In case you think all I buy is kettles, I should explain that my other recent review of a kettle is for one bought for my department at work, which I chose, and use every day.

We needed a new one at home, too, as the old one was getting dangerous and so we went out to have a look at what was there, first thinking we would get another jug kettle with the blue light (Russell Hobbs). Then we saw the Pyramid.

The picture above doesn't really do this kettle justice - it's nice enough in stainless steel, but the great thing about the Pyramid is the colour range. Cream. blue, green, black and red. The finish on the paintwork is as good as on a car, and you feel protective in the same way. I felt particularly so after we got home with our red beauty, as I had read a few reviews which suggested that they kettles could scratch easily. I've not tested it, but do take extra care when filling.

Also, the handle on the lid is not the same as in this picture: it's circular, and lined with insulating material so that your fingers need not come into contact with a hot surface. The kettle body does remain hot after boiling, as it's a metal kettle, and if you take the lid off for immediate refilling, then you run the risk of getting scalded. That's not a criticism of the kettle as that's what you would expect. Filling through the spout is the best option and easy to do. The kettle pours well, predictably and accurately.

Here are the features of the Pyramid kettle with brief comments

Water level indicator - this is at the back of the ketlte and is clear to read. Anything from 500 ml upwards
Safety locking lid - this fits on very firmly; well engineered
3kW element - it's fast.
1.5 litre capacity - what it says on the tin
360 degree cordless base - fairly standard these days but it's true. The kettle is bigger than the base, so you have to be good at centring it
Removable limescale filter - easy to clean, expecially if you do it regularly, and fill via the spout rather than the lid. This is pretty easy to do, but you need to take care of that delicate painted surface
Concealed element - so you can boil small amounts safely
Illuminated on/off control - this is a little red light at the back
Automatic Switch off - this works efficiently
Fail safe Cut Out - I haven't wanted to test this, as I don't like boiling empty kettles, but it's obviously a good idea

So this is a kettle that works well. Just as importantly, it looks great in your kitchen. We felt very cheered up every day for several weeks and still are sometimes, when first seeing our happy blue kettle in the morning. I know that's a bit on the sad side, but it's better than being grumpy!

RRP is a steep £51, but shopping around should get you one for about £30.

It's not the quietest of kettles about, but I find that reassuring - I like to know that the kettle is on and working.