Doing the 'CHA-CHA' (Cookworks 1.7 Litre)

Member Name: Bistro

Product:	Cookworks 1.7 Litre
Date:	07/04/06 (472 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Reliable. Low maintainence. Great value.

Disadvantages: 'Docking' procedure I've found a bit tricky on occasions. A bit noisy!

Our former kettle made a sudden exit at a most inopportune time. We tried a ‘fuse to plug’ transplant but to no avail. Therefore having determined that life was extinct, and after a very short mourning, we set about a replacement.

We were restricted in our choice due to it happening when most shops had shut. No way could we contemplate waking in the morning without a cuppa, so decided to purchase a ‘temporary cheapo’ and review the situation at a later date.

Knowing our local branch of Argos would still be open; we dug out their trustee catalogue. With frugality uppermost, our eyes were immediately drawn to a couple of Cookworks Cordless jug-kettles. Cookworks was not a brand name unknown to us, as we had, and still do, get very good service from a Cookworks toaster. (Cookworks is actually a brand exclusive to Argos.) The only difference between the two kettles was the colour. I chose the bottle green rather than the white, as it would go better with the décor in my kitchen. Over a year ago we paid just £5.75. The kettle (Model No: KK-05) came with a 12-month manufacturer’s guarantee, so what did we have to lose?


FEATURES:

· * 1.7 litre capacity
· * Dry boil protection
· * Auto switch off
· * Water level indicator
· * Pilot light
· * 230V – 50 Hz 2200W


The plastic-bodied jug kettle was exactly how it had appeared in the catalogue, with clear level- indicator windows either side depicting the minimum fill level (0.5L), and Max fill level (1.7L). It felt light but of sturdy design.

Also inside the box was a matching base, complete with average-length white flex and plug. An easy to read, ‘English only’ instruction pamphlet accompanies this, and states that the first thing to do is fill the kettle to its maximum capacity and boil. This is to remove any surface residue from the interior, and to stop any ‘plastic’ taste tainting your first cuppas. Whilst doing so, it became very evident that a major drawback was the NOISE it made. It reminded me of a jet plane getting ready for take off. We laughed as we wondered whether it was actually going to boil or explode and decided to stand well back! Thankfully it did the former. You can just about have a conversation above the din, but it definitely interferes with thought processes. Being more acclimatised to it now, it doesn’t infringe quite so much.

We were very impressed with the speed at which it boiled/boils the water though, beating our old kettle hands down. Boiling half a kettle of water from cold (enough for 3 mugs of tea), takes only a couple of minutes before the auto switch clicks politely up and off, in unison with the disengagement of the orange pilot light. The matching green auto switch is neatly tucked under the large easy-grip handle, with the pilot light on top of the handle making for easy viewing. The auto switch is lever-styled, very user-friendly, and of good size. The kettle when reaching boiling point and after automatically switching off, does tend to bubble aggressively, so I’ve instructed the younger members of the household to let it calm down before picking it up. It’s worth noting that the body just after boiling does become fairly hot, but not so much as to burn you.

The final cup of tea produced has never been anything but fresh tasting, and never had a ‘plastic’ tang to it at all, neither have I ever experienced any ‘bits’ floating to the surface. Hence I believe the removable, nylon-mesh filter works efficiently.

I’ve always found the design of the jug makes for easy pouring and having a wide integrated spout, makes this process very quick. I usually refill the kettle via the spout too, which I know is naughty, but so much quicker than lifting up the lid. The lid, is large and has strong plastic hinges which can be ‘locked’ into a resting position if you want to do it the ‘goody’ way. This access I tend to save for cleaning. The lid has 4 vertical built-in vents at the front, which when engaged onto the spout, aids a more consistent and accurate flow. The filter is situated in front of the spout and is easily slid out every now and again, to rinse clean under the tap and pop back in.

It is advised to wipe the walls of the inside of the kettle whenever there’s any noticeable lime scale build-up. In reality (and being a lazy heifer) I rarely do this, but when the mood has taken me I’ve found a quick wipe with a damp cloth on the outside as well as the inside, is sufficient to remove most traces and keeps the kettle looking clean. It is probably more important with this kettle than with others to keep lime scale-free, as the element is not concealed, therefore more prone to problems associated with this. However, even though we live in a hard water area, and only having given it an occasional rinse out with hot water, we’ve still not experienced any problems. You can if you wish use a ‘descaler product’ but it’s recommended you use one specifically for ‘plastic-bodied’ items.

Another handy feature is the ‘Dry boil protection’ device. If the kettle is accidentally switched on with insufficient/no water, this device will automatically switch it off. (Very handy if you have young children in the house etc.) We’ve never had to call upon this function but having just tested it, I am VERY pleased to say it does work, although obviously I can’t vouch for its longevity!


One small niggle I have is regarding the design of the base. NOT being ‘360o rotational’ (worth noting if to be used by both left & right handed people), returning the kettle to the base and trying to get the spine of the kettle ‘docked’ inline with the mechanism at the side of the base, occasionally can be troublesome. Nobody else in the family seems to have had any problem though!



*Final Words*


Considering my lax maintenance of this kettle, and the thorough usage it’s had over a year, we’ve been more than satisfied with its performance and reliability. Only recently has it developed a tendency to leave spillage on the worktops due to the lid not fitting quite so snug, but as these jug kettles ARE so cheap we’ve gone and bought a new one.

In the latest edition of the Argos catalogue there is now a difference in price between the white and green model of £1 respectively. The white is now £5.48, the green £6.48. They can be found on page 1040, or you can visit the Argos website at www.argos.co.uk.

For first-time buyers, students, or anybody who just wants great value for money I think these jug kettles are ideal. Recommended!


Best wishes.

Summary: So good, I bought one twice!