TEA KETTLE

The best kind of tea kettle is one that has temperature control such as the Breville IQ ($199.99, thebay.com). This is because different types of teas are best brewed at different temperatures. Black tea needs a full boil at 212°F (100°C), otherwise the flavour of the tea is not released and you get a layer of scum floating on top. Green tea needs a lower temperature to release its taste— about 160°F (71°C)—and white tea needs 175°F (80°C).