Let’s dish about kettles, shall we? Not just any kettle, mind you, but the Alessi Plisse. I mean, come on, it’s Alessi! These guys could probably make a stunning paperclip. I’ve always drooled over their designs, so when I got my hands on the Plisse, I was beyond excited.
First Glance: Hello, Gorgeous!
Seriously, this kettle is a looker. Michele De Lucchi nailed it. That pleated design? It really does remind you of a fancy couture dress. And the glossy white? So chic! My kitchen counter went from blah to “did you hire a designer?” overnight. I even had a friend ask if it was some kind of modern art piece. A kettle, people!
Okay, But Does It Actually, You Know, Kettle?
Looks aren’t everything, right? So, does the Plisse actually perform? Good news: it boils water pretty darn fast. The 1500W element (at least in the US version) gets a liter of water bubbling in no time – way quicker than my old clunker on the stove. And yeah, it shuts off automatically when it’s done, which, let’s be honest, is a feature you absolutely need unless you’re into kitchen chaos. The removable anti-limescale filter is a nice touch, too, especially if your water’s as hard as nails like mine.
The handle? Comfy. The spout? Pours pretty well, though you might get a tiny bit of dribble. It’s a liter capacity, which is perfect for my tea addiction and the occasional French press. If you’re brewing for a crowd, though, you might need to refill. Just sayin’.
Here’s the Thing: Durability…Hmm.
Okay, here’s where I get a little hesitant. While the Plisse is gorgeous and works well now, I’m side-eyeing its long-term prospects. It’s plastic, folks. Fancy “thermoplastic resin,” sure, but still plastic. And that makes me wonder how it’ll hold up after a few years of daily use.
I’ve been using it for about six months, and fingers crossed, all’s good so far. But I’ve been doing my research, and some people online have had issues with discoloration, cracks, even bits breaking off after a couple of years. Yikes! Not what you want when you’re shelling out for a premium brand.
Let’s Pretend for a Sec… (Based on What I’ve Read):
So, imagine, just for a moment, that a tiny crack did appear near the base after, say, a year and a half. (Totally hypothetical, knock on wood!). Well, finding replacement parts or someone to fix it seems like a real headache, according to other users. That’s a definite downer.
The Final Sip: Beauty or Brawn?
The Alessi Plisse Electric Kettle? It’s a heartbreaker, in the best way. It’s a showstopper that’ll inject some Italian flair into your kitchen. If you’re all about the look and are prepared to baby it a little, you might adore the Plisse.
But, if you need a tough, reliable kettle that’ll last through thick and thin, or you’re watching your pennies, there might be better choices out there. That plastic build makes me a little nervous about its staying power, and the potential repair issues are a worry.
My Rating:
- Wow Factor: 5/5
- Does the Job: 4/5
- Will It Last?: 3/5
- Overall: 3.7/5
Should You Buy It?
- Get it if: You’re a design junkie and promise to treat it like the precious object it is.
- Maybe skip it if: You need a super-durable kettle or are on a budget.