I like it so far. The UtiliTEA is my first electric kettle, but I am very picky about electronics, and I scoured the internet looking for the best electric tea kettle out there.
I love the variable temperature control. It is on the money in terms of the setting marked 'green' having the proper range for green tea's. No more having to heat to boiling, then pour the water into the mugs to let it cool, then pour into the teapot, to reach 180 or 170 degrees F.
And the thing boils 24 ounces of water in about a minute (I think the full capacity is 32 ounces).
Also, the brewed water does not appear to have any noticeable odor or taste, which was my biggest concern in an electric kettle. The interior of the UtiliTEA is all metal aside from the transparent water-level indicator, and the lid. There was a very faint plastic odor from the teapot after boiling water at first, but it was absent from the water after I poured it off into a teapot. I think this scent is probably just because the kettle is new, and will probably fade as I use it more.
(**edit/update:** 1 week later, no more faint plastic odor at all, just yummy pure steaming water for tea...)
It is clear that the UtiliTEA was designed by people who appreciate Tea. I would recommend. It should be great for a dorm room or office.
Just received the UtiliTEA Kettle
Last edited by joelbct on Jan 6th, '08, 19:57, edited 1 time in total.
thanx for your review
I have the trinitea kettle. but i found it to be to much clean up so i never use it (i know i am lazy.)
but i still want some way to make good green and white tea at work.
so this might be for me.
but i still want some way to make good green and white tea at work.
so this might be for me.
Dec 26th, '07, 15:00
Posts: 20891
Joined: Apr 22nd, '06, 20:52
Scrolling: scrolling
Location: Back in the TeaCave atop Mt. Fuji
I also dig the Utilitea. I have a 4L Zojirushi which is to much of a pain to switch temp setting on constantly, so during the winter I keep the Zo dialed up for blacks, and use the Utilitea for Greens and Oolongs. I do the opposite come summer.
I also like the Utiltea for getting the most out Oolongs. It's nice to be able to turn the temp up gradually for multiple steeps.
I also like the Utiltea for getting the most out Oolongs. It's nice to be able to turn the temp up gradually for multiple steeps.
Dec 26th, '07, 17:40
Posts: 552
Joined: Aug 23rd, '07, 00:42
Location: Somewhere in the wilds of Montana, but never without a teacup.
Contact:
skywarrior
I received the Utilitea for Christmas but so far I'm disappointed. If I turn it up as far as it will go without going into the boil setting, it only gets to 170F. I therefore am missing a great part of the temperature range I want. I'll have to experiment some more, but if I can't get it to give me anything between 170 and 212, I'll have to return it.
Dec 29th, '07, 11:37
Posts: 20891
Joined: Apr 22nd, '06, 20:52
Scrolling: scrolling
Location: Back in the TeaCave atop Mt. Fuji
Mine gets to a full, frolicking boil at the max setting, so lenny's probably just needs to be exchanged.
And upon further testing, the range marked 'green' on mine yields more like 170-200 degrees, once poured off into a glass bodum press, which is what I use (though I don't use the press filter, just the carafe. I pour through a strainer, naturally).
But all one has to do is fiddle with a thermometer at different settings until one gets the hang of which settings will pour off to the desired temperature for which tea in one's particular tea brewing vessel, etc. Should be easy as a walk in the park....
And upon further testing, the range marked 'green' on mine yields more like 170-200 degrees, once poured off into a glass bodum press, which is what I use (though I don't use the press filter, just the carafe. I pour through a strainer, naturally).
But all one has to do is fiddle with a thermometer at different settings until one gets the hang of which settings will pour off to the desired temperature for which tea in one's particular tea brewing vessel, etc. Should be easy as a walk in the park....
