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By upgrading from this kettle http://steepster.com/teaware/revere-ware/46814-classic-2-1-slash-3-quart-whistling-tea-kettle to the Bonavita, I feel like a time traveler who has left the Stone Age behind and I’m now light-years ahead!

This variable-temperature kettle is such a joyful convenience. Gone are the days of boiling and using a thermometer, then waiting for it to cool to the needed temperature. That’s OK for one cup. However, it’s a real pain for the multiple infusions of Gong Fu and even worse if you want to temper (pre-heat) your gaiwan, yixing, or cup before brewing! Also, being able to select any temperature from 140 to 212F is rather rare among current competing electric kettles and more expensive water boilers. Most only offer a few preset temperatures. The Bonavita will also hold your selected temperature for one hour with a touch of the Hold button.

The Bonavita also boils water much faster than our old stove-top kettle. It boils so fast (8 oz. tap water in 2 min. 41 sec.), that timer operation for that all-important first cup of the morning, while convenient, is not a necessity.

The trigger handle is very comfortable to hold and the attractive gooseneck spout pot is well-balanced for pouring. The controls are simple and intuitive to use. The display is very bright & distinct and provides a continuous real-time temperature readout. This model appears to be well-construted. Unlike a hot stove-top kettle, a hot Bonavita can be placed directly on a table as it has an insulated base.

Since an electric kettle is only used to heat water, rather than for brewing, there’s no possibility of a strong tea residue affecting the next pot of tea.

Overall, I’m very pleased with this variable-temperature kettle – Highly recommended!

Many thanks to all the following people who have posted very helpful comments or reviews on this variable-temp. kettle: Ashley, Cheri, Chris Van Patten, Dinosara, Kat_Maria, Kevin, Kokabel, Lion Repshire, Sarsonator, Stephanie, Tealizzy, Terri HarpLady, and TinaCHammonds.

New model suggestions:
1. As others have suggested, an audible tone (something melodious rather than a harsh beep or an adrenaline-inducing alert) to inform the user when the desired temperature has been reached would be helpful for faster-paced multi-tasking mornings. A quick glance at the temperature display is all that’s currently needed for this purpose.

2. A built-in count-down timer with a pleasant audible tone such as: http://steepster.com/teaware/teavana/39312-perfect-preset-tea-timer. The current count-up timer is a nice touch if you have the ability to watch it – on your desk where you’re working.

3. A hybrid model that would combine all the features of this model with a vacuum insulated teapot. The Bonavita version of a water boiler: http://steepster.com/teaware/zojirushi/39783-ve-r-hybrid-water-boiler-and-warmer-cv-dsc40-4-liters. When I recently contacted Zojirushi, they had no plans for a variable-temperature model.