Classification
Description
A prototype electric kettle, handmade in the early 1970s by GJC Developments Ltd for Belling. This was a prototype for one of the first electric kettles mainly made of plastic, developed to compete with the market leaders of the day, at the time Russell Hobbs. The specified criteria were that it should have a factory gate price of £3, wholesale price of £6 and retail price of £12; it should cut off automatically on reaching boiling point; have an audible alarm to be activated on reaching the set boiling point; an overriding on/off switch and a facility for the switch off temperature to be set by an adjustable control. Two prototypes were handmade, mainly machined/milled and routed from plastic blocks, though a prototype moulding tool was made for the main vessel which was moulded in Noryl, a modified polyphenylene, to withstand the temperature required. Noryl has good dimensional stability, low water absorption and good heat resistance. They were subsequently submitted to BEAB, the British Standards Institute, for testing and for a specification to be produced for plastic appliances. After final modifications a prototype manufacture run of about 100 were given out for testing and comments. This kettle has a polished chrome finish and is one of the test run. It was decided not to proceed to full production.
Designers & Manufacturers
Inscriptions
printed: "Belling automatic. buzzer. " (handle)
Object number
AIBDC : 007157.1
Date
1973 (circa)
Country
Method
Material
Dimensions
Height
220mm
Diameter
210mm