About us

RUSSELL HOBBS MILESTONES

At the heart of homes, now and then

Our story began in 1952 when Bill Russell and Peter Hobbs teamed up to transform kitchens across Britain. Their vision was simple: to create products that make home life easier and more enjoyable. The first automatic electric kettle was one of many groundbreaking innovations from Russell Hobbs.

Today, we continue to put people at the heart of what we do. By being closer to you, we gain the insight to design things better. From innovative touch control technology to removable, dishwasher-safe components, our products are packed with real solutions that help people enjoy home life – because that’s what matters most.

Russell Hobbs continues to lead the way in style and technology and as South Africans expand their decorating awareness to the kitchen; Russell Hobbs is there to offer sophisticated solutions that suit modern requirements.

1952

Bill Russell and Peter Hobbs form "Russell Hobbs" and the first coffee maker with keep warm function.
1955

The K1 kettle is launched as the world’s first ever automatic electric kettle.
1960

The K2 kettle is launched, succeeding the K1 and becomes the most popular kettle through the 1960’s and 1970’s.
1963

Production moved to Blythe Bridge in Staffordshire.
1967

Production reaches the 1 million mark.
1975

Russell Hobbs produces over 5 million products.
1977

Russell Hobbs recognised as the world’s leading kettle producer and UK No1 for coffee and toasters.
1980

Chelsea Tea Machine introduced, with its revolutionary single pot system.
1991

Russell Hobbs brand is acquired by the Pifco Group.
1995

Classic toaster is launched and soon becomes the UK’s best selling toaster. It is now the best selling toaster in history.
1996

Millennium kettle launched with a British made, OPTEC disk and becomes the fastest boiling kettle.
2000

Montana kettle first produced and becomes the best selling kettle in the UK.
2004

Award winning “Glass-line” range launched.
2005

Russell Hobbs celebrates its 50th anniversary of the world’s first automatic kettle at the Ritz with Peter Hobbs as special VIP guest.
2006

Thermocolour becomes the world’s first colour changing iron, taking Russell Hobbs to No1 irons brand.
2008

Montana kettles and Classic toaster break through the 4m sales barrier.
2009

Glass Touch launched as the first ever touch control kettle.
2010

50th Anniversary of the K2 kettle in July 10th Anniversary of the Montana kettle Quick2 Toast is launched alongside Quick2 Boil, becoming the world’s fastest domestic toaster. Russell Hobbs launch “Easyfill” - a unique steam iron which has a special back-filling base for water.