The Rachel Ray Teapot Has Arrived

This post details how I came into possession of this lovely orange teapot from the Rachel Ray Line of cookware offered at CSN.com. Isnt' it cute? I was so excited that they sent me a teapot because I knew we would use it everyday and they sent it in orange - which is just about the happiest color imaginable, don't you think?
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Unfortunately, that is probably the kindest thing I can say about this teapot. And that makes me sad, because, honestly? I really, really wanted to like it.

First design flaw?

The space between the handle and the lid. The lid has to be screwed off to fill with water. In our home I have the smallest hands - even Wallene's hands are larger than mine - and to be honest? My hand does not fit in the space comfortably to open it up. As seen in the picture I have to contort my hand to attempt to open and remove the lid for filling. It is not easy. I had the entire family try it and they agree. I measured and the space is a bit under 2".

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Second oops?

When you do manage to open the lid and fill it for a few cups of tea this is an incredibly heavy teapot. We put in approximately 3 cups of water so each of us could have a cuppa' and even Wallene had a problem lifting it. She could, but I wouldn't suggest it for the elderly or anyone that is weak. You would need serious arm muscles to use this a few times a day. On second thought? You may be able to build up your strength lifting it on a daily basis.

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Third disappointment?

The whistle. Teapots should whistle when they are ready, correct? And they should do so lustily - at least all the teapots I have owned did. Unfortunately not this one. Let me just ask that you not leave the room if you would like to know when your hot water is ready, 'kay? It has a weak whistle. Mae West it is not.

Finally?

This is the latch [see it on top of the handle?] that opens the spout for pouring. Our spout lid was a bit scratched up [no worries there] but the latch feels so inadequate when you click it to open the spout top as though it wasn't made to the specifications of the sturdiness of the pot itself. I suspect it won't last long.

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But! A nice touch is the latch does click into place so you don't have to hold it while pouring. But please note: be careful while pouring - if you have more than a few cups of water in the teapot it will dribble down the pot while you are pouring water into your cup and you will have hot water all over the counter.

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Now, for the disclaimers:

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1. I was contacted by the company and offered a free piece of Ms. Ray's cookware to review if I did so on my blog. I did not pay for the pot nor the shipping and handling. [Retail cost: $39.99 plus tax]

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2. The person I dealt with at CSN.com was very polite, nice and prompt with all my questions and concerns. I hope to deal with this company again in the future, either in a purchase or another review or give away.

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3. I did notify my contact at the company after trying the teapot and told him I was not comfortable giving a favorable review as I did not like the teapot and if I was to blog about it I would have to be honest. I offered to either post honestly or not post at all and return the teapot since I was unable to fulfill my obligation. He was very generous and told me I could post a poor review, as that was the truth or I could not post at all. It was up to me. And he added that he did not expect the teapot back, that it was mine to keep.

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We will keep the teapot - as it really is a happy little appliance. We just won't make more than one cup of tea at a time and will stay in the room to know when it is done. :)