New kettle advice.

[Whiffle]

Hi there.

My kettle is giving up the ghost and I am on the lookout for a new one.

I have been doing a bit of research and there is a staggering amount of models and advice on what to go for.

Based upon everything I have read, I have three requirements:
* Variable temperatures
* No plastic in contact with the water - i.e. glass or steel
* Less than 500ml minimum boil (not the end of the world, if it does not have this, but it does seem wasteful to keep boiling so much for a single cup of tea).

Whilst I would like something as economic as possible, I am not convinced by kettles that claim to have a "quick boil" function to save power - surely these put more power in, in a short time, so the net use of electricity is roughly the same.

Any advice or model recommendations would be much appreciated.

 

[Whiffle]

Thanks for that.

I am usually not sucked in by appliances with gimmicks but variable temperatures does seem to be one of those rare exceptions.

For as long as I can remember, I have made every hot drink by just whacking in boiling hot water.

I happened to watch a TV programme that mentioned that certain teas and coffees (fruit teas, green teas, breakfast teas, ground and freeze-dried coffee) not only all needed to use water that was below 100 degrees but differing temperatures.

Being the cynical sod I am, I experimented with a proper thermometer and the suggested temperatures was noticeable enough to convert me.

I always, now, let the kettle cool down after boiling or try and take it off early to try and guess the correct temperature - I was just hoping that a variable temperature kettle would make this a bit easier.

With regards the plastic - I am not convinced that the plastics commonly used are completely "safe" in the long term, so would prefer glass or steel.

The minimum fill is about me being a miser. The minimum fill on my current kettle is about 2 cups - seems silly to heat 2 cups, when only one is often needed.

 

[Whiffle]

Thanks for that - amazing kettle but, again, the minimum fill is 500ml.

Most seem to be that way - perhaps I should upgrade my mug sizes.