Though I'm not going to return the kettle, I'm a bit disappointed about:
...an unpleasant smell after the water is "boiled". Fortunately, the smell doesn't affect the taste or smell of the water.
...the water gets very hot, but does not really boil. English and Irish teas require fully boiled water. Chinese teas require sub-boiled water for best results. It works for my Chinese teas, but not for my English Breakfast tea.
The positive: The water heats faster in the kettle than my microwave oven.
The kettle is just OK.