The Cuisinart CPK-17 adjustable temperature tea kettle ranks at the top of several reputable consumer tests. Yet it sure is expensive. When I read the almost identical Hamilton Beach 41020 was the same kettle for just over half the price I was excited. I always look for the highest quality appliances, but at the best price and greatest long term value, too. I read these two kettles even came from the same factory and was confidently prepared to learn all was truly identical in performance, too. Read on to find out, but know there is a spoiler alert just below! So are they the same? Of course they are, I smugly assumed. In testing . . . THEY ARE NOT! Cuisinart CPK-17 vs. Hamilton Beach 41020 / Design: As you can see in the photos, they are almost identical but the HB is slightly taller. Note that the Cuisinart is slightly more streamlined in its design. It weighs just over an ounce more than the HB. The bases are slightly different and these tea kettles do not fit on the other brand's base. The HB has a slightly wider pop up lid. That may make it easier to fill for some but both models have ample filling room. Cuisinart CPK-17 tea kettle vs. Hamilton Beach 41020 / Workmanship: I was surprised. While the HB looks fine, it's stainless steel is machined a bit rougher. The workmanship feels cheaper. The Cuisinart is overall more solid. I would consider the HB workmanship perfectly acceptable if not directly comparing to the better built Cuisinart. The lids are actually quite different. The lighter HB lid plinks open and is a bit floppy. The Cuisinart lid has more weight and has a more solid hinge. It opens confidently, not as abrupt. However, the nearly identical fill window of the HB is actually more accurate, and shows cup markings as well as liters. Cuisinart CPK-17 vs. Hamilton Beach 41020 / Temp choices and features: Almost the same but there is a distinct difference between the two. Which holds the advantage depends on your drinking and pouring preferences. Both have a great feature that will allow you to hold the brewing temp for another 30 minutes. So, what is different between the two brands? For the Cuisinart, the keep warm feature is on by default, but easily turned off, either before or after brewing. For the HB, the default is off and the keep warm button must be pressed manually. I greatly prefer the default to be on. We love this as I may be awake first, have a cup of green tea brewed at the proper 175 degrees and then wait for my wife to join me. She can pour the next cup held at the same temp. However, it you never would desire a second cup, perhaps you might prefer the HB. Just keep in mind that with capacities of 1.7 liters, these two kettles welcome multiple pourings. Cuisinart CPK-17 vs. Hamilton Beach 41020 / All important performance tests: As both are 1500 watts, I expected great speed and both delivered. For a full 1.7 liter pot (57 ounces), the Cuisinart shut off at the 212 degree boiling point in 6:59. The HP took 7:06. In real life, call it even. For 24 ounces, the Cuisinart finished in just 3:31 and for 16 ounces, it was done in only 2:32. The microwave and stovetop will not compare. The HB was again not far behind. At the green tea setting of 175 degrees, the Cuisinart took just 2:22 for 24 ounces, and a terrific 1:40 for 16 ounces. The HB finished 24 ounces in 2:20, and for 16 ounces, just 1:37. So, at this point you may be thinking NO BRAINER. Why not just buy the Hamilton Beach? What follows is why the HB is not truly the equal of the Cuisinart in performance: Cuisinart CPK-17 vs. Hamilton Beach 41020 / Temperature consistency: When brewing to 212 degrees, both brands hit the boiling point at shut off. Yet, you will likely buy a better quality kettle like this for versatility in brewing at different temps, right? When using the 175 degree setting for green tea, as soon as the brewer stopped, I used a Thermapen instant read thermometer, and found the Cuisinart measured exactly 176 degrees. Terrific performance! For the same test at the 175 degree setting, the HB was 186 degrees. If I want 186, I'll use the 185 setting! I repeated the test at different temps. The Cuisinart was right on every time. The HB was inaccurate and also its holding temps were also less reliable than the Cuisinart. For some, this may not matter so the HB might be still be for you. However, if all you realistically need a kettle for is to boil for black tea, ramen, etc., I'd suggest a simple non adjustable kettle. Nice ones can be had in the $20 range. Cuisinart CPK-17 vs. Hamilton Beach 41020 / Warranty and the long term: HB may possibly have an advantage here. Even though the Cuisinart has an impressive three year warranty, I have read complaints from frustrated users that their customer service department is, er, "difficult." In fairness, we have had a Cuisinart coffee maker, waffle maker, and ice cream maker, including two refurbished models. We have never had a problem needing warranty service. In reading other reviews, more complain about the HB breaking down quickly than with the Cuisinart. Several complain that for either brand the number markings can rub off in time, too. So, my story does indeed have a surprise ending. When I began testing, I did not expect to be typing this: Oh man. Hamilton Beach, you let me down! Minor workmanship issues aside, a temperature adjustable tea kettle should be accurate. In the end, I'd rather pay more for a kettle I hope to use for years that will faithfully and consistently reproduce the temperature at the setting I choose. Pay more for the Cuisinart and you are likely to get a better kettle. A more expensive kettle that is more also more consistent potentially represents a better value over the long term. Hope this has been of help so you can make the best choice of which kettle is best for you.
