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Verdict: The Big W Contempo K511CN is a basic 1.7-litre plastic electric kettle for inexpensive, everyday boiling. Its documented strengths are a useful family-size capacity, a clear water window, an illuminated switch and automatic shut-off at a full boil. Its limitations are equally clear: it is a boil-only budget design, the exact K511CN is listed as discontinued by CHOICE, and the public CHOICE page does not show measured boil-time, noise or efficiency scores. Buy it only after checking the model number, live stock, price and warranty on the listing you are considering.
The sections below separate confirmed specifications from anecdotal feedback and explain how to decide whether this kettle—or a current replacement—is suitable for your kitchen.
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What is the Big W Contempo K511CN?
The K511CN is a cordless 1.7L electric kettle sold under BIG W’s Contempo brand. It has a plastic body, a hinged lid, a transparent water-level window on both sides and a simple illuminated on/off switch. It is designed to heat water to a full boil rather than hold a selected temperature.
The water scale starts at 0.5L and reaches 1.7L. Between those limits, the window uses 0.25L graduations from 0.5L through 1.5L, followed by a 1.7L maximum mark. That makes it possible to boil only what you need instead of filling the jug for every cup.
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Published electrical information gives an input of 220–240V, 50–60Hz and maximum consumption of 1850–2200W. The handbook states that the appliance must be earthed. These ratings are for the electrical supply and maximum power draw, not a guaranteed boil time.
Is the Contempo K511CN any good for everyday use?
It is a reasonable choice when the priority is a low purchase price and straightforward boiling. The 1.7L capacity covers several mugs, the window is readable from either side, and automatic shut-off is documented. It is not the right model if you want temperature presets, insulation, premium materials or independently published performance results.
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- A shared kitchen that regularly needs several cups of boiling water.
- A simple replacement for an old kettle when advanced controls are unnecessary.
- Buyers who value low weight and a clearly marked minimum fill.
- Occasional use where a two-year warranty is useful reassurance, provided the current listing still offers it.
Where it falls short
- There is no documented temperature control, keep-warm mode or variable heat setting.
- The plastic construction is functional rather than premium and is not insulated double-wall glass or stainless steel.
- CHOICE’s public entry does not disclose its measured boil, noise, ease-of-use or efficiency scores.
- The K511CN listing is marked discontinued, so a similarly named current product may be a successor rather than the same kettle.
What are the K511CN’s specifications?
The following values are the published specifications for the exact K511CN listing and handbook. “Maximum” describes the top of the electrical rating, not continuous power used in every heating cycle.
| Specification | Published detail |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 1.7L maximum |
| Minimum fill | 0.5L |
| Body | Plastic |
| Water gauge | Transparent window on both sides; 0.25L marks from 0.5L to 1.5L, plus a 1.7L mark |
| Controls | Illuminated on/off switch; boil-only operation is documented |
| Automatic shut-off | Retailer documentation says it switches off when water reaches a full boil |
| Electrical input | 220–240V~, 50–60Hz |
| Maximum power | 1850–2200W |
| Weight | 0.8kg |
| Cord length | 92cm |
| Footprint | 15.5cm (CHOICE listing) |
| Lid | Hinged |
| Warranty | Two years in the CHOICE entry; confirm the warranty on any current listing |
The 0.8kg figure is the kettle’s listed weight. Water adds up to 1.7kg at the maximum fill, so the full unit will weigh substantially more when lifted or poured.
How do you use the Contempo kettle safely?
Use the marks on the window and stay between the stated limits. Overfilling can send boiling water into the spout or lid area, while underfilling below 0.5L is outside the handbook’s operating range.
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- Place the base on a stable, dry, level surface. Keep the cord away from the hot body, the edge of the bench and areas where it can be pulled.
- Open the hinged lid. Fill through the lid opening, not through the spout.
- Check the gauge. Add at least 0.5L and no more than 1.7L. Do not rely on an approximate visual level above the maximum mark.
- Close the lid fully. A properly closed lid helps contain steam and lets the automatic shut-off operate as intended.
- Set the kettle on its powered base. Make sure the connector is seated and the base is dry.
- Switch it on. The illuminated switch indicates operation. Keep hands and face clear of the spout and steam path.
- Wait for the full boil and automatic shut-off. Do not open the lid or move the kettle while it is heating unless necessary.
- Lift by the handle and pour carefully. Steam and freshly boiled water can burn even after the switch has turned off.
- After use, empty remaining water if the kettle will sit unused. Unplug the base before cleaning or moving it for an extended period.
The handbook requires the kettle to be earthed. Use it only with a correctly installed, grounded household outlet matching the 220–240V supply. Do not use an adapter or damaged cord to defeat the grounding connection.
What should you do before first use?
The handbook instructs you to boil and discard water three times before making drinks. This flushes manufacturing residue and leaves the interior ready for normal use.
- Rinse the interior with clean water.
- Fill between the 0.5L and 1.7L marks.
- Boil the water, allow the automatic shut-off to operate, then discard the water.
- Repeat the boil-and-discard cycle two more times.
- Rinse once more if any taste or smell remains.
Never immerse the kettle body, electrical base, plug or cord in water. Disconnect power before wiping the exterior, and follow the supplied cleaning directions rather than using abrasive pads that could cloud the water window.
Does it switch off automatically?
Yes. BIG W’s product description documents automatic shut-off when the water reaches a full boil. That is a safety convenience, not permission to leave the appliance unattended or to operate it outside the marked fill range.
Automatic shut-off does not establish that the kettle has every possible protection feature. The available material confirms the boil shut-off but does not provide a separate specification for boil-dry protection, over-temperature sensing or a cool-touch body. If those protections matter to you, ask the seller for the current model’s handbook before buying.
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Is the plastic body safe?
The K511CN is specified as a plastic kettle intended for boiling water. The available documentation does not identify the exact plastic formulation or provide a separate food-contact certification statement, so do not infer a particular resin, lining or chemical-performance claim from the word “plastic” alone.
Safe use depends on following the operating limits: keep water between 0.5L and 1.7L, close the lid, use a grounded outlet and avoid touching steam or the hot water. Stop using the kettle if the body, lid, plug or cord is cracked, warped, leaking or otherwise damaged. A persistent plastic taste after the three required boil-and-discard cycles is a practical reason to contact the retailer rather than continuing to use it.
Plastic versus other kettle materials
| Factor | Plastic K511CN | Stainless steel or glass alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Listed at 0.8kg before water | Often heavier; exact values vary by model |
| Heat feel | Material is not documented as insulated; treat the body and steam as hot | Stainless steel can become very hot; glass shows the water clearly but can be fragile |
| Visibility | Side windows show the level without opening the lid | Glass bodies show the whole water volume; opaque steel needs a gauge |
| Controls | Basic illuminated on/off switch | Some alternatives add temperature presets or keep-warm modes |
| Durability considerations | Check for cracks, warping and discoloration | Check for dents, corrosion, seals and glass damage |
How much water does it hold, and how should you measure it?
The maximum is 1.7L and the minimum is 0.5L. The scale’s 0.25L increments let you estimate quantities for one or more cups, but cup sizes differ, so use a measuring jug when a recipe requires a precise volume.
- Below 0.5L: outside the handbook’s stated range; do not use the kettle this way.
- 0.5L to 1.5L: use the quarter-litre graduations on either side of the body.
- 1.7L: the maximum mark; leave the level below this line rather than filling into the spout.
Boiling only the required amount generally avoids unnecessary heating, but the kettle’s published documents do not provide an independently measured energy ranking. Treat any claim about exceptional efficiency as unverified unless it comes with a defined test.
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There is no public measured result in the available CHOICE entry for boil time, noise, ease of use or efficiency; those scores are behind CHOICE membership. The 1850–2200W rating indicates the electrical maximum, but wattage alone cannot establish how quickly this model boils a particular volume because starting temperature, water volume, altitude and mains conditions also affect the result.
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Online user comments include reports of loud boiling, but those comments are anecdotal and may refer to different Contempo variants or older production runs. They should be treated as signals to inspect the current model, not as a controlled noise test. If quiet operation is important, look for an independent decibel measurement made at a stated distance and fill volume.
What do owners say about it?
ProductReview.com.au displays 23 reviews, a 1.9/5 overall rating and a discontinued status for a Contempo 1.7L cordless illuminated listing. The comments include complaints about loud operation and, on stainless variants, reports of rust; other reviewers praise the low price and quick shut-off.
That page may combine variants, materials and production runs, so its score should not be treated as a laboratory reliability result for the exact K511CN. Use it to identify questions to ask—such as lid fit, noise and longevity—then verify the model number and current warranty before purchase.
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CHOICE lists the exact K511CN review entry as discontinued at a recorded price of $15. BIG W also has a crawled page for a Contempo 1.7L white plastic kettle showing $7.50 and similar feature language. Those are not enough to prove that the current page is the same K511CN: retailers can reuse descriptions for a successor or a revised production run.
Before ordering, compare the product code printed in the listing, photographs of the rating label, electrical specifications, warranty wording and return policy. A lower current price may reflect a clearance item, a different model or a temporary promotion rather than a like-for-like replacement.
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Availability checklist
- Confirm the model number is exactly K511CN, not simply “Contempo 1.7L”.
- Check that the page identifies a 1.7L plastic body, 0.5L minimum and 1850–2200W maximum.
- Read the live warranty and seller details; do not assume the two-year CHOICE-listed warranty applies to every successor.
- Check stock status, delivery region and return conditions.
- Save the receipt and product page if the listing may change after purchase.
What is a good replacement if the K511CN is discontinued?
Choose a current kettle by matching the features you actually need rather than assuming every 1.7L Contempo listing is identical. Capacity and material are the closest category matches, but safety features, controls and warranty can differ substantially.
| Decision point | What to look for | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | About 1.7L for several cups; smaller travel models for one person | A larger jug reduces refills but weighs more when full |
| Material | Plastic, stainless steel or glass | Affects weight, visibility, heat transfer and durability |
| Safety | Automatic shut-off, documented boil-dry protection, secure lid and clear steam path | These protections address different hazards; one does not guarantee the others |
| Controls | Boil-only switch or selectable temperatures | Temperature settings help with coffee, tea or infant-formula routines but add complexity |
| Evidence | Independent boil-time and noise measurements with test conditions | Prevents wattage or marketing language being mistaken for measured performance |
| Handling | Weight, handle clearance and cord length | Important when pouring a full jug or fitting it on a crowded bench |
| After-sales support | Current warranty, spare-part policy and return process | Especially important when the original model is discontinued |
If you only need inexpensive boiling and can verify a current model’s specifications, a basic 1.7L plastic kettle may be an appropriate substitute. If you want quieter operation, temperature control or stronger material documentation, broaden the search and accept that those features may cost more or add weight.
What are the main pros and cons?
Pros
- 1.7L capacity suits multiple cups.
- 0.5L minimum and quarter-litre markings make smaller fills easier to judge.
- Automatic shut-off at a full boil is documented.
- Illuminated switch gives a clear operating indicator.
- Listed weight of 0.8kg is light before water.
- Two-year warranty is recorded for the reviewed listing.
Cons
- The exact K511CN is listed as discontinued.
- Public performance scores for boil time, noise and efficiency are not available.
- Plastic construction and basic controls offer fewer premium features.
- Boil-dry protection is not separately confirmed in the available specifications.
- User-review ratings are poor, although the reviews may mix variants and production runs.
Should you buy the Big W Contempo K511CN?
Buy it only when the seller confirms that the item is genuinely the K511CN or clearly identifies a successor, and when the current price and warranty make sense. For a simple, low-cost kettle, its documented capacity, gauge and automatic shut-off cover the essentials. It is not a strongly evidenced performance buy because measured CHOICE results are unavailable publicly and the model’s discontinued status creates uncertainty about stock and support.
Skip it if you require temperature selection, a verified boil-dry system, independently measured quiet operation, a premium body or dependable long-term availability. In those cases, compare current models using the replacement checklist rather than relying on the Contempo name alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I boil less than 0.5 litres in the K511CN?
The handbook specifies a 0.5L minimum, so using less is outside the stated operating range. For very small quantities, a smaller kettle or another heating method is more appropriate.
Does the K511CN have temperature settings for green tea or coffee?
No temperature-control function is documented. It is described as a basic boil-only kettle with an illuminated on/off switch.
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How should I clean scale from this kettle?
The supplied handbook should take priority for descaling products and intervals. Disconnect the kettle, avoid immersing electrical parts, and do not use abrasive tools that can damage the window or interior.
Why might a current Contempo 1.7L listing not be the K511CN?
Retailers may reuse a product description for a successor or revised run. Compare the model code, rating label, photographs, electrical data and warranty instead of treating the shared Contempo name as proof of identical hardware.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
