Sometimes the cleverest design ideas come from the most unexpected places! In 1975, Danish designer Erik Magnussen was commissioned by Stelton to create a vacuum jug that would complement Arne Jacobsen's iconic Cylinda Line collection.

Magnussen wondered why something as simple as pouring coffee from a thermos required two hands. Surely you should be able to pour a cup of coffee while holding the morning newspaper in the other?

The answer came during a sailing trip, when he noticed the clever gimbal mechanism of a nautical instrument that remained balanced as the boat moved. Inspired, he developed the ingenious rocker stopper that automatically tilts open when pouring and closes again when the jug is upright. No unscrewing lids, no fuss, just wonderfully intuitive design! Launched in 1977, the EM77 became an instant Danish design classic, celebrated for its elegant cylindrical silhouette and revolutionary functionality.

Still made in Denmark today, the collection has appeared in more than 100 colours over the years, with replaceable components ensuring it can be enjoyed for generations. A perfect example of how a simple observation can transform an everyday object into a design icon.

Winner of the Danish Design Award (Classic Category, 2007), iF Design Award (1992) and ID Prize (1977).