Appliances and components therefor

A spill inhibiting apparatus for a liquid heating vessel has an aperture 632 to one side thereof for dispensing liquid from the vessel when the vessel is tipped towards the aperture. The apparatus comprises a valve 671 arranged to allow dispensing of the liquid during normal use but to close the aperture when the vessel is accidentally tipped over towards the aperture. The valve is arranged to open the aperture so as to allow venting of the vessel when the vessel is tipped over to one side. A channel 682 may be in fluid communication with the aperture and arranged to allow liquid to flow therethrough during dispensing. The valve may comprise a member 617 movable to close the aperture to prevent liquid from spilling and retention means 623a such as a magnet to retain the member away from the aperture during dispensing. Other aspects relate to other spill inhibiting apparatuses and steam chambers.