It used to heat quickly and now seems inconsistent. What's wrong?
Very likely limescale, and it lines up with the mixed reports on heating performance. Every boil deposits the minerals dissolved in your water onto the element, and scale insulates it, so the same 1100 watts takes longer to do the same job and the shut-off can start triggering unpredictably. Descale with white vinegar or citric acid: fill partway, bring to the boil, let it stand, empty it, then boil two or three changes of clean water to clear the taste. Do this regularly if your water is hard rather than waiting for symptoms.
Is there any plastic touching the water?
Elite Gourmet describes the kettle as BPA-free and lists its materials as glass and stainless steel. The lid itself can be plastic, which helps it stay cool enough to open after a boil, and most glass kettles have some plastic around the lid or spout. If a completely plastic-free water path matters to you, ask Elite Gourmet's US-based support before ordering.
Can I set a lower temperature for green tea?
No. This kettle boils to completion and switches off; it does not offer selectable temperatures. You can switch it off before the boil or let boiled water stand for a few minutes. If you regularly brew delicate teas that call for water below boiling, a variable temperature kettle will serve you better, though this one remains well suited to black tea, coffee, instant noodles and anything else that wants a full boil.
What is the difference between the auto shut-off and boil-dry protection?
They are two separate safeguards. The automatic shut-off cuts the power once the water reaches a boil. Boil-dry protection covers the case the shut-off cannot: Elite Gourmet says that if the kettle begins heating without enough water inside, it switches off to protect the heating element.
How much water does it actually hold in practice?
The stated capacity is 1 litre, which Elite Gourmet puts at 4.2 cups, which in practice is right for two or three mugs of tea rather than a full pot. If you regularly make tea or coffee for more than two or three people at once, plan on refilling it or consider a larger kettle.
Should I be worried about the complaints about durability?
It is worth taking seriously rather than dismissing, since durability is the one theme buyers rate negatively. The practical response is the same as with any inexpensive appliance: buy from a seller with an easy returns process, check it works well in the first few weeks, keep the 1-year warranty details, and descale it on a schedule rather than only when it starts underperforming, since scale build-up is the most common and most preventable cause of an electric kettle failing early.
