8. Chef’s Choice SmartKettle 688

Chef’s Choice SmartKettle 688, $99.99

We could’ve selected any old hot pot or electric water heater as a college or graduate student housing necessity. As you can see, this one certainly isn’t the cheapest on the market. But when we learned about the SmartKettle, we knew it was perfect for tech-oriented students of the kind that read the Tom’s sites. That’s because it is a kettle for geeky perfectionists. The main distinction between this hot-water machine than any other is the microcomputer built into the heating system that can bring water to a very precise temperature fast, while keeping it at that temperature. Why would you want to do that? Well, true geeks know that different beverages taste better at different temperatures. Oh, you didn’t know that? I’m sure you want to learn all about it now.

Chef’s Choice provides a handy chart for the connoisseur in its SmartKettle instruction manual. For example, delicate green tea should be sipped at between 155 degrees Fahrenheit and 168 degrees Fahrenheit. Coffee is your drink? It should be served at between 185 degrees and 196 degrees Fahrenheit. In science class, you learned that water boils at 212 degrees Fahrenheit—much too hot for your morning drink (of course, if you need boiling water, there’s a “rolling boil” setting)!  The manual encourages you to talk to your tea supplier for temperature recommendations. Or, you could just Google it.

Naturally, this kettle’s hot water can also be used for making Ramen, Jello, pasta, or any other food that needs hot water. It heats water faster than a microwave or stove top does. Other features earning this kettle the “smart” description include boil-dry protection (it won’t heat up unless there’s water inside), auto shut-off, a digital whistling noise when the water is ready, and a 360-degree swivel base.

• Chef?sChoice Cordless...
• • Chef's Resource.com
  • $99.95
• • Home Depot
  • $99.99