I’m a huge tea drinker, and I’ve been thinking about getting an electric kettle to facilitate my daily tea brewing experience. I was initially considering Breville’s One-Touch Tea Maker which retails for $299.95 (many retailers like Williams-Sonoma usually lower the price down to $250, though). But eventually, I decided against it and ultimately went with Smeg’s ‘50s Retro Electric Kettle with Variable Temperatures Feature.
First, about the One-Touch Tea Maker.
This “smart” kettle has multiple brewing options on the control panel of the base. Depending on the type of tea, the kettle automatically determines the water temperature and brewing time, supposedly brewing the perfect pot of tea.
My main concern with the One-Touch Tea Maker is that it brews tea inside the kettle. The stainless steel tea basket moves up and down inside the kettle, and to me, that is a recipe for disaster. Although the basket is removable and washable, the kettle is not. I just don’t like the idea of brewing tea inside an electric kettle even if it is made of glass.
I was also not a fan of the multiple functions and automated, pre-set brewing options. You can go with the custom setting, but still, too much hassle.
I was still considering the One-Touch Tea Maker since it was better than regular kettles, but I fell in love with the Variable Temperature Kettle from Smeg.
Breville appliances are mostly in stainless steel finishes, giving them a more modern look. Smeg is known for its retro design and colors, reminiscing the 50s and 60s lifestyles.
Design-wise, I believe both Breville and Smeg are attractive. It just depends on the preference.
The Variable Temperature Kettle, as the name suggests, has different temperature settings, and it is much easier to use than the Tea Maker. With a button, you choose the temperature you want among the 7 preset temperatures. A bit analogue, but for a kettle, I prefer this simplistic approach.
With the lower temperatures, my tea comes out perfect, just the way I like it. And the kettle boils water quietly and quickly whenever I need boiling water.
Also, the kettle recommends only boiling (or warming) water, keeping it as tea stain-free as possible and hygienic.
The lid opens gracefully by pushing the button on top, and it stays open once lifted.
The grip is comfortable, and I love the chrome accents here and there. The Smeg logo on the body, base, handle, ball lever knob and spout are all finished in chrome, keeping the look sharp and polished.
Compared to the Tea Maker, the Variable Temperature Kettle has a friendlier price tag ($200). I personally didn’t think all the extra features of the Tea Maker were worth the extra $50, so I don’t regret getting the Variable Temperature Kettle.
I’m a huge tea drinker, and I’ve been thinking about getting an electric kettle to facilitate my daily tea brewing experience. I was initially considering Breville’s One-Touch Tea Maker which retails for $299.95 (many retailers like Williams-Sonoma usually lower the price down to $250, though). But eventually, I decided against it and ultimately went with Smeg’s ‘50s Retro Electric Kettle with Variable Temperatures Feature.
First, about the One-Touch Tea Maker.
This “smart” kettle has multiple brewing options on the control panel of the base. Depending on the type of tea, the kettle automatically determines the water temperature and brewing time, supposedly brewing the perfect pot of tea.
My main concern with the One-Touch Tea Maker is that it brews tea inside the kettle. The stainless steel tea basket moves up and down inside the kettle, and to me, that is a recipe for disaster. Although the basket is removable and washable, the kettle is not. I just don’t like the idea of brewing tea inside an electric kettle even if it is made of glass.
I was also not a fan of the multiple functions and automated, pre-set brewing options. You can go with the custom setting, but still, too much hassle.
I was still considering the One-Touch Tea Maker since it was better than regular kettles, but I fell in love with the Variable Temperature Kettle from Smeg.
Breville appliances are mostly in stainless steel finishes, giving them a more modern look. Smeg is known for its retro design and colors, reminiscing the 50s and 60s lifestyles.
Design-wise, I believe both Breville and Smeg are attractive. It just depends on the preference.
The Variable Temperature Kettle, as the name suggests, has different temperature settings, and it is much easier to use than the Tea Maker. With a button, you choose the temperature you want among the 7 preset temperatures. A bit analogue, but for a kettle, I prefer this simplistic approach.
With the lower temperatures, my tea comes out perfect, just the way I like it. And the kettle boils water quietly and quickly whenever I need boiling water.
Also, the kettle recommends only boiling (or warming) water, keeping it as tea stain-free as possible and hygienic.
The lid opens gracefully by pushing the button on top, and it stays open once lifted.
The grip is comfortable, and I love the chrome accents here and there. The Smeg logo on the body, base, handle, ball lever knob and spout are all finished in chrome, keeping the look sharp and polished.
Compared to the Tea Maker, the Variable Temperature Kettle has a friendlier price tag ($200). I personally didn’t think all the extra features of the Tea Maker were worth the extra $50, so I don’t regret getting the Variable Temperature Kettle.