Breville BTM800XL One-Touch Tea Maker

This is the One You Have Been Waiting For
I have had 2 other machines. The Zarfina and the TriniTea, neither was truly impressive. This machine blew my socks off.

First - the construction. Stainless steel, glass, black rubber, and plexiglass for the kettle handle.

Second - totally customizable brew temperature (160 degrees - 212 degrees, 5 degree increments), customizable brew time (1:00 to 10:00 in 0:30 increments).

Third - amazing magnetically suspended tea basket moves in and out of the tea during brewing.

Fourth - keep warm feature, timed start feature, it also keeps track of the time since you brewed the tea so you can track its freshness.

Fifth - can operate as an electric kettle, and just heat water if you leave out the basket.

One thing to consider is that the kettle cannot be placed in the dishwasher. To clean you boil water or vinegar for 3:00.

The one thing I feel is that I have gotten every bit of my money's worth from this item. Nothing...
Best Cup of Tea You'll Ever Make
After hearing about this tea maker during a recent visit to a tea shop, I logged in to Amazon to read the reviews, and scoured the web for videos of this tea maker in action. The reviews are correct - this is an incredible appliance.

PROS:
- effortless to make perfect tea
- tea comes out exactly right
- tea prepared at the proper temperature
- water temperature is held while tea is steeped
- can be set to brew tea at a programmed time
- can also function to just make hot water
- keeps tea hot for 1 hour after brewing
- includes a tea scoop

CONS:
- pricy, but worth the money
- carafe cannot be washed under running water
- electric cord is a little shorter than I would like (would've preferred 4-6 inches longer)

After unpacking the tea maker, all that's needed is a quick rinse of the basket, and running the tea maker on the hot water cycle with a full pitcher of water, and then you're good to...
Not Made in Germany, But Still Pretty Awesome
It's easy to mistake this brewer as fine German engineering, but it's "designed in Australia" and "manufactured in China"--frankly, I have no idea where Germany comes into play or why it's written in the logo on the carafe.

With that said, I've waited a couple of months to write my review because I wanted the "ooh, shiny!" effect to wear off; that way there would be more objectivity based on experience and the gremlins hiding in the gears could be flushed out.

When I first opened the package the instruction manual intimidated me because it was the size of a small novel, but after a few minutes it became clear that operation would be much simpler than I anticipated (and it was), and I marveled at the brewer's sleek brushed metal style (it's one kitchen appliance that can be displayed on the counter without embarrassment).

While setting it up I took note of the carafe's weight--it's on the hefty side. Since I generally only make 2-4 cups at a time, it's...
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Cuisinart TEA-100 PerfecTemp Programmable Tea Steeper and Kettle

Doesn't Do Everything to Perfection, but a Solid and Good Machine.
I bought this after my Adagio Teas triniTea Electric 32-Ounce Tea Maker began deteriorating after about a year. I've been using the Cuisinart for about two weeks now, and I really like it compared to the Adagio maker. Below are my list of pros and cons (when comparing this to the Adagio.)

THE GOOD:

The Cuisinart tea maker is a very sturdy device (the kind Cuisinart is known for.) The carafe is very good, the spout does not dribble when it pours, and all of the parts seem to be made quite well. It is also quite easy to use; reading the directions are probably a minor necessity, but once you get the quick hang of it, it is very easy to use. () Fill your carafe and steeper. (b) Turn on and program the desired water temperature. (c) When that is reached and the machine beeps, lower the stepper (with a twist of the dial) and program the steeping time. (d) Once that time is reached and the machine...
Product only seems to have an eight month lifespan..
FINAL UPDATE 6/20/2013: The replacement I was sent by Cuisinart died after eight months, just like its predecessor. The unit was kept clean, the base dry and it handled with care. I used it once about 5-6 times a week, so it's not as though it was being used all day every day. I love the looks the unit and the ability to heat water to different temperatures, but I am now in the market for another electric kettle. A kettle that costs over $100 should last longer than eight months...

UPDATE 10/24/2012: After approximately eight months of consistent usage, the kettle shorted out. When plugged in, all the lights flashed and I was unable to select any of the options. I'd say that it was used about 1-2 times a day for about eight months. While used frequently, it wasn't abused in any way. I kept it reasonably dry on the outside and no dropping/rough handling.

This product has a three year warranty. So, I called Cuisinart and paid ten bucks for them to send me a new...
Almost Perfect
I use to drink coffee where brewing is pretty standard. I always loved teas but could not make it taste good every time because teas are far more difficult to brew properly. And I researched buying an iced tea maker but couldn't find one without problems. This tea maker makes both hot and iced teas to perfection.

At first, I thought this was a cheaper version of the other steeper that sells for around $240. But, I was glad to see that this has fewer moving parts and, therefore, less likely to break down. The water heats rapidly and it keeps the correct temperature for the entire steeping time.

Read directions carefully-they are a little confusing. And it's difficult to spoon loose tea in, get used tea out, and to clean strainer because of poor design. There is some plastic on the tea steeping mechanism which comes in contact with the hot water, but, there is no aftertaste. The metal at the bottom of pot does become permanently discolored but does not seem...
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Alessi MG32AZ/USA Michael Graves Electric Kettle, Blue

Attractive electric appliance
My mother had several of the non-electric versions of these kettles for years. The problem? She kept leaving them on the stove without enough water in them, so the birds would melt, and then the bottom of the pot would get all charred and gross. She claimed she didn't want another electric appliance at home, but I bought this for her birthday and it won her heart. She uses it everyday. It boils water quickly and is really attractive. Of course, it's really expensive compared to other electric kettles, but you're paying for the design, and the design is pretty awesome.
classic design still makes me smile
since we are a bit form over function we were very delighted to discover that this kettle is indeed very functional. it is simple to use and heats up quickly. as a bonus, it is hard to be grumpy when a birdie greets you every morning....
Great looks but has a design flaw
Yes it is expensive and, yes, a $20 kettle can boil water but that is not really the point of an Alessi kettle. The kettle looks great and many people comment on it especially as not everyone in the USA has an electric kettle anyway. The kettle has a fairly big footprint - approx 10 inches across - so it does occupy a fair amount of apace. At one time it seemed it was a bit of a design cliche in kitchens but i still like it

There is a telltale light on the base and a fairly decent size, crescent moon shape, switch also mounted on the base. BUT the feature that makes people smile, namely the whimsical bird, is its downfall. Just like the regular kettle the bird gets hot and can burn if you are not careful. Really not helpful but it looks good. I've found that the kettle will switch off without the bird cap in place but it takes longer to switch off. Somtimes i just leave the bird loosely on the spout so I can remove it bare-handed while still allowing a fast switch-off once...
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