A liquid heating vessel comprises a vessel body 830 having an opening in its base, in which a flange 841a is provided in the proximity of said opening, an element plate 12 having an outwardly extending peripheral lip disposed on its distal end, and a seal 400a for sealing between the element plate 12 and the flange of the vessel body 841. The seal 400a and the element plate 12 are insertable through the flange or opening in the base of the vessel body 830, and said element plate 12 and seal 400a when assembled are supported by the flange 841a. The vessel may comprise a kettle or hot water dispenser. Other aspects of the invention relate to a resilient seal, an actuator assembly and illuminating means for illuminating at least a part of the vessel.