REASONS TO BUY
Fast pouring
Lightweight
REASONS TO AVOID
Plastic reservoir
No temperature adjustments
Black+Decker KE1500B Review
This inexpensive kettle has no temperature or timing controls and is almost completely constructed of plastic
Credit: amazon.com
Our Verdict
TheBlack+Decker KE1500B is a minimalistic kettle that maintains only the most basic functions of boil and automatic shutoff. For many consumers, a kettle that simply boils water is sufficient. However, while this kettle is ostensibly a decent product at the price, we have reservations about the water reservoir being constructed out of plastic.
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Black+Decker KE1500B is an all-plastic kettle that has a single temperature setting, automatic shutoff, and a water level viewing window. If you're considering this kettle for its modest price, take a look at our Best Buy Award-winner first.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman
Boil Time
Boil time is established by recording the time required to bring four cups of 57° F water to 201° F — the average boiling point at our lab's location. The Black+Decker makes quick work of this task at 4 minutes flat.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman
Pouring
Smooth discharge of hot water from the kettle's reservoir into a separate container is important for a number of applications, not least of all making drip coffee. Our pouring analysis looks at how slowly and smoothly one can dispense water from the kettle. The proper execution of this task relies on the balance of the kettle as well as the spout design. While the BLAK+DECKER is lightweight compared to other pitcher-style models, it has a broad spout with a sharp lip that makes control of the flow difficult to achieve. Conversely, if a rapid pour is desired, this model can fill a glass in short order.
Ease of Use Features
This model does not have temperature selection, nor does it have a holding option. It does shut itself off automatically, however. Except for the heating element, the interior material is plastic. The lid attachment is fixed and the spout is in the pitcher fashion. The minimum and maximum volumes are 0.2L and 1.7L respectively as indicated by the plastic window on the side of the container.
Value
At GearLab, we think of value in terms of a product's quality in relation to how much it costs and how that cost/quality ratio compares to other products in its class. The Black+Decker is certainly inexpensive. However, we have reservations about its quality. Of chief concern is the plastic water reservoir which, according to Black+Decker, may contain the chemical BPA. When this product is compared with other models in the class, we find that other kettles offer the consumer more at a similar price point. As such, we do not consider this unit to be a very good deal.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman
Conclusion
The Black+Decker KE1500B is a basic electric kettle that is reasonably priced. However, our research shows that, for about the same amount of money, one can purchase a higher quality model.
—
Nick Miley, Michelle Powell and Austin Palmer
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