75

We’ve had this classic stainless-steel copper-bottom tea kettle for many years – long before I found Steepster. It’s well suited to Western brewing at 212*F, but not very convenient for Gongfu brewing. I’ve also used it for teas that require temperatures less than 212*F with a DAVIDsTEA thermometer/timer.

A classic reliable teakettle is still a good “plan B” if an electric kettle fails and is also very helpful with a gas stove during a power failure. A day w/o tea is definitely not a good day!

I purchased the much more convenient Bonavita Gooseneck Variable-Temp. Electric Kettle http://steepster.com/teaware/bonavita/39130-1-liter-variable-temperature-digital-electric-gooseneck-kettle and am very pleased.

The Zojirushi 4 temperature (175°F, 195°F, 208°F and Vacuum / REBOIL) electric water boiler is a great option for those who need larger quantities of hot water or who need portability.

SarsyPie

I was a little sad to retire my standard kettle also. But the Bonavita is amazing. I really love it so! Can’t comment on the Zojirushi, but I hear those are also good!

looseTman

Sarsonator, Thanks for your comments! A standard kettle is still a good “plan B” if an electric kettle fails. A day w/o tea is definitely not a good day! Agreed, the Bonavita looks very appealing. What caused you to purchase the Bonavita versus it’s competitors?

A quick look at this page shows the highest rated and most popular kettles: http://steepster.com/teaware?Kettle=on

I plan to use our next variable-temp electric kettle for both Western & Gongfu brewing and would welcome Steepster recommendations.

Brooklynsheep

Nice review!

boychik i would get Zojirushi but non stick coating is no no for me. No Teflon in my house.

Im pretty happy with Breville variable. I have Cuisinart as well in my summer house which is fine. I think i like Breville a little more. I do gongfu sessions every day.

looseTman

What’s the issue with Teflon in tea kettles?

boychik

i dont understand why they cannot make out of SS. And why boiling water should be in non stick. Teflon( non stick) linked to cancer. i use ol cast iron for my skillets
http://www.ewg.org/research/healthy-home-tips/tip-6-skip-non-stick-avoid-dangers-teflon

looseTman

+1 SS would be better. Thanks for the link!

looseTman

Any thoughts on Breville One Touch Vs. Bonavita Var. Temp. Gooseneck?

boychik

Most of the time i make tea for myself. I try not to drink several cups the same tea unless its Puerh. i also read that One Touch retain flavors. And its pricy. i need to boil water diff temps. I have lots and lots of small pots, gaiwans, Yixing,etc. I bought Breville at bed,bath and beyond with 15%coupon( we get this in a mailpretty often) They have a great return policy, no exp time ,sometimes receipt is not necessary;) If something will go wrong I’ll bring it back to store, no ??’s asked.
I have no opinion on Bonavita.

SarsyPie

I went with the Bonavita because I wanted to be able to set temperature degree by degree. The price was more than I would have liked, but honestly, it looked so nice that I caved. It had so many great reviews that I figured it would be worth it. I do indeed use it every single day. If a tea requires a temp of 177 degrees, I can make that happen. :)

looseTman

Review Updated 8-22-14

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SarsyPie

I was a little sad to retire my standard kettle also. But the Bonavita is amazing. I really love it so! Can’t comment on the Zojirushi, but I hear those are also good!

looseTman

Sarsonator, Thanks for your comments! A standard kettle is still a good “plan B” if an electric kettle fails. A day w/o tea is definitely not a good day! Agreed, the Bonavita looks very appealing. What caused you to purchase the Bonavita versus it’s competitors?

A quick look at this page shows the highest rated and most popular kettles: http://steepster.com/teaware?Kettle=on

I plan to use our next variable-temp electric kettle for both Western & Gongfu brewing and would welcome Steepster recommendations.

Brooklynsheep

Nice review!

boychik i would get Zojirushi but non stick coating is no no for me. No Teflon in my house.

Im pretty happy with Breville variable. I have Cuisinart as well in my summer house which is fine. I think i like Breville a little more. I do gongfu sessions every day.

looseTman

What’s the issue with Teflon in tea kettles?

boychik

i dont understand why they cannot make out of SS. And why boiling water should be in non stick. Teflon( non stick) linked to cancer. i use ol cast iron for my skillets
http://www.ewg.org/research/healthy-home-tips/tip-6-skip-non-stick-avoid-dangers-teflon

looseTman

+1 SS would be better. Thanks for the link!

looseTman

Any thoughts on Breville One Touch Vs. Bonavita Var. Temp. Gooseneck?

boychik

Most of the time i make tea for myself. I try not to drink several cups the same tea unless its Puerh. i also read that One Touch retain flavors. And its pricy. i need to boil water diff temps. I have lots and lots of small pots, gaiwans, Yixing,etc. I bought Breville at bed,bath and beyond with 15%coupon( we get this in a mailpretty often) They have a great return policy, no exp time ,sometimes receipt is not necessary;) If something will go wrong I’ll bring it back to store, no ??’s asked.
I have no opinion on Bonavita.

SarsyPie

I went with the Bonavita because I wanted to be able to set temperature degree by degree. The price was more than I would have liked, but honestly, it looked so nice that I caved. It had so many great reviews that I figured it would be worth it. I do indeed use it every single day. If a tea requires a temp of 177 degrees, I can make that happen. :)

looseTman

Review Updated 8-22-14

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Profile

Bio

My wife and I enjoy shou that:
- is Full-bodied, thick, rich, creamy smooth
- produces a full-mouth feeling with a long pleasing finish
- w/o obvious acidity, astringency, or bitterness
- Retains this profile & is complex enough to enjoy for multiple steeps

Notes of interest:
- natural rich chocolate (as opposed to too bittersweet cocoa)
- honey, caramel, stone fruits, sweet potato, barley, fresh baked bread

Notes not of interest: Floral, vegetal, woody.

Cost-effective organic teas or teas that meet the EU Food Safety Commission Pesticide Maximum Residue Limit EUROFINS are greatly appreciated. Many people drink tea for the anti-oxidant health benefits. So why would health conscious tea lovers drink tea that contains pesticide residues?

Complete steeping instructions on the bag are greatly appreciated:
tsp. (g) / oz. / temp. / rinse? / min. for both Western & Gongfu brewing.

Our recent orders have been from: Yunnan Sourcing, King Tea Mall, Whispering Pines, & Arbor Teas. Kudos to them as they have all been extremely helpful.

Our cupboard doesn’t include the many greatly appreciated samples generously provided by Steepsters’s favorite tea suppliers and by several very kind Steepster members.

Current Gogng Fu Brewing Method:
20g / 6 oz / 205° / 60s preheat / 60s warm leaves / 5s rinse / 5 min rest / 5s / 5 / 7 / 10 / 15 / 20 / 25 /30 / 45 / 60. Every two steeps combined in a sharing pitcher.

High quality water is essential for excellent tasting tea.
Our 450’ well provides hard water. For details see: http://steepster.com/looseTman/posts/176233#comments.

Solutions:
#1. Rainsoft water softener with
Q2 computerized control valve

#2. Abundant Flow Water
Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water System with an Impact Alkaline re-mineralization filter
Model: Zeta RO: https://www.afwfilters.com/drinking-ro-systems/6-stage-alkaline-zoi-zeta-reverse-osmosis-system-16.html
Includes:
- Dow Filmtec TFC R.O. membrane
- Omnipure Inline Post filter
- Impact Alkaline Filter
All filters made in USA & NSF-Certified.
-———————————
Options:
- Aquatec ERP-500 & ASV 2000
- 3/8" Output
- HM Digital DM-2 TDS meter

My profile picture is a Red-Breasted Nuthatch, a winter visitor to our woodpecker feeder.

Location

Mid-Atlantic, USA

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