Why does my kettle handle feel loose or wobble during use?

A loose handle is a safety concern because the kettle is heavy when full and contains hot water. Stop using it if the handle moves, cracks or separates from the body.

What to check first

1. Unplug the kettle and let it cool before touching the handle.
2. Check whether the looseness is only at the base of the kettle or along the whole handle.
3. Look for cracks, missing fixings, gaps or signs that the handle has shifted after being dropped.
4. Fill the kettle only to a safe level and hold it over a sink without heating to see whether the wobble is worse when lifted.
5. Compare the feel when the kettle is empty and when it is full, if you can do so safely.

What the result means

• If the handle feels secure when empty but unstable when full, do not continue to use it.
• If the handle is visibly loose in any condition, the kettle is not safe for normal use.
• If there is no obvious damage, the internal fixing may still be failing and needs checking.

When to stop using it

Stop using the kettle immediately if the handle wobbles, cracks or feels as if it may detach. Do not carry or pour hot water from it and do not try to tighten or glue the handle yourself.

If the problem remains unresolved or safe use is uncertain, contact the retailer or store where you bought the product for the next steps.