An Electric Kettle Will Elevate Your Tea Time
The electric kettle has a few advantages over its more traditional stove top counterpart. The first is that it heats water faster and more efficiently. Electric tea kettles also have an automatic shut-off, which anyone who has ever forgotten a kettle on the stove will surely appreciate. An additional benefit of the electric kettle is that it can be set to keep the water hot for up to half an hour. Plus, you'll never have to go running to the stove to stop the shrill whistle of a traditional tea kettle!
Electric Tea Kettle Options
The electric kettles in the William Sonoma collection range from basic machines that will boil water at the touch of a button to higher-end models that allow you to select your preferred water temperature, which as any tea aficionado will tell you, is key to a perfectly brewed cup. For example, green tea is best brewed with water that is between 150° and 180° F, while herbal tea tastes best when brewed with water at a full boil (212°F). Being able to control the water temperature is sure to enhance your tea drinking experience.
Williams Sonoma offers electric kettles in a range of styles and finishes, so you won't have any trouble finding one that matches your aesthetic. There are modern stainless-steel models from Breville, Cuisinart and Bonavita. Oxo and Capresso offer elegant glass kettles, and Smeg makes a retro-looking kettle in coated enamel that comes in eight colors. Whichever electric tea kettle you choose, you'll appreciate that it's cordless, meaning it rests on a small electric saucer, which is plugged into the wall but is not itself tethered to an outlet, making it easily portable.
Wrap it Up
An electric tea kettle would make a lovely housewarming or wedding gift. To make it extra special, pair with a collection of fine teas and a muffin or scone mix for the friend who loves to bake. If you suspect your recipient would rather not have to turn the oven on, send the kettle along with some gourmet croissants or pastries and give them the gift of a fuss-free morning.