The Hammacher Schlemmer Institute sought to find the best electric tea kettle, and this one outperformed all other models due to its superior heat retention and rapid boiling, automatic shut-off, and safety features. The 1,500-watt concealed heating element boiled 7 1/4 cups of water in eight minutes (other models required up to 14 minutes) and the unit maintained the ideal tea steeping temperature of 180.5° F, 25 minutes after it was turned off. The kettle's superior features include an automatic shutoff when the water reaches the boiling point or when the water level falls below the two-cup minimum. The lid opens in three stages, allowing steam to slowly (and safely) release, and it has a wide receptacle for water, unlike lesser models with restricted openings that were difficult to fill under a faucet. Made from brushed stainless steel, the kettle was the easiest to use because it has an LED-illuminated water gauge, removable scale filter that treats hard water, the handle remains cool to the touch, and the kettle detaches from the base for ease of carrying. Base plugs into AC. 11" H x 9 1/2" Diam. (5 lbs.)