Choosing A Variable Temperature Kettle

What is a variable temperature kettle?

A variable temperature kettle has controller dial or dashboard that allows you to select the precise temperature you require, usually from an array of preset options.

Normally a variable temperature kettle will sit on a base and the base will have various preset temperature buttons for a wide variety of beverages. You’ll get your perfect temperature water for your preferred hot beverage.

Many beverages taste best when the water is less than boiling e.g. green teas, herbals teas, botanical extracts and various pour-over coffees and chai teas.

Why choose a variable temperature kettle?

One of the best benefits of owning and using a variable temperature kettle is the ability to get the perfect beverage every time. Many beverages taste best when the water is less than boiling e.g. green teas, herbals teas, botanical extracts and various pour-over coffees and chai teas

Boiling water can easily burn coffee and over-extract many green and herbal teas leaving a slightly bitter or chemical taste.  A variable temperature kettle will sort that issue instantly.

The additional advantage of having a variable temperature kettle is that you will save power. Boiling a kettle to a full rolling boil wastes power when you may not need your water boiling – coffee drinkers, green tea and herbal extract drinkers take note.  Also, when serving a gathering of people all with different beverages a variable temperature kettle comes into its own – you’ll be the perfect host when your guests receive their hot drink perfectly executed.

What size variable temperature kettle is the best?

Often our kettles are much bigger than we need. Think about how your kettle gets used during the day – this will give you clear guidance of the size kettle you will need. Are you serving beverages to a crowd all day or are you making yourself a small cup of coffee once only in the morning and evening? Let this be your guide.

By choosing the right size kettle you will save water and save energy by only using and heating the exact amount of water each time.

What to look for when buying a variable temperature kettle

Variable temperature kettle controller bases – the controller base of your kettle is important because it manages the entire kettle. The controls have to be easy to understand, easy to operate, easy to read, be notated in with the correct temperature scale and the preset temperatures need to be meaningful to your style of hot beverage.

Variable temperature kettle lids – the lid of your kettle can be either a thing of simplicity and ease or a thing of high frustration. The last thing you need is to struggle with a tight burning-hot lid that either tumbles off when you don’t want it to or get stuck when trying to open or remove it. Modern kettle lids should be heat insulated and have hinges or release mechanisms that work smoothly under all conditions.

Variable temperature kettle spouts – the spout of your kettle needs to be fit-for-purpose. If you like accurate slow pouring (like for pour-over coffee), then go for a gooseneck spout. If you need maximum flow of hot water then a standard lip spout will be ideal.

Variable temperature kettle handles – the handle of your kettle must stay cool even if it is metal. Most modern kettles have a small insulator between the body of the kettle and the handle. This is just design safety basics.  Additionally the kettle handle should be well balanced and act as a natural counterweight for the design of the kettle. Consider the handle design to ensure there are not awkward pouring actions or painful wrist maneuvers – this will be obvious by just looking at the design.  Some larger kettles have two handles to ensure a safe smooth pouring action

Other considerations – also look at the reviews of any kettle you are buying. Reviews can quickly identify a problematic product no matter how lovely it looks. Check out the returns policy, the warranty, the materials it is constructed from and the country it is made.  Other things like delivery times and shipping may influence your purchase. You need to be comfortable and confident with all these factors.

Happy variable temperature kettle shopping