I love having a warm drink and an afternoon treat to end my day. I also love having quick breaks at work to waste a tiny bit of time (don’t tell my boss!). So you can see why tea is an appealing drink- it’s quick to make, easy to drink and great for collecting mugs.
But green tea? You can forget it. I always found it to be a little bit too bitter and from-the-ground tasting. That is, until I found an electric kettle that actually had a button specifically for green tea.
Little did I know that water temperature can change the flavour of different teas, and some teas, like green and white tea, should have water that is NOT boiled. Instead, they need a specific temperature so they can steep well and keep their original flavour.
This temperature variable, electric kettle has changed the game for me, and now, you too can enjoy the health benefits of green tea without the yucky, dirt-like taste.
Sunbeam Alinea Select Kettle
from $159 , Myer
Best for: green tea
When I’m making tea, all I have to do is touch a button to get the perfect temperature for the type I’ve chosen.
While I’m always down for a good cup of Australian Afternoon (any black tea can be just done with the boil function), my newfound love for green tea is palpable, and this kettle is getting a good workout. The only downside I’ve found is that if I’m brewing for more than one, the green or white tea function isn’t as practical, unless everyone wants one. Using the boil function for bigger brews works best, as most Australians prefer black tea.
My absolute favourite part, though? It makes a fun little noise when it’s finished boiling!
Colours: White, black
Key features:
- 1.7L Capacity
- One Boil prepares enough water for 7 standard cups
- Powerful 2400-watt element enables rapid heating and is concealed in the kettle base for easy cleaning
- Choose between 5 optimal temperature settings: Green Tea, White Tea, Oolong Tea, Coffee or Just Boil
Available at:
- $156 from Appliances Online
- $128 from Bing Lee
- $159 from Kitchen Warehouse
Other electric kettles the BHG team loves
Breville The Smart 1.7L kettle
KitchenAid 1.7L variable temperature electric kettle
Russell Hobbs Addison Kettle
De’Longhi Icona 1.7L kettle
What is a temperature variable kettle?
A temperature variable kettle is a type of electric kettle that has the option to heat your water to specific temperatures. This is so your variety of tea can be steeped at the ideal temp.
The right temperature for different types of tea
Black tea is simple; all you need is to boil your water (100°C). For other teas, these are their ideal temperatures:
- Green and white tea: between 70 °C and 85 °C
- Oolong tea: between 85 °C and 90 °C
- Herbal tea: most can be brewed at a normal boiling temperature, but some require a lower level (like chamomile at 90 °C) so as not to make the tea bitter.
The health benefits of drinking green tea
Green tea contains a high concentration of antioxidants and polyphenols, which can lead to health benefits if consumed regularly. Antioxidants help to protect cells and aid in boosting brain function. Since green tea also naturally contains fluoride, it may also prevent tooth decay and damage.
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