Not sure which forum this should go in, but I have a problem with new electric kettles. Before Christmas our old one broke so I bought a new 2 litre column water boiler with teflon-type inner lining. On first use it had a nasty chemical smell, so we boiled and discarded the water a few times. However, even after about 20 fill and discards, it's still got the nasty smell/taste.

So then I bought an inexpensive electric jug kettle with plain steel body - and dammit that's also got the same smell as the column even after many changes of water! And its not just me, the missus complains about it too. Not only is it unpleasant, but I worry if its toxic and dangerous too.

These are devices not from the same brand, but I perhaps the manufacturers are using a new process or something.

Anyone had a similar experience? Or any idea what to do about it?

Are you sure it's not your water? Try with bottled water just to be sure.

After multiple changes any manufacturing residue should have long gone.

Are you sure it's not your water? Try with bottled water just to be sure.

After multiple changes any manufacturing residue should have long gone.

Nope, used bottled and tap water. Unfortunately, the manufacturing residue seems not to have gone.

You could try boiling a solution of vinegar or lemon juice to help it on its way.

I've had new kettles, both plastic and metal, smell of the residues, but it's not persisted past a couple of uses and never anything really unpleasant.

What is the smell actually of? oily, plasticy, something elsey?

Kind of smells like a new car or something and the smell never went away.

I had this with two different models and brands.

There must be some petrol chemical used in making many of them that lingers forever.

From china probably.

I remember seeing another way to remove the smell a while ago on tv forum but forgot.

With baking soda? Or same as above?

At least it doesn't seem to effect the smell or taste of the water.

Still kind of scary and still disconcerting.

I had such smell before but it went away.