As the tea industry positions itself for substantial growth, tea aficionados are fortunate to have a wonderful assortment of implements on the market that enhance the tea drinking experience. For those of us who have expanded our tea knowledge and enjoy the benefits of many different types of teas whether they be black, green, red, white or herbal--maximizing tea flavors through optimum brewing temperatures is a goal not often attainable through the use of traditional stovetop kettles. Those kettles heat water just fine, but they very rarely provide temperature information beyond the boiling post which is perfectly suitable for black teas, but less so for other types of tea. The science of brewing tea through the pairing of tea type with a compatible water temperature is behind the Capresso PerfecTea, a beautiful addition to the growing line of variable temperature kettles on the market. While other models have simply served to create a functional apparatus, Capresso has infused thoughtful artistic touches and fine tuning that result in a distinctive kettle that stands above the competition. It is difficult to ignore the sheer elegance of The PerfecTea with its durable and scratch-resistant safety glass and a beautifully designed carafe that incorporates curvature and gentle sloping to create a piece that you will want to display on your countertop. The curved polypropylene handle is comfortable to hold and slip free and keeps cool when pouring. Even when the water is boiled, you do not feel heat emanating from the kettle along the handle. The clear carafe serves as a showcase for the water within, which is heated around a stainless steel dome that houses the heating element. The kettle holds up to 48 ounces of water which will easily serve up to six cups of tea, and is a quick and easy way to heat water for other foods and beverages including french press coffee, hot chocolates and instant soups. The kettle does include a whistle or bell to indicate the end of a heating cycle, so users should not stray from the kettle. Most notably, once the water has been heated through the power base, the kettle can be removed, which gives it a cordless feature absent on many other models. Pouring with the interference of a cord is a highlight of the unit while returning the kettle to the base is a snap. The lid is shiny and compliments the design of the kettle, but compared to the other components is a bit flimsy and lightweight (my only qualm)--however the lid can be easily set into an upright position which helps with drying the kettle after the disposal of water with each use. The base not only serves to heat the kettle with a knob that is easy to turn and control, and a touch button feature that provide a beautiful light blue LCD backlit illumination when pressed, it also houses a slide out guide which provides an easy reference for optimum temperatures which are found in Fahrenheit intervals of 100, 160, 175 and 195 degrees and Boil. After the desired temperature is reached, the unit automatically shuts off. In addition, dry boil protection serves as an added safety feature which prevents the kettle from being used when there is no water inside of it. Capresso has done a fine job of incorporating beautiful design with modern safety features, and created a practical, versatile and affordable variable temperature kettle in the PerfecTea. Questions or Comments? E-mail us at cooklikejackie@gmail.com.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
The Quest for Perfect Tea Begins with PerfecTea
As the tea industry positions itself for substantial growth, tea aficionados are fortunate to have a wonderful assortment of implements on the market that enhance the tea drinking experience. For those of us who have expanded our tea knowledge and enjoy the benefits of many different types of teas whether they be black, green, red, white or herbal--maximizing tea flavors through optimum brewing temperatures is a goal not often attainable through the use of traditional stovetop kettles. Those kettles heat water just fine, but they very rarely provide temperature information beyond the boiling post which is perfectly suitable for black teas, but less so for other types of tea. The science of brewing tea through the pairing of tea type with a compatible water temperature is behind the Capresso PerfecTea, a beautiful addition to the growing line of variable temperature kettles on the market. While other models have simply served to create a functional apparatus, Capresso has infused thoughtful artistic touches and fine tuning that result in a distinctive kettle that stands above the competition. It is difficult to ignore the sheer elegance of The PerfecTea with its durable and scratch-resistant safety glass and a beautifully designed carafe that incorporates curvature and gentle sloping to create a piece that you will want to display on your countertop. The curved polypropylene handle is comfortable to hold and slip free and keeps cool when pouring. Even when the water is boiled, you do not feel heat emanating from the kettle along the handle. The clear carafe serves as a showcase for the water within, which is heated around a stainless steel dome that houses the heating element. The kettle holds up to 48 ounces of water which will easily serve up to six cups of tea, and is a quick and easy way to heat water for other foods and beverages including french press coffee, hot chocolates and instant soups. The kettle does include a whistle or bell to indicate the end of a heating cycle, so users should not stray from the kettle. Most notably, once the water has been heated through the power base, the kettle can be removed, which gives it a cordless feature absent on many other models. Pouring with the interference of a cord is a highlight of the unit while returning the kettle to the base is a snap. The lid is shiny and compliments the design of the kettle, but compared to the other components is a bit flimsy and lightweight (my only qualm)--however the lid can be easily set into an upright position which helps with drying the kettle after the disposal of water with each use. The base not only serves to heat the kettle with a knob that is easy to turn and control, and a touch button feature that provide a beautiful light blue LCD backlit illumination when pressed, it also houses a slide out guide which provides an easy reference for optimum temperatures which are found in Fahrenheit intervals of 100, 160, 175 and 195 degrees and Boil. After the desired temperature is reached, the unit automatically shuts off. In addition, dry boil protection serves as an added safety feature which prevents the kettle from being used when there is no water inside of it. Capresso has done a fine job of incorporating beautiful design with modern safety features, and created a practical, versatile and affordable variable temperature kettle in the PerfecTea. Questions or Comments? E-mail us at cooklikejackie@gmail.com.
