This iconic design was the first "designer" tea kettle produced by Alessi. Created by German-born industrial designer Richard Sapper, its most notable feature is the highly distinctive two-tone whistle that sounds when the water inside the kettle is boiling. Sapper is said to be inspired by the train whistles of his youth, as well as a desire to create a pleasantly melodious whistle quite unlike the shrill whistles found on other kettles. The kettle boils rapidly due to the copper bottom which conducts heat exceptionally well.