Thermette

Production date
Circa 1970s
 Description
A steel thermette. The thermette is painted predominantly red and features stylised flames and camping scenes. There is a small metal handle on one side and a removable base which has a vent in it to regulate airflow. There is a chimney opening at the top as well as an opening for the water and a very small steam vent.
" Thermette " is written in black on the on side. " PREVENT / FOREST / FIRES/ Thermette is a direct descendant / of the ingenious methods used / to make a ' brew ' in the desert and remote places during two world wars. / It safely burns almost any / fuel, wood chips, paper - infact / it's fuel could be the / ideal way to dispose of litter." is written on one side. There is also further text which outlines how it should be used on the same side.
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Object detail

Artist/Maker
Production role
Manufacturer
Production date
Circa 1970s
Production place
New Zealand/North Island/Auckland
Classification
Food Processing T&E/Food T&E/T&E For Materials
Credit line
The thermette is a Kiwi invention that is still the quickest way to boil water without electric power. It was invented by John Hart, of the Manawatu, in 1929, but achieved nationwide fame as the ' Benghazi Burner ' in Egypt's Western Desert during World War II. The amazingly efficient thermette can boil 12 cups of water in five minutes. The fuel can be any old rubbish, paper or straw. Thermettes used to be seen at picnics and used by workers at ' smokos ' all over the country and modern versions are still being sold at many camping stores today.
Accession number
PA2008.069
Collection type
Social History
Material
Steel
Metal

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