The Russell Hobbs brand of small appliances may not be familiar to most Filipinos, but it is the United Kingdom’s No. 1 among kitchen appliances.

 

It traces its beginnings to the 1950s, when Bill Russell and Peter Hobbs introduced the first electronic coffee pot with a keep-warm feature, and an electric kettle that revolutionized the market.

 

While the brand has since expanded its product range to an array of hand mixers, blenders and sandwich-makers, its strengths still lie in electric coffee pots and kettles. Proof can be found in its catalogue that lists seven kinds of kettles for those with different budgets.

 

Clarence Cu, president of Tocoms Philippines and exclusive local distributor of Russell Hobbs, said the brand would “appeal to young Filipinos, especially those who have started living independently.”

 

“This dynamic generation knows the value of pursuing one’s passions,” he added, and perhaps building one’s kitchen equipment one piece at a time.

 

Russell Hobbs’ Kitchen Collection features uncomplicated designs for breakfast and general food preparation. It includes a hand-mixer, food processor, blender, coffeemaker, and a kettle. Items in this entry-level range have a white gloss finish and green accents.

 

The two other product lines, Desire and Allure, were designed with the passionate cook in mind. Both offer the same functionality, but the first has a matte black finish and touches of bright red, while the second has a brushed chrome finish.

 

A fourth line, Illumina, boasts a unique color light ring which changes color to represent which settings are best for different types of food.

 

At the recent launch, a mini musical was presented after dinner. It followed a fledgling cook’s dreams to break into the food industry. The chorus, composed of three women, cheers her on until she finally gets her wish to open her own café and restaurant—with appliances by Russell Hobbs, of course.

 

“We are excited to bring to the country one of the UK’s leading brands of small kitchen appliances known for its timeless style and performance,” Cu said in a statement. “With this, we strongly believe that Russell Hobbs will be at the heart of Filipino homes from now on.”

 

The Russell Hobbs line of small kitchen appliances is now available at leading appliance and department stores. Visit www.facebook.com/russellhobbsph. Raoul J. Chee Kee