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I love this kettle. I just got it and have only used it a few times. I'll try to post an update on durability after further use, but it feels sturdy and I expect I will only be happier 6 months from now. I made the best cup of pour over coffee I've had. With the accuracy of temperature and the quality of the goose neck spout, the coffee grinds rose as they are supposed to on the initial pour and the follow on pour was consistent, which is just what pour over needs.
I've been waiting for an electric kettle where I could select any temperature desired (as different coffee beans require different brewing temperatures as do teas), hold that temperature for a reasonable length of time, and have a goose neck spout. The Bonavita is the first solution I've found and it is perfect. The controls are simple, the digital readout is large and clear, and the functionality is better than I expected.
I previously had a Hario goose neck stove top kettle and I am way happier with the Bonavita. Here's why.
1. Holds a Temperature: With the stove top Hario, after boiling, I would have to remove the lid to put a thermometer in as I let it cool to my desired temparature. Often, I'd get distracted and have to reboil and cool the water. What a waste of time and energy. The Bonavita lets me select a temperature and let's me choose to hold that temperature for up to an hour once it is reached. I can set it and when I return, it is at the right temperature no matter how long I'm gone. Also, my probe thermometer fits in the vent holes in the top because they are larger than the ones on the Hario. If I want to verify temperature accuracy of the unit, I can do so easily. Since the BonaVita maintains the temperature, if I need 10 seconds or a couple minutes to get my coffee ready, the temperature is still exactly what it should be when I start my pour, instead of a few degrees too cool with a stove top kettle.
2. Won't boil over at max fill: With the Hario, if I filled to the max level and didn't remove it soon after boiling started, it would boil over. The BonaVita can be filled to the full 1 liter mark and will not boil over.
3. Pours well: I found the Hario challenging to pour slowly when full and challenging to maintain a consistent stream when trying to pour slowly. The BonaVita seems to pour better throughout the range of volumes of liquid inside.
4. Lid secures well: With the Hario, the lid just slips in. This means that you need to use a hand to hold the lid on as you tip the kettle to pour. The BonaVita secures the lid with adjustable tabs so that you can set the tension as you desire it. This is safer and keeps my second hand free.
5. Count up timer: I didn't even know the BonaVita had this feature when I purchased it. After you pick it up, a simple touch of the "+" button starts a timer (mintues & seconds) which will count up to 7 minutes. For the best pour over coffee, you are supposed to time your pours and pauses. Now I don't need a separate kitchen timer out on my counter. The Kettle doubles as my timer. AWESOME!
6. Handle comfort & Safety: The Hario wasn't uncomfortable. There are a number of exposed metal components near the handle which could lead to burns. The BonaVita has one of the most comfortable handles I have ever used. I has a good thickness and curve and is designed so that you can primarily use your thumb and pointer finger which are your strongest fingers. It also has plastic between the grip of the handle and the side of the kettle which should prevent accidental burns.
Overall Features:
+ Boils Quickly
+ Set temperature to any degree is simple: The last setting is retained when turned off (but not unplugged) and displayed when briefly when turned on. Pressing +/will modify that temperature. Pressing the Set Temperature button will cycle through the 6 factory presets. I do not believe you can customize these presets, though even if they are not the exact temperature needed, they can get you close so that you only need to hit + or a few times.
+ Recall stored temperature settings for various beverages is simple, though you might want to keep a notepad around with what beverage is brewed at what temperature as it just displays the temperatures
+ Switching between Fahrenheit and Celsius is simple. Press one button.
+ Holding temperature for an hour is simple (push one button) and can be re-selected after a pour for the remaining water in the kettle.
+ Temperature Display: Clear and continues to display even after the unit stops heating water (while cooling down or holding temp).
+ Lights: One light lets you know whether the unit is on (heating) since the temperature display remains on for a time (don't know how long yet. Instructions claim 1 hour if not removed from base after temperature is reached, and 7 minutes if unit is picked up and returned to base). One Light lets you know that the "hold" setting is on or off
+ Count up timer is simple press one button when the kettle is off the base and the timer starts. It stops when you replace the kettle and resets to zero to be started again when picked up again.
+ Looks Great
+ Pours well
Resources:
Manual
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I have had the kettle for four days now, and here is my impression.What I like:
It appears to do a pretty decent job holding temperature, seemingly staying within +2 degrees of target.
It only requires a handful of button presses to input the target temperature.
The cord keeper in the base is handy, and built so you can adjust how much cord extends out of the base.
The digital readout is bright, very legible, and nicely angled.
The buttons are tactile, and click slightly when you press them.
The handle is reasonably comfortable, and the lid attaches securely, yet it is not difficult to remove.
The pour is very controllable.
The one liter capacity is more than enough to do a pourover for two 8oz cups.
What I don't like:
The build quality is questionable.
While the goose neck spout appears to be braised or welded to the body of the kettle (it seems pretty sturdy), it was attached crooked (c'mon, seriously?).
The curved bend of the spout is showing a kink in one spot.
The ends of the spout both where it meets the body and the end where the water exits are poorly finished. The inside where it attaches to the body has hanging "chads" or filings that are obstructing the flow of water, and the end where the water exists has burrs. I suspect that these obstructions are what keep this from flowing as fast as and smoothly as my Hario. I may clean these up myself at some point.
The outside surface finish of the metal is kind of rough. They could, and should, have taken it to another step of smoothness. The surface is rough enough where I could file my nails on it.
The black heating element cover that is attached at the base of the kettle is not seated evenly.
The logo is printed as opposed to being stamped into the metal, and I fully expect it to wear off (this could be a good thing).
The steps to follow (button presses) to set the temperature are easy enough, but I have to press the power button each time I return the kettle to its base.
It comes with a thin, translucent, PE cover for the base to protect it during "frequent use". Seriously? You mean that this kettle base wasn't made to handle the inevitable splash of water, and so I have to keep it covered with this ugly plastic cover that looks like I left the packing material on?
The 1 liter max fill level line is stamped on the inside, and while not a big deal, is not easy to see.
Sometimes when heating up, it seems to slow down to a crawl as it approaches the target temperature.
The base feels like a thin piece of plastic.
In conclusion: It operates well, but a bit more attention to fit and finish is needed.
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Wow, what a detailed instruction manual this comes with!There are 6 buttons on the base, along with an LED display. I was expecting something more basic, but it's certainly not a bad thing that the kettle has so many features. It's not as easy as "plug in and turn ON."
Once you've reviewed the instructions and set up the kettle with your personal preferences (using the afore mentioned buttons), it's simple enough to use. The exterior does become hot to the touch, and it is recommended that you place it on an uncluttered surface where it won't come into contact with anything else. If you have hard water, it is recommended that you use a brand-name product to remove the inevitable scale build-up. You cannot put the kettle into the dishwasher to clean it. The manual explains what temperature setting to use for coffee and tea (even specifying temperatures for black, green and oolong teas.) Allowing for differences in elevation is also recommended when selecting the temperature. (As I implied above, it does get a little technical.) The "boil" temperature is said to be 205 degrees F (at a relatively low altitude.) You have the option of using the Celsius temperature measure. The goose neck DOES allow for a very controlled pour. The kettle does not whistle, nor will you see steam escaping from the spout at the specified temperatures. I am happy with the coffee and tea I have made using it. The one-liter kettle heats your water very quickly--16 ounces only takes 1--1 1/2 minutes. You must wait 1 minute before refilling it to use it again. Just make sure that you have the necessary space for this on your counter and be prepared to spend some time familiarizing yourself with its operation.
Also--and this may be an issue for many people--it is recommended that you NOT plug it into an outlet connected to a circuit with any other appliance requiring a heavy load. (I may not have worded that correctly but hopefully you'll get the idea.) Apparently it uses a lot of "juice."
I'd say that it is a premium product. This is probably one of the best choices if you want something that will go the distance and that will last. It's solid and does not slide around on your counter. It works efficiently and quietly, does more than you think you'd need, & is attractive. I would say that it's worth the price, especially given the problems/complaints people have about other electric kettles (even those with very recognizable import brand names, most of which are made in China anyway.) I was very surprised to find out that those French and Italian brand names did not indicate the country of origin. So don't be lured into thinking you're buying something made in a European country synonymous with style or craftsmanship. Pretty is as pretty does. Almost forgot to mention: you can even adjust the fit of the lid (to make it as snug/secure [or loose] as you'd like.) It's very thoughtfully designed!
Honest reviews on Bonavita 1-Liter Variable Temperature Digital Electric Gooseneck
This is my first electric kettle and I would have gotten one years ago but I was waiting to find one that had a goose neck to take advantage of improved control for pour over coffee. I LOVE the settings of the Bonavita, the ability to hold the temperature for an hour, and the fine pour control. It is simple, easy to use, and has great features.Unfortunately in under a month the lid and very top of the kettle (where the lid snaps into the kettle top) already has rust :-( . After each brew I pour the remaining water out of the kettle and hand shake it dry and do the same with the lid, and then set the lid on top of the kettle perpendicular to its natural resting state when it is on the kettle for brewing.
If you are ok with the rust, or know how to prevent it, I would go with this kettle. Otherwise I would look for something made with higher quality metals.
Pros:
Excellent options for settings.
Hold temperature for one hour.
Easy to adjust in 1 degree increments.
Presets.
Fine pour control with goose neck.
Con:
RUST in under one month of using it.
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I have been looking for this product for years. Set the exact temperature and that's what you get. Increments of 1 degree plus a few preset options. All stainless. There is plastic inside at the top where the handle is attached, but it is not submerged in water. It is above the max fill line. They put a strip of plastic against the outside of the kettle in line with the handle so your fingers won't accidentally touch the hot surface. Good thinking on Bonavita. The hold feature is priceless. It holds the temp for an hour and then shuts off. They even include a waterproof protection cover for the base. I have emailed Bonavita and they responded immediately. Great company. I believe they worked with a standards committee in order to get this thing to market. Excellent for coffee, tea, hot cocoa, ramen noodles, or whatever. Not to mention much less expensive than the competition. Highly recommended.
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