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The Big W Contempo K511CN is a basic 1.7-litre plastic electric kettle that covers everyday boiling without temperature controls or premium insulation. Its documented strengths are a large household capacity, a marked water window, an illuminated switch and automatic shut-off at a full boil. However, the exact K511CN is listed as discontinued, and the public information does not include independent boil-time, noise or efficiency scores. Treat it as a budget option only after confirming that the listing you find is actually model K511CN—or identifying the current successor, its warranty and its live price.
Is the Big W Contempo K511CN a good kettle?
It is a reasonable low-cost kettle for straightforward boiling, but it is not a feature-rich or independently performance-tested model. The 1.7-litre capacity suits several mugs or a small family, while the 0.5-litre minimum helps avoid boiling a full jug for one drink. A transparent window on both sides, 0.25-litre graduations and an illuminated on/off switch make the controls easy to understand.
The main buying complication is availability. CHOICE identifies the reviewed K511CN listing as discontinued at a recorded price of $15. BIG W has also shown a Contempo 1.7L white plastic kettle page with a crawled price of $7.50, but the listing does not by itself prove that it is the same K511CN. Confirm the model number printed on the box or rating label before treating a current product as a replacement.
In practical terms, the K511CN makes sense when you want a simple boil-only appliance and can obtain it with a clear warranty. It is a poor fit if you need selectable temperatures, insulation that keeps water hot, quiet operation backed by test data, or a long-term premium build.
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What are the K511CN’s specifications?
The following figures are the published specifications associated with the K511CN review and handbook. Electrical figures are particularly important because this is an Australian-market appliance designed for a specific mains range.
| Specification | K511CN detail |
|---|---|
| Product type | Electric kettle with plastic body |
| Capacity | 1.7 litres maximum |
| Minimum fill | 0.5 litres |
| Water indication | Transparent window on both sides; 0.25-litre markings from 0.5L to 1.5L, plus a 1.7L mark |
| Rated supply | 220–240V~, 50–60Hz |
| Maximum power | 1,850–2,200W |
| Controls | Illuminated on/off switch; boil-only operation documented |
| Lid | Hinged lid |
| Weight | 0.8kg |
| Cord length | 92cm |
| Footprint | 15.5cm (the published listing describes the footprint, not a complete height-and-width set) |
| Warranty | Two years in the CHOICE listing |
The handbook states that the appliance must be earthed. Do not use the specification as permission to connect it to a 110–120V supply, and do not alter the plug or earth connection. If the rating label on a particular unit differs from these figures, follow that label and its accompanying manual.
How much water does the 1.7L Contempo kettle hold?
The maximum fill is 1.7 litres and the minimum is 0.5 litres. The window’s 0.25-litre marks let you measure intermediate amounts, although the printed graduations stop at 1.5 litres before the separate 1.7-litre maximum mark.
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Pour water into the jug through its opening rather than through the spout. Overfilling can send boiling water into the lid or spout area, while underfilling can expose the heating element or cause the kettle to stop before you have the amount you expect.
How do you use the K511CN safely for the first time?
The handbook gives a simple commissioning routine. Follow the exact marks on your unit, keep the base and connector dry, and position the kettle where steam cannot reach hands, cabinets or other appliances.
Rank #2
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- Inspect the appliance. Check the jug, lid, handle, power lead and plug for shipping damage. Do not use it if the cord, plug or housing is cracked.
- Place the jug on its base. Set it on a stable, level surface near an appropriate earthed outlet. Keep the electrical base away from splashes.
- Fill within the marked range. Add water through the lid opening, between 0.5L and 1.7L. Do not fill through the spout.
- Close the hinged lid. A closed lid helps the automatic shut-off respond when the water reaches a full boil.
- Switch on. Press the illuminated on/off switch. The indicator shows that the kettle is operating.
- Let it complete the boil cycle. The retailer describes automatic switch-off when the water reaches a full boil. Do not hold the switch down or move the jug while it is heating.
- Discard the first three boils. The handbook instructs users to boil and discard water three times before normal use. Refill within the marks for each cycle.
- Unplug before cleaning or moving the base. Allow the jug to cool, and keep water away from the electrical connector.
Automatic shut-off is a convenience and a safety layer, not a reason to leave a boiling appliance unattended. Steam and hot surfaces can still burn, and a fault, damaged lid or obstructed switch can prevent normal operation.
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Yes. BIG W’s product description says the integrated safety feature automatically switches the unit off once water reaches a full boil. That is the documented shut-off behavior for this model.
The available material does not establish every other protection feature. In particular, do not assume that a current Contempo listing has the same boil-dry protection, thermal cut-out design or lid interlock unless its own manual says so. If the kettle is switched on empty, repeatedly trips a socket, fails to shut off, or continues heating after boiling, unplug it and stop using it.
Is the plastic body safe to use?
Plastic construction is not, by itself, evidence that a kettle is unsafe. The K511CN is sold as a plastic electric kettle and is intended to heat water within the marked range. The useful safety controls are correct filling, a closed lid, an intact earthed electrical connection and the automatic shut-off described by the retailer.
The supplied specifications do not state a resin type, BPA claim or laboratory migration result. Therefore, do not describe the K511CN as BPA-free or make a food-contact certification claim. If you notice a persistent chemical smell after the three discard boils, unusual taste, clouding, cracks, deformation or flakes inside the jug, discontinue use and ask the retailer or manufacturer about the affected unit.
Plastic can also show heat and cosmetic wear differently from stainless steel or glass. Keep the kettle away from direct flame, do not immerse it, and do not use abrasive tools that could damage the water window or interior surfaces. For scale removal, use only a method permitted by the model’s manual; the available handbook extract does not provide a detailed descaling formula.
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How fast, loud and efficient is it?
The published electrical range is 1,850–2,200W, which indicates the maximum heating input, not a guaranteed boil time. Actual time depends on starting temperature, water volume, mains conditions and the particular production unit.
CHOICE lists measured boil, noise, ease-of-use and efficiency results for the review, but the public page keeps those scores behind membership. No defensible public figure is therefore available for minutes-to-boil, decibels or an energy ranking. Do not repeat owner comments about loudness or speed as controlled test results.
For everyday use, the practical efficiency habit is to heat only the amount you need. The 0.5-litre minimum and quarter-litre markings make that easier than on a jug with no visible scale. A higher wattage can shorten heating time, but it can also draw more power while the element is running; the rating does not predict the cost of a particular boil without a volume, tariff and starting temperature.
Is the K511CN still available?
The exact model is not reliably current. CHOICE labels its K511CN listing discontinued and records a $15 price for that reviewed product. BIG W has displayed a Contempo 1.7L white plastic kettle at a crawled price of $7.50, but a live retailer page can represent a later run, a replacement model or a listing that is no longer stocked.
Before ordering, check these identifiers:
- Model number: look specifically for K511CN, not only “Contempo 1.7L”.
- Electrical label: confirm 220–240V, 50–60Hz and the stated wattage range.
- Included documentation: verify that the manual and warranty match the product being shipped.
- Physical details: compare the hinged lid, dual-sided transparent window, illuminated switch and 1.7L mark.
- Stock and returns: confirm that the seller can replace a faulty unit and that the two-year warranty applies to the exact listing.
If those details do not match, describe the item as a current Contempo successor rather than as the K511CN. Price is especially volatile: the $15 CHOICE figure and $7.50 BIG W crawl are historical or captured prices, not a promise of today’s checkout total.
What do owner reviews say?
ProductReview.com.au shows 23 reviews, a 1.9/5 overall rating and a discontinued status for a Contempo 1.7L cordless illuminated listing. Some comments mention loud boiling, while others praise the low price and quick shut-off. Reports about rust concern stainless variants in the broader product discussion, so they should not be treated as evidence that this plastic K511CN rusts.
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These comments are anecdotal and may combine variants or production runs. They can flag questions to ask—such as noise, lid fit or durability—but they cannot establish a representative failure rate or a measured acoustic level. Give more weight to the model number, the current warranty and the condition of the unit you receive.
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What are the K511CN’s strengths and limitations?
Reasons it can be a sensible purchase
- Useful household capacity: 1.7L handles several cups without repeated refilling.
- Small-load option: the 0.5L minimum is more practical than a large unmarked jug for one or two drinks.
- Readable measurement: dual-sided windows and 0.25L marks help right- and left-handed users check the level.
- Simple operation: one illuminated switch avoids menus, presets and unnecessary electronics.
- Documented shut-off: the retailer explicitly describes automatic switching off at a full boil.
- Light empty weight: CHOICE records 0.8kg before water is added.
- Two-year coverage in the listing: longer than a one-year promise, provided the current seller honors the same terms.
Reasons to look elsewhere
- Discontinued exact model: finding genuine K511CN stock and matching support may be difficult.
- Basic plastic design: there is no documented insulation, temperature selection, keep-warm function or display.
- Unknown measured performance: public CHOICE data does not reveal the test scores for speed, noise or efficiency.
- Uncertain successor identity: a similarly named current listing may not share the same construction or warranty.
- Limited published material information: the available data does not establish a resin specification or BPA status.
- Anecdotal quality concerns: owner discussions include complaints about noise, although they are not controlled testing and may mix variants.
What should you compare when choosing a replacement?
If K511CN stock is unavailable, compare the replacement by function rather than by the Contempo name. The following checklist separates facts you can verify from assumptions you should avoid.
| Comparison point | What to check | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 1.7L for household use, or a smaller travel size | A larger jug serves more people but adds weight when full. |
| Body material | Plastic, stainless steel or glass; confirm the interior material | Material affects weight, heat retention, visibility and how wear appears. |
| Minimum fill and scale | Minimum line, graduation interval and whether the window is visible from both sides | Clear markings reduce overfilling and wasted heating. |
| Safety | Automatic shut-off, boil-dry protection, stable base and steam clearance | Do not assume a successor has every K511CN feature—or vice versa. |
| Controls | Boil-only switch versus selectable temperatures or keep-warm mode | Extra controls help specific drinks but add cost and complexity. |
| Independent testing | Published boil-time, noise or efficiency measurements | Manufacturer wattage alone cannot prove speed or quietness. |
| Handling | Empty weight, handle shape, lid opening and cord length | These details affect filling, pouring and storage. |
| Support | Warranty term, seller identity, returns and spare-part availability | A low ticket price is less attractive if a discontinued unit is hard to replace. |
| Current price | Live checkout price, delivery and any temporary promotion | Historical prices such as $15 or a crawled $7.50 are not guaranteed today. |
For a like-for-like search, the honest category description is “1.7L plastic electric kettle.” If a replacement has a different model number, state that clearly; similar capacity and color do not make it the same appliance.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What should you check after buying a used or clearance unit?
Discontinued stock may have spent time in storage. Perform a short inspection before relying on it for daily use:
- Read the rating label and confirm it matches the local 220–240V supply.
- Inspect the plug, cord, base contacts, lid hinge and handle for cracks, cuts or looseness.
- Fill only between the stated minimum and maximum marks and check for leaks before switching on.
- Run the three boil-and-discard cycles required by the handbook.
- Confirm that the switch releases at a full boil and that no electrical smell, arcing or repeated tripping occurs.
- Keep the receipt, packaging and manual in case a warranty claim is needed.
A unit that fails any electrical or shut-off check should be unplugged and returned rather than opened or repaired by an unqualified user.
Bottom line: should you buy the Big W Contempo K511CN?
Buy it only when the seller can verify the K511CN model, a valid warranty and a sensible current price. Its documented 1.7L capacity, useful water markings, illuminated switch and automatic full-boil shut-off are enough for uncomplicated daily use. The discontinued status, lack of public performance scores and uncertainty around similarly named current listings mean it should not be presented as a proven high-performance or premium kettle.
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If you cannot confirm genuine K511CN stock, choose a current 1.7L kettle whose electrical rating, safety functions, material, warranty and independent test information are explicitly published. That approach gives you a clearer ownership decision than relying on the Contempo name alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the K511CN outside Australia?
The handbook rating is 220–240V at 50–60Hz, so compatibility depends on the destination’s mains voltage and earthing system. A simple plug adapter does not convert voltage; use the kettle only where its rating is appropriate and local electrical rules permit it.
How many cups can 1.7 litres make?
At a nominal 250ml per cup, the maximum is about six full cups with a small remainder. Real capacity varies with cup size, and you should leave the water between the kettle’s marked minimum and maximum rather than filling to an assumed serving count.
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What does the 1,850–2,200W rating mean on this kettle?
It is the stated maximum electrical input range, not a guaranteed boiling speed. Heating time also changes with water volume, starting temperature and mains conditions, so wattage alone cannot predict your exact result.
How can I tell whether a cheap current Contempo listing is the K511CN?
Check the model number on the product label or packaging, not just the product title. Match the 1.7L capacity, dual-sided graduated window, hinged lid, illuminated switch, electrical rating and warranty terms, and ask the seller to clarify any mismatch before purchase.
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.
