You can see at first glance that the Le Creuset Q9401 kettle is very different from the rest.
- Stay-cool handle
- Larger base
- Wide-mouth opening
- Easy pour spout
- Nine color options to choose from
- Compatible with all types of stove tops
- Enamel can become discolored if left on the stove for a long period of time
They’re all silver. The Le Creuset comes in 9 different colors and none of them are silver.
Does this make the Le Creuset better? Of course not. It just makes it different.
Color isn’t the only thing. Its size also sets it apart. It is the smallest of our top whistling kettles.
All of this makes it very specialized. If you want a kettle in a different color and you don’t need a huge capacity, then this is your top choice, no doubt about it.
If you want a silver kettle and need a larger capacity, this is not the model for you. If you’re not sure, read the rest of this review to find out if this is the right kettle for you.
Table of Contents
Review Of The Le Creuset Whistling Tea Kettle
Overview And Features
Le Creuset is a company that has built a reputation over the years by creating a wide variety of kettle styles and designs that help to improve boiling time and heating efficiency. Their latest model to hit the market is not different.
It features a modern design combined with the latest safety features. Its versatility is also a huge selling point, especially for the induction stove top owner.
This model features a colored enamel coating, with a total of nine colors to choose from. It has a reputation for superior heat distribution and quick heating action, which allow you to boil up a large pot of water in just a few minutes.
The stainless steel design not only makes this one of the most durable kettles around, but also promotes even heat distribution and improves heating efficiency. It also comes equipped with a stay-cool handle, so the water is ready to pour as soon as you hear the kettle start to whistle. No need to wait for the handle to cool or to use pot holders.
The capacity may be too small, if you are looking for a kettle you can use for hosting or a larger group of people. That said, the two-quart capacity provides up to eight cups of tea, so it should be perfect for smaller families or get togethers will fellow tea drinkers.
Aside from the smaller capacity, this durable, colorful kettle has some great features to offer, like the safe-pour design that allows you to start pouring as soon as you hear it whistle.
Key Features
- Stay-cool handle design
- Wide-mouth opening
- Wide base
- Compatible with all stovetops
- Thinner base material promotes faster boiling time
- Made from stainless steel
Design
If you drink tea daily, then a model that’s easy to clean and durable is a must. Older enamel-coated models of the past were pretty high maintenance, considering enamel is prone to scratches and burn marks, but this model’s unique design changes all of that.
The large base size is perfect for a variety of stove tops. You no longer have to reserve the smallest burner on the stove for kettle use. With other models, a smaller base would mean it could only be used safely on the smallest burner, in order to avoid burning the sides of the kettle.
This huge base is perfect considering the kettle has an enamel coating, which would normally be prone to burning if you used it on a full-sized burner. The size of the base also allows for improved stove top contact, which results in a faster boiling time and improved heat distribution.
Handle
This model is equipped with an ergonomically designed stay-cool handle that remains cool to the touch, even as the pot boils. This allows you to immediately remove the kettle from the burner and start pouring. This is a great safety feature to have, especially if you have small children in the home.
The stainless steel handle brackets improve the handle’s stability and durability. The handle’s ergonomic design allows you to carefully and easily pour a full pot of hot water, without burning yourself of spilling. The handle is coated in a thick heat-resistant plastic, which is also used on the whistle.
Whistle
The best part of a stovetop model is the whistle, so what good is kettle if you can’t even hear it when the water is ready for serving? On the other hand, some emit a ear-piercing whistle that can be startling and annoying. Fortunately, you won’t have either problem with this particular model.
The kettle can whistle loud enough for you to hear it in the next room, so you won’t have to hang around the kitchen to wait for this pot to boil. It emits a single-tone whistle which is not overly loud or irritating. This is definitely a plus for those tea drinkers who have purchased a model in the past that was overly shrill or one that emitted a muffled whistle.
Spout
Often, on lower-priced kettles you’ll find a spout design that can make it difficult to carefully pour without spilling. The fixed spout, complete with the easy flip open cap, makes it easier and safer to pour hot water directly into your teapot or your tea cup.
Compatibility
In the past, it was difficult to find a model that would work with induction stove tops, especially if the kettle had an enamel coating. Enamel is prone to damage and some types of enamel, if left to dry boil on an induction stove top, could actually completely destroy it, since the enamel would melt directly onto the surface.
Thanks to this model’s wider base, you can easily use it on any type of stove top, without worrying about damage to the enamel or the coating melting and sticking to the surface of the stove. This model can be used on:
- Gas stove tops
- Electric stove tops
- Induction stove tops
Care And Kettle Maintenance
This model is fairly simple to care for. However, it’s not dishwasher safe and should only be washed by hand using a soft sponge and a nonabrasive cleanser. The wide-mouth design makes it easy to reach inside and gently scrub out the interior.
It must be immediately dried by hand after washing. Avoid allowing it to air dry. This prevents mold, mineral deposit buildup, and rust from developing. Use a soft cloth to clean out the interior of the pot and the spout.
Use
Because of the enamel coating, this pot is easier to damage than models made out of aluminum or stainless steel. During use, be careful not the bang the kettle when placing it on the stove top, to avoid scratching the enamel coating.
Never use a steel pad or brush to scrub the exterior as this can scratch the enamel coating. Allowing the kettle to dry boil can also result in damage to the exterior.
You must also avoid allowing the kettle to boil for a longer period of time when on the stove since this will result in overheating the kettle, causing damage to the exterior and base. You should also never leave standing water in the kettle, because this can result in build of lime scale or mold.
Color Options
If you’re looking for something more appealing and flashy than a standard aluminum or stainless steel design, then you’ll love the color options this model offers.
The ability to choose from nine colors will allow you to easily match this model to your existing kitchen decor. You can choose from the following colors:
- Caribbean
- Cherry red
- Flame
- Marseille
- Marine
- Oyster
- Palm
- White
- Black
As you can see, the manufacturer gives you plenty of options, so you can choose a kettle that really pops, or find out that will blend with your existing decor.
Advantages And Disadvantages
Pros
- Stay-cool handle
- Larger base
- Wide-mouth opening
- Easy pour spout
- Nine color options to choose from
- Compatible with all types of stove tops
Cons
- Enamel can become discolored if left on the stove for a long period of time
Le Creuset Versus All-Clad E86199 Stainless Steel Tea Kettle
The newest model made by All-Clad gives this kettle a run for its money. It features a single-ply polished stainless steel design that includes a bonded base that makes it compatible with any type of stove top. The bonded base is also designed to prevent warping.
The kettle’s cooking surface is non-reactive and stick resistant, while the kettle itself is dishwasher safe, which makes cleanup a breeze. It’s also covered by a limited lifetime warranty, which is nothing short of impressive.
It has a small eight-cup capacity, just like this model by Le Creuset, which is more than enough to host afternoon tea time with friends. However, if you’re on a tight budget, the All-Clad may be out of your price range, but considering that it’s covered by a lifetime warranty, the higher price tag may just be worth it.
Le Creuset Q9401-17 Review: Conclusion And Rating
Our Rating: 9.0 out of 10
Due to the modern design and the wide range of color options, the Le Creuset Q9401-17 Whistling Tea Kettle will complement your existing kitchen decor. Its stay-cool, ergonomic handle makes this model safe and easy to use and pour, even when it’s taken directly off the stove top.
The fact that it features an enamel coating and will work for all types of stove tops is another huge plus, especially for buyers with induction stove tops.
The kettle’s wider base allows you to use in on any burner, unlike competing enamel coated models, which are prone to damage if used on a larger burner.
The thinner base materials also allow the pot to boil fast and improves heat distribution. Safe and easy to use, I gave this model a rating of 9 out of 10.
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