Customer Reviews

Le Creuset 1-4/5-Quart Whistling Teakettle, Blue

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I've owned this kettle for about a year and a half. Enamel will rust even with the best of care. I had hopes because of Le Creuset's quality it would last for years. I would not recommend this product.

I was very surprised to read the bad reviews about this teakettle! I have used the kettle for a month and a half and have not burned myself yet! I bought this kettle after ruining the enamel on my old cheapy kettle (By boiling the it dry - NOT a good idea!). The whistle on this kettle insures that I will never do THAT again! I understand the concerns of people about burning themselves when removing the whistle before pouring. I avoid that by pulling the kettle off the heat (to make sure I do not get splashed by rapidly boiling water), and then gently pulling the whistle out using a potholder to protect my hands. I have not found the handle of the kettle to get too hot. It says in the directions included with the kettle to make sure you point the steam vent away from the handle; maybe these people are forgetting to do that. At any rate, I am enjoying both the beauty and function this kettle brings to my kitchen. I would not hesitate to buy this kettle again.

I received this kettle as a wedding gift and was very happy with it, at first. While it looks very nice, it is too high maintenance. It rusts if not left completely dry and the finish chips off too easily. Also, the whistling attachment can be difficult to remove, especially since it is hot (but it's also a pain to pop it back in to place). And, if you lose or break the whistling piece, the kettle is no longer a whistling kettle. Who knew a tea kettle could be such a hassle? I returned this and got the Oxo Uplift tea kettle instead. I am MUCH happier with this one.

Although a pretty kettle, and with a wide enough base to support a full flame on commercial range such as Viking or Wolf, the inside became pitted and rusted within months. When I inquired from LeCreuset, they explained that it was not an isolated incident, but rather that they had been having problems with the vendor that produced this particular item. Unless you are looking for a disposable teapot you will have to replace within 6 months, stay away from this one

For years I searched for a tea kettle that was: 1) easy to clean (mineral deposits); 2) held a good quantity of water; and 3) an appealing (and loud) whistle. I went through a number of tea kettles that fit the first two criteria, but had worthless whistle (i.e., I couldn't hear it in another room - which translates into I ended up destroying numerous kettles by boiling them dry/burning them up.

The beauty of this Le Creauset tea kettle is that it's enameled interior and sizable opening makes for easy cleaning of any mineral deposits. It holds plenty of water for a big pot of hot tea or coffee. And it's got a great whistle, which I can hear all over the house.

There is one design fault with this tea kettle in that the spout joins the body rather low, so that if you overfill it it will boil over and put out a gas flame. However, because it works so well in all other ways, I still give it a five star rating.

I can't believe the people who didn't like this kettle.
If you read the directions they specifically tell you not to overfill. They tell you to remove from heat as soon as the water boils so the pot does not get overly hot. They also tell you, as others have mentioned to use a pot holder when removing the spout. I love the speed at which water boils. I love the loud whistle which is imposible to ignore. I have been searching for a decent tea kettle for a long time and I have found it. Now I will have to buy some matching pans. Sorry honey!!!

I am a major fan of "Le Creuset" pots and have a number of them but I must say that their kettle is not up to par.

Like the other lady said, it does spit out water (substantially at that) when it boils on the stove. I am finally throwing mine out to the garbage since I have had it for a while and the coating at the inside bottom of the kettle is coming apart and I have been boiling "contaminated" water since a while...I just noticed one day that there was this stuff floating on top of the water....I wonder what kind of chemicals I have been putting in my body???

I have had my Le Creuset for over a year and could not be more pleased, I would never switch back to ordinary tea kettles. In my opinion, most of those are too disposable. This is such a classic look and if you follow the simple care and use instructions, it's functional and durable. I just let it sit for a minute after it boils but you can also use an oven mitt to pull off the whistle attachment sooner. We use ours several times a day and have yet to find a chip, it's easy to clean too. It will probably chip and rust eventually, with as much use as it's getting. It might be a little extra effort but as far as durability and design, it's worth it.

Original Review - August 25, 2003
Update - February 10, 2007: The positive reviews for this kettle all seem to agree on the importance of following the care instructions. I have owned this kettle for more than four years (at least three years longer than most we have purchased) and still no complaints. After changing kitchen decor, I am back to choose another color. The only issue we had was a faulty whistle, it was very quiet so I ordered a replacement whistle, which worked well. Other kettles seem to drip when pouring, but this one never has. It finally did chip but that was actually due to my carelessness. We are careful to wipe down the inside after nearly every use and to hand wash. It has functioned wonderfully, when given the same care as my cast iron cookware. It has really been a pleasure to use this kettle and I hope the new one will hold up as well!

i have been looking for a teakettle for a long time. after much research and skepticism, i decided on Le Creuset's Cherry Red teakettle. i fell in love with the design and i had to get it despite having read such bad reviews about it. my advice to anyone getting this teakettle is to spend a little time reading the Directions carefully before using it. it is a little fussy there. no water spilling, smells or scalding IF just follow the directions. i am very happy with my teakettle and i hope you be the judge for yourself. it is after all a lifetime guarantee.

We have enjoyed using the tea kettle, but have removed the whistler as it is hard to pour with otherwise and difficult to remove when hot. The styling is nice and very funtional. We've never had a whistling kettle before so it has not been a big deal for us.