The Cuisinart Traditional CTK17SE kettle may not come packed with advanced technology or a wide range of features, but it stands out with its distinctive retro design. Priced at €99, this kettle prioritizes aesthetics over technological innovations, making it a unique addition to any kitchen.
Presentation:
The Cuisinart Traditional CTK17SE kettle is part of Cuisinart’s Style Collection range and is designed with a retro aesthetic combined with contemporary elements. It is available in a stainless steel finish, giving it a classic yet stylish appearance. However, it is worth noting that it is only available in this particular color, unlike some competitors that offer a variety of color options.
| Brand | Cuisinart |
| Capacity | 1.7 Liters |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Colour | pearl grey |
| Special feature | Removable Filter, Automatic Shut-Off, Anti Scale Mesh Filter |
Technical Details
| Brand | Cuisinart |
|---|---|
| Model Number | CTK17SE |
| Colour | pearl grey |
| Product dimensions | 22.8 x 20.2 x 26.3 cm; 1.37 Kilograms |
| Capacity | 1.7 Liters |
| Volume Capacity | 1.7 Liters |
| Power/Wattage | 3000 watts |
| Voltage | 220 Volts |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Auto shut-off | Yes |
| Special Features | Removable Filter, Automatic Shut-Off, Anti Scale Mesh Filter |
| Item Weight | 1.37 kg |
Convenience of Use:
- Design and Size: The CTK17SE kettle features a round and slightly bulky design, measuring 20.5 x 25.5 x 20.5 cm. While it may take up some space on the kitchen counter, its stainless steel finish and retro design make it an attractive addition to any kitchen.
- Capacity: This kettle has a generous capacity of 1.7 liters, allowing it to hold a substantial amount of water. When fully filled, it weighs approximately 2.78 kg.
- Water Level Indicator: It includes two large and transparent windows that display the water level. This design feature makes it easy to check the water level without any hassle.
- Operation: The kettle has a single control button for activation. It features blue illumination when in use. The kettle automatically turns off once it reaches a boiling point of 100°C. However, it lacks the ability to select specific water temperatures, unlike some other models in the market.
- Lid and Handle: The kettle’s lid is removable but may become hot during use. Users must exercise caution while handling it. The handle is insulated to prevent burns, but there can be issues with the design, particularly when opening the lid while holding the kettle, as steam can escape onto the handle.
- Base and Cable: The kettle includes a 360° base, making it suitable for both left-handed and right-handed users. The 66 cm electric cable provides flexibility in terms of placement in the kitchen.
- Anti-Limescale Filter: A removable anti-limescale filter is located inside the tank, near the pouring spout. It effectively prevents scale residues from entering your cup.
Ease of Maintenance:
- The transparent windows may quickly accumulate limescale deposits, but they can be cleaned using white vinegar or lemon diluted in water.
- Cleaning the inside of the tank can be challenging due to its narrow passage, obstructed by the handle.
- The removable anti-limescale filter is easy to clean.
Heating Performance:
- The Cuisinart CTK17SE kettle performs impressively in terms of heating water quickly. It takes only 2 minutes and 25 seconds to heat water from 20°C to 95°C, making it one of the fastest kettles in the market.
Heat Retention:
- Unfortunately, the kettle lacks a keep-warm feature or a double-wall design, resulting in a relatively quick drop in water temperature after boiling. After 30 minutes, the water temperature decreases significantly.
Design and Convenience:
Cuisinart’s CTK17SE kettle is part of their Style Collection range and is designed to complement their matching toaster. Its retro-inspired curves and stainless steel finish give it a classic yet contemporary appearance, making it a stylish choice. However, it’s worth noting that it’s only available in a single color, unlike competitors like Smeg, which offer a variety of color options.
While the Traditional CTK17SE’s design is eye-catching, its dimensions (20.5 x 25.5 x 20.5 cm) may occupy some counter space. Nevertheless, it compensates for this by offering a generous 1.7-liter capacity, and two transparent water level windows make it easy to monitor water levels accurately.
Operating the kettle is simple, with a single control to activate the heating element. The control lights up in blue when in use, and once the water reaches 100°C, the kettle automatically turns off. However, it’s worth noting that this kettle doesn’t offer adjustable water temperature settings, unlike some competitors like the Xiaomi Smart Kettle Pro, which provides 11 temperature levels.
Usability and Maintenance:
The CTK17SE’s removable cover, while functional, has a small size and can become hot during use. This may require careful handling when opening it to fill the kettle. Additionally, the position of the handle above the lid can sometimes hinder easy filling, as you need to align it correctly under the tap.
The kettle’s handle features an insulating coating to prevent burns, but users should exercise caution when opening the lid, as hot steam can escape onto the handle.
For added convenience, the kettle sits on a 360° base, making it suitable for both left-handed and right-handed users. Its 66 cm power cable offers flexibility in placement within the kitchen.
Inside the kettle, a removable anti-limescale filter helps prevent scale buildup, but cleaning the interior can be challenging due to the narrow opening, obstructed by the handle.
Performance:
While the kettle’s opaque tank may hide limescale deposits, the two transparent windows tend to reveal these deposits quickly. Regular cleaning with white vinegar or lemon juice diluted in water is recommended to address this issue.
In terms of performance, the CTK17SE heats water impressively quickly, taking just 2 minutes and 25 seconds to heat water from 20°C to 95°C, outperforming some competitors. However, it lacks a keep-warm feature or a double-wall design, which affects its ability to retain heat. After 30 minutes, the water temperature drops noticeably, placing it behind some rival kettles.
Noise Level:
- During the heating process, the kettle produces a noise level of 58.5 dB(A), which falls within the average range for kettles. However, it is not the quietest option available.
Consumption:
- The kettle’s energy consumption is comparable to the average for kettles of its kind, using 0.100 kW/h to boil 1 liter of water. It performs well in terms of energy efficiency.
Conclusion:
The Cuisinart Traditional CTK17SE kettle stands out primarily for its retro design and stylish stainless steel finish. It offers quick heating capabilities and has a substantial 1.7-liter capacity. However, it lacks additional features commonly found in other kettles, such as temperature adjustment. Overall, the CTK17SE prioritizes style over functionality.
The CTK17SE operates at an average noise level during heating, with 58.5 dB(A), positioning it within the middle range compared to other kettles. In terms of energy consumption, it aligns with the average, boiling 1 liter of water with a consumption of 0.100 kW/h.
In conclusion, Cuisinart’s Traditional CTK17SE kettle is a design-focused appliance with a retro charm. It boasts quick heating and a substantial 1.7-liter capacity, making it a practical choice for many. However, it lacks advanced features, including adjustable temperature settings, placing aesthetics at the forefront of its design.
STRONG POINTS
- Large capacity of 1.7L.
- Anti-limescale filter.
- Rapid rise in temperature.
WEAK POINTS
- No temperature levels.
- Configuration of the kettle which does not make it easy to fill.
