Cosori Original Electric Glass Kettle 1.7L: problems, parts and running costs
Checked: 2026-10-20
Summary
The kettle’s main ownership issues are a filter that is fixed in the lid and cannot be removed for cleaning, a bulky handle that America’s Test Kitchen found uncomfortable for small hands, and routine limescale that the manual says to descale at least weekly [3][4][5]. Running costs are limited to electricity and a household descaler, because there are no capsules, pods or proprietary filters to buy [3]. It is a good buy at Cosori’s direct $25.99 (October 2026) and still defensible up to about $35.
Common problems and fixes
- Filter is fixed and cannot be removed for cleaning — Cosori’s manual warns that taking the filter out of the lid will break it, and Real Homes reports the same; the workaround is to descale the kettle and reach around the filter with a paper towel through the wide lid. [3][5]
- Handle is bulky and uncomfortable for small hands — America’s Test Kitchen’s only complaint about the kettle; there is no fix, so grip it before buying if you can. [4]
- Measuring marks on the glass are small and hard to read — Real Homes reports the cup and litre marks are difficult to read; count cups or fill by weight instead. [5]
- Short spout makes precise pouring harder — Real Homes says the kettle was “slightly difficult to pour precisely, possibly because of its relatively short spout”; pour slowly. [5]
- Limescale builds up and needs weekly descaling — the manual requires descaling at least weekly with frequent use and before and after long storage; use 1 part vinegar to 1 part water, 3 US tbsp (50 mL) lemon juice with 2 US cups (500 mL) water, or 1 tsp (5 mL) baking soda with 2 US cups (500 mL) water, then a clean-water boil. [3]
- The model code varies between listings — the line circulates as CO178-GK, CO171-GK and CGK-G173-KUS/WUS/GUS, and the 2-year warranty names only the CGK-G173 codes; check the code stamped on the base and match it to the manual and warranty you need. [3][4]
Parts and consumables
- Cosori’s catalogue shows no spare-parts programme for kettles, and there are no capsules, pods or proprietary filters to buy. [2][3]
Yearly running cost
Not enough data. The sources state the only running costs are electricity and a household descaler (vinegar, lemon juice or baking soda), with no capsules, pods or proprietary filters to buy [3]. No electricity figure for this kettle is published in the sources read.
When it is a good buy
- Cosori US store, October 2026: $25.99, marked down from $27.99 [1].
- Real Homes printed $39.99 in June 2023 [5].
- At or below $25.99 it is strong value; between $26 and $35 it is still defensible; from $36 to $45 it is fair; above $45 the lack of temperature control and a removable filter makes it weak [1][4][5].
Alternatives:
- OXO Brew Cordless Glass Electric Kettle — America’s Test Kitchen’s overall winner and faster, at 4 min 59 sec to boil a quart versus the Cosori’s 5 min 24 sec; the better choice when speed matters, though it is heavier at 6 lb 3⅜ oz full. [4]
- Cuisinart JK-17 — 5 min 6 sec boil and 5 lb 15⅜ oz full; the better choice if you want a similar spec from a different brand. [4]