Why the toaster? Glowing wires, burnt bread and a design that stuck

What object signifies a unified world, a world where we work together for the good of everyone (and a tastier breakfast)?

Few other objects combine affordability, years of manufacturing advancement and the global trade system better than the toaster.

It’s a clever little invention that has changed very little since its first design in the early 1900s, yet you’d be hard pushed to find a household without one.

In this episode, the last in the current series, Ben charts the history of the toaster, and how the invention of the wire inside it led to its creation – not the need for toasted bread!

Ben is also joined by design expert Phil Staunton, and they talk about why the design has changed very little in the last 100 years.

Together they explore the future of the toaster with industrial designer Paul Brown, a man who nearly propelled the toaster into a new dimension, but a close call with a smoke alarm whilst pitching to James Dyson put pay to that!

This is the last podcast in the current series, but Why the Fork will return in Spring 2026!

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LINKS

https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-brown-62a12643/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bendiamant/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/philstaunton/

https://www.design2market.co.uk/

Concept and Podcast production by: https://www.gingerwizard.co.uk/