Why doesn't capitalism produce good kettles?

Re:Why doesn't capitalism produce good kettles? by lcabral on Saturday March 13, 2021 @04:32AM (#26445293)

Several times over the course of 20 years is not that bad. I'm guessing he wouldn't be buying it every 2 years (like common appliances that break apart right after guarantee period).

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Why doesn't capitalism produce good kettles? by londons_explore on Saturday March 13, 2021 @04:38AM (#26445339)

Some people I know have a 50 year old kettle. Sure, they look a bit old fashioned, and have marks and scratches, but they still 100% boil water.

I don't really see any reason kettles can't be made to last that long - it isn't like the human need for boiling water is going away anytime soon.

To get a design that lasts that long isn't much more expensive either - all it takes is very carefully recording what's broken on each kettle that fails, and modifying the design to avoid that failure mode. Within a few iterations, you'll end up with most kettles lasting 50 years.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Why doesn't capitalism produce good kettles? by andi999 on Saturday March 13, 2021 @04:47AM (#26445392)

50 years is a bit extrem, but my expectation would be 10 years minimum.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Why doesn't capitalism produce good kettles? by MrDresden on Saturday March 13, 2021 @05:18AM (#26445531)

Have just one year to go for my Wilfa kettle (2L, temperature control, has filter, wireless charging, pours badly though)

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Why doesn't capitalism produce good kettles? by jonsen on Saturday March 13, 2021 @12:54PM (#26448361)

I regularly use a Philips hand mixer, mostly for whipped cream, which was gifted to me in 1973.

[ Parent | on HN ]