I did not know electric kettles came with temperature settings until I stayed at a friend place and realized my green tea did not taste bitter for once. It was the water temperature all along.

Why Temperature Matters

• Green tea: around 170 to 180 F. Boiling water scorches it and turns it bitter.
• Black tea and coffee: right off the boil, 200 to 212 F.
• French press: 195 to 205 F. Too hot and it gets harsh.
• Instant formula and some foods: precise temperatures matter more than you would think.

What the Settings Actually Buy You

Consistency, mostly. You press 175, you get 175, every morning. With a stovetop kettle you are guessing and you are also standing next to the stove waiting.

Speed is the other thing. These heat a liter in about two minutes and then hold it. If you drink tea or coffee daily, that adds up to real minutes over a year.

What to Check Before Buying

Temperature range and increments. Some only offer four presets, some let you set any degree. A keep warm setting helps if you sip slowly. Gooseneck or standard spout depending on whether you pour over coffee. And check that the lid comes off fully, because kettles with a tiny lid are hard to clean properly.

Mine has been on the counter every day for two years. I use the 175 setting more than any other, which I did not expect when I bought it.