Electric Kettles

[joelbct]

So I left my UtiliTea at my last apartment, and I'm in the market for a new steel kettle under $7 0 range. Doesn't really have to be adjustable for green, but it would be a nice feature.

Any recommendations?

Maybe I should get another UtiliTea?

[debunix]

So far I'm pretty happy with my Pino Digital Kettle Pro, which was $69 from the company, via amazon. Fully adjustable via a digital keypad to any temp from 100 to 212, and it generally keeps the water in a 5 degree range on either side of the target by periodically turning the heater back on. I've only had it a couple of months now, so can't comment on long-term sturdiness, but so far it's very handy.

It also does not have a key limitation of the utilitea--if I have read between the the lines here correctly, it's lowest setting is 180 degrees, while I never would have pursued the green teas I'm going a bit insane over if I had to brew them all that hot (I prefer 160 for whites and senchas and some chinese greens).

[joelbct]

Tx. i might check out the pino.

Yah I usually use a thermometer in the brewing vessel for greens anyway, so the analog nature of the utilitea didnt bother me too much.

One loses heat in the pour anyway, so being precise to the degree on the kettle hasn't been my main concern.

cheers!

[Chip]

Tx. i might check out the pino.

Yah I usually use a thermometer in the brewing vessel for greens anyway, so the analog nature of the utilitea didnt bother me too much.

One loses heat in the pour anyway, so being precise to the degree on the kettle hasn't been my main concern.

cheers!

+!, really ... I just want a good non plastic kettle, no real frills required. If it is a "looker" that is a plus I guess. I am just more concerned with the water itself and what happens to it after I pour from the kettle.

[JRS22]

It also does not have a key limitation of the utilitea--if I have read between the the lines here correctly, it's lowest setting is 180 degrees, while I never would have pursued the green teas I'm going a bit insane over if I had to brew them all that hot (I prefer 160 for whites and senchas and some chinese greens).

Not so - I think the customer service responses are confusing. I have a Utilitea and if I set it at the high end of the green range the temperature is about 160, and at the low end it's about 140.

[debunix]

if I have read between the the lines here correctly....

Not so - I think the customer service responses are confusing. I have a Utilitea and if I set it at the high end of the green range the temperature is about 160, and at the low end it's about 140.

I stand corrected, thank you.

[joelbct]

Update, I bought this $29 GE kettle from walmart, thinking i'd be all thrifty and save money.



Anyway, the construction is decent and it looks ok, but there's NO auto-shutoff!! Uggh... I could get by without the adjustable temp but not the auto-shutoff. Bummer...

Now I'll prob just wind up buying another UtiliTEA, which I should have done in the first place... penny wise pound foolish!

[Dresden]

Hmmmm... I find that odd...

I have the GE that was replaced by that model and mine has auto-shutoff...

One thing I noticed about mine is that if the top is off it won't auto-shutoff.

[Poohblah]

Hmmmm... I find that odd...

I have the GE that was replaced by that model and mine has auto-shutoff...

One thing I noticed about mine is that if the top is off it won't auto-shutoff.

Yes, the top is what contains a heat detector in most electric kettles. When the steam hits it, it shuts off the kettle.

[Dresden]

Yes, the top is what contains a heat detector in most electric kettles. When the steam hits it, it shuts off the kettle.

Good info!!!! Thanks!

[joelbct]

Hmmmm... I find that odd...

I have the GE that was replaced by that model and mine has auto-shutoff...

One thing I noticed about mine is that if the top is off it won't auto-shutoff.

Yes, the top is what contains a heat detector in most electric kettles. When the steam hits it, it shuts off the kettle.

Huh... well, the top is on, but i did take out that filter thing in the cap, maybe it that is releasing the steam and messing up the sensor?

Or maybe I just got a lemon?

I actually just turned it on then forgot about it, and it did shut off eventually. Takes way too long though, once I sat there and watched it boil furiously for over a minute.

It does heat the water very quickly, I will give it that.

[kilgoretrout]

Why do many people use an electric kettle? Is it purely because it's the fastest way to boil water? I've always used the kettles that go on a gas stovetop.

[Chip]

Fastest and auto shutoff. Super convenient.

[chittychat]

Fastest and auto shutoff. Super convenient.

And too expensive if one will not have a heart attack when receiving the eletric bill at month end.

[Chip]

Fastest and auto shutoff. Super convenient.

And too expensive if one will not have a heart attack when receiving the eletric bill at month end.

Eh, it is only running for a few minutes. A stove topper takes much longer to heat up the water ... seems this would consume more energy in the process.

These are also much more efficient than most stove toppers that allow a lot of heat loss from the open sides, etc. Check it out next time you boil water, feel the massive amounts of heat escaping from underneath.

Very little heat is lost with these electric kettles during the heating process since it is a "closed system." The heating disc is enclosed under the water.

Since you live in the "blistering heat," this seems pretty relevent!