Apologies for the lack of posts over the past couple of weeks – I’ve been on a bit of a whirlwind tour around Europe, with blogger trips to Copenhagen and Helsinki, a city break in Budapest with a friend, and an exciting photoshoot in London. More on all that to follow soon, but first I want to kick off a new series taking a closer look at some of my favourite design classics.
I’m starting with the ‘Emma’ kettle by Danish brand Stelton. I know what you’re probably thinking: how can a kitchen gadget be a design icon? But this one really is: elegant and understated, with no flashy details or unnecessary features. In fact, I was secretly very excited when our old kettle broke a couple of months ago and I had the excuse I needed to replace it with this one!
Created by Sebastian Holmbäck and Ulrik Nordentoft, the cordless ‘Emma’ kettle was inspired by the golden age of Danish design in the 1950s and 60s. It’s a perfect balance of form and function, with a beautifully streamlined shape, a curved wooden handle and a double-walled steel body that doesn’t get too hot to touch. It also has a removable limescale filter – a must for me, as I live in an area with very hard water.
There’s no denying it’s a bit pricier than your average kettle at €149 / £139, but it’s a timeless piece that certainly won’t date. And, given kettles are used day in, day out and normally left on display in the kitchen, I think it’s worth investing in one that’s well designed and well made. I’m certainly enjoying having a pretty gadget out on the worktop, rather than the usual plastic or chrome lump with lots of ugly lights.
I opted for the grey version, but it’s available in a whole host of other colours, from classic black and white to on-trend nude, terracotta and pale blue (just bear in mind that some aren’t yet available with UK or North American plugs).
Over the years the kettle has been joined by matching vacuum jugs, pitchers, tableware and storage jars, all with the same clean lines and minimalist expression. And, brand-new for autumn-winter 2018 is the ‘Emma’ toaster, which has a handy defrost setting that lets you toast bread from frozen, plus lovely wooden detailing on the side.
Now, if I can just find a way to ‘break’ our existing toaster, too….
Stelton kindly gifted my ‘Emma’ kettle, but as always all words and opinions are my own.
First five images by Abi Dare; all other photography via Stelton
Such a timely post Abi, literally ordering mine today! Your review will certainly help me convince my husband that it was worth it x
Thanks Nicola – glad to be of service! Enjoy your new kettle x
Such a beautiful Kettle! Agreed, to have this on the kitchen counter is something else than your average kettle ?.
Given they’re almost always on show, I agree it’s definitely worth having a pretty one! And this has to be my favourite.
This is definitely a design icon and without doubt the best looking kettle there is. I didn’t know it comes in other colours though as I’ve only ever seen the grey and white ones. Love the nude and terracotta versions.
The nude and terracotta ones are lovely aren’t they? I was very tempted with the nude version, but grey fits our kitchen a little better. And sadly the nude one doesn’t come with a UK plug yet – though hopefully soon!
I totally agree that kettles shouldn’t be unsightly or boring. This is such a sleek design. Love it, def on my list if I need a kettle in the future. I use an old fashioned orange singing kettle on the hob…
It’s always strikes me as strange that there are so few pretty ones around, given they’re always on display. But this is a beauty – I’m so pleased with it!
What a beautiful collection and the kettle is so elegant, no wonder you were happy that your old one broke… ?
Ha ha yes, I really was! But I swear I didn’t break it on purpose… 😉
I have always loved your product photography Abi, you always tell a story through your pictures!
Thanks so much Jenny! That’s so kind of you to say x