Showing posts with label electric kettles. Show all posts
Showing posts with label electric kettles. Show all posts

1/29/2012

Capresso H2O Pro Programmable Cordless 56-Ounce Water Kettle with Variable Temperature Control Review

Capresso H2O Pro Programmable Cordless 56-Ounce Water Kettle with Variable Temperature Control
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
After seeing warnings against another variable temperature kettle (branded by a major tea vendor) that's totally hit-or-miss by 20 degrees, I was cautiously hopeful that Capresso's H2O Pro would avoid that problem.
When this kettle arrived, I decided to play the skeptic and put to test it. Would it really hit 140F on the dot? Just a little above/below? A lot?
After a short brew time, *two* other thermometers (one analog, one digital) agreed with the kettle: 140.0F on the dot!
This is one excellently designed variable-temperature kettle! This kettle has now brought about more casual tea drinking. No more do I have to watch a stove or electric kettle like a hawk and stop it at the right temperature!
Temperatures are programmable in 10F increments from 110F (warm on the wrist) to 212F (boiling). I like to make tea with 140F (a bit over scalding) as I use plenty of Japanese green tea that is temperature-sensitive. And I love how it can also be programmed to keep the same temperature continuously (or not, as you please).
I only have 2 snags with this kettle:
- At the temperatures I like, increments in 5, 2 or 1 degree make better sense than 10 degree increments.
- When taking the kettle off its base, it resets its temperature defaults to 212 (boiling). I'd prefer that it automatically kept my preferences while I'm pouring the occasional cup throughout the day. But that's just me. Turning it to the preferred temp again is just a few thumb-wiggles away (which makes the 10-degree increments a balance of convenience).
Since no other variable-temp kettle I can find on the market is better than this one, these are just would-likes and don't detract from what I feel is a kettle at the head of its market.
5 Stars.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Capresso H2O Pro Programmable Cordless 56-Ounce Water Kettle with Variable Temperature Control

Attractively housed in stainless steel with a polished chrome finish, this electric hot-water kettle makes a striking presence on any kitchen counter or buffet. Use it to quickly bring 16 to 56 ounces of water to a rolling boil for making anything from tea, instant coffee, and hot cocoa to oatmeal, instant soup, noodles, and more. The kettle lifts off its 360-degree swivel base for easy filling at the sink or for graceful serving without the hassle of a power cord; it can also be returned to its power source from any direction--great for right- and left-handed users. Integrated into its generous stay-cool handle, the unit provides an illuminated digital display and simple push-button controls for choosing from a variety of programmable settings, including 11 temperature-control settings (from 110 to 212 degrees F), various keep-warm settings (from 110 to 190 degrees F), and extended boil settings (from 3 to 20 seconds). For safety, the kettle shuts itself off automatically once the water has reached a boil (or after the elapsed extended boil time) or if water needs to be added, which prevents it from boiling dry. Other highlights include a water-level window with min/max markings, a simple lid with push-button release, a micro-filter spout that keeps particles out of the cup, and cord storage when not in use. The cordless electric kettle measures 9 by 6 by 9-1/2 inches.

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12/03/2011

Chef's Choice 688 SmartKettle Cordless 1-3/4-Quart Electric Kettle Review

Chef's Choice 688 SmartKettle Cordless 1-3/4-Quart Electric Kettle
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
So far, I am very pleased with my SmartKettle. It heats fast, it is pretty accurate, and it doesn't leave a funny taste in the water. With the fully adjustable temperature it works great for any kind of tea. It pours easily without spillage, and the top opens wide for easy cleaning.
There are a few things that keep me from giving it a perfect score though:
- There is no physical power off switch. There is a button to start/stop heating, but no physical switch to turn off the unit. You have to unplug it if you don't want to keep the BRIGHT display on 24/7. Not a big deal, but a power switch on the unit wouldn't have cost much and would have made it a bit more convenient.
- There is no way to adjust the volume of the alarm beeps. It can be a bit loud when brewing a cup at 5am.
- The minimum water level for safe brewing is supposed to be 16oz, I've found that you need to fill it closer to 32oz or the unit gives a low water level error and won't turn on. Again, not a big deal, just something to note.
Even with these minor quirks, it is still the best adjustable-temperature electric kettle that I have used.
****UPDATE****
After owning this kettle for 4 months, it began acting strangely. The thermometer would never reach 212 degrees, even though the water inside was clearly boiling. The temp reading would stop at 208, but the kettle was set for 212, so the water would just keep boiling. Eventually it would shut off with an error. I used it sparingly after this as it seemed like a potential hazard. After 3 more months it randomly caught on fire one day. It wasn't even in use at the time. Had I not been in the kitchen to hear the sparking and smell the smoke, I might not have a house right now. I will not be buying another.
****UPDATE 2****
I was contacted by a representative of Chef's Choice who assured me that this was a unique occurrence and not an accurate representation of the quality of their product. In fact, they asked that I send my unit back so they could investigate. They replaced my SmartKettle and the new unit is working perfectly so far. I feel a lot better about using the product now that I know the company stands behind the quality of their products, and will go out of their way to make things right for those who have had problems.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Chef's Choice 688 SmartKettle Cordless 1-3/4-Quart Electric Kettle

Quickly heat up to 1-3/4 quarts of water with this advanced electric kettle. The unit can be used to either boil water or heat it to the ideal and precise temperature desired with an accuracy of 2 degrees F--perfect for preparing temperature-sensitive teas like white, green, oolong, and herbal. In addition to tea, the kettle comes in handy when making instant coffee, hot chocolate, hot cereal, instant soup, and more. With 1500 watts of power, it heats water faster than a microwave or stovetop and uses 50-percent less energy than with an electric stovetop. Advanced electronics and a smart microcomputer detect the boiling point and shut the kettle off automatically once water reaches a boil, so there's no need to worry about water boiling away. Even more, its "keep warm" mode maintains the desired temperature until it's time to pour. The kettle lifts off its 360-degree swivel power base for cordless serving and can be set back down on the power base in any direction. For added convenience, it provides a concealed heating element, an LED temperature indicator, a beeper alert, a cool-touch bottom, and a comfortable stay-cool handle, as well as triple-action boil-dry protection and automatic shut-off for safety. Attractively housed in durable stainless steel, the electric water kettle measures approximately 9-1/2 by 7-1/5 by 10-1/2 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.

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Click here for more information about Chef's Choice 688 SmartKettle Cordless 1-3/4-Quart Electric Kettle

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