Appliances and components therefor

The present application relates to a liquid heating appliance (e.g. a kettle)1b comprising a liquid reservoir 5, a heater 12 for heating liquid in the reservoir and a spout 7 for dispensing liquid from the reservoir. The appliance (1b) further comprising a baffle 730a, located behind the spout for inhibiting or preventing turbulent liquid 735 from spitting and/or ejecting through the spout during heating. The baffle comprises a first surface 765 for deflecting the turbulent liquid towards the back of the reservoir of the appliance and a second surface 747 that extends substantially around and/or along the periphery of the baffle whereby the first surface abuts and/or seals against an inner wall at the front of the liquid reservoir. The liquid to be heated may be water. The appliance may have a reduced height given that less space is necessary above the maximum water level. Other aspects relate to other features of the baffle, steam valve assemblies, and a spill inhibiting apparatus.