Electric kettles are hard to find here in Italy, let alone ones with temperature control. Waiting 17 minutes is not a realistic option, nor is measurement. Any other suggestions for achieving optimum water temperature, please? – From Mike S.

Put a dial thermometer shaft in your kettle. Either through the spout, or through a small hole that you drill in the top. When the kettle starts "ticking" watch the thermometer and stop heating when it nears 80C.