The Balmuda MoonKettle is a precise temperature-controlled smart kettle with some neat features. It’s also ridiculously expensive.

Look, although sometimes a product might have an absolutely ridiculous fucking price, like pretentious levels of pricing, you have to respect the hustle. For me, that’s what’s going on with the Balmuda MoonKettle a “smart” electric kettle. It’s temperature controlled, for starters, with a 30-minute hold mode and ambient light and sound features. For the latter, as it heats up it glows and plays a chime with three brightness levels to choose from and three sound types. Luckily, you can turn off those sounds completely if you don’t want to disturb your nap.

It looks, functions, and acts like a conventional kettle. Balmuda says it “blends timeless tradition with modern innovation.” Gotta’ love those marketing gimmicks. But ultimately, it’s a great option for a smart kettle with temperature settings between 50 degrees and 100 degrees Celsius ( that’s 122 degrees to 212 degrees Fahrenheit). If I sound jaded that’s because this thing sells for $259 at MSRP. While some of the features are cool, admittedly, that’s a bit steep. See what I did there?

What else can the Balmuda MoonKettle do?

Where most smart electric kettle options keep things relatively simple, inspired by coffee-pot-like designs, the Balmuda MoonKettle has a more traditional feel. Resting atop a matching heating base it has a minimalistic design. There are no glass cutouts, no touchscreen panels with bright lights, just the kettle and its components, soothing ambient lighting, and effortless, spill-free pouring.

It is beautiful and I would never argue otherwise. More so with its Japanese and Chinese inspirations. It holds up to 900 milliliters of your warm beverage of choice. Moreover, the fixed handle adds stability and makes everything easier to pour. If you have guests over for tea time, they’ll love it. You can also customize the light and sound options with some basic settings.

Who is it for?

People with money to blow that want a smart kettle with all the bells and whistles.

Where to buy?

MSRP: $259