We have tested numerous water kettles and have decidedly come to love the Capresso H2O Glass Cordless Safety Water Kettle Model 259. We have used this water kettle for over 5 years and would not use any other water kettle unless it is a Bofura over a Ryoro.
Product Specifications
- 1 1/2 quart capacity - 48 oz
- Heat resistant German SCHOTT Glass
- Concealed heating element covered in stainless-steel
- Cordless design
- Polarized plug
- 360 degrees swivel for ambidextrous use
- Automatic turn off upon boil
- Illuminated power switch
- Measurement markings of ounces and cup, with minimum and maximum capacity
- Cool to the Touch handle
- Drip-free pouring
- Fast and quiet boil
Since water is the mother of tea, the kettle must be worthy of her. The SCHOTT glass technology is German technology and the item are sold under the brand name DURAN.
The glass is called borosilicate,
This particular design has gone through its variations and problems in manufacturing. The end product is perfected and the problems resolved. We have gone through a couple of these and the only reason we replaced it with a new one is because of the following:
1. We broke the first one and warranty does not cover breaking of the glass. Moreover, before it was sacrificed to the realm of broken things, we outwore the warranty of a year and at that point we were using the kettle for 2 years, with no problems or wear and tear from use.
2. The second time was because, the housekeeper was overzealous with cleaning the item, that the kettle lid snapped from the hinges and needless to say was never the same again. The cover stayed on but we felt that it was too hazardous and was a potential accident waiting to happen - what with hot water and burns and all! At this point the kettle was 3 years old and the only wear and tear that was visible was the broken hinge and the slight scratches that again was from overzealous cleaning!
The beauty about this kettle is the visual effects that are afforded during the boiling process. You are able to stop the boiling process manually by flipping the switch at the precise boiling stage that the water is needed.
The design is very streamlined and does not look out of place with the traditional Cha Dao setup.
The cordless aspects of the kettle is priceless as it does not inhibit the process of Gong Fu Tea brewing, when every movement is calculated and precise so as to not over brew the tea.
The switch on the handle has a blue light that comes on and indicates that the kettle is on and when the light is off the water is done. It needs only a gentle touch to turn in on and off with minimal sound coming from it. It is also automatic and will tun off when she has done her job.
Accumulation of residue like calcium or iron is unavoidable unless you use filtration. The residue can be removed with vinegar, or a mild commercial descaling agent.
We, however prefer to use a lemon. Cut a lemon in half and rub the the kettle with it - inside and out. Then fill it with water and put the lemon in and bring it to boil. Once it has been brought to boil, leave it overnight or a few hours minimally.Next day, discard and rinse well and fill with water and bring it to boil and discard the water. Now your kettle is ready for use, again.
Do read your instruction manual thoroughly before handling your kettle and follow them, it is meant for your safety as well as for the longevity of the product.
ENJOY YOUR KETTLE AND YOUR CUPS OF TEA!