What makes the Zen so special? Considering the brand’s reputation, you know it’s going to be multi-functional. First, rather than just boiling water, Instant Pot’s kettle allows you to designate a specific temperature from 105°F to 212°F. This is an absolutely necessary feature for serious tea drinkers, because green tea (for instance) is meant to be brewed at a much lower temperature—around 170°F—than, say, English Breakfast. Same goes for those who make pour-over coffee at home, because the water must be between 195°F and 205°F. Precision is everything! The Zen has an LED-lit digital display panel that will read you the exact temperature of the water as it heats. Another genius feature is the Quick Boil setting, which will bring your water to a boil super speedily with the touch of a button. And if you’re one who likes to top off their cup of tea throughout the morning, the Keep Warm function will hold your water at the ideal temperature without having to re-heat the entire kettle (but the double-wall vacuum-insulated design will keep your water warm for hours on end anyway). The pitcher holds up to 55-ounces and comes with a push-button spout and locking lid which help prevents hot water spills and splatters. For additional safety, the Zen has a built-in automatic shutoff feature that prevents the pitcher from boiling dry or overheating, even when it’s keeping warm for long periods. To buy: $105; amazon.com
