Stelton Vacuum jugs by Erik Magnusson

We can almost hear you cooing over these retro bird-like vacuum jugs - oh-so-stylish, streamlined and simple! But appearances can be deceptive, because this perfect pourer, with its clean-lined exterior, was the cause of a long-running design puzzle for Danish designer Erik Magnussen.

A stickler for detail, Magnussen spent a great deal of time agonising over the finer points of the jug's practical and aesthetic construction. Which is why, despite being made of only two components - a stainless-steel container (now replaced with hard-wearing colourful plastic) with a glass lining and an easy-to-operate lid with a rocking stopper - this Scandi classic was six years in the making.

Aren't we glad that Mr Magnussen didn't give up on it now, though?

Vacuum Jugs, £42 each, Stelton at Skandium

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