SMEG - Kettle problems continue

On moving to JHB my wife decided to purchase new kettle and matching toaster. SMEG market themselves as a premium appliance brand, she was fooled into thinking that the quality would follow the upper end price. She purchased both items as she wanted the retro look throughout the kitchen. the kettle has provided nothing but problems. The SMEG products come with a 3 year warranty, but actually require 10 year warranty if you intend keeping the product for that long. the kettle has on average needed replacement every 6-8 months. Now the kettle is out of warranty, but all of the problems still continue. I shudder to think what the rest of their range must be like. Do yourself a favor and do not support this brand.