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

3/23/2012

Hamilton Beach 40999 10-Cup Electric Stainless-Steel Teakettle Review

Hamilton Beach 40999 10-Cup Electric Stainless-Steel Teakettle
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I looked at many electric tea kettles before purchasing this one. My intention was to find a fast way to brew tea without using my gas stove. I also wanted to avoid plastic, and this was attractive because the pot is stainless and the heat element is under the stainless and doesn't come in direct contact with the water. Alas the water level is plastic, too bad, could easily do without that level if there were level lines inside the pot.
Another reason I selected this was the possibility of making tea IN the pot, alas this is not the case. But the description of the mesh filter is a little misleading. The kettle cannot be used with loose tea. The point of the filter is to prevent any calcium deposits from pouring out with the water, but this isn't really necessary if you clean the pot as recommended. The filter is a little plastic one that slides into a slot inside where the spout hole is. The filter is removable though, and isn't needed to heat water.
On the plus side, the water heats fast. The directions say to boil water and throw out the first 2-3 kettles full plus rinse 2-3 more times. I did this and had to throw out the next kettle full because there was a strong unpleasant taste. After 4 boils though, the taste is gone.
When full, the kettle is heavy. If your hands are not strong, a shorter and wider pot rather than this tall one might be easier to lift and pour.
Heat element shuts off quickly, and the pot heats fast. Takes some getting used to, if you are accustomed to waiting awhile for your water to boil, you'll have to move more quickly because the water is boiled and done and the pot is off in no time.
Looks nice on the counter and the heat element is a round glass stand.
Great, will use and enjoy, but still am looking for the perfect tea kettle, preferably not made in China.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Hamilton Beach 40999 10-Cup Electric Stainless-Steel Teakettle

Handsomely constructed with an all-stainless body, this electric teakettle provides a 10-cup capacity and boils water faster than microwave or stovetop methods. The unit's 1500-watt heating element sits concealed beneath the stainless floor, so it's never in contact with water, eliminating the build-up of mineral deposits and allowing for simple cleanup. Great for tea, cocoa, instant soups, and more, the kettle's cordless design means it can be lifted from its base and brought to the sink or to the table for graceful filling or serving. Dual water-level windows make it easy to boil exactly the right amount of water every time, while automatic shut-off with boil-dry protection ensures the appliance won't operate without water. Its drop-free spout with a removable mesh tea filter provides enhanced convenience. Housed in a classic A-shape design that will match any kitchen decor, the teakettle measures approximately 7 by 8 by 10 inches and carries a one-year warranty.

Buy NowGet 11% OFF

Click here for more information about Hamilton Beach 40999 10-Cup Electric Stainless-Steel Teakettle

Read More...

12/12/2011

Chef'sChoice 679 Cordless 1-3/4-Quart Electric Glass Kettle Review

Chef'sChoice 679 Cordless 1-3/4-Quart Electric Glass Kettle
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
This electric tea kettle boils 1.75 litre of tap water in exactly 8 minutes, then automatically shuts itself off. It is saving us time and cooking fuel, and saves itself from boiling dry and self-destructing. I highly recommend it for those who need a couple pots of boiling water every day. So far(in a month or two), neither the heating plate in the bottom nor the glass pot itself have crusted up with mineral deposits and the water tastes pure and clean.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Chef'sChoice 679 Cordless 1-3/4-Quart Electric Glass Kettle

With 1500 watts of power and a concealed heating element, this electric kettle quickly boils up to 1-3/4 quarts of water, producing hot water for tea, hot chocolate, instant soup, and more--faster than a stove or microwave and using 50-percent less energy than with an electric stovetop. See at a glance how much water remains and when water's about to boil thanks to the unit's contemporary design that combines brushed stainless steel with heat-resistant glass. The kettle lifts off its 360-degree swivel power base for cordless pouring and can be set back down on the power base in any direction. For added convenience, it provides a comfortable soft-touch handle, a one-handed push-button lid opening for easy filling at the sink, an illuminated on/off switch, a clearly marked water gauge, and an adjustable-length power cord that stores in the base. Safety features include automatic shut-off once water reaches a full boil, dual boil-dry protection, and a cool-touch base and lid-lock. Convenient for left- or right-handed users, the electric kettle measures approximately 8-1/2 by 6 by 10-1/2 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.

Buy Now

Click here for more information about Chef'sChoice 679 Cordless 1-3/4-Quart Electric Glass Kettle

Read More...

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.

Buy NowGet 5% OFF

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

Read More...

9/04/2011

Starfrit 12 Inch Stainless Steel Lid Review

Starfrit 12 Inch Stainless Steel Lid
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
In the past, I have ordered a 12-inch cast iron skillet on Amazon.com. The skillet was a great buy, but the only lid I had on hand was a heavy glass lid that came with some big pots I use. The glass lid is heavy and when I use it with the skillet and want to take the lid off the skillet to stir something, it wants to burn my fingers and I have to find somewhere to set it down. It drips condensed water over everything and stays hot for a while. I saw this stainless steel lid on Amazon and it looked like it would fit the skillet. It was also priced right, so I gave it a try.
This lid is perfect for my skillet. It is light and easy to handle. It fits the skillet perfectly and cools off fast. When taking it off the skillet to stir something cooking, it is easy to invert and set on the counter. I love it and store it with my skillet. I would buy this lid again.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Starfrit 12 Inch Stainless Steel Lid

This 12 inch stainless steel lid fits the Starfrit Light Cast Iron 12 inch Fry Pan.Made from durable stainless construction, the domed shape helps moisture to return to food and seals in flavor. Has stainless handle and fits most of our 12 inch cookware.

Buy Now

Click here for more information about Starfrit 12 Inch Stainless Steel Lid

Read More...