EdgeCraft Chef's Choice 688 SmartKettle Cordless 1-3/4 Quart Electric Kettle

So far, I am very pleased with my SmartKettle. It heats fast, it is pretty accurate, and it doesn't leave a funny taste in the water. With the fully adjustable temperature it works great for any kind of tea. It pours easily without spillage, and the top opens wide for easy cleaning.There are a few things that keep me from giving it a perfect score though:- There is no physical power off switch. There is a button to start/stop heating, but no physical switch to turn off the unit. You have to unplug it if you don't want to keep the BRIGHT display on 24/7. Not a big deal, but a power switch on the unit wouldn't have cost much and would have made it a bit more convenient.- There is no way to adjust the volume of the alarm beeps. It can be a bit loud when brewing a cup at 5am.- The minimum water level for safe brewing is supposed to be 16oz, I've found that you need to fill it closer to 32oz or the unit gives a low water level error and won't turn on. Again, not a big deal, just something to note.Even with these minor quirks, it is still the best adjustable-temperature electric kettle that I have used.****UPDATE****After owning this kettle for 4 months, it began acting strangely. The thermometer would never reach 212 degrees, even though the water inside was clearly boiling. The temp reading would stop at 208, but the kettle was set for 212, so the water would just keep boiling. Eventually it would shut off with an error. I used it sparingly after this as it seemed like a potential hazard. After 3 more months it randomly caught on fire one day. It wasn't even in use at the time. Had I not been in the kitchen to hear the sparking and smell the smoke, I might not have a house right now. I will not be buying another.****UPDATE 2****I was contacted by a representative of Chef's Choice who assured me that this was a unique occurrence and not an accurate representation of the quality of their product. In fact, they asked that I send my unit back so they could investigate. They replaced my SmartKettle and the new unit is working perfectly so far. I feel a lot better about using the product now that I know the company stands behind the quality of their products, and will go out of their way to make things right for those who have had problems.

and when it finally, permanently stopped working, I decided to buy the exact same model over again. I looked long and hard for some other replacement, but couldn't find anything with the same range of features as the Chef's Choice model. Along with a good burr grinder for the beans, an Aero Press, and the Smart Kettle, I'm in coffee nirvana.What Breaks:1.) If you have read other reviews, then you will know the first thing to go is the plastic linkage used to open the lid. Evidently, the heat causes this linkage to stretch and it barely opens the lid. Not a big deal, unless you try to add more water to a kettle that is already hot. I worked around this by using a spare, cool to the touch knob and glued it to the lid so I could open the lid without burning my fingers. (I know, some will say they shouldn't have to fix something they just spent a hundred dollars for. You are absolutely correct, but you won't get any sympathy from me. You've been warned. Deal with it.)2.) After about 20 months or so, the plastic decal fell off the front. I never did get around to gluing it back on.3.) Finally, after about 3 years, it just stopped working altogether. Time for a new kettle.What's really good:1.) Unlike other devices, this kettle allows you to set a temperature that you want to bring the water to. 160 degrees for oatmeal, 177 degrees for soup, 190 degrees for tea, etc. (I've checked the accuracy of the temperature set using a digital thermometer and in most instances, it was right on.) Most other kettles are basically on/off with nothing in between and only stop at boiling.2.) And, when it gets to the desired temperature, it beeps to alert you. So, you don't have to stand there and watch the pot to know when it's ready. Other kettles don't even tell you when they've reached boiling; they just shut off. So, if you're in the other room doing something, you have no idea how long the kettle has been off or what the temp of the water is by then. Lots of luck with that.3.) No strange taste or odors; big plus.4.) Quickly boils water. I use it as a preheat for cooking pasta on the stove.5.) I experienced no calcification build up over years of service and we have very "hard water". Is that due to the stainless steel? Don't know.So, all I can advise is read the reviews, and remember nothing is perfect; and buy quality, not the price.