This Ain't Your Mom's Tea Kettle
Written: Jul 15 '02 (Updated Jul 15 '02)
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Pros: Nice train-sounding whistle.
Cons: A little dribbling.
The Bottom Line: The Oxo Good Grips Uplift Tea Kettle is aces.
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| megugrrrl's Full Review: Oxo Uplift Tea Kettle |
"Drink tea."
An ex-smoker friend swears that tea was her savior while she was quitting. So, I bought tins and boxes of tea - chamomile, breakfast, mint, lemon, green, orange pekoe... and as a coffee drinker, I accessorized by purchasing a tea kettle. There were several kettles at the store to choose from and am super happy with the OXO Uplift Tea Kettle; I actually love this tea kettle.
What We Love About the Uplift Kettle
I love the fancy "uplift" action. You don't have to push a button or pull a trigger to get the spout cover to open - it magically flips up when you pour the water into your big mug. Working on the principles of physics, the spout lid flips up as the kettle is poured, even when empty. It makes pouring water for your tea very, very, very easy. The spout returns to its closed position when the tea kettle is returned to rest on the stove.
I love the low, deep whistle it makes when the water's ready - it reminds me of an approaching steam train. It's not cute or annoying like my mom's tea kettle. It says, "You're water's done!" with authority, without being too grumpy or bossy, or cause you to feel panicky.
I love the way it looks - it's a sexy, sturdy, shiny stainless steel (won't rust) kettle with black accents. (Accents being the spout, trademarked comfy Good Grips handle, and round lid that fits snugly.) I think it's really fancy looking and beats the sauce pan I used to use to heat up water.
Boring Specs
When I said sturdy, I meant sturdy. OXO for the most part is high-quality, functional, and dependable - the Uplift kettle is not an exception. The bottom is made of aluminum so it heats up quickly and the kettle can hold two quarts (I think that's eight cups.)
If you have anything made by OXO, you already know what the handle of this tea kettle feels like - rubbery comfort. The heat-resistant, non-slip rubber handle is terrific and I find enjoyment in pouring water because of the handle and the auto-spout-flip; it's very cool (the uplift action, not me finding enjoyment).
It's also very easy to clean because of its large round opening. Since you're only boiling water in this thing you don't need to wash it out all the time - a quick rinse and an occasional wash is fine (especially for hard water.)
A Tiny, Minor Gripe
The one thing I don't like about the Uplift Tea Kettle is that it sputters when it's whistling, nothing major, just a few drops - when they hit the flame you get the sizzle sound. I could do without the sizzle sound. (I should note that the kettle doesn't drip at any other time.) Despite the small sputter, this tea kettle is still hands-down cool.
Tips (Or: Stuff I Learned and Want to Share)
You cannot enjoy your tea in pint glasses the way you do coffee. Well, unless it's tempered (pint glasses usually aren't) it will shatter (and scare you half to death) the second you pour boiling water from the tea kettle. You need a big, fat mug.
Cucumber sandwhiches with the crusts cut off are actually good with tea.
Don't leave your tea kettle on the stove if you're going to saute or pan-fry stuff because it'll get all over your shiny kettle and you'll have to clean it.
Verdict?
There really isn't much more to say about this (or any other) tea kettle. They work the same; they all heat up water - but this particular kettle is bitchin'.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 49.95
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Epinions.com ID:
megugrrrl
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Location: Oakland
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