Smeg Variable Temperature Jug Kettle 1.7L
Smeg Variable Temperature Jug Kettle 1.7L
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- Inventory on the way
- Free Mainland UK delivery over £49 - No Quibble Returns
The Smeg KLF04 takes the same retro silhouette and everyday features of the standard KLF03 and adds seven selectable temperature settings, making it the more considered choice for anyone who drinks a range of hot beverages. The steps run from 50 to 100 degrees C in increments that cover the main requirements: 70 degrees C for green tea, 80 for oolong, 90 to 95 for most coffee brewing methods, and 100 for black tea and a standard boil. A 20-minute keep-warm function holds the selected temperature once reached, and acoustic tones signal the start and end of each cycle, though these can be switched off. The lid, filter, and base are the same as the KLF03: soft-opening with condensation return, a removable stainless steel limescale filter, and a 360-degree swivel base with integrated cable tidy. Available in four colours.
- Seven temperature settings from 50 to 100 degrees C: Select from 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 95, or 100 degrees C using the backlit controls, covering the full range of commonly brewed hot drinks from delicate white teas to a standard full boil.
- 20-minute keep-warm function: After reaching the selected temperature, the keep-warm function holds it there for up to 20 minutes, useful when brewing tea or making drinks in stages.
- Soft-opening lid with condensation return: The lid opens gently and is designed so that any condensation runs back into the kettle rather than dripping onto the worktop or your hand when you open it after boiling.
- Removable stainless steel limescale filter: A washable stainless steel filter in the pouring spout catches limescale particles before they reach the cup and can be removed for cleaning separately.
- Backlit controls with switchable acoustic tones: The temperature selection controls are backlit for easy use, and the acoustic tones that signal cycle start and end can be deactivated if preferred.
What Customers Ask About This Product
Which temperature setting should I use for different drinks?
Green and white teas typically do well at 70 degrees C, oolong at around 80, and black tea at a full 100 degree boil. For coffee, the filter coffee or pour-over method generally works well at 90 to 95 degrees C. The 50 and 60 degree settings are useful for cooling a drink that has already been made, or for warming water gradually for more sensitive applications.
How does the keep-warm function work?
Once the kettle reaches the selected temperature and switches off, the keep-warm function holds that temperature for up to 20 minutes. It then switches off automatically. If you need the water hot again after that, you will need to run another cycle.
Can I turn off the beeping tones?
Yes. The acoustic tones that signal the start of a cycle, the end of a cycle, and the switch-on and switch-off can be deactivated via the controls on the base.
What is the difference between this and the standard Smeg KLF03 kettle?
The KLF04 adds seven selectable temperature settings and a 20-minute keep-warm function, which the KLF03 does not have. The KLF03 boils to 100 degrees C only and switches off automatically. The KLF04 is slightly taller at 275mm versus 248mm for the KLF03, and is priced at £179.95 across all four available colours.
In our experience...
Temperature control makes the most difference with green and white teas. Black tea brewed at the wrong temperature is still recognisably tea. Green tea brewed at 100 degrees C turns bitter and astringent almost immediately. The 70 degree setting is the most practically useful temperature step for anyone who drinks green tea regularly.
The 95 degree setting is the one most relevant to coffee. Pour-over, Aeropress, and most specialty coffee brewing methods call for water just off the boil, typically 90 to 96 degrees C. The 95 degree setting covers this without the need to wait for boiling water to cool, which is the main practical argument for a variable temperature kettle over a standard one for coffee drinkers.
Keep-warm for 20 minutes is more useful for tea than coffee. For coffee you generally brew and drink promptly. For tea, particularly when making multiple cups or steeping for longer, having the water stay at the right temperature without re-boiling preserves the quality of each cup and avoids the slight flavour change that comes from repeated boiling.
The switchable tones are worth knowing about before first use. The acoustic signals are on by default and sound at four points in the cycle. In a quiet kitchen in the morning they can be more startling than helpful. The option to turn them off is in the base controls and is worth doing on first setup if you prefer a quieter appliance.
Variable temperature kettles are also useful for warming baby food and formula. The lower temperature settings at 50 and 60 degrees C are relevant beyond hot drinks. For parents who need water at a precise lower temperature for formula preparation, these settings are more reliable than guessing from a standard kettle.
Specifications
Care & Use Instructions
Limescale filter: Remove the stainless steel filter from the spout regularly and rinse under running water. In hard water areas, clean more frequently. For heavier deposits, soak briefly in a citric acid or descaler solution before rinsing.
Descaling the kettle: Descale periodically using a proprietary kettle descaler or citric acid solution. Fill to the minimum level, run the descaler solution, then rinse thoroughly with fresh water before use. Avoid vinegar, which can leave a residual taste.
Exterior and controls: Wipe the exterior with a damp cloth. Do not spray liquids directly onto the backlit controls or base. A soft dry cloth removes fingerprints and water marks from gloss finishes.
What to avoid: Do not immerse the base station in water. Do not fill above the maximum 1.7-litre level. Do not operate the kettle without water in it.
Why Buy From Art of Living?
Founded in Reigate in 1972, we've spent over five decades helping customers select quality tableware and cookware. We've been twice nominated for the Excellence in Housewares award for customer care.
- No-quibble returns, even used items
- Half-price accidental damage replacement for two years
- Price match guarantee
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I've used it and don't like it?
Return it anyway. Our no-quibble guarantee covers used items. If it's not right for you, get in touch and we'll sort out a refund.
How does the Half-Price Replacement guarantee work?
If you accidentally break this item within two years of buying it, we'll replace it at half price. Just get in touch with proof of purchase and a photo of the damage.
How long does delivery take?
Standard delivery to mainland UK addresses can take 5-7 working days (but is usually much quicker than that), and it's free on orders over £49. Next day delivery is available for £9.95 on orders placed before 1pm Monday to Thursday, depending on your location and our stock levels. You can also collect from our shops in Cobham or Reigate, or our warehouse in Redhill.
Can I collect this item instead of having it delivered?
Yes. You can collect from our Reigate shop (72 High Street, RH2 9AP), our Cobham shop (16 Anyards Road, KT11 2JZ), or our warehouse in Redhill (40 Ormside Way, RH1 2LW). Just select click and collect at checkout. If the option isn't available, this is because there isn't enough stock in your selected collection location. Please get in touch and we can organise stock to be transferred to the right place.