HAWKINS 'TECAL' TEAMAKER, 1952

The first Teamaker was made by Goblin in 1936, many similar types were made after this, the one shown was made by Hawkins in 1952.

The Teamaker was a British invention of the 1930's and was developed by the British Vacuum Cleaner company ('Goblin') and first marketed in 1936.

Within a couple of years, similar early morning tea machines appeared, although all versions operated in the same way: the alarm on the clock was set and when reached, an electric element in the kettle was switched on to heat the water. The pressure of the boiling water made it decant through a tube in the kettle lid into an adjacent tea or coffee pot, making the whole unit pivot forward and activating the light and buzzer alarm. Thus the sleeper awoke to a freshly brewed pot of tea!

The 'Teasmade' was a prime example of the 'servant replacement' function of many electrical appliances, as it took on the task of the early morning maid, her first responsibility being to supply a welcome cup of tea. Some very lavish versions were produced on large trays, with matching teapots and crockery sets. The 'Teasmade' was one of the few gadgets of the period to have survived, creating its own market and developing into a recognised household appliance.
See item A1226 for the 1936 version.

Your comments:

• My grandfather, Herbert James Karslake (1881 - 1928) made a teamaker in Devon in the 1920s. (He died in 1928). The machine no longer exists but I have lovely photograph of it
  .......... Graham Wills, Exeter UK, 6th of October 2018
  
  
• Have been using a TECAL like this for over 45 years and it is still going strong. Am worried that the element may fail however and I will not be able to get a new one!
  .......... Colin Walkington, Bristol, 22nd of January 2012
  
  

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