Utilitea Kettle

[TeaFanatic]

For anyone who has the utilitea kettle. I hear that there are not temperature markings on the temperature dial. How hard is it to figure out different temperatures?

I want to be able to figure out 170, 175, and 180. Did you just use a thermometer, or what would be the best solution if I were to be a utilitea?

[kgeer]

I just read in an add for the utiliTea electric kettle that user's guide has a picture showing the numbers associated with the tick marks on the dial. You can see it at http://www.sundialgardens.com/teaMugs,Guywans.htm

The far left is 140 degrees, far right is 212 degrees. Hope this helps.

[yresim]

For anyone who has the utilitea kettle. I hear that there are not temperature markings on the temperature dial. How hard is it to figure out different temperatures?

I want to be able to figure out 170, 175, and 180. Did you just use a thermometer, or what would be the best solution if I were to be a utilitea?

The reason there are no markings is because the exact spot for a particular temperature varies from kettle to kettle.

I didn't find it difficult at all to figure out. I just used a thermometer when I first got it, and got a general idea of where everything was within one weekend. There are markings on the dial (they just aren't labeled), so you do have a way to guide you to the right spot once you figure out where everything is. Worst case scenario (if you have a bad memory or it falls in a weird place), I suppose you could just label it yourself once you figured it out.

~Yresim~

[TeaFanatic]

Yresim,

What type of thermometer did you use to measure the temperature of the water? Did you use a meat thermometer? Thanks for the help.

[yresim]

What type of thermometer did you use to measure the temperature of the water? Did you use a meat thermometer? Thanks for the help.

I actually used a tea thermometer my SO got me from Republic of Tea.

However, any accurate/precise thermometer that goes from 140 degrees F to 212 degrees F should work.

The key is to make sure that you can actually read the thing. Some of the meat thermometers are really hard to read with any accuracy whatsoever. I'd avoid anything like that.

If your meat thermometer is precise enough to tell the difference between 170 degrees and 175 degrees, I don't see any reason why you shouldn't be able to use it.

~Yresim~

[TeaFanatic]

One last question...I just got my utilitea today...and it is great. I was wondering, do you have to fill it up to the max line to get consistent temperatures or can you fill it up to whereever?

[teaspoon]

I'm currently LOVING my utiliTEA, and nope, you don't have to fill it all the way to the max line. I've been doing individual cup's worth at a time and it still works just fine. I think. Haven't been measuring temperature, it might be overheating the water because there's less to heat, but I doubt it.

~tsp

[TeaFanatic]

Great news, so far I think that the utilitea is a great feature especially being that it is so revolutionary in the tea business, but I also feel there is much room for improvement in the future (as with anything).

First, as many have said before, I find the temperature knob and the on off switch kinda flimsy, although it is not that big of a deal.

Secondly, I think it would be great to have some sort of measuring guide so that you could fill it up to say .5 liters or something like that.

And lastly, something that is not necessary, but would be a great improvement, would be an electronic panel that tells you the current temperature of the water. Obviously the current model has fluctuations between the models, but I think a more consistent thermometer or something like that could make this a possibility.

Still though, like I said, this product is revolutionary and will obviously become much better as time goes on...I couldn't be happier.

[Al]

Any update on these? I know the site says Mid may, and since were kind of at that point....

[xine]

Hey everyone! Unfortunately, the UtiliTEA- no set date for the newest model. Sigh! We've been hitting roadblock after roadblock regarding their design and manufacturing. A big SORRY to everyone awaiting a specific date- just keep on checking the website! Once there is a 'Notify Me' under the product details, we will have a set date.

[Al]

Thanks for the update Christine.

[Al]

So...beginning of August now eh?

Is this looking good or are there still problems on the supplier end?

Can you tell I really want one?

[sowens]

Is the UtiliTea UL listed?
Also, can I use it to just heat 16 OZ of water?
Are the heating coils exposed?

[michael]

Thank you all for being so patient while we fine-tuned the new utiliTEA model. The good news is, the container is on the water and is expected to arrive this month. Once here, we hope you'll judge the new model to be worth the wait.

Improvements from prior model include a see-though water gauge, illuminated on/off switch, open-lid button and more appealing exterior. Retained from prior version are the concealed heating elements and high wattage to ensure quick heating.

Unlike the earlier version, this one has been ETL (UL) certified. The max capacity is 32oz, however, heating 16oz will work equally well.

Thank you all for waiting. Looking forward to announcing its availability soon...

[Al]

Great news.

Thank you Michael.