- Introduction
- Everything About MoonKettle
- What is MoonKettle? A Brief Description
- Controls and Display
- LED Ring Light Under the Kettle
- The Sound
- Three Sound Settings to Choose From
- The Main Body
- What materials are used in the Balmuda MoonKettle?
- Product Specification
- Instruction Manual
- Boiling and Holding Temperature
- Comparing the MoonKettle with the Kettle
- The Story Behind the MoonKettle’s Creation
- The MoonKettle Launch Event
Introduction
We were honored to be invited to an exclusive private launch event in Los Angeles for Balmuda's latest masterpiece—the MoonKettle.
Balmuda recently launched a new product, MoonKettle, and this event was designed to introduce the product to the US market and to 40 influencers who were privileged to be contacted by Balmuda.
When Mr. Ryuta Nakamura, Balmuda's US Marketing Communication Manager, contacted me to see if we were interested, my heart was pounding with excitement.
This was the second collaboration with my personal favorite bland, Balmuda. Our first one was about the Brew, the revolutionary coffeemaker, for which I wrote a comprehensive review, which you can find here.
Mr. Ryuta mentioned and thanked me for writing a great review about the Brew and asked us to join the private event.
We are so lucky to be one of the 40! (^^)
I will share a video of this event and provide more details about it at the end of the article (or click here to jump to the video), but let me first introduce you to MoonKettle.
Everything About MoonKettle
What is MoonKettle? A Brief Description
I will go into detail later, but let me explain MoonKettle in brief.
The MoonKettle is Balmuda’s new high-end electric kettle, designed for people who care deeply about how they make their tea or coffee. Unlike typical kettles, it allows you to set the exact water temperature—anywhere from 122°F to 212°F (50°C to 100°C)—so you can brew everything from delicate green teas to pour-over coffee with precision. (Click here to jump to the section about temperature control)
Its design is simple and elegant, inspired by traditional Japanese teaware and Chinese glazes. The standout loop-shaped handle isn’t just for looks—it’s balanced and ergonomic, making pouring feel natural and controlled. The kettle comes in matte black or white, featuring clean lines and a calming presence, with no unnecessary decoration.
It also keeps water warm for 30 minutes, so you don’t need to reboil if you're taking your time. A soft LED light glows at the base while it heats, and a gentle chime lets you know when it’s ready—no loud beeps or flashing lights. (Click here to jump to the section about LED Light)
With the MoonKettle, Balmuda isn’t just offering a kitchen appliance. It’s inviting you to slow down and enjoy the process. It turns boiling water into a small, meaningful ritual.
Now, let me get into each part about the MoonKettle.
The MoonKettle's controls are centered around four main elements:
- A Digital Display (Single White Color LED) on a black background
- A START/CANCEL button
- A HOLD/SETTING button
- The dial, located on the side of the base, is used to select the desired temperature or adjust other settings.
To begin heating, press the START/CANCEL button.
To stop the heating process at any time, press the same button again.
The HOLD/SETTING button enables the 30-minute keep-warm function; when active, the "HOLD" indicator appears on the display. (More about this later)
The digital display shows the current or selected temperature. Icons to the left of the display indicate sound and ring light brightness, both of which light up during their respective selection modes while in settings.
The controls are pretty intuitive, so I don’t think a manual is necessary. This is one of the things I love about Balmuda’s products—the design speaks for itself. Every interaction feels natural, from turning the dial to hearing the soft confirmation sounds, making it easy to use right out of the box without needing instructions.
About the Temperature Control
One of MoonKettle’s most defining features is its precise temperature control.
Unlike standard electric kettles that offer only a few preset options—or none at all—the MoonKettle lets you choose the exact temperature you need, adjustable in 1 °C or 2°F increments from 122°F to 212°F (50°C to 100°C). When selecting °C, it increments by 1 °C, but when selecting °F, it increments by 2°F.
This level of accuracy is essential for anyone who prepares a range of drinks that require different water temperatures, such as delicate Japanese green teas, herbal infusions, or specialty pour-over coffees.
This thoughtful temperature feature is complemented by a simple dial interface and a clear digital display, making adjustments intuitive and straightforward.
You can switch between Fahrenheit and Celsius by holding the “Keep” button for two seconds. The default setting is Fahrenheit.
As you turn the knob to adjust the temperature, you’ll hear a subtle, wood-like clicking sound—a soft, tactile knock that’s surprisingly calming and satisfying.
LED Ring Light Under the Kettle
The MoonKettle features a circular LED light at its base that emits a soft glow during operation.
This is surely the most unique aspect of this kettle, differentiating it from other kettles on the market.
Unlike typical appliance indicator lights, this ring light is designed to be ambient and calming rather than bright or attention-grabbing. It activates while the kettle is heating and turns off when the process is complete, serving as a subtle visual cue.
The brightness of the ring light under the MoonKettle can be adjusted to three levels.
To change the brightness, press and hold the “HOLD” button for two seconds to enter the setting mode. From there, turn the dial to select one of the three levels: 1, 2, or 3. The default is level 2.
Here is a short video of the light difference between 1 and 3 in the setting mode. In the video, I am switching the lightness between 1 to 3 using the knob on the side.
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While the difference in brightness may be subtle during the day, it becomes more noticeable in a dimly lit or dark room. In lower light, the change between levels creates a more distinct atmosphere, allowing you to tailor the kettle’s presence to your space and mood. Here's a short video that shows how each brightness level looks in comparison.
The Sound
Balmuda has consistently set itself apart from other appliance makers by focusing on how products feel to use—not just in terms of design and function, but also through sound.
The MoonKettle continues this tradition. Instead of harsh beeps or mechanical alerts, it uses a soft, bell-like chime to signal when the water has reached the set temperature. This attention to auditory detail isn’t just aesthetic—it reflects Balmuda founder Gen Terao’s background as a musician.
Before founding Balmuda, Gen Terao was a guitarist in a rock band. His experience in music shaped his sensitivity to rhythm, tone, and atmosphere, which now influences the company’s product design.
Though it is not in English (yet), I had the privilege to read the book written by Gen Terao, which goes deep into his music career. Here is a link to the book.
For the MoonKettle, this meant carefully crafting a sound that wouldn’t interrupt or jar, but instead gently invite you back into the moment. It's not just about notification—it's about creating harmony with your environment, one of Gen’s core design principles.
Three Sound Settings to Choose From
With the MoonKettle, Balmuda introduced a new level of sound customization by allowing users to choose from three different chime themes, each with its own tone and mood, plus a mute option for complete silence.
The three selectable sound themes are:
-
Clear – A bright and simple chime with a pure tone that’s easy to hear, yet still soft enough not to be disruptive.
-
Mellow – Similar to the #1 sound but subtly different in the melody.
-
Gion – Inspired by traditional Japanese bells, this chime has a warm, resonant tone reminiscent of temple bells in Kyoto.
- Mute – For those who prefer no sound at all, this option disables the chime entirely. You’ll rely only on the LED indicator to know when heating is complete.
To change the sound, press and hold the “HOLD” button for two seconds to enter the setting mode. Then turn the dial to navigate to the sound icon and cycle through the available themes. Your selected sound will play briefly so you can hear the difference before confirming.
Here are the differences in the three sounds.
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One of the most enjoyable surprises is that, depending on the selected sound theme, not only do the startup chime and notification tone change, but even the subtle sounds during use are different. The tick you hear while the water heats and the gentle click when selecting a button vary with each theme.
This level of attention to detail is a perfect example of Balmuda’s design philosophy. It's not just about function—it’s about creating an atmosphere. Each sound theme offers a distinct sensory mood, making even the smallest interactions feel intentional and thoughtfully crafted.
The Main Body
The MoonKettle body is designed with precision and simplicity. The main trunk features a smooth, matte finish and is topped with a wide looped handle for stable, balanced pouring. The spout and nozzle are integrated cleanly into the body for precise flow, and the lid has a central knob for easy removal.
Inside the kettle, water capacity markers are clearly shown on both inner walls. The minimum fill line is 0.3 liters (10.1 oz) and the maximum is 0.9 liters (30.4 oz). These markings help prevent underfilling or overfilling, ensuring safe operation and optimal performance. The steam outlet is located near the back of the inner rim. On the bottom, a circular connector links with the power supply base, enabling consistent heating and a clean, cordless design when serving.
What materials are used in the Balmuda MoonKettle?
The MoonKettle is crafted from high-quality materials that strike a balance between durability and design.
Specifically, the following materials are used:
The main body is made of stainless steel (SUS), known for its high durability and resistance to rust. The surface is coated with a matte finish, enhancing its elegant appearance and making it a visually appealing addition to any kitchen interior.
The lid is made of ABS resin, which is lightweight, easy to handle, and resistant to heat transfer, making it safe to use even when handling boiling water. Inside the lid, a silicone gasket ensures a secure seal when the lid is closed.
The handle is constructed with ABS resin on the outside and reinforced with a metal core (stainless steel) on the inside. This design provides strength and stability while remaining comfortable to hold, offering a secure and balanced grip when pouring.
Polypropylene (PP) resin is used on the power base and bottom of the kettle body. This material is highly heat-resistant and wear-resistant, making it ideal for everyday use.
By combining these carefully selected materials, the MoonKettle achieves a well-rounded balance of safety, durability, and design. Each material is chosen with a specific purpose in mind, ensuring a safe and reliable user experience.
Product Specification
Here are the detailed product specifications for the product:
Note: This specification applies to the MoonKettle sold in the US,, model number KPT02US. It is slightly different for the product sold in Japan which has a model number of KPT02JP.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | MoonKettle / KPT02US (If you buy from Japan, the product Model is KPT02JP) |
| Dimensions (W × D × H) | 226 mm × 217 mm × 297 mm (8.9 in × 8.5 in × 11.7 in) (including handle and power base) |
| Weight | Approx. 1.5 kg (3 lbs 5 oz) (including power base and cord) |
| Capacity | Max 0.9 L / Min 0.3 L (30.4 oz / 10.1 oz) |
| Power Consumption | 1200W |
| Power Supply |
AC 120V, 60Hz 3-prong electrical outlet. (For US Model - KPT02US) |
| Power Cord Length | Approx. 0.7 m (2.3 ft) |
| Temperature Adjustment Range | 50°C to 100°C (122°F to 212°F) — adjustable in 1°C (2°F) increments |
| Materials | Main Body: Stainless steel with coating Lid: ABS resin + silicone gasket Handle: ABS resin (with internal stainless steel core) |
| Safety Features | Boil-dry protection |
| Colors |
Black (Model No.: KPT02US-BK) White (Model No.: KPT02US-WH) |
| Included Accessories | Power base, Quick Start Guide (with warranty) |
Instruction Manual
Here are links to download the official instruction manual of the MoonKettle.
Boiling and Holding Temperature
The kettle operates with minimal noise, making it suitable for nighttime use or quiet environments, such as offices. Even when filled to its 900ml capacity, it brings water to a boil in about 5 minutes.
By pressing the “HOLD” button after boiling, the kettle maintains the set temperature for up to 30 minutes. However, once the kettle is lifted off, the hold function turns off, so if you want to pour hot water multiple times during hold, you need to press the HOLD button each time the kettle is placed back on the base.
Points to Note
The body of the kettle can become warm during use, so caution is needed when touching it. This is especially important in homes with small children. Additionally, the power consumption is relatively high at 1200W, so be mindful of the outlet environment. For instance, some power banks (used in camping, etc) are 1000W, which may have an issue in using this device (though this is true for most kettles available in the USA)
Comparing the MoonKettle with the Kettle
Balmuda first introduced its original electric kettle, simply named “The Kettle,” in 2016. Designed with a compact form, precise pour control, and minimalist styling, it quickly became a favorite among coffee enthusiasts and design-conscious users alike. In 2025, Balmuda introduced a new addition to its kettle lineup in the U.S.—the MoonKettle—offering a host of enhanced features and a more ritual-focused experience.
I’ve personally been using The Kettle for some time, so it was especially interesting to experience the MoonKettle firsthand and see how Balmuda has evolved its approach to form, function, and user interaction.
While both models remain available, they serve slightly different purposes and reflect different design priorities.
Here are some of the key differences between the two (which I mostly already explained above):
1. Temperature Control
The original Balmuda The Kettle is designed for simplicity—it heats water to a boil with no temperature customization. In contrast, the MoonKettle offers precise temperature control, adjustable in 1°C/ 2°F increments from 50°C to 100°C (122°F to 212°F). This makes it ideal for brewing everything from delicate green teas to pour-over coffee with exact accuracy.
2. Keep-Warm Function
The Kettle does not include any keep-warm capability; once the water is boiled, that’s it. The MoonKettle, however, includes a 30-minute keep-warm feature, which maintains your selected temperature without the need to reboil—especially helpful for leisurely mornings or making multiple cups.
3. Sound and Sensory Design
The MoonKettle places a much stronger emphasis on sensory experience. It includes customizable chimes, ambient LED lighting at the base, and a soft, ticking sound while heating—offering users a more immersive and calming ritual. The Kettle, by comparison, has a straightforward on/off operation with minimal audio or visual cues.
4. Spout and Pouring
This is probably the most significant difference that matters between whether you are a tea lover or a coffee lover.
The Kettle uses a narrow gooseneck spout perfect for pour-over coffee precision.
The MoonKettle has a wider, more universal spout which is perfect for pouring tea, —still easy to control, but designed to accommodate a broader range of pouring needs like tea, baby formula, or cooking.
5. Aesthetic and Presence
The Kettle has a functional, compact silhouette suited for small spaces and quick use. The MoonKettle, on the other hand, feels more sculptural and ceremonial. Its larger, more rounded body and loop handle give it a presence meant to sit out on the counter and be part of your space—more like teaware than a typical appliance.
In essence, The Kettle is a minimalist, task-focused tool, while the MoonKettle expands on that foundation with a deeper focus on ritual, customization, and sensory comfort.
Depending on your daily routine, one may suit you better—but together, they show how Balmuda continues to refine the quiet beauty of everyday tasks.
Here is a comparison table between Balmuda The Kettle and Balmuda The MoonKettle, including features and price range:
| Feature | The Kettle | The MoonKettle |
|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 2016 | 2025 (U.S. launch) |
| Temperature Control | No | Yes (50°C–100°C / 122°F–212°F, adjustable by 1°C) |
| Keep-Warm Function | No | Yes (30-minute keep-warm mode) |
| Sound Design | Minimal (basic boil alert) | 3 chime themes + mute; variable sound feedback |
| LED Light | No | Soft ambient ring light with adjustable brightness |
| Spout Design | Gooseneck (for pour-over coffee) | Wide precision spout (for tea, coffee, general use) |
| Handle Design | Angled, ergonomic grip | Loop handle with balanced weight |
| Capacity | 0.6 L (20.3 oz) | 0.9 L (30.4 oz) |
| Boiling Time (full) | ~3–4 minutes | ~5 minutes |
| Power Consumption | 1200W | 1200W |
| Material (Body) | Stainless steel | Stainless steel with coating |
| Sound Themes | No | 3 sound profiles + mute |
| Price Range (USD) | $150–$180 | $250–$300 (estimated retail) |
| Ideal For | Coffee lovers, fast boiling | Tea connoisseurs, mindful routines |
The Story Behind the MoonKettle’s Creation
Based on this story published in Japanese, Balmuda’s MoonKettle was born from a question posed by founder Gen Terao (寺尾 玄):
Could a tool turn an everyday moment of calm into something more memorable?
That simple but profound idea became the starting point for the MoonKettle’s design journey.
Terao reflects on how tea—bittersweet and aromatic—has accompanied countless moments throughout his life:
Summer barley tea with sugar, green tea in school faculty rooms, iced tea at McDonald's as a teenager, and milk tea in a small Spanish town.
Whether in casual conversations or serious discussions, tea was always present.
Over time, he realized tea is no longer just a medicinal drink, but a universal ritual—a way for people to relax and connect. The MoonKettle was designed to elevate those quiet pauses that are already so deeply rooted in human life.
Design-wise, the inspiration came from the Yào Guàn (薬罐), traditional Chinese pots once used to boil herbal medicine. These evolved into the kettles Yakan (薬缶・やかん) many Japanese people are familiar with today. Balmuda aimed to modernize that form while preserving its cultural resonance. The MoonKettle’s large handle, for instance, was inspired by Japanese iron kettles, and its smooth silhouette blends Eastern motifs with a global aesthetic, making it feel at home anywhere in the world.
There was even a whimsical moment in the development process when the product was temporarily named the “Uguisu Kettle”(うぐいすケトル), after the Japanese bush warbler. They considered using the bird’s chirp as the sound for when the water finished boiling—but after testing, they felt it was too poetic for daily use and decided to drop it.
Ultimately, the MoonKettle embodies the Balmuda philosophy: to create tools that don’t just serve a function, but enhance life’s small but meaningful moments—like a quiet cup of tea shared with someone, away from screens and distractions.
I was personally inspired by how Balmuda writes the story in a poetic style, which I tried to capture in the "feel" in the above English paraphrasing/translation.
The Founder - Visionary Behind Balmuda
The Founder Gen Terao (寺尾 玄) is a highly influential figure in the world of design and home appliances, celebrated for his unique ability to combine meticulous engineering with a profound artistic sensibility. His journey to becoming the visionary behind Balmuda is marked by diverse experiences that shaped his approach to product design.
In his early years, Gen Terao was deeply involved in the world of music. This experience as a musician played a significant role in honing his creative instincts and understanding of rhythm, harmony, and emotion, elements that he would later integrate into his work with Balmuda. Music taught him the importance of creating works that resonate on an emotional level, a lesson he carried into his career in design.
A pivotal moment in Gen's life came from his journey through Europe during his youth. This period was both challenging and enlightening for him, exposing him to new cultures, ideas, and artistic expressions. He encountered various obstacles and was inspired by the intricate designs and craftsmanship he observed throughout his travels. This experience left a profound impact on him, leading him to envision products that not only serve practical purposes but also enrich the human experience.
Returning to Japan with this renewed vision, Gen established Balmudato develop tools that enhance daily life through innovative design. Under his leadership, Balmuda has become known for its groundbreaking products, including the much-acclaimed Toaster, the Lantern, and the MoonKettle. These products are not merely appliances but are imbued with stories and emotions, often invoking themes of nostalgia, love, and connection.
Through his work, Gen Terao has demonstrated that thoughtful design can transcend functionality and touch the human heart. His approach has cultivated a loyal following for Balmuda, as consumers appreciate the depth and care embedded in each product. Gen's journey from musician to innovative designer underscores the power of cross-disciplinary inspiration and the impact of a global perspective on creativity.
Strategic Mind Behind U.S. Expansion
While Balmuda's founder, Gen Terao, is the visionary behind the product philosophy and design, his younger brother, Mr. Kan Terao (寺尾 観), has recently become a pivotal figure in the company's global growth strategy as US Marketing & PR Manager—especially its ambitious expansion into the American market.
Currently, Mr. Kan is leading the efforts to open Balmuda's first flagship store in New York City, a strategic move that reflects the brand's desire to create an immersive environment for American consumers. This store won't just be a retail space; it will serve as a cultural hub—a place where people can experience Balmuda's products in the context of the rituals and aesthetics that inspired them.
While the flagstone is still in the preparation stage, the entire line of the US Balmuda can be found at CIBONE O'TE, 50 Norman Ave, Brooklyn, NY.
I was privileged to meet Mr. Kan at the Balmuda's MoonKettle launch event, where he opened the event with an excellent speech that inspired us all.
The MoonKettle Launch Event
The MoonKettle private launch event was an invitation-only event held at Tea at Shiloh, 2035 Bay St., Los Angeles, CA, hosted by the Balmuda and Nekohama, a popular matcha brand founded by Sanne Ando (AKA Sanne Vloet), Max Ando, and Jason Gorskie.
Sanne is a mega influencer with close to a million Instagram followers :0
Forty influencers were invited to the event in two sessions, with each session featuring only 20 influencers, making the event very intimate.
Tea at Shiloh offers a private lounge, a mysterious walkway that leads to an amazing space. Here is a short video walking to the lounge.
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And here is a short video of entering the space.
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The space is amazingly decorated with Balmuda's lantern. The gap between the walkway and inside reminds me of the experience that we get from Noren (のれん), where we have to bow down to enter into a different "space" from outside.
The event started with a nice speech by Mr. Kan, and Sanne Ando and Jason Gorskie from Nekohama showed us how to steep matcha using the Balmuda Kettle.
The event lasted an hour, but we created a short video recap of the experience so that you can "feel" what we were feeling.
Please check it out!
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Thank you!
Thank you very much, Balmuda and Nekohama, for inviting us to such an event. Here is a picture of Miki, our Chief Branding Officer, and Mr. Kan and Mr. Ryuta.
Thinking About Buying Balmuda MoonKettle?
Here is a link to the Balmuda MoonKettle on Amazon.
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About the author
Kei Nishida
Author, CEO Dream of Japan
Certification: PMP, BS in Computer Science
Education: Western Washington University
Kei Nishida is a passionate Japanese green tea connoisseur, writer, and the founder and CEO of Japanese Green Tea Co., a Dream of Japan Company.
Driven by a deep desire to share the rich flavors of his homeland, he established the only company that sources premium tea grown in nutrient-rich sugarcane soil—earning multiple Global Tea Champion awards.
Expanding his mission of introducing Japan’s finest to the world, Kei pioneered the launch of the first-ever Sumiyaki charcoal-roasted coffee through Japanese Coffee Co. He also brought the artistry of traditional Japanese craftsmanship to the global market by making katana-style handmade knives—crafted by a renowned katana maker—available outside Japan for the first time through Japanese Knife Co.
Kei’s journey continues as he uncovers and shares Japan’s hidden treasures with the world.
Learn more about Kei
