LIVESTRONG by Chantal 1.8 Quart Enamel Loop Teakettle, Glossy Golden Yellow

Comment: It's a nice looking kettle but it failed in its most important and pretty simple function of whistling only a year after purchase. It still holds water but it's become dangerous to boil it.

Maybe it can become a watering can.

Waste of money.

Comment: I brought this after my oldest son put our 10 year old enamel Dansk tea kettle on to boil without water in it and totally destroyed the finish along with a burner on the stovetop. I was looking for a replacement that offered a quality finish, good design and some heft. I don't mind spending a bit more for something that promises to last. This tea kettle fit the bill; it is well constructed with a thick enamel coasting, a sturdily attached handle and seems built to last. Other high-end whistling kettles seemed flimsy in comparison. Three points to note: 1)be sure the lid is solidly on (it is a tight fit) otherwise steam will escape from that opening, 2)our kettle has a metal whistling cap - which I think is best - and the photo is showing a black plastic one, and 3)this is a VERY bright deep yellow - not for the timid. My kitchen walls are yellow and the kettle seems to make them fade in comparison. But, it is cheerfully eye-catching and seems like it will last for a decade (unless my son gets to it again).

Comment: While this tea kettle is pretty to look at, the harmonic whistle invariably dies after only a few months. In less than a year I have had to request replacement whistles four or five times. Changing the whistle involves removing the handle, which is secured by screws and bolts. This process weakens the flimsy bolts, and the handle can become dangerously loose. Soon I had to take the screw driver to the kettle once every few days. Once when I picked up the kettle with hot water in it, the main body separated from the handle and fell back down. Incidentally, one of my whistles arrived already broken. Buy this kettle if you like trouble -- I know other owners, and they report the same problem. Without abuse or accident, simple kitchen items are supposed last decades, if not a lifetime. This tea kettle requires repair more frequently than a computer.

This year (2009), because of the economic recession, Chantal cut down on their staff. While I was satisfied with their customer service before, I found my last interaction disappointing. Chantal changed the website so their customer service number is harder to find, and no live person ever picked up my three or four calls requesting for a replacement whistle. Someone did get back to my voicemail eventually, and while Chantal did send a replacement, it took more than a month and a few reminders. To be fair they sent me a replacement tea kettle, not just a whistle, but by then I've had enough. Incidentally, the customer service rep. was adamant that Chantal harmonic whistles are long-lasting. They break, the rep. said, only on kettles that the customer did not pay for the full price for. This absurd claim is an insult to the intelligence of Chantal's customers. A $40-50 kettle is a premium product, and until Chantal can provide quality service to justify the extra cost, I for one will deem it unwise to do business with them.

Comment: I have been searching both on-line and in shops for a colorful and sturdy tea kettle. The plastic on the spout of my last Copco kettle burned on my gas range so I knew I wanted a kettle with no plastic parts near the heating element. This kettle is a lovely yellow, is easy to clean and makes a nice soft whistle when ready. The handle stays cool and there's no plastic close to the flame. My search is done.

Comment: The teakettle is perfect- just what I was looking for and just like it is in the description. =)