I have never had a water kettle before - this is so handy!  It is a great compliment to my coffee station at home near my collection of teas - I learned that different types of teas are best at different temperatures when i got this - there are built in temp settings with this Hamilton Beach Kettle.  I appreciate that when I pick up the unit that the cord stays with the base & that the easy touch pop up lid makes it easy to fill with water.  I have started it when i begin to create soups so that i have hot water to add when needed & have used it when preparing instant potatoes. The nice looking stainless steel finish unit holds quite a bit of water & heats quickly & stays hot or warm as set for just the right amount of  time for serving.  I like the automatic shut off feature too.  I am so glad I now have this handy Variable Temperature Kettle by Hamilton Beach.