>On 2008-09-08, Rainy gmail.com> wrote:

>> No, I agree that thermostats being perfectly accurate, digital
>> setting may be a little better. The real issue is that no matter how
>> accurate digital setting is, it's already limited by accuracy of
>> thermostat.

>
>I think the digital pro kettle's temperature control is relatively
>sophisticated. Since heating slows down as it nears the setpoint
>(when not in boil-first mode), this suggests the control algorithm
>tries to avoid overshoot.

>I've used it for gong-fu a couple of times, and the water temperature
>has been quite stable. I haven't noticed the instability (overshoot,
>I bet) at lower water volumes, since I add a liter of water after
>pouring the current infusion's when the kettle starts to get low.
>It's within a degree or so of the setpoint by the time I'm ready for
>the next infusion. Initially, I measured with my regular thermometer,
>too. They only differed when the element has been engaged recently --
>the difference is probably just due to transient temperature gradients
>and the different sensor positions. (The tea was really good, too --
>Harney & Sons' da hong pao.)
>
>
>Another approach that might be feasible for you is to get a decent
>(i.e., not the T-fal Vitesse) non-smart adjustable electric kettle to
>see if you like them at all, and if you find you need it, adding
>smarts later on as budgeting permits. E.g., I would love to have an
>Auber Instruments' plug-and-play temperature controller (or two; or
>ten) someday: http://auberins.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=8

>HTH, and best luck finding a kettle that meets your needs,
>N.