In total contrast to the electric kettle, the electric coffee percolator, which was an American invention, was a sophisticated and elegant piece of tableware, designed to be shown off as the centrepiece of any middle-class breakfast table. It created a fashion for fresh coffee at breakfast that was considered very modern and continental.

The first company to add electricity to the traditional hotplate percolator was Universal in 1908. By 1914, two types were available; static percolator urns and percolator pots with a handle and spout. The electric coffee percolator was the most decorative of all the gadgetry that was part of the electric breakfast and the buyer had a great stylistic variety from which to choose. A popular feature was a lid made from 'Pyrex' heat-resistant glass, which allowed the user to see the boiling water in action.

The last development in percolator design was the automatic coffee pot, invented by Russell Hobbs in 1952 (their first product). By using a bimetallic strip, which automatically cut out when the coffee was perked, a control could be added which regulated the strength of the coffee according to taste. A later version of this model came with a co-ordinated sugar basin, cream jug, coffee cups and saucers.

1937

Swan model CH475

UK Birmingham

Produced 1937-1950s, patent 488,305 (1937) for connection of heating element to body, hence shape. Very elegant, ornamental design, intended as centre-piece of 'electric breakfast'. Chrome-plated copper, black phenol plastic handle/trim, 'Pyrex' hinged lid, connector inserts into base. Later models have cut-out switch in base.

c1938

Davidson

UK Birmingham

Unusual design with Art Deco styling. Non-pouring; tap on front supplies coffee, side handles provide lifting, Chromium-plated copper, black phenol plastic side handles and feet, removable lid with 'Pyrex' insert. Produced in two capacities. Still available in the late-1950s.

1948

Swan Mayfair model CH480

UK Birmingham

Produced 1948-60c. Striking Art Deco design ('moderne', yet out-of-date by late 40s) with straight vertical sides and handle with sphere detail at base. Chrome-plated copper, black phenol plastic handle/trim, separate lid with black phenol plastic knob and 'Pyrex' glass insert. Connector inserts into side with cut-out switch in base. Also in 4-piece luxury set including circular tray, sugar bowl and creamer, all with sphere detail on handle, price £8/12/-, percolator only £5/5/- (1951). Registered design number 856,838 (late 1948), patent 488,305 (1937).

1952

Russell Hobbs Coffee Pot model CP1

UK Croyden

First Russell Hobbs appliance, first automatic percolator (with bimetallic strip control developed from thermostat iron, cut-out), green warning light, coffee strength adjustment. Primrose ceramic jug (other colours available later) on phenol plastic base, 'Pyrex' glass lid. Later decorative versions with matching cream jugs and sugar basins.

Click here for the decorative three-piece set.

1957

Best model CP2

UK

Automatic coffee percolator, over-engineered design lacking finesse of Russell-Hobbs. Base section contains safety cutout lever, red and green warning lights and dial knob. Later CP4 (1958) available in enamelled copper (red, green, blue, primrose, bronze, black, model E at 142/6) and chromium plate (model CH at 152/6). Minimal instructions leaflet includes service information not for purchaser.

1957

Cona New Table Model

UK

Designed c1957 by British graphic designer Abram Games. Based on an ealier, non-production model known as the 'Cona Rex', also designed by Games and exhibited at 1951 Festival of Britain. Produced from c.1959. Dramatic design, updated version of traditional non-electric vacuum coffee maker, pioneered in USA early 1900s. Cona available in UK from 1920s. Coffee and water compartments in reinforced glass, cantilever stand cast alloy with chrome plating and black phenol plastic handle. Electric and non-electric versions. See Sparke, P 'Did Britain make it' (1986) for more details on the designer.