Expert Review - Tea Kettle with Loud Whistle

Expert Review – Tea Kettle with Loud Whistle - For Gas Stoves

Brushed Stainless Loop Teakettle (1.8 qt.)

	MANUFACTURER
	Chantal
	COST
	$50.00
	VENDORS
	Chantal
	DISCLAIMER
	The listing of these products is for informational purposes and individuals must use their own caution and judgment when using these resources. Functional levels and changes in judgment and reasoning are highly variable in people with dementia. Interventions must be individualized and continually assessed because those that are effective for some individuals may only work briefly and may not work at all for others.

DESCRIPTION

This kettle is made of brushed stainless steel. When there is at least one cup of water in the teakettle, steam build-up produces a loud harmonic whistle. The other teapots in this series are made in bright colors with enamel on steel, but are much heavier than the stainless steel model, making them difficult to lift.

PROS

Loud harmonic whistle - some whistles cannot be heard from another room.

Attached whistle - one less thing to lose.

"Finger trigger" spout opener - an easy-to-use safety feature. Some teapots have an automatic spout, which opens when the kettle is lifted by its handle, rather than when a trigger is squeezed. This is a good feature for people with arthritis, but could present a safety hazard for persons with dementia.

Non-metal handle reduces burn risk.

Filling this teapot can be accomplished by opening the lid or, if you turn it sideways, at the spout.

CONS

Expensive.

Steam burns can occur with teapots that have a midsection water filler if the lid is opened while the water is steaming. However, if the person is currently using this type of teakettle, they may find it difficult to switch and use the spout to fill the kettle.

If the gas flame is too high on the spout side of the teapot, it can melt the plastic on the spout, as it did on our test model.

CAUTION

Overfilling teakettles can cause boiling water to be forced out of the spout, increasing burn risk. Check to see if the person fills the kettle to the recommended level below the spout.

Persons accustomed to using a saucepan to boil water may not be able to learn how to use a kettle.

Loose long sleeves can easily catch on fire. Make sure your care receiver wears short or tight fitting sleeves while cooking.

Check regularly to see whether the person can use a tea kettle safely. At some point, the person may be unable to

•	Safely use the stovetop
•	Remember the purpose of the whistle and respond appropriately
•	Safely carry and pour a pot of boiling water

Even non-metallic handles can get very hot if the gas flame is too high or if the kettle is incorrectly placed on a gas flame larger than the kettle's bottom; this could cause a burn when the handle is touched. Regularly assess that it's still safe for the care receiver to cook independently. At some point, all people with dementia will need to be supervised in the kitchen.