Murphy Hits Kingston

It seems the good doctor, aka Handy Andy, has managed to wiggled off the hook. While touring Kingston’s historic downtown this afternoon, he found this java gem — The Bialetti Elegance. Streamlined and sporting a short, straight handle that doesn’t stray into the melting zone, this stainless steel coffee maker just might break our recent cycle of kitchen mishaps. Okay, it’s a 4-cupper, slightly larger than my ill-fated 3-cup version, but who am I to refuse an extra strong morning jolt? It also cost more than the last two combined. However, if the adage “You get what you pay for” is true, this should last more than two months. Right, Andrew?

While I paid the good people at Kingston’s Oderin Kitchen Supplies with Visa, it seems I still owe someone a debt. Based on our conversation with store owner Kearney McGrath, Andrew is due an apology. Not only is my husband in good company when it comes to washing his iPod (rest in peace, Nano), untold numbers of culinary-challenged individuals have managed to mangle a stunning array of stovetop beverage devices.

McGrath says there’s been a rash of melting mishaps and produced the following evidence from under his counter. These items were returned to his store this past week because of “design flaws”.

So, Andrew, you are part of an elite group of plastic artists.

In homage to Italy, this wounded aluminum caffettiera looks like a foot kicking a soccer ball :

Pablo Picasso would be proud of this former whistling kettle:

While Red Green would applaud Andrew’s innovative use of adhesives, I’m tossing the old coffee maker and checking the inspection date on our fire extinguisher — just in case Murphy follows us home.