This kettle is fabulous for tea lovers who love variety and want the water temperature to be just right (not all teas require the same temps). You have complete control of the temps and then can keep it at that temp for half an hour steady.  You can see from across the room whether the pot is on--the water view glows a bright blue when on.  Water heats fast--a whole pot of boiling water in about 4-5 minutes.  It also has a filter, which is helpful if you live in a hard water area like I do, and it is removable to clean.  I love that you can lift the pot and leave the corded base behind while serving.  Only drawback is that the pot is quite hot on the outside.  It would be absolutely perfect if it were insulated on the outside so that no one gets burned.  The black stainless steel looks very classy--prettier than the photos.  I would definitely recommend this Hamilton Beach Variable Temperature Kettle for all serious tea lovers.