Electric Kettle good idea?

I used one from Braun, and found it to be very handy.

Basically, I think you want to avoid any kettle where the main body is plastic. It leaves a nasty plastic taste in your water from my experience. Get a metal one, preferably one where the heating unit is covered up.

MarshalN

I have both a Cusinart and a Russell Hobbs. Both work well. I like the Hobbs better because it is shaped like a barrel and is easy to fill and can be used to boil eggs or heat soup, while the Cusinart is shaped like a tea kettle. They both work well and boil water, I know I've tested the temperature with a thermo pen. But if I had any spare cash I'd buy a Zojirush pot like this one:

It has multiple heat settings and keeps water anywhere from 175 to 208 degrees. I've seen some that will keep the water hot down to 135 degrees, good for Gyokuro.

Find one of the old (now discontinued) Russell Hobbes ones, or one of the newer Zojirushi ones.

Or get a gas stove. I find the gas stove heats faster than an electric kettle anyway.

--scott

The speed of a gas stove is relative. Compared with the wait for installation of a gas line (and possibly waiting for the utility to actually be available in your area), an electric kettle can seem downright speedy.

This is not to slam gas stoves. I love ours. But I've also lived places where gas was not an option, e.g., renting.

Kettles are definitely a good idea. I'll second the suggestions to have temperature controls. I'll also offer that auto off and keep warm settings are nice. However, the best feature I've found is in kettles where the heating element is part of the kettle and gets its power from base with either a plug or an induction plate.

I'd never buy another kettle where I had to deal with a cord while pouring the water.

I've never had one myself, but I've heard good things about the large-body Zojirushi electric kettles. They run $100+ but are supposed to be very much worth it if you drink a lot of tea. Amazon has a few models, but I've never really shopped around because I find waiting for the water to boil on my electric stove to be of great help in relaxing me for tea.

-Drew

FERRANTE wrote:

G'day!

I'm using a Kamjove - seems good. Select your temperature from 50C to 100C, a pleasant ceramic hot-plate, and a very smooth actioned pour from the black, squat kettle that sits on it. $40 Mainland China price, probably available through your favourite exporter. It's been on daily duty for half a year with no signs of tiring, and might be worth a go.

Toodlepip,

H

FWIW, I use a 7-cup capacity Braun...probably the same one that MarshalN uses.

However, Hobbes' and Danica's kettles (with long spouts and manageable weight) are probably better, especially if you brew Chinese gongfu style. Such kettles give you better water flow control and handling.

If you want to develop your biceps and deltoids, however, my recco is the way to go (at 7-cups capacity, it get's quite heavy to lift and pour slowly into tiny Yixing pots). :)

Phyll

HobbesOx> G'day!

I've been using one for a couple of months. You will need counter space and a plug. You want one with a detachable base. There are two bases: heating element in base and element in heel or spur. I like the spur because it is easier to set the pot. Also make sure the pot doesn't need the cradle to rest. There should be a visable power on light. There are two safety features: shut off when empty and boiling. They come in various sizes and materials. The expensive are stainless steel and the cheap plastic. I have one of plastic and the taste will fade with use. Mine is 1.7L and kind of bulky. I would prefer 1L. You want one with a visible water line. I fill mine through the spout. It is easier than using the thumb press to lift the lid. The higher the wattage the faster the boil. I would recommend at least a 1000 watts. I wouldn't go back to the stove. I got my KAMJOVE from Ebay.

Jim

FERRANTE wrote:

I own a Zojurishi and having owned one for a year now I am extremely pleased and would buy another if this one ever failed. To me, it is well worth the money if you drink a lot of tea. There are several models with two different temperature profiles (145,195, 205, & full boil, and 165,195,205 & full boil) so select the one that offers the best choice for lowest temp you need for types of tea you tend to drink the most. There are also several sizes available, the 2.2L seems to be best for most people. Here is what my old one looked like

I now have a newer and smaller 2.2L one. A good friend has the old one and it is still kicking, I believe he is well satisfied as well.

Mike

Nice little setup you have there. I wish I had the room to make a nice tea setup.

Thanks, Mark

I highly recommend the Zojirushi electric dispensing pot. I bought it for tea but now i use it for making pasta and other foods that require boiling water. Cuts cooking time down significiantly not to have to wait for water to boil.

Anyway, i like buying these things from the smaller companies and

has a great price on the 5.0L one. (plus they have a GREAT tea selection). I've had a great experience buying online from them.

FERRANTE wrote:

Shop around, unless you are partial to that particular Vendor in which case do support them, however I only paid $121 for that same model vs sanctuarytea's $149. Hey 20% is 20%.

Mike

there. I wish I had the room to make a nice

Dear Ferrante, I drink many varieteas in one day. I mostly use a Sunbean hot shot. Plastic taste goes away very quickly. SO I put what amt of water my cup holds in the reservoir and the cup under it. Heats water in less than a minute. )the red light will change when ready) It you want the water to boil for tea that requires boiling water just hold the heat button down for a second or 2 till you hear the water boil. It is available many places for a bout 20 bucks or less. Jenn