Just because I love these kinds of discussions ...
Electric tea kettles are finally getting more popular in the US. I had never even heard of one a few years ago, and had a similar conversation to this one with some UK friends, who educated me as to what they were. But I then visited a friend who lives in Washington DC and she had one. I found hers so convenient during the visit that I decided I wanted one, too, and I absolutely love it. The two Targets I've checked (one in DC, one in IN) offered 4-5 different models, starting at just $20 for the most basic. I haven't looked at Bed, Bath, and Beyond, but I'd be very surprised if they didn't carry them, too. (Our local WalMart didn't carry them at all, though.) So if you're a tea drinker, you should definitely check them out ... I bet you'll love it, too.
