A whistling stovetop kettle is a comforting appliance that feels homey and comforting as it sings through the kitchen to let you know it has boiled. Kettles like this have no electricity point and derive all their power from the heat of the stovetop that seeps through to warm the quick heating stainless steel and boil your water in no time.
There are a lot of options on the market for this kind of kettle and they come in all shapes and sizes but what we will be looking at today is a Whistling Tea Kettle from a brand that is coveted all over the world; Le Creuset. Since this brand is so lauded and high quality their products come at a rate that coordinates with that so it is important to go into a purchase like this with all the information you need to make an informed decision.
At a considerable price tag, this kettle has to do a lot to earn that premium rate and that’s what we are going to delve into; is it really worth that considerable investment for such a simple piece? Or is an everyday item like this the exact item you do wish to invest in because it gets so much? That’s what we are hoping to help you decide here.
Le Creuset is a world-renowned brand that is famous for its kitchenware whose every range comes in a variety of appealing color stories that has made it notorious. It was founded in Fresnoy le Grand, France in 1925 starting with their enamel coated cast iron as their flagship product.
Over the next, almost century of their history they have continued to increase their range while maintaining values in hand-crafted, traditional techniques and this have gained them a reputation for long-lasting quality. It is now sold in over 50 countries across the world with each piece manufactured and produced in Thailand before being distributed.
In their range they have 5 different designs for tea kettles; Traditional, Zen, Kone, Drip and Whistling that are all slightly different in style and, in the case of the Drip, designed for specific purposes. Today we are going to be looking at the Whistling variety in detail as its solid basic style is the most universally appealing. Each kettle comes with a five-year guarantee, which is quite unique and shows the confidence that the brand has in the quality of its product.
When you choose Le Creuset you are certainly paying for the brand name but you are also paying for their history and guaranteed quality but at the end of the day is all of this worth the price tag? Let’s take a look.
Key Features
At first glance, this kettle has a really pleasing design with a classic shape that harks back to traditional kettles that used to heat over a roaring fire. The kettle itself is made from premium-grade stainless steel that is coated in enamel on the outside for ultimate strength and food safety.
Both the large arching handle and the spout lid are coated in a heat-resistant material, which allows you to operate the kettle safely without the fear of burning yourself. The knob of the domed lid is made from the same material for easy filling.
It holds a good amount of water with a 1.7qt capacity in a vessel that’s not overly large so it can fit comfortably on your stovetop. It’s all these small details that really set designs apart from one another and make using the product effortlessly.
One of the reasons you might be looking at Le Creuset in particular, besides the renowned quality, is the array of finishes that you choose from. These kettles are no different with 14 different colours to choose from that you can use to add a pop of color to your kitchen or to coordinate with your other Le Creuset pieces. It is probably this color palette that has done the work to really put this brand on the map in all areas of the kitchen but it is a choice you certainly pay for.
It’s not just aesthetics that have been taken into consideration, however. The kettle has a built-in whistle, its namesake, to alert you when the kettle has boiled to prevent it from running dry and a handle that locks in place but is also able to fold down for easy filling and cleaning. This means your kettle will be really easy to maintain and avoid deterioration from rust, which would be a disaster after spending so much on it in the first place.
Pros:
- Comes in 14 finishes
- Quick boiling
- Long-lasting
Cons:
- Not dishwasher safe
- Expensive
Tips for Use
- This tea kettle is safe to use on any from including gas, electric and induction. You should always place the kettle onto a burner of the same size or larger so it will boil your water faster and sit firmly on the hob.
- To care for your Le Creuset kettle you should hand wash it in hot soapy water and ensure that you dry it thoroughly before replacing it on the hob. This should be done regularly to prevent rust and build-up from accumulating.
- When filling the kettle be careful not to fill it over the first layer of holes for the spout so there’s no chance of spills and resultant burns.
- It is imperative that you place your kettle down gently to prevent damaging the enamel over time so place it in your stovetop with care and be gentle when cleaning.
- Always place on the hob with water inside and the whistle firmly closed to prevent boiling dry and ruining your kettle.
- When you aren’t using it try not to let it sit with water inside as this can cause a scale build-up over time.
- Descale with a gentle descaler periodically if necessary. This can be bought in sachets from your local grocery store.
Other Alternatives to Consider
Le Creuset is a high-end brand that comes at a hefty price tag so we have some suggestions for some more budget-friendly but quality options too.
OXO Tea Kettle
This OXO kettle is a middle-of-the-range option price-wise that is of great quality from another renowned brand. Its style is very classical in shape with a sleek brushed stainless steel finish. This singular finish is one downside to this design but what you save in appearance options you also save in price, which is an important factor to consider.
It has a built-in whistle to alert you when the water has boiled and an adjustable handle that folds away for easy storage and easy filling. It has a 1.7qt capacity just like the Le Creuset and the handle and the spout touch point are both coated in a heat-resistant silicone so you can operate the kettle safely.
If you aren’t that invested in having a colorful kettle then this one is a really great option; it does everything you need it to do with efficiency for half the price of the Le Creuset range.
Belanko Stainless Steel Tea Kettle
If you have coveted the beautiful finishes of Le Creuset but you are on a budget then this Belanko tea kettle is here for you. For the price you get a lot of bang for your buck since the capacity for this kettle is a whopping 2.4qt as well as looking really attractive. The stainless steel interior heats up really quickly for fast boiling and is rust and corrosion resistant, which is something that the Le Creuset can’t claim.
The body has a speckled finish on a choice of two neutral base colors with a beautiful wood patterned handle in heat proof silicone for safe handling. It can be used on any cooktop and can be left out to add its beauty to your kitchen.
One downside to this option is that the handle is fixed which makes filling difficult and cleaning a little harder but for a budget-friendly option, this is a really small negative relatively speaking. This design is an example of a really beautiful design that doesn’t have you breaking the bank to acquire it.
FAQs
Answer: Yes. If you don’t clean the kettle regularly, leave it to boil dry or store it with water inside it you are at risk of developing rust. That is why it is very important to maintain these pieces as carefully as possible to prevent this from happening and prolong the life of your product.
Answer: Yes, this kettle is fully non-toxic. The most important aspect in the interior of the kettle that holds the water. This is made from 18/8 premium grade carbon stainless steel which is food safe and completely non-toxic. This is a guarantee that going with a trusted brand like this will provide for you.
Answer: No this kettle, even though it has no electrical components, is not suitable for the dishwasher. The best way to clean it is by scrubbing in a sink of hot soapy water and leaving it to dry fully before replacing it on the stovetop.
Conclusion
Overall the Whistling Tea Kettle has everything you want. It’s efficient, well made and aesthetically pleasing, which are all qualities you want in a stovetop kettle. However, and it’s a big, however, the price is a real pressure point that cannot be ignored.
Yes, if you look after it well it will last you a long time, but with one little slip up your investment could go right in the garbage. Nearly $100 is a lot to spend on a kettle with so many other options out there so I would recommend giving our alternatives a close look before you make that decision. Le Creuset is of the utmost quality and it will last you generations if it is well cared for but it’s really up to you if you feel that the investment is worth it.