Zarafina Tea Maker Suite with Ceramic Tea Pots, Cups, and Serving Tray Review

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(More customer reviews)I do really like this tea maker - it makes perfect tea, every time, as others have mentioned. I would not go so nuts as to say that it's a manna from Heaven like others are also suggesting; for one, it's too pricey for what it actually does, and for two, you have to be REALLY careful with how you use it. While I haven't had a problem yet (I've had it for a few weeks with daily use), my fiance got a drop of water on the underside of the removeable container after rinsing it out and the appliance tripped the GFI on the outlet several times, preventing the appliance from shorting out. Now, I can understand not immersing the base in water, but a miniscule drop of water causing this much potential damage on a part that is supposed to be rinsed out? Not the greatest design there...just take care to make sure water doesn't remain on the prongs at the bottom of the removeable container.
I would recommend the product overall and am happy with it, although I'm a bit worried that it may have a major meltdown at any moment from something I may do accidentally. Really great tea, though!
*UPDATE* I have now had this tea maker for a couple of months, and have not had a single problem since the GFI-trip issue (I use the appliance 2 to 3 times a day). Carefully checking the removeable container for water on the prongs has prevented any further problems, and I believe there's a good chance that those experiencing the water-heating failure may have unknowingly had a bit of water on the electrical elements when plugging it in and caused a short - my machine probably would have had the same damage if I hadn't plugged it into a GFI-protected outlet (which was honestly just plain luck). I'm *very* happy with the quality of the tea and the convenience of using this machine.

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Attractively housed in a dark shale color with stainless-steel accents, this 16-ounce electric tea maker provides a new way to create the ideal cup of tea. The various kinds of tea, such as black, green, herbal, and white, actually need different times and temperatures to steep properly. Easily controlling the steeping time and temperature can be difficult with traditional kettles and teapots. Just a few degrees too hot or a minute too long and even the finest teas can lose their aroma and flavor. With its innovative technology, Zarafina's tea maker provides a complete tea solution to achieve the ideal cup of tea though the perfect union of time and temperature. Plus, it allows for experimenting with the fusion of leaves and water more fully than ever before so tea drinkers can enjoy a range of premium loose teas or bagged teas to match any mood and taste. To use, simply add a favorite loose or bagged tea to the infuser basket, adjust the tea settings for the type of tea desired and the strength preferred (from mild to strong), turn the power on, and the art of tea making begins. Once the water has reached the proper temperature, the infuser basket immerses allowing the tea leaves to come in contact with the water. From there, the tea maker carefully maintains the ideal water temperature until the steeping cycle is complete. Once the tea has reached the perfect union of time and temperature, it automatically dispenses into the elegantly crafted two-cup ceramic teapot. Along with the teapot, the tea maker suite includes two ceramic tea cups and a ceramic serving tray for sharing the simple pleasure of a gourmet cup of tea. The tea maker measures 19-3/7 by 12-3/4 by 25 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty. From the ManufacturerMore About the Zarafina Brand Zarafina means heavenly, and the Zarafina brand hopes to be a warm and inviting friend that ensures that the unique experiences you seek are of the highest quality. In an attempt to be your guide to life’s riches, Zarafina inspires the exploration of simple pleasures that relax the body and delight the senses. For you who appreciate quality and those small infusions of pleasure into your lives, the Zarafina brand provides a tea-centric experience that will enrich time spent with friends, close family, and self.

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Zojirushi CV-DSC40 VE Hybrid Water Boiler and Warmer, Stainless Steel Review

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(More customer reviews)I am a recently disabled adult that cannot get enough of a good cup of tea. So seeing this I thought it would make a nice birthday present for me, and make life a little easier around the kitchen. It performs as it says it will.
It looks bulky but is surprisingly lightweight and easy to handle. The whole unit spins on a lazy-susan device making it east to direct the steam vent away from kitchen surfaces.
You will need a water pitcher of some kind to fill this easily. I have a medium sized one sand simply filly the pitcher twice to fill this device once. The handle on top, removable lid, and notched corner makes emptying and cleaning a breeze.
The temperature features are splendid and accurate, there are three:
205 for noodles/ramen etc, herbal infusions, pu-er, Assam and some other black teas..
195 For Darjeeling or delicate blacks like Illam valley are at this temperature as well, let the water sit a few minutes in the brew pot befor adding tea leaves, if you have a very delicate tea.
175 for green or white teas. A few of the more delicate whites fill the tea pot first, then add the leaves. By filling your teapot dry first, this allows the water to lose 5-10F by just warming the pot. Often enough to make a better flavored tea.
On a given day I can go from pu-er tsocha right from boiling, and set the temp to 195. Make a pot of bold assam in the afternoon when at a full boil, then set the temp to 175. Now, after dinner it is set for making jasmine tea for dessert. All with a minimal energy usage and cost.
I have found it a good idea to refill it only 1-2 times then empty the remains, give it a brush inside with a towel, and then let it completely dry. My scale buildup was reduced quite a bit this way.
For a fully able person this unit -is- a bit of a luxury. A simple electric teapot with temperature control would do you just fine for a fraction of the initial cost. This will make cost up over time by the thermos nature though, just a fyi.
Have a chain tea drinker in your life though or thoughts for limited commercial use (like a small teahouse), or like tea but have a very full life and time schedule? This would make a great gift for you or even a small splurge to treat yourself.UPDATE:
Almost two years later and it not only looks fine but functions just as well as the day I got it. I have to descale it about every 9 months or so. Other than that it is pretty maintenance free. Talk about longer term bang for your buck. If you drink tea or would use boiling water on a daily basis, this is a staple for your kitchen.
Some other uses I found. When making soup, rice, thinning a sauce, or deglazing a pan fill your measuring device from the Zojirushi set in slow pour. I now use water from the boiler and the hot water not only speeds up the process, but some flavors are left alone because the room temp water would have cooled the dish and altered the flavors.
I have also found the steel finish wipes very easily. A friend who bought the white version has some staining that stubbornly persists to this day. All in all if you get one you will not be disappointed.
(small edits made above with input from trial and error over the period I've owned this boiler.)

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With a large 4-liter capacity, this water boiler and warmer comes in handy when serving hot beverages at a party, meeting, or other large gathering. The unit's stainless-steel double insulation wall keeps water hot with minimum electricity, while it Cafe Drip dispensing mode allows for slower dispensing. Multiple temperature settings include 175, 195, and 208 degrees F, reboiling at 212 degrees F. The appliance features a micro-computerized temperature-control system, and its control panel displays the actual water temperature at all times. Other highlights include a convenient timer function that can be set from 6 to 10 hours, an easy-to-read water-level gauge, a 3-foot power cord, automatic safety shut-off, and an audible beep indicator to alert to the completion of the boiling process or a low water level. The unit's clear-coated stainless-steel exterior cleans easily and nicely accommodates any kitchen decor, domestic or commercial. The 840-watt water boiler and warmer measures 8-3/8 by 11 by 13-13/16 inches.

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