This tea pot does the job -- boils water and has a loud whistle. I have no complaints about it getting too hot -- it's really not an issue. Mine came with a special "handle holder" which I've never needed to use. The whistle sounds like a fire alarm, it is not musical, or beautiful as some people describe. But, it is loud.

I have the stainless steel version and it looks rough after a few weeks of use -- lots of blotches and stains. They sell a special cleaner for it, but who wants to buy a special cleaner?

I am satisfied with this product, but not happy. I like Chantal, but would go for an enamel pot over this one... I would have done that, but didn't like any of the colors they offer.

I bought this kettle for looks and that is all I got. It gets so hot as to be unusable and I had to make myself a little sleeve to put on the handle to even hold it. The finish has not held up well and even though I use commercial stainless steel cleaners and polishes it still looks horrid. In general I do not recommend Chantal products - I have had two saucepans that held up well, but a roaster and stockpot have been huge disappointments. If you actually want to USE your kitchen utensils, I would avoid this brand.

... start with a Chantal tea kettle. After having purchased tea kettles that didn't whistle consistently even when full (the OXO Good Grips Uplift for one), it is nice to finally have one that does. No longer do I have to worry about putting the kettle on and forgetting about it! The water is heated very quickly, and it has a nice sounding harmonica whistle that is just the right loudness. I have a gas stove and the handle did get hot. Another reviewer had a good idea about using a pot handle hotpad (the Woolworks wool one fits well), but the handle cools so quickly that I find that I usually don't even use it. This is the nicest looking tea kettle that I've seen. Even though it is 2.5 quarts it's not as big and clumsy as some of the others. One look at the bottom of this kettle, and you know that it is sturdy, sturdy, sturdy! Most definitely a high quality kettle.

Ever since I saw this Chantal Kettle on Seinfeld I had to have one. The classy design is enhanced by the harmonic, non-intrusive whistle and the stay-cool handle. If you go through tea kettles like I used to I recommend investing in a Chantal; a teakettle with class and staying power. Oh yes, it boils water just fine.