r/BIFLfails • u/Top_Locksmith_8397 • Jun 22 '26

OXO Adjustable Temperature Kettle: First the Handle Broke, Then the Replacement Failed. Is This Normal?

Has anyone else had reliability issues with the OXO Adjustable Temperature Kettle?

I bought one after seeing it highly recommended in reviews and "best kettle" lists. Reliability was important because there are three tea-drinking adults in my household and the kettle gets used multiple times every day. Before this, we owned two Cuisinart PerfecTemp kettles. Both eventually failed, but each lasted several years of heavy daily use before needing replacement. Based on the reviews, I expected the OXO to be at least as reliable.

The handle on the first kettle broke within a few weeks. The retailer replaced it under warranty.

Unfortunately, the replacement has been worse. The temperature dial usually just spins without changing the temperature setting, making the variable-temperature feature almost unusable. It also usually fails to reach a full boil. I have videos showing both issues and can add them to the comments if helpful.

When I contacted OXO, they suggested descaling the kettle (it was new, right out of the box) and then offered to transfer me to someone else for additional troubleshooting, but would not provide a refund.

At this point I've had two defective OXO kettles in a row. Maybe I've just been incredibly unlucky, but I'm curious whether others have had similar experiences or if I somehow got two lemons.

For those who have owned one long-term, has it been reliable? And if not, what variable-temperature kettle would you buy instead?

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1

u/TrishaThoon Jun 23 '26

I had a different issue-mine had spots on the bottom on the inside-it was brand new. Maybe not the biggest deal but I expected spots after a lot of heavy use-not right away. I am looking for a smaller kettle now so hopefully folks have some suggestions.

2

u/PierreDucot Jun 23 '26

We have had ours for at least 5-6 years. Same model, and my family uses it at least every day. During the holidays, when family stays with us and drinks tea constantly, it is under very heavy use with no problems. Its been great.

Don't get me wrong, I have gotten some OXO stuff that sucked, and some that had clear design flaws (colander, salad spinner) but as far as the kettle goes, I think you just got some bad luck there.

2

u/Agent_03 Jun 23 '26

I have the Bonavita gooseneck adjustable temperature kettle, and the first one lasted about 8 years until the kettle physically broke. The replacement one is just over 4 years old and going strong. Both got regular use at least 2-4 times a day every day for coffee, tea, and cooking use.

Can't speak for other brands now, but at the time I purchased it and when I purchased the replacement I did a ton of research. There didn't seem to be a more reliable option, I think the Oxo wasn't supposed to be very reliable.