Balbali portable electric kettle with a measuring tape on one side and the detachable electrical cord on the other
For tea enthusiasts, the day isn’t complete without a comforting cup of tea. This holds true whether you’re in the comfort of your home or exploring new destinations. However, for those who cherish a good brew, traveling, especially in regions where tea isn’t a priority, can present a unique challenge. American hotels, for instance, often fall short in providing the right tools for tea lovers to prepare their perfect cup.
Many seasoned tea drinkers have encountered the dreaded hotel-room tea experience while traveling domestically. Away from your trusted kettle, the temptation to use the hotel’s electric coffee maker might arise. You might think, “How bad could it be to use the coffee maker for tea water?” Like many before discovering the convenience of a Travel Electric Kettle, you may have conducted this experiment multiple times, only to reach the same disappointing verdict: it’s terribly bad. Tea made with water heated in a coffee maker invariably tastes like coffee-infused tea, ruining the delicate flavors of your chosen leaves every single time.
Finding the Perfect Hotel-Room Tea Solution
Determined to avoid the coffee-water tea catastrophe, investing in a portable electric kettle became essential. The goal was to find a travel kettle that would easily fit into luggage and be compatible with standard North American electrical outlets.
Prioritizing health and taste, kettles with plastic components or any material other than food-grade stainless steel in contact with boiling water were immediately ruled out. Similarly, collapsible or foldable kettles, despite their space-saving appeal, were avoided due to concerns about durability and safety.
Balbali Portable Electric Kettle: An Overview
The “balbali portable electric kettle for travel,” a personal-sized or mini kettle, was chosen for review. Purchased at full price and without sponsorship, this kettle heats up to 350 ml (just under 12 ounces) of water, comparable in size to a large travel mug. For a comparative perspective, reviews of other portable tea kettles are available online to help tea lovers explore different models and travel tea solutions.
yello balbali portable electric kettle next to two candles on a tea table
Having used this travel electric kettle extensively over eight months, including daily use during a three-week work trip, its reliability has been thoroughly tested. [February 2025 Update: After nearly two years of use, this kettle continues to perform excellently. A recent check at home confirms its consistent performance even after a period of non-travel use.]
Important Note: Always prioritize safety by following the manufacturer’s operating and safety guidelines, as models and recommendations can vary.
Key Advantages of this Portable Mini Kettle
Several features make this portable mini kettle stand out:
- Color Variety: Available in four colors on Amazon, the sunny yellow model is particularly appealing.
- Compact Size: Its small form factor allows for easy packing in suitcases or backpacks. The 350 ml capacity is ideal for both personal gongfu tea sessions and western-style tea brewing.
- Efficient Setup: The kettle’s compact base and detachable power cord enhance portability and ease of use for filling, pouring, and packing.
- Quick Boil Time: When filled to its 350 ml capacity with approximately 65°F tap water, it boils in about 5 minutes and 30 seconds. Slightly less water results in even faster boiling times.
- Clean Pouring: The kettle’s interior with rounded edges facilitates a surprisingly clean pour, avoiding drips and spills, unlike some other travel kettles.
- Safety Features: Equipped with an automatic shut-off to prevent dry boiling and overheating. It boils safely with the lid closed, enhancing safety compared to open-lid models. Remember to open the safety valve on top before boiling. The exterior remains cool to touch even after boiling.
- Easy Cleaning: The smooth, food-grade stainless steel interior is easy to clean and dry after use. The exterior is also simple to wipe down.
One unique characteristic is its automatic reheat function. If left plugged in, the kettle will reheat cooled water, which can be a pro or con depending on user needs.
Water pouring from the balbali portable electric kettle into a small porcelain teapot
Important Considerations for Travel Kettle Use
While highly convenient, there are a few points to consider about this mini electric portable kettle, and possibly portable kettles in general:
- No Temperature Control: Unlike many full-sized electric kettles, this model lacks temperature settings, functioning more like a traditional stovetop kettle. When filled to capacity and boiled, the water temperature, when opened after 30 seconds, is around 195°F. Reducing the water slightly can increase the temperature to about 201°F. This temperature range is crucial for selecting appropriate teas and water levels.
- Safety Precautions: Remember to open the safety valve before boiling, as indicated by a reminder on the lid. Pouring hot water requires unscrewing the top, necessitating caution. While it includes boil-dry protection, the kettle will reheat if the water cools down and it remains plugged in.
- Cord Length: The detachable electrical cord is intentionally short for safety, typical for heating appliances. While the cord length has been sufficient in hotel settings, it might be limiting in locations without easily accessible countertop outlets.
- Capacity Limitations: The 350 ml capacity is ideal for individual use. For serving multiple people, refilling will be necessary. While suitable for gongfu tea service for a small group with refills, it may not suffice for serving large mugs of western-style tea to multiple people simultaneously.
Diverse Approaches to Tea Travel
Traveling with tea is a matter of personal preference and travel style. Simplicity is key for some, like La’Shell from Books by the Cup, who prefers a portable electric kettle, a durable ceramic flask, and biodegradable tea sachets for on-the-go steeping, using the hashtag #SteepsOnTheGo.
For others, including myself, the ritual of tea is enhanced by bringing along a travel gaiwan or a small gongfu teapot with accessories. It provides a sense of grounding and familiarity even when traveling. (For those interested in tea for mindfulness, resources like the Winter Rest Kit for Tea Lovers can be valuable.)
A handmade tea travel bag, as discussed in “A Lesson about Beauty from Tea Life,” makes carrying tea accessories convenient. It can easily accommodate a gongfu pot, cups, a fairness pitcher, and a strainer. Cloth napkins serve to protect teaware and are useful for cleaning and packing damp items.
balboni portable electric kettle on a bamboo matt next to tea and tea accessories
Loose leaf tea is transported in small boxes or zippered pouches, like those from Tea Thoughts. A small scale is also useful for measuring tea leaves accurately.
While fillable tea sachets were previously part of the travel kit, their use has become less frequent, except when dining out where tea options are limited. In such cases, bringing personal tea leaves and politely asking for hot water allows for enjoying preferred tea even in restaurants.
Final Thoughts and Further Reading
Ultimately, there’s no single ‘right’ way to travel with tea. The best approach is what brings you joy and suits your travel needs. The beauty of tea lies in its adaptability and the personal touch you can bring to your tea practice, whether simple or elaborate.
However, one universal truth for tea lovers is the aversion to coffee-water tea! 😉
For another perspective and review of a different portable kettle, explore La’Shell’s post, “Steeps on the Go.” You can also find her on Instagram @booksbythecup. Share your own tea travel experiences in the comments below!
