Quick answer
Use the Breville Smart Crystal Luxe Kettle's five varietal settings to heat water to the exact temperature recommended for your tea or coffee. Select the correct setting before boiling, and the kettle will stop automatically at the ideal temperature.
Why variable temperature matters
Different teas and coffee require different water temperatures to extract the best flavor. Boiling water can scorch delicate green or white tea leaves, while underheated water won't fully extract from black tea or French press coffee. The Smart Crystal Luxe Kettle removes this guesswork by offering five pre-set varietal settings.
Choosing the right setting
The kettle has five settings: White (160°F), Green (175°F), Oolong (195°F), Black (200°F), and French Press (200°F, with a slower pour). If you're brewing a blend or a tea not listed, start with the setting closest to its recommended temperature and adjust based on taste. For example, a delicate jasmine green tea works well on the Green setting, while a robust Assam black tea benefits from the Black setting.
How to use the temperature settings
- Fill the kettle: Fill the kettle with fresh cold water to at least the minimum fill line. Avoid using distilled or softened water, as it may affect taste.
- Select your tea or coffee type: Press the VARIETAL TEMPERATURE button until the desired setting (White, Green, Oolong, Black, or French Press) lights up. A common mistake is pressing the button too quickly and skipping past your intended setting—pause for a second between presses. If you accidentally skip a setting, continue pressing until it cycles back around.
- Start the boil: Press the START/CANCEL button. The kettle will heat the water to the selected temperature and then keep it warm for 20 minutes. Do not lift the kettle off the base during heating, or it will stop. The keep-warm function is great for multiple cups, but don't reheat water that has been sitting for more than an hour.
- Pour and brew: Once the kettle beeps and stops, carefully pour the water over your tea leaves or coffee grounds. For French press, pour slowly to avoid agitating the grounds too much. Pre-warm your teapot or mug with a splash of hot water to maintain brewing temperature.
Product used in this guide
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the Smart Crystal Luxe™: This 7-cup capacity kettle knows the ideal temperature for tea or coffee. Choose from 5 varietal settings to perfectly brew Black, Green, White, Oolong Tea or French Press. You don't need a separate thermometer or to guess when the water is ready—the kettle stops heating at the precise temperature for your drink.
the Smart Crystal Luxe™
