Breville Crystal Clear BKE595XL - Dura Glass Electric Kettle with Fast Boil

Breville Dura Glass is a proprietary thermal shock-resistant glass technology engineered specifically for high-performance electric kettles. Unlike standard soda-lime glass used in cheaper kettles, Dura Glass is designed to withstand rapid temperature changes from freezing to boiling without cracking or shattering. This Breville glass kettle won't break if you fill it with cold water immediately after boiling, unlike ordinary glass kettles. Dura Glass also maintains its crystal-clear transparency indefinitely, resisting the clouding and staining that affects cheaper glass within months of use. The stain-resistant, non-porous surface means your kettle stays looking brand new for years. It's engineered to be more scratch-resistant and durable than standard glass, making it a long-term investment in your daily brewing routine.

The Breville Crystal Clear's 1800-watt heating element makes it significantly faster than standard kettles. While typical 1500W kettles take about 6-7 minutes to boil a full 1.7L, the Crystal Clear does it in approximately 5-6 minutes—saving you 1-2 minutes per boil. For a single cup (250ml), you're looking at just 2-3 minutes. Over a year of daily use, this translates to hours of time saved. The high wattage also means the water reaches a rolling boil rather than just hitting 212°F and shutting off, which is important for tea enthusiasts who know that proper black tea requires vigorously boiling water to properly extract tannins and develop full flavor. The 1800W power also compensates for altitude—even at higher elevations, the Crystal Clear maintains impressive boiling speeds.

Yes, the Breville Crystal Clear is designed with multiple safety features and the durable Dura Glass is extremely break-resistant under normal use. The soft-opening lid prevents dangerous steam bursts, auto shut-off prevents over-boiling, and boil-dry protection prevents damage from operating empty. The Breville Dura Glass is thermal shock-resistant and significantly more durable than standard glass—it won't crack from temperature changes or normal bumps and knocks. However, like any glass product, dropping it from counter height onto a hard surface could cause breakage. Many users report having their Breville Crystal Clear for 5-10+ years without issues. The glass is also scratch-resistant and maintains its clarity indefinitely, unlike plastic kettles that cloud and degrade. The wide, stable base and balanced design also help prevent accidental tipping.

The Dura Glass construction actually provides a taste advantage over stainless steel or plastic kettles. Dura Glass is completely non-reactive and non-porous, meaning it won't absorb flavors, odors, or oils from previous uses. This makes it ideal for tea enthusiasts who brew different varieties—you won't get residual black tea flavor affecting your delicate white tea. Stainless steel can sometimes impart a slight metallic taste, particularly noticeable in delicate teas or with very soft water. Plastic kettles are the worst offenders, often adding a plasticky taste and potentially leaching chemicals (even BPA-free plastics can leach other compounds). The Dura Glass in the Breville Crystal Clear ensures absolutely pure, untainted water flavor every time—crucial for high-quality tea and coffee. This is why serious tea connoisseurs and coffee enthusiasts prefer glass kettles.

Keeping the Breville Crystal Clear looking new is remarkably easy thanks to the Dura Glass stain-resistant properties. For daily maintenance, simply rinse with warm water after use—the glass won't stain or retain odors. The wide opening makes wiping the interior simple with a soft cloth. For descaling (needed every 1-3 months depending on water hardness), fill halfway with equal parts water and white vinegar, boil, let sit 15-20 minutes, then rinse thoroughly 2-3 times. The transparent Dura Glass lets you see exactly when scale is building up, unlike opaque kettles where mineral deposits hide. The removable mesh filter behind the spout should be rinsed weekly under running water. Avoid abrasive scrubbers on the exterior glass—a soft cloth with mild dish soap is sufficient. The stainless steel base can be wiped with a damp cloth. Unlike plastic kettles that cloud permanently or stainless steel that shows water spots, the Dura Glass stays crystal clear for years with minimal maintenance.