The Breville IQ Kettle and the Temp Select Kettle are two premium variable-temperature kettles from Breville designed for precise brewing. The primary difference is in the level of control: the IQ Kettle offers customizable temperature settings and a real-time LCD display showing the water's current temperature, while the Temp Select uses five convenient preset temperature buttons for common beverages like green tea and French Press coffee.
Here’s everything you need to know about these two popular kettles to decide which one is right for your kitchen.
Breville IQ Kettle
The Breville IQ Kettle is the brand's more advanced option, aimed at tea and coffee enthusiasts who demand a high degree of precision. It combines a sophisticated, modern design with a feature-rich interface, including fully customizable temperature settings and a display that shows you the temperature of the water as it heats up. This level of control allows you to brew even the most delicate teas at their exact recommended temperature.
- What it is: A high-end 1.7L electric kettle with variable temperature control and a real-time temperature display.
- Key features: Customizable temperature selection between 105°F and 212°F, large LCD screen with real-time feedback, "Keep Warm" function for 20 minutes, 1500W rapid boil, and five preset buttons for common preparations.
- Price: Around $150–$180
- Style: Sleek and modern with a brushed stainless steel finish and a high-tech digital interface.
- Materials/Construction: High-grade brushed stainless steel construction, a concealed heating element to minimize scale buildup, a cordless 360-degree swivel base, and boil-dry protection.
- Pros: Allows precise, customizable temperature settings for perfect flavor extraction. Real-time temperature display is great for brewing enthusiasts. Premium build quality and fast boiling. The keep-warm feature is highly convenient.
- Cons: More expensive than the Temp Select model. The interface offers more features than a casual user might need.
This kettle is designed for the discerning hot beverage drinker who wants full control over the brewing process and appreciates a sophisticated, modern appliance.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/en/products/kettles-tea-makers/bke820.html
Breville Temp Select Kettle
The Breville Temp Select Kettle offers similar premium build quality and precision in a more straightforward package. Instead of customizable controls, it features five clearly labeled preset temperature buttons, making it incredibly easy to quickly heat water for green tea, white tea, oolong tea, French Press coffee, or a standard boil. It eliminates the guesswork while still delivering accurate results for better-tasting beverages.
- What it is: A 1.7L electric kettle focused on simplicity with five pre-programmed temperature settings.
- Key features: Five preset temperatures (175˚F, 195˚F, 200°F, 205˚F, 212˚F), 1500W rapid boil functionality, a 20-minute "Keep Warm" setting, and an easy-to-use button interface.
- Price: Around $130–$170
- Style: Modern classic aesthetic with brushed stainless steel that matches most kitchen decor styles.
- Materials/Construction: High-quality stainless steel body with a concealed element for easy cleaning. It also includes auto shut-off, boil-dry protection, and a cordless base for usability.
- Pros: Intuitive and extremely easy to use - just press a button for your desired brew. Offers great brewing accuracy at a slightly lower price point. Still provides rapid boiling and premium Breville quality.
- Cons: Lacks the ability to select a custom temperature outside of the five presets. The LCD display only shows the selected temperature, not the real-time heating progress.
The Temp Select is an excellent choice for anyone who wants consistently perfect hot beverages without needing to memorize temperatures or fiddle with complex controls.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/en/products/kettles-tea-makers/bke720.html
Breville IQ Kettle vs. Breville Temp Select Comparison
Temperature Control & Precision
This is the most significant difference between the two kettles. The IQ Kettle provides unparalleled control, allowing you to select any temperature in 5-degree increments. Its real-time temperature display is invaluable for pour-over coffee fans and rare tea enthusiasts who need to monitor the exact water temperature as it rises. You can perfectly dial in a 183°F brew if you wish.
In contrast, the Temp Select excels in simplicity. Its five presets cover the vast majority of hot beverage needs, from green tea (175˚F) to coffee (200˚F) and black tea (212°F). It delivers the same precision at its programmed set points but doesn't offer any flexibility for brewing temperatures in between.
Design & Materials
Both models share the signature Breville aesthetic with high-grade, brushed stainless steel that looks great and resists staining. They feature concealed heating elements for quicker cleaning and cordless 360° bases for easy pick-up and pouring. Both also have ergonomic handles and well-designed spouts that prevent drips.
The displays are the main visual differentiator. The IQ Kettle has a larger, more detailed LCD screen that feels more high-tech, while the Temp Select has a simpler screen next to its dedicated preset buttons. Aesthetically, both are sleek and will look at home in any modern kitchen.
Price & Value
The IQ Kettle usually costs about $20-$30 more than the Temp Select. If you are a serious brewer who will take advantage of custom temperature settings, the small premium for the IQ Kettle is absolutely worth it. The real-time display and precise control offer excellent value for perfecting specific types of tea or coffee.
The Temp Select provides outstanding value. You get the same build quality, rapid boil, and keep-warm function as the premium model, with the simplicity of one-touch presets. For most users, this kettle delivers everything they need for great flavor without the extra cost.
Who Each One Works Best For
The Breville IQ Kettle is best suited for the beverage connoisseur, home barista, or tea lover who brews a wide variety of drinks that demand very specific temperatures. If you experiment with your brewing or want the most control possible, the IQ Kettle is the clear winner.
The Breville Temp Select is perfect for the user who wants to easily improve their daily tea or coffee without overcomplicating things. If your primary objective is to reliably brew green tea, black tea, and French press coffee correctly, the Temp Select is a fantastic, user-friendly, and cost-effective choice.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both kettles are excellent performers that improve the taste of hot beverages, but they cater to slightly different needs.
Choose the Breville IQ Kettle if:
- You are particular about coffee or tea and want precise, customizable temperature control.
- You appreciate seeing the water's temperature in real time as it heats.
- You brew specialty beverages that require non-standard temperatures.
- You enjoy a more high-tech user interface and are willing to pay a little extra for it.
Choose the Breville Temp Select Kettle if:
- You prioritize simplicity and ease of use over deep customization.
- The standard presets for common teas and coffee cover all your brewing needs.
- You want Breville's premium quality at a slightly more affordable price.
- You prefer dedicated, one-touch buttons for your most-used settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the IQ Kettle and Temp Select?
The main difference is the temperature control. The IQ Kettle allows for fully customizable temperature settings and shows the temperature in real time, while the Temp Select uses five pre-programmed temperature buttons for simplicity.
Does the IQ Kettle show the temperature as it heats up?
Yes, one of the key features of the IQ Kettle is its real-time display that shows the current temperature of the water as it rises, allowing you to stop it at the perfect moment if needed.
Can you select any temperature you want on the IQ Kettle?
You can adjust the temperature in 5-degree increments, giving you a very high degree of custom control over your brewing temperatures compared to most other kettles.
Are the preset temperatures on the Temp Select accurate?
Yes, both kettles feature highly accurate thermostats. The Temp Select reliably heats water to the chosen preset temperature for consistent and flavorful results every time.
How long is the keep-warm function on these kettles?
Both the IQ Kettle and the Temp Select have a "Keep Warm" function that will maintain the selected water temperature for up to 20 minutes after it finishes heating.
Are both kettles made of plastic-free materials inside?
The heating elements and interior surfaces of both kettles that come in contact with hot water are made from high-quality stainless steel to prevent any plastic taste and ensure durability.
Which kettle is faster at boiling water?
Both models use a 1500W rapid-boil heating element and have the same capacity. Their boiling times are virtually identical and are quite fast compared to standard electric kettles.
Is the higher price of the IQ Kettle worth it?
If you are a beverage enthusiast who will frequently use the precise, custom temperature controls, then yes, the extra cost is justified for consistently perfect brewing results. If you primarily use common temperature presets, the Temp Select offers better value.
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