I have a cordless kettle, with a round base, Morphy Richards I think, and i've had several kettles which are corded and cordless in the past (including a hot water dispenser which I don't talk about any more, f*cking Breville!) and my current home plugs have stayed strong! Maybe it's just the new ones that are rubbish, well I will be putting all sorts of appliances on when I get my new ones to test, I might see if I can borrow my mates' when he gets his or get him to put some appliances on in his abode.