-friendly kettle for the modern kitchen. The handle extrudes from the main body (which sits neatly on its base - receiving power from a 3kW circular element in the centre of the base), and is coated in a thick layer of heat resistant plastic to protect hands from exposure to potential burns. It is the focus, the most striking physical feature, but despite its befitting looks, it is (I'd say) 80% impractical. As the heat from the spout rises - the water vapour extending quickly, several hundred centimetres above - you tip the kettle forward in order to pour the liquid, and at that moment the steam strikes your hand. If held for more than about 5 seconds, the steam becomes uncomfortable, and soon after, unbearable. This is a classic case of form over function. The rest of the kettle works fine, the sloping sided main body containing the click start switch to begin the boiling process, the removable steel lid (with finger-ring sized handle), the transparent measuring gauge - 2 cups, 4 cups, 8 cups max - is simple and effective, it all works in unison, everything besides that handle!

The kettle boils in under 2 minutes and can boil up to 8 cups worth of water. It pings off at just the right time, just as the water begins to bubble lightly - not after its been bubbling for more than about 10 seconds. With older kettles I've found this process to last too long, adding irritating seconds to the boiling time and producing water too hot to drink! You can buy this product in a range of strong, vibrant colours, ranging from red to deep purple.

All in all I am very happy with this product! It is functional to a degree, but the styling and large capacity tank makes up for any annoyances in the design. The handle is the most striking feature, and also the most impractical, but it does make the thing easy to pick up and move around. I would recommend this product to anyone attempting to modernise their kitchen space, or anyone looking out for something jazzier to spice up their kitchen. This product could work well as a feature of a room as well as a piece of apparatus to boil water with! Not for everyone, but still highly recommended by me!

RATING: 3.9/5
PRICE: £40-50
AVAILABILITY: Supermarket stores, online retailers, Morphy Richards website.