The element is not in the base. Its in the kettle itself.

Yes, I know. It's at the base of the kettle (bottom of the kettle if you prefer) next to the base with the coiled wire.

Not a huge amount of heat transfer

There is heat in wires due to electricity. That's what I mean. It's why you see horror pics of melted coiled extension leads that have set houses on fire.

and only one loop of the cable so not too much opportunity to heat up compared to a bunched up extension cord

Yes, that was my thinking too but I'm hoping some people reading this might find it useful to know anyway. In general never use electrical items with the power cord coiled up, it should usually always be unwrapped and free.