When I started my first professional job two years ago, my husband wanted to give me something to remember him by while I was at work. I wanted an electric teakettle, as I get really hungry in the morning and my office was totally freezing. When in college I'd had a cheap teakettle that finally died (after 4 years of school and 2 years as a library clerk, I guess it deserved to), so I suggested that he try to find something like it.

He got me this teakettle.

The good news is that it works fine, it's still with me, it's still shiny (somewhat amazing for stainless steel), and it is cool looking. My husband was particularly pleased that the heating element is not contained within the pot itself, but rather on the detachable base, so you're in less danger of starting a fire if the water runs out. I like the coolness of the metal and the generous size. Also, we've used other products from Chef's Choice and have been pleased with them.

The bad news is that it cost $70 (which seemed to me at the time, and still does, like a lot of money for a small appliance), the handle cover just won't stay on, and it can be hard to tell when the water is ready.

Also, this is not truly a "cordless" teakettle. In fact, the unit is made up of two pieces. The kettle part looks kind of like a stovetop kettle with a plastic bottom. The base contains the heating inductor as well as THE CORD. This is, after all, an electric kettle. It does not run on batteries. Sorry, that's my rant about truth in advertising. The other thing about the cord is that it's not really long enough for your average office where there aren't that many plugs. In my cubicle I constantly had to shift the thing around so that I could run it. When on, it was perched on the end of my desk (not too safe, considering the metal does get hot). When off, it was on top of my bookcase.

Another quibble is with the construction. The handle of the kettle is a molded plastic frame with a plastic cover that is supposed to slide into position. Mine does not stay in position. Either the bottom fits or the top does, but not both. This is a minor irritation, as it means I have to be careful picking up the kettle when it is full, but I still bristle at having paid so much money for something that doesn't stay together properly.

As for the alert that the water is ready, there is no whistle (your standard notice) or even a "ding." Instead, the on switch pops off, and a light goes off. I would often miss these little events. Not that that would be such a bad thing - it's not like I'd let the water sit for hours - but just another small irritation that makes me wish I'd just bought two of my college kettles in 1992 and kept one for now.

In summary, I'm glad I have my Chefs Choice International "Cordless" Electric Tea Kettle. Considering it was the only option, I suppose I have to take the good and the bad together. If you find another kettle for less money, however, consider it strongly above this one.

Recommended: Yes