Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Braun WK200W Aqua Express Electric Water Kettle, White

Price:
Manufacturer: Braun
Buy from amazon.com

Large 54 Ounce Capacity / Heats water with AC power / Carry Jug to table Water level indicator on both sides Easy filling through large spout Lime scale filter for fresh taste Cool-to-touch lid Color - White

Information

  • Amazon Sales Rank: #22221 in Kitchen & Housewares
  • Brand: Braun
  • Model: WK200
  • Dimensions: 11.40" h x 7.55" w x 9.20" l, 2.88 pounds
  • 1,500-watt electric kettle quickly heats up to 6 cups of water
  • Separate heating element and ergonomic handle provide easy pouring
  • Anti-calcification filter ensures better tasting water
  • Automatic shutoff for added safety
  • Measures 9-1/5 by 7-5/9 by 11-2/5 inches

Product Reviews

Amazon.com Review
Featuring an ergonomic handle and smooth lines, Braun's 1,500-watt electric water kettle handily sits on a separate heating element. When water boils--one cup takes only 70 seconds--it's a relief to pick up the kettle and pour without worrying about the plug dragging behind. Once the kettle is removed from the base, it automatically turns off for safety. This good-sized kettle heats up to six cups of water, making it ideal for small meetings at the office or to quickly heat up water (and water only, please) at home. It has an anti-calcification filter to help keep the water tasting clear and clean. --Dana Van Nest


Great Braun Electric Kettle
We were recently in England and saw friends using an electric tea kettle that was different than any we had ever seen in the U.S. I had to have one. When we got home I found this lovely Braun electric kettle and purchased it immediately. It does all we expected. It has a large capacity so you don't have to refill it constantly. It boils very, very quickly and shuts off so I don't have to watch it. I love being able to take it to the sink to fill it without dragging the cord. It's very easy to clean because it detaches from the base. I like the large handle grip and the water window on both sides. We use it for everything instant including soup. How did we get along without it?

Simply a better kettle
Not only does this improve upon the standard stove-based kettle, but it improves upon the previous generation of fixed-cord electric kettles.

The separation of kettle and corded base allows the former to be taken to the sink (or refrigerator if you're boiling pitcher-filtered water) without bother. It makes pouring at the table or in another room easy, as well. The cord can be wound inside the base so that only the needed length is exposed - neatening your countertop. The base has a "360-degree rotational connection," which means that you don't have to align the kettle in any particular way when replacing it. No buttons to press, no connector to snap.

The handle and kettle shell stay cool, obviating the need for a hot pad when picking it up, and the single control is as simple as can be: press it to start and it turns itself off when the water boils. If you forget about it, you needn't worry about boiling away all the water and leaving yourself with a burnt pot. (It will also turn off automatically if the pot is empty, the lid is opened, or the pot is removed from the base!)

The anti-calcification filter reduces scaling and thus the need to run a vinegar solution to clean out the buildup (something most people never do with their stove-based kettles). The design allows you to easily see the entire inside of the kettle, so you can keep an eye on things.

For those who regular drink tea or other beverages made with stove-boiled water, an electric kettle is a real convenience. This Braun kettle is about as convenient as they come.

Clean Design, Very Functional
I got this after destroying a ... Alessi kettly by accidentally letting it boil dry until the plastic parts melted...

I was about to spring for one of the Zojirushi megabuck dispensers, when I spotted this unit. I have always liked Braun (more consistently good than Krups or Cuisinart) for their design and ergonomics. This pot doesn't fail to impress. This baby is FAST; It boils water at 1 minute per 8-oz cup (or faster, if you start with hot tap water). For a single cup of tea, this is about as fast as you can select a teabag and prepare the cup! BTW, this actually holds 7 cups, not 6 as described.

The design is very nice and clean-looking. The base is especially well-designed, since you can put the pot on rotated in whatever way is convenient. This is apparently a big win over the Krups kettle. The "mineral filter seems like overkill, but it does prevent splashing of the boiling water, and causes pouring to be very smooth. Cleanup is brain-dead simple (pour out the excess water after use, and flip the top open to allow evaporation). Pot itself does not get too hot to touch, and the handle stays completely cool. Automatic-off features work under all sensible scenarios: when it reaches full boil, when the top is opened for any reason, when lifted off the base, or when the pot is empty.

As for the Zojirushi dispensers? They may be useful if you want a lot of water (up to 5 liters for the big ones) held at a controlled temperature. But for most home uses, this need is rare, and otherwise deosn't justify the ... price tag.

For me, the Braun is one of those are kitchen appliances that took a while to see the need for, but now I couldn't live without. A real time and hassle saver!


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