Monkey Coffee/Toast/Watches/Sony/Tabasco/Trainers/Merge/Multi-tool/The List/Confusion

warrencox said:
Monkey coffee. Yes I'm having that. Where do I get one, and why doesn't our Siemens Porsche coffee machine do that? (The only Porsche product I'll be affording this year).
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I had of the Siemens Porsche Design kettles, it really was absolute rubbish, I was truly sucked in on that one.

Dualit toasters, now they are the daddy...


obama-toast.jpg
 
beanoir said:
I had of the Siemens Porsche Design kettles, it really was absolute rubbish, I was truly sucked in on that one.
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We're on our third, and its just about holding in there. Fortunately others all replaced under warranty. The coffee machine is a bit better than the kettle, when the motion sensitive door isn't sticking :mad:

beanoir said:
Dualit toasters, now they are the daddy...
Click to expand...

Same design since 1930, made in Britain, and in 5 years our 4 slicer hasn't missed a beat. If only everything in life was as reliable as a Dualit!
 
Yes I finally gave up on my kettle and got myself a Magimix one, it's quite good and seems to be holding up ok, matches the toaster better too as they are both shiny and not brushed.

I love the fact you can replace the parts in the Dualit toasters, when the elements start to wither you just get new ones, brilliant!

As for coffee machines, i'm still on the plunger style cafetiere, I dont have room in my kitchen for a nice coffee machine, and I dont really drink coffee at home much.

I'm waiting for Audi to bring out a range of kitchen appliances, I quite fancy an Audi coffee grinder with a Haldex clutch in Sepang Blue
 
The toasters in our kitchens are Breville I think. They have a digital display and buttons to let you choose how well done you want your toast between 1 and 9.

Each one has a double slot, each pair cooks it to a different level on the same number and when you push one lever down it makes the other lever pop up again. AND it takes forever to cook!

I just looked up Dualit. £190 for this:
detail_794.jpg


:confused:
 
doesn't that just look so good. A tribute to a hugely successful piece of product design, the form and function have remained true to their original design for years...dare I say it, just like the Porsche 911....couldn't resist that one :undwech:
 
The reason the dualit is £190 is because it is a semi industrial unit for the home. The elements won a millenium design award, and to be honest if you find a pic of one from the 1930's they almost look identical. It is the 911 of toasters! My gran has had hers for 21 years and it's still going/ looking like new. She could have purchased 10 cheap plastic ones in that time and eaten sh1t toast for 20 years!

We pay £500 for some code for our ECU, so a Dualit toaster is a design classic bargain!
 
Perfect, all thats required is some butter, Marmite and a cuppa, and thats me happy as a pig in sh1t.
 
I can believe that it's a reliable product (nearly every place I have served has had Dualit conveyor toasters and they're awesome!) but I could buy a half decent toaster for less than a quarter of the price that'd last just as long.

Don't get me wrong, I'm well up there when it comes to paying good money for good things but sometimes there's an element (no pun intended) of paying for the brand too. For example recently I bought a 77 piece 1/4" drive Britool set. The equivalent Snap-on set costs about 4 times the price. Bearing in mind that even a Halfords Pro set comes with a lifetime guarantee what exactly are you paying for with Snap-on? Ok perhaps it may last just that bit longer but I can't see how you can really justify even twice the price for a tool that has a replacement guarantee already!
 
There seems to be some feeling within the motor trade that Snap On tools are a pre-requisite to being a good mechanic, and without them you aren't a proper mechanic. They have a fantastic relacement scheme, but TBH other brands have caught up significantly in the last 10 years ago. Like De Walt tools in the building industry, or Milltek exhausts in the car world people buy them thinking it's the informed choice, and by having them they automatically qualify as a cut above.

But most of the above are in a drawer or unseen. A Dualit toaster is a tool for making toast / bagels / buns / club sandwiches (with the rack) etc... and a piece of robust functional design that sits on display in your kitchen. As my wife works in design, we don't tend to buy something if it looks I'll conceived IF it's going to be on show. It can be a tad expensive at times, but we have no kids and very few expensive habits so it's a personal choice thing.

I do agree though Staz, you are paying for the brand name (Kitchen Aid/Waring/magimix are all the same). Don't gete wrong, I wouldn't buy a Bang & Olufsen £25k plasma TV despite their immense beauty, but for a toaster that lasts 20 years that costs less than some people spend on fags or booze for a month, I'm sold!
 
I've read that B&O TVs aren't that great anyway!

If I had some feedback from owners telling me they last pretty much forever then perhaps I'd go for it but I have a toaster that I've already had for 7 or 8 years and it works just fine so far. I think it cost about £20 :yes:
 
Wow... a couple of days away from this thread and we've moved on from mountain (and motor) bikes, to games consoles and games, witnessed a blossoming romance (Bromance?) back to BMW v Audi, and now to kitchen appliances - brilliant, I love it.

So, on the theme of kitchen appliances did anyone see the Bugatti Verra kettle on Something for The Weekend yesterday? I just found this link, although there are probably better ones:

http://www.itechnews.net/2009/08/31/casa-bugatti-vera-electric-kettle/http://www.wheredidyoubuythat.com/orange_bugatti_vera_kettle

If money was no object I'd have one! I love the fact you set it to boil ready for whan you arrive home from work!
 
That's niiiice! I expected it to be more expensive considering the name TBH!
 
Was very nice kettle, and when (notice I don't say if) the Siemens Porsche kettle we've got gives up I'd consider the Bug kettle alongside the new Magimix one.

The B&O TV's are fundamentally Samsungs in drag as B&O don't manufacture their own panels. Whilst the electronics are probably no compromise, you can't get away you're buying a generic screen at £25k. Shameless.

Another tip, DON'T buy a B&O phone, they need fixing every couple of years, ours is away being fixed as I speak, and for the 2nd time in 4 years :keule:. When it comes back it's being sold on fleabay. Rubbish. We've replaced it with a set of '4' Panasonic phones which cost less than a third of the price of the single B&O handset, AND they are every bit as good funnctionality-wise. I'm not painting a good picture for premium products here so I'll shut my trap! Don't get me started on TAG watches....
 
warrencox said:
Don't get me started on TAG watches....
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You can't leave it there... I love watches and have always wanted a decent watch with TAG and Omega being two brands I like. Nothing uber bling or big as I have girls wrists but one day I want one! I assume you are advising against such a decision...
 
MG said:
You can't leave it there... I love watches and have always wanted a decent watch with TAG and Omega being two brands I like. Nothing uber bling or big as I have girls wrists but one day I want one! I assume you are advising against such a decision...
Click to expand...

I have a TAG Formula 1 Chronograph for day to day use, and a Series 2000 automatic chronograph as a dress watch. The Formula 1 is OK, but for a watch with so few features and that gets limited use the battery barely lasts 2 years (at £40 a pop for a new battery / service).

However, the expensive one HAS NEVER consistently told the right time since it went for it's first service with LVMH (TAG UK) in Manchester, much to the annoyance of my wife who purchased it as a wedding present. They say the watch could be magnetised, but 2 payments of £215 have failed to resolve the issue. As soon as you take things to get serviced in Britain all too often it gets RUINED!!

I complained to TAG and said it was unacceptable that I buy a premium product that has so many issues, and the staff member told me that this wasn't an exclusive/premium product and they sell tens of thousands of them every year!!! At £1600 you'd hope my wife had bought something better than average but TAG UK staff seem not to think so! Therefore I won't ever buy another one. When you spend more than average for something is it unreasonable to expect better service in your time of need? It seems that the weak link in most of these perceived premium outlets is the soft squidgy oeuf sat behind the counter who just resents you for what you have, and treats you like you should be grateful to be a customer.

I have ended up buying a Casio G-Shock as a back up and it's the ONLY watch that reliably tells the time / date. I now wear it more than the other two and it is faultless!
 
That's not good. There's no excuse for poor customer service and support really and especially not if you've purchased a "premium" product of which I would definitely suggest a TAG is...

The one I would love is this:

WV2115.FC6180.jpg


Understated, yet classy, I think? So as long as I don't want accurate time keeping or good customer service and can put up with staff that are going to treat my purchase as if it was a run-of-the-mill £20 Casio, I should be good to go?? Hmmm, that's not inspiring me to carry on saving! Still, it does look nice at least!
 
MG said:
The one I would love is this:

WV2115.FC6180.jpg
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Nice one, just wish I could tell you the rest of the experience lives up. I'd save up a bit harder and buy a Rolly Submariner or a Sea Dweller.
 
Somewhere within this thread (whether it's about the S3/Cayman or coffee makers or watches) is an interesting (?) philosophical thesis on form and function. Watches, to me, are purely functional and their form matters to me as much as the aesthetics of the air conditioning unit in my office. Toasters and mobile phones the same. Trainers, on the other hand, are purely about form. I'll happily spend £200 on a pair of rare adidas just because of the way they look - their durability or cushioning capability or other functional attributes are irrelevant.

Cars, along with women and sofas, are one of the few things which have an equal "form and function" pull for me. Despite its unquestionable capability I would never desire an Evo or Subaru. Ugly form. But neither would I want a Jag XJS. Lovely form - useless machine.
 
warrencox said:
I have a TAG Formula 1 Chronograph for day to day use, and a Series 2000 automatic chronograph as a dress watch. The Formula 1 is OK, but for a watch with so few features and that gets limited use the battery barely lasts 2 years (at £40 a pop for a new battery / service).

However, the expensive one HAS NEVER consistently told the right time since it went for it's first service with LVMH (TAG UK) in Manchester, much to the annoyance of my wife who purchased it as a wedding present. They say the watch could be magnetised, but 2 payments of £215 have failed to resolve the issue. As soon as you take things to get serviced in Britain all too often it gets RUINED!!

I complained to TAG and said it was unacceptable that I buy a premium product that has so many issues, and the staff member told me that this wasn't an exclusive/premium product and they sell tens of thousands of them every year!!! At £1600 you'd hope my wife had bought something better than average but TAG UK staff seem not to think so! Therefore I won't ever buy another one. When you spend more than average for something is it unreasonable to expect better service in your time of need? It seems that the weak link in most of these perceived premium outlets is the soft squidgy oeuf sat behind the counter who just resents you for what you have, and treats you like you should be grateful to be a customer.

I have ended up buying a Casio G-Shock as a back up and it's the ONLY watch that reliably tells the time / date. I now wear it more than the other two and it is faultless!
Click to expand...

I haven't had any problems with my TAG F1 Chrono, wear it day in, day out, it's the rubber strap jobby. I used to have an Omega Seamaster, but I never wore it as I found it uncomfortable (skinny wrists!) and sold it about a year after I bought it, kind of went off watches apart from just wearing one that works. Although I have found myself liking the IWC Spitfire recently, classic looks but kind of cool.

That does sound like a bit of a let down though, that would be enough to stop me buying another one if I was you.

Imagine if Sony made watches...don't get me started on how cr@p their products are!!!
 
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Iggu said:
Somewhere within this thread (whether it's about the S3/Cayman or coffee makers or watches) is an interesting (?) philosophical thesis on form and function. Watches, to me, are purely functional and their form matters to me as much as the aesthetics of the air conditioning unit in my office. Toasters and mobile phones the same. Trainers, on the other hand, are purely about form. I'll happily spend £200 on a pair of rare adidas just because of the way they look - their durability or cushioning capability or other functional attributes are irrelevant.

Cars, along with women and sofas, are one of the few things which have an equal "form and function" pull for me. Despite its unquestionable capability I would never desire an Evo or Subaru. Ugly form. But neither would I want a Jag XJS. Lovely form - useless machine.
Click to expand...

Sorry, I think that was me rabbiting on about form and function, back to the days in learning as a product designer.

We could always debate how form is derived from from a products function, bring on Walter Gropius and the Bauhaus....
 
Lost my Omega Speedmaster in a titty bar.... was a graduation present.... got myself a NIXON rotolog with the wooden inlays pretty happy with it.. good buy... my Omega couldnt keep accurate time either.... I took it to get it serviced but didn't bother after the first time around, was informed that if you want accurate time automatic watches don't do it for you...went through about 3 sets of wristbands...http://www.k5.com/images/products/NIXON/L/MENS_ROTOLOG_WOOD.jpg
 
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If I've learned something over the last few years it is that badge is irrelevant. Take Audi for instance.

Do I get better service from them than I did from SEAT? No.

Is it ultimately the same product as SEAT with a £5-10k increased price tag? Yes

Is it made from majoritively the same parts bin? Yes

Therefore has the world of marketing suckered me in? Yes

Where is the weak element in all this? Human element (e.g. customer services)

Would I find it more acceptable if a high quality product went wrong IF i knew the supporting customer service process was good? Yes, everything can go wrong, but not repeatedly. Put it right first time if possible.

Back to the Dualit, Casio G-Shock etc.. both exceptional tools for what they do, both fuss free. You don't really notice they are there doing their thing, and the fact you don't is what makes them exceptional products. I know I won't be taking it back to store of having a snotty conversation with a service tech who tells me how unlucky I've been and their products are usually faultless. A little bit of empathy wouldn't hurt at times as the customer gets their wallet out to pay for another repair.

Next company to be contacted is REL subwoofers. I'm on no.2 and it's turning itself on and off as it pleases! Anyone would think I live in the Bermuda Triangle of electrical faults!

Despite the above, there are companies/sellers whose products or service are pretty exceptional:

> Revo
> Apple
> Casio
> Dualit
> Magimix
> Salomon
> Smeg
> Bosch
> Miele
> Nikon (Customer svcs are fantastic, as are Grays of Westminster store)
> Dynaudio speakers
> Cox & Power jewellers in Marylebone Rd, London
> Panasonic (again not a premium brand, but everything of theirs we have works seemlessly)
> John Lewis / Waitrose (one of the few companies we are exposed to daily that always exceed our expectations)

I'm never left wanting by the above, it's nice to know there are places I can go and not feel aggrieved to part with my cash. Notice B&O, TAG, Audi don't even hit the radar on the list above!
 
beanoir said:
Imagine if Sony made watches...don't get me started on how cr@p their products are!!!
Click to expand...

Like what? I've had loads of Sony stuff and it's all been top notch!

Sony Ericsson make watches BTW :)
 
warrencox said:
I complained to TAG and said it was unacceptable that I buy a premium product that has so many issues, and the staff member told me that this wasn't an exclusive/premium product and they sell tens of thousands of them every year!!!
Click to expand...

That's shocking m8 :ohmy: Heard a few stories like this so that's enough to put me off ever buying a TAG, if some *** told me that my 1600 quid watch wasn't enough of a premium product to warrant decent service I'd stuff it up his nose :nunu:

I've had a Rolex Oyster perp for a bit over a year and hope it stays good, I can't afford another one!
 
We dont eat that much toast to justify hundreds of quid on a toaster.
Im on my 2nd one in 15 year.
Reckon Ive spent £30 so far.
I just hope I live long enough to regret it!:icon_thumright:

Agree that AUDIs do carry a premium over VAGs stable mates. The difference for me however is:

£20K an a car that is good value, but its not the one you REALLY want. £20 is a lot of money for something you dont really want but think you should have because its VFM.

..or £30K on something that is expensive, but its what you want. What price to have what you really want?

So, either AUDI have pulled off a remarkable Emperor new clothes style stunt, or, they are in fact more desirable based at least partly on their merits??

Fancy watches? They are a nice things, and Ive thought about it, but I can always think of something more important to spend the money on.

Whether a product is `worth it`depends on how it makes you `feel`. And thats difficult to evaluate and will be different for everyone.

Anyhow, whatever you have, the novelty will wear off, and there will always be the next shiny thing you aspire to having.


And.......err...go for the Cayman.... I think:uhm:
 
There's a bird in our office who seems to be in love with her Brabantia bin. She sees some kind of beauty in it and for her it is definitely a thing of form as well as function.

Bins to me are like toasters and watches (but not cars). They perform a very basic function which it is impossible to perform better in any way. The right time is simply the right time - toasted bread is toasted bread. What they look like and their design features are totally superfluous appeals to vanity.

My bin just stores my ***** on a temporary basis.
 
Agreed. Anyone who spends £20k plus on a Rolex has FAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAR more money than sense.
 
Iggu said:
There's a bird in our office who seems to be in love with her Brabantia bin. She sees some kind of beauty in it and for her it is definitely a thing of form as well as function.

Bins to me are like toasters and watches (but not cars). They perform a very basic function which it is impossible to perform better in any way. The right time is simply the right time - toasted bread is toasted bread. What they look like and their design features are totally superfluous appeals to vanity.

My bin just stores my ***** on a temporary basis.
Click to expand...

I hear you....:icon_thumright:
 
Staz said:
Agreed. Anyone who spends £20k plus on a Rolex has FAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAR more money than sense.
Click to expand...

Or just has looooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooads of money :happy:

Interesting, all the different points of view here! I earn a reasonable wage, but appreciate quality (buy expensive and buy once) and would buy a 200 quid toaster if I thought it was going to last a lifetime. 200 quid is far too much for a bin, no matter how fancy it is.

Even if I was a multi-billion-squillionaire, I'd never spend a million quid on a Bugatti Vernon :puke: apart from the fact that I hate them, a million poond would probably buy and perfect my dream fleet (don't ask, some of it is weird...2 Audis in there too) and I'd be far happier with a choice of 15 cars I was really into than just one ugly bitch/ostentatious millionaire's toy.

20 grand Rolex? With a million in the bank, I'd just buy it (as long as I really liked it myself - a big diamond-encrusted mugging target is not my style just for showing off to others) but I still wouldn't buy a 200 quid bin.

A coffee machine that draws monkey faces on your brew? Well, I'd pay quite a lot for one of them :happy:
 
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Has anyone invented toasters that toast images onto your bread/toast? That would go nicely with the monkey face drawing coffee machine. My life would be complete...
 
An idea for Dragons Den. Monkey toast.
 
What about a Monkey-Magi-mix?

The TV ad would obviously feature the man himself, Sandy, Piggsy and that, weird androgenous baldy character called Tripitaka.

I would swap an organ for one of those bad boys.

Surely the coolest way to make a cake.:icon_thumright:
 
HotboxDeluxe said:
20 grand Rolex? With a million in the bank, I'd just buy it (as long as I really liked it myself - a big diamond-encrusted mugging target is not my style just for showing off to others) but I still wouldn't buy a 200 quid bin
Click to expand...

Nope, even if I had billions I still wouldn't be buying a watch for that much money. I'd rather put it to better use.
 
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