Hydrofarm CK64050 Germination Station with Heat Mat Reviews

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List Price: $34.99
Sale Price: $31.39
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I used two of these this last spring, and I was extremely happy. My previous year, I used another system for heat, and I had problems with overheating and heat retention.

For those who reported problems with seedlings growing too fast or falling over and dying, I would like to know the larger picture--did you address the potential problem of damping off? And did you provide a grow light at the appropriate height?

I researched several options to address damping off, since that was a huge problem for me last year. I microwaved all of my moistened starting mix, roughly 10 minutes per 2 quarts of moistened soil. If you bake this in an oven, I recommend 30 minutes at roughly 350 degrees. I also bleached and washed any pots that had been previously used. After the seedlings emerged, I sprinkled cinnamon on the surface, and I had no problems with damping off. I was particularly concerned about damping off since there was quite a bit of condensation inside the domes. However, I cleared the condensation at least twice daily, and I did not lose any seedlings out of roughly 150 starts. This was on top of 100% germination, so I gave away lots of starts this year!

I used these for squash, peppers, tomatoes, herbs, eggplants, some flowers, soybeans, shiso, chard, and cucumbers. After transplanting starts into larger pots, I continued to use the heating pad and base for the larger pots. I also had simple fluorescent grow lights that I maintained at proper heights for the plants. You should keep the lights within 2" of the plants, or the plants will be reaching too far for light and will become spindly--a particular problem for tomatoes. For these units, you really need a 4-bulb grow light or the starts on the edges will not receive sufficient light. I had to search around but found a 4-bulb, 4' shop light for a grow light, and I was thrilled with the coverage over these units. No need to buy "grow lights", just alternate cool and warm wavelength fluorescent bulbs.

Because of an unusually cold spring and early summer, I kept my peppers and eggplants inside until mid-June, and a few of them were already blooming and looking extremely healthy. The tallest were roughly 8" tall. The heating pads were wonderful for the peppers and eggplants in particular, but I know the squash also germinated much better because of the heat.

I strongly recommend not using the seed starting mix that is designed for peat pots, unless you use the peat pots in your units. If you use the peat pot starting mix, it will fall all over the place and away from the roots when you pull out your seedlings to transplant them.

Sure, you can make something similar to this with off-the-shelving parts, but I am not commenting on alternatives, just commenting on performance of this system. I highly recommend it but only if you provide appropriate grow lights and address potential damping off.

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Although it may seem a little over priced, it is the convenience that you pay for. The product is exactly what it shows, a plastic tub with a plastic top, plastic dirt moldings, and a heating pad. If you think about the price of the heating pad that fits perfectly with the container, it is well worth the while.

In addition, I have had success with this product. I grow indoor coffee, and I have received a much quicker germination rate; as well as being healthier. Furthermore, it gives you great control of not only temperature, but humidity. In my opinion, that is a major plus.

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First, when the package says it comes with an insert, that means the 72-cell tray you put potting mix in, not the potting mix itself.

Second, you're supposed to take the clear plastic lid off once your plants germinate. That's why there's no room for the seedlings to grow under it. (Though the packaging does feature a tray full of robust seedlings under the lid, which may confuse people who can't be troubled to read the instructions.)

With that out of the way, this product does exactly what it promises. The heat mat warms the tray a bit, but not too much. The tray's cells are the right size for tiny seedlings, the kind that need a heat pad, and soft enough that you can pop the seedlings out without much effort.

The whole contraption fits perfectly under the Hydrofarm JSV2 2-Foot Jump Start T5 Grow Light System. If you buy a Hydrofarm TM01715D 7-Day Digital Program Timer, you can plug both the light and the heat mat into it to have the 14-hour light-warm/dark-cool cycle most seedlings enjoy. These three products together make a great indoor seed starting set-up.

For a backyard farmer or gardener who needs to start a bunch of seeds at once, this will do the job.

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This item is essentially a plastic base and clear top (very flimsy) with a heating pad that the base sits on. It's adequate for starting plants from seed, but my main complaint is that for what you get, it's way too expensive. I believe a fair price for this item would be around $20, NOT $40. If you do decide to purchase a germination station like this one, buy the one with the taller top it doesn't take long before the new plants start running into the 2" tall lid.

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I bought this kit because of the price was about $40 and there was no shipping charge. Now I am just using the heat mat and tray to coax fig cuttings to root. Late winter I will reinsert the planting cell tray and the clear lid to germinate other small cuttings and garden vegetables. The station and mat are standard size and weight. The mat provides good even heat and seems tough enough to last a long time.

Review of Intermatic FD15MWC 15-Minute Spring Loaded Wall Timer, White

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List Price: $19.80
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Hard to find a better direct-wire wall timer of this quality. HOWEVER, this is the third one I have purchased so be warned that they will eventual ware out. The timer will eventual stop counting down and get stuck, leaving your device always on. I have mine hooked to turn off a wall heater in the bathroom. It works well for that. NOTE: Even though it will eventual ware out, they usually last a few years before they do. So yes, they are worth the price. BE WARNED: If the start waring out replace immediately as they will get stuck in the ON position... Thus, 4 stars.

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this works fine. I replaced two of them. also found them actually cheaper at the local Home Depot store. Both seem to work fine.

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Works fine. Easy to install. Some reviews talk about not fitting wall plates. Designed for the plate supplied to fit over the existing plate so plate supplied is over sized for a reason.

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I read the reviews before buying this product and one review said it made loud nose as dial turns.. and s/he is completly right. The noise it makes is pretty loud.. I would NOT recommend this for the bedroom if you are going to use it as some type of sleep timer b/c the noise will bother you. However, I have this installed on my storage room in the kitchen, so the noise is not an issue.

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I wanted a timer to shut off lights in a master closet. I first tried an electronic version but I had interference with some other home automation devices so I resorted to this older spring-wound technology. Simple, works perfectly. This spring wound timer worked as advertised and would be perfect for bathroom fans as well.

Discount Hydrofarm MTPRTC Digital Thermostat For Heat Mats

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List Price: $39.95
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Works like a charm.

Connect the Heat Mat monitor's power cord into the wall, then connect the seedling heat mat's power cord into the monitor.

To set the degrees is very easy. Hold down the button "SET" until the numbers are blinking. Then using the up and down arrows, set the desired temperature then press the "SET" button again to stop the blinking. Also press down the "UP" button for 6 seconds for readings in Fahrenheit or hold down the "DOWN" button for 6 seconds for readings in Celsius.

There is a little wire with a plastic white tip that hangs from the monitor.

Push the white part into the soil for temperature reading.(Once temperature is set, do not be alarmed when your heat mat reaches its maximum temperature you set it to then the Heat Mat monitor temperature will go up and down 3 degrees to prevent over heating)

This is very helpful for starting seeds.

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I am using this mat to keep a constant temperature on my Kombucha brew. Using a standard heating pad, this theromstat does the job. I'm very pleased with it. I can keep the temperature at 79 degrees and not have to have a heating pad constantly on. Keep the suction cup clean so it doesn't pop off the glass and a thermometer handy to monitor the temperature.

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Just like a few other reviewers on here, I bought these for my under tank heaters on my two python tanks. They are very, very effective at regulating the temperatures accurately. I compare the temps on this product with my digital thermometers and they work great.

A few things some people would like to know:

These are set it and forget it thermostats. You put in the maximum temp (i.e, 90 or 92) degrees and this thermostat will automatically kick on if the temp gets 2 degrees less (88 or 90 degrees respectively). This means you are not going to get too much variation in the warm spot hide which is a great thing but you CAN NOT change this variance. I don't see a real reason you need to though.

The probe cables are perfect length and since they are designed for soil applications, they can be buried in substrate. They also have a suction cup if you need to monitor ambient air instead.

TIP: Though some people say you should bury the probe and it should make have DIRECT contact with the UTH, I tried this out and I didn't like it. I am more concerned with the overall micro-climate in the hide or on the surface of the substrate so I just let it lay level with the substrate. That way, if the snake is colder than usual, they will coil in the hide and will give the thermostats a reading that is cooler than the actual temperature. This means the UTH will kick on a little longer than normal and warm the snake back up to a nice temperature.

These thermostats are very heavy duty and can handle a large electrical load (1000 watts). Since most undertank heaters are 24 watts or less, you can definitely use this stat with multiple tank heaters. It has a three-prong connector on it and heavy-duty power cords/connectors.

There isn't a reason you can't use this with visible light heaters but I would imagine it would be annoying to have the constant on/off. Use it with ceramic heaters or heat tamp instead. For the visible light heaters, use a dimmer or proportional thermostat. The same goes for incubators. Get a proportional thermostat for your incub.

PS. Gave it 4/5 stars because it's not a proportional thermostat, but for the money you know what you're getting! Definitely recommend!!!

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This was just what I needed to keep my seed soil at a proper warmth to promote growth. When used in conhuction of a seedling heating pad, it makes growing from seeds a snap. It was easily set-up and easy to adjust as I added different types of seeds. It kept the seeding tray at a constant 81-86 degrees until my peppers had sprouted. Later it kept it at around 75 degrees. The click it makes when coming on and turning off is quiet and no disturbing to the conversation.

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I've used quite a few thermostats in my day, to include those specific for snakes that come from Big Apple Herps, etc. But this little digital thermostat is unbeatable for the price and what it does. I've calibrated it with two different, stand alone thermometers and it's been within 1.5 degrees at all times, and usually closer. For basic UTH use I haven't seen one yet that can match it for the price. I've already ordered 2 more and I've only been using them a short while. The true test will be in how long it holds up...if it does this is a secret ZooMed, Big Apple, Zilla, etc. don't want you to know about or else they will have to re-market some of their thermostats at this price range! It's designed for fish tanks but works great in a dry environment as well. I use it with two different UTHs and it handles both well.

I only keep Eastern and Florida Kings now (with an occasional stray herp. I flip from a development site until I can get it a home) so it's range of function from 68 to 108 degrees is just right for my collection; the unit will shut off automatically if the heat gets about 108 degrees. Unless you get a defective unit this is pretty much idiot-proof.

Again, great product for a great price if it fits your needs.

Review of Soleus Air HM2-15R-32 Flat Panel Micathermic Heater with Remote

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List Price: $145.41
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I purchased two of these heaters. One of them is still working but the temperature up and down didn't work out of the box. The other one worked fine for 3 months and then it started sparking. I contacted the company and they sent a new one after I mailed them $12. The replacement arrived today and IT DOESN'T get warm at all. I tried to call the company and for every extension I called I got no answer. I am now waiting for a phone or email response. I am very upset with these heaters. I wouldn't but one!

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Ok, been using this heater for the last 2 months to heat a bedroom.

pros:-

nicely styled, remote control works well, timer, ECO mode all good, will warm a large bedroom over about 30 mins

cons:-

the function and display could be better designes, takes a while to heat up, no way to turn off the LED display (glows all night), beeps when it turns off timer (can wake you up..!)

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The 1000W version of this product worked great at first, but over time, this particular product line of Soleus Air Micathermic heaters will lose their ability to heat over time. Advertised at 1000 Watts, now, after 1 year, is 478 Watts, and loses wattage each day it's used. This means it's outputting less and less heat. I'm sure that this 1500 Watt version will produce the same results over time.

I submitted a claim to Soleus Air and they have not resolved the problem they only gave some explanation thinking they were right, but I sent them more details of the problem and they have not responded for over 1 month. Looking up my case number on their site, they consider this case resolved. It is not.

This is product is faulty and you won't get any reimbursements, so be careful, and buy a different brand, or a different heating technology like ceramic.

I will not ever buy a Soleus Air product again I do not want to support their company in producing poor quality products with poor customer support.

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I bought this heater Dec 2009, off of Newegg, and when I received it, it was not working. I called Soleus customer service and they promptly sent a replacement. That one was damaged in shipping, and Soleus sent another one to me. This one finally worked, and great at that. I then bought two more of the white versions, and I used them all winter long. I live in a 4 room apartment, not very big, and used them to hear my entire apartment for all winter long, and they have been fantastic! I have electric heat anyways, and these worked better for me, and even my electric bill was a little less compared to the previous winter that I did not have them. Now I am going on to my second winter with them, and I am even buying one for my brother as a gift.

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I own a couple of these heaters. I like that it has a remote and that it beeps each time you change a setting with the remote; getting that confirmation allows you to be across the room from the heater and adjust the temperature. It is a loud beep, so if you plan on turning it on and off during the night, that may be an issue. Since I just leave it at a low temperature setting during the night, the volume of the beep is irrelevant. It is slim and doesn't take up a lot of space, and I can wheel it around to different rooms if needed. It heats up the room quickly and maintains the temperature, and it is also pretty quiet.

The first one I bought had a faulty wheel base and I had to call the company that makes the heater for a replacement part. It took a little bit of work, but after a few phone calls and emails back and forth, I got the replacement part at no extra cost. I don't think it was a stellar customer service experience, but it wasn't painful either.

When you turn on the heater for the first time it does have a smell, but I simply leave it on in a well ventilated room for a couple of days and the smell seems to burn off. I have not noticed a smell after the first two-three days of running it.

Cheap Muskoka MQHS40BWL Infrared Heater with Table Top

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List Price: $319.99
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It's a little darker than the picture, but I actually like the color better. It's been helping heat our house; we set the house thermostat at 62 and it'll still routinely be warmer because of this heater.

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Discount Fahrenheat NPH4A Heavy Duty Portable Heater, 240-volt

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This is an excellent heater for anyone who can provide a 20 amp 210-240 volt power outlet for it. We use the same outlet that supplies our 220 v. air conditioner in the summer months. We set it on Auto so the fan cycles off with the heat when the room temperature reaches our setting. It has a thermal cutoff safety switch that works as it should and cuts off the power if the unit should overheat, such as from a piece of fabric cutting off the air flow. This QPH4A is our basic heat source for one floor of a small house and it really does the job when it's cold outside. The heater is compact and unobtrusive and the best feature in comparison to other heaters in its class is that it is very quiet -no rattling and wheezing, just a soft woosh of warm air.

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I purchased it in the dead of NY winter (which wasn't all that bad this year). Heated a 16'x15' studio with 12' ceilings to a nice, toasty temperature. It's tiny & reliable. A great value.

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after much searching I settled on the Q-Mark QPH4A Portable Electric Heater for my wife's potting shed and craft room, which is a separate building on our small property location. Works great and it heats her potting shed in record time. Her shed is 10' x 16' with a 10 foot ceiling, and is insulated and covered with T&G interior walls. As such, she only has to run Q-Mark on the low setting. Great product, and is relatively quiet and the thermostat works just fine. Only thing I would have liked added to the Q-Mark would be a visable thermometer to see the actually temperature; but we just added a separate thermometer and that does the trick just as well. Heavy duty and well built, I would recommend the Q-Mark without any doubt! Just buy it, and forget your heater worries!!!!!!!!!

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This was a replacement for the same unit that I had for 15 years. Little work horse.

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I bought this heater as I have a solar system that has generated tons of extra kilowatts that I am using to lower my gas heating bill. I tried the small portable ones from the big box stores but they are made in China and don't hold up well (and I prefer to employ Americans!) I tapped this into an extra 240 volt range outlet in my kitchen that wasn't getting used. It is a solid heater and is relatively quiet. It seems to be very durable and I did call the company and verify it is manufactured in the Carolinas. The only knock I have on it is that I wish it put out even more wattage. I was comparing it to one from Home Depot that was 5600 watt max and this one is only about 4000 watts. I have a large house and ever bit would help. I was not expecting this to heat the entire house...just to supplement and minimize the amount the gas kicks on. Overall I was happy with the product and I do believe if I had bought the cheaper, made in Taiwan unit it would not have held up as long. Vote with your dollars...buy made in USA products, they are better!

Reviews of Uniflame Twist Ring Handle Fireplace Tool Set

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List Price: $200.00
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I was looking for a sturdy set of fire place tools, and I found it. Very well made and will last ages.

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The quality of the broom has much to be desired. The bristles are very sparse and falling out.

I would suggest looking for a different set if you are going to use it for more than just a decorative piece.

Cheap SeasonsComfort ERH800 Radiative Heater

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List Price: $62.22
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[this by far the best working radiator heater you can by for the price...works with no oil or water heats up in 10 minutes or less heats normal bedroom in about 1hr confortably much better than oil ones. No smell ..No noise inexpensive to use...[ASIN:B005KYVX0C World Marketing Seasons Comfort Convection Radiator Heater Safety Overheat 3 Heat Settings]]

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Didn't get the cell range promised. Unit was only 3 watts which did not heat up even the unit itself. Had to return unit.

Real Flame Ashley Electric Fireplace, Blackwash Review

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List Price: $729.99
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Had shopped on line in every possible place and this fireplace is definitely the best.

It is very good looking and fits in well with my modern furniture even though it has very classical lines.

The remote and the three different lighting modes are wonderful.

The flames are adjustable, plus you can add the embers and/or overhead lighting.

All this from the remote.

And, the heat can also be controlled from the remote.

All in all, exactly what I wanted and more.

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This fireplace is very nice looking and provides extra heat in our living room. It was relatively easy to assemble, and took about half hour. The "blackwash" is not very noticeable, and it looks just flat black. I wish the fireplace had a compartment for the satellite and DVD player, as there would be plenty of room for it above the heater.

Best Bonavita 1-Liter Variable Temperature Digital Electric Gooseneck Deals

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List Price: $99.99
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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.

Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Bonavita 1-Liter Variable Temperature Digital Electric Gooseneck

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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