A little bird whistles every time the Alessi 9093 kettle boils. This stovetop kettle was created in 1985 by American designer Michael Graves – who, at this point, had never worked in industrial design – as a way to inject some fun into the everyday household object.
B I O
A little bird whistles every time the Alessi 9093 kettle boils. This stovetop kettle was created in 1985 by American designer Michael Graves – who, at this point, had never worked in industrial design – as a way to inject some fun into the everyday household object. The public loved this whimsical item, driving the kettle to become Alessi’s best-selling item, for the past 30 years.
T R I V I A
A French poet sent Michael a postcard saying: “I’m always very grumpy when I get up in the morning. But when I get up now, I put the tea kettle on, and when it starts to sing, it makes me smile – damn you!” After the whistling bird, Alessi released a dragon-shaped whistle called Tea Rex.
Michael chose blue for the handle as it signals a cool (and safe) area to touch; the red bird indicates hot temperatures.
Trying to find a way to experience nature at breakfast, Michael designed a bird-shaped plastic whistle to fit the tip of the spout.
The kettle’s shiny, conical stainless steel body, as well as its brightly coloured handle, contribute to the lighthearted appeal of the appliance.
Its magnetic steel bottom is suitable for induction hobs.
