Why cant I buy an Electric Kettle ?

[tellboy]

I have been doing a "Grumpy Old Man " bit this week.

I want a good old fashioned Kettle not a Jug or a pyramid or a sphere. I watch as sales assistants have glazed eyes and try to escape as I explain that I am an Engineer and that Jug kettles can be more difficult to lift and carry when they are full because you need more strength in your wrists and arms to support the weight of the kettle from the side. Because the handle is on the top of a traditional kettle it is more evenly balanced it gives a more even distribution of the weight. Also most of their handles are big enough for you to hold them with both hands. And if you have weak or painful arms or shoulders you may find it easier to hold the handle with the palm of your hand, which you can't do with a jug kettle blah..blah..blah...drone.....drone....drone...

I finally managed to get one after a mammoth trek of kettle shops but lo and behold I find that they have put the switch in the reverse position to my old one so up is now ON and also done away with the red light that shines to let you know it is ON. Also the lid is now plastic and has a memory. It only thinks it is a kettle lid when the water is cold. If the water is hot it thinks it is an aeroplane door or something as it expands to make it impossible to remove for a top up and give yourself third degree burns from the steam. Also the lead is really tight to plug in but falls out with the touch of a feather.....moan...moan...moan

What has happened to design ?

[malaise]

It got all fancy and "modern" at the cost of function, presumably.

Argos has some traditional style kettles that may fit the bill, though I can't speak for how well they work or how well designed they are. x

[alfiebrady]

I know you've already got one, but they're not that hard to find...albeit a bit pricey.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00065IC6I/ref=br_lf_kh_5/202-9829872-6156651

Get your point about 'design' for design's sake, though.

[squiperly]

I quite agree - I feel the same about cars! I can't read led displays when the sun shines on them and I hate the various alarms eg seat belt not fastened, door ajar, light still on etc.

Designers seem to be putting how a thing looks before how it works!!!

[lafrancaise]

Thank god for car boot sales! nearly new old-fashioned technology at a fraction of the price!!