Put a cork in it: The cool OXO Uplift Tea Kettle

Trying to agree on a tea kettle with the sigOth last weekend in a Maine gourmet shop was nearly as difficult as trying to agree on a baby name. The kitchen is more or less his domain (the culinary school degree grants him as much), so he tends to get his way with things like professional pots and pans, and way too many fancy knives. Well wasn't I thrilled when we agreed on the splurgey anniversary edition OXO Uplift Tea Kettle (Amazon affiliate link), with the stainless body and cork handles. I adore cork for its look, sustainability, and because it's naturally heat resistant and non-slippy--how very innovative. While I had a wee bit of sticker shock, considering my last OXO tea kettle lasted me a good 12 years before the enamel exterior was utterly coated with crud, I figure it's not a bad investment at all. (Update, 2015: 5 years later, still going strong!) We have the shiny stainless version, but I kind of like the brushed stainless which might be a bit easier to keep looking swanky if you use it as much as we do. If you like the lines but want a cheaper kettle (and I wouldn't blame you), you can save about 30% if you skip the cork and grab the original Uplift Tea Kettle by OXO. Then get ready for hot chocolate and mulled cider season; it will be here before you know it. Find the anniversary edition OXO Uplift Tea Kettle with cork handle  from our affiliate Amazon, or a kitchen shop near you.