Faulty Electric Kettle

Mistymaid

Right, a couple of months ago I bought an electric kettle from the local shop (no receipt, think 'Arkwrights,') and it's faulty.

Okay, these things happen, but actually I think the damn thing is dangerous and am not really sure what to do about it.

The other evening my electricty tripped. I went round unplugging everything and it turned out it was the kettle socket (socket switched on, kettle switched off) I thought it was a socket problem (still waiting for sparky to come)
Now I realise the fault is with the kettle. Even when the kettle is switched off, but on at the socket, the little so and so heats up. Not as fast as when you switch it on, but it's definitely still working.
Firstly I'm miffed cos I don't know what it's going to have done to my leccy bill, but secondly the damn thing is obviously dangerous either by blowing the sockets or burning somebody when they wouldn't be expecting hot water to be in it.

I've never actually complained about a product before, lots of services but never a product, and I'm a little unsure what to do next.

Any advice?

Stompa

Take it back to the shop.

Mistymaid

Well I was thinking more along the lines of advising the company that this model may be faulty - but like you say, I should just take it back.

Stompa

Mistymaid wrote: »

Well I was thinking more along the lines of advising the company that this model may be faulty - but like you say, I should just take it back.

Over the years I've probably taken a dozen kettles back to be replaced, they're hopelessly unreliable.

Mistymaid

I've had loads too, but never one that's heated up when it's been switched off. Personally, apart from probably doing serious damage to my electricity bill, I think that's really dangerous.

makapo

Not an "Eco" kettle is it? I had one that did that. Trading Standards were interested, because of the electrtical fault, but eventually took no action as I was the only one who had reported it.

Ring Consumer Direct and they may pass it on to TS.

Mistymaid

No, it's just a Cuisine Collection. Cheapo £15 job but that's all they had at the shop.
I will ring though, thanks. It really shouldn't be doing this.

Fire_Fox

Take it back to the shop and ask for a refund or replacement - presumably you can prove the purchase with your bank or credit card statement?

CHR15

You sure it hasn't got a "keep warm" setting which just gives low power to the element to keep a "previously boiled" kettle warm??

Happyjaw

I've had Breville kettle for quite some time and it dies regularly but Breville replace it reliably and without argument every single time.
I should probably just buy a more reliable kettle but frankly this one is sooo pretty that I want to keep it and Breville have impressed me with the customer service.
Don't be afraid to talk to the company but do exercise your consumer rights by returning it to the shop.

Stompa

Happyjaw wrote: »

I've had Breville kettle for quite some time and it dies regularly but Breville replace it reliably and without argument every single time.

I'm on my fifth Bosch as the moment, again John Lewis simply replace every time. The most important factor when buying a kettle is the length of the guarantee!