I purchased a Russell Hobbs electric tea kettle at a thrift store. All the parts came included. I have cleaned it up and poured in four cups of water. I then plugged into into a verified working outlet and it does nothing. The light on the switch is dark and their is no effort at even warming the water taking place. Is their any hope for this kettle? What should I be looking for as the cause of its failure.

A, February 2007

Try testing the cord that comes with it. I found this same model of kettle out in the garbage last week, with a removeable cord, and tried plugging it in when I brought it home. It didn't work, so I took the cord off and tested it with a simple voltmeter, and it was indeed broken, ie, no beep, or continuity between the leads. The replacement cord is not expensive and can be had at most hardware stores and is generic.

I happened to have another cord from a different type of kettle at the time, so I tried it and the Hobbs worked when I plugged it in with this. Also, after replacing the cord, if the kettle works, try boiling the kettle with half and half water/ vinegar to take any scale deposits off the element. This can improve conductivity. Hope this helped.

Rob, June 2008

Hi,
I checked online and there is a repair/estimate shop that appears to be authorized by Russell Hobbs. Have a look at
http://www.russell-hobbs.com/service.shtml

Linda Aube, April 2007

My guess would be that someone boiled water in it without having the lid in place. It then ran dry and the unit shut down.

I recently did this and am now looking at repair possibilities. I'll let you know what I find.

Linda Aube, April 2007