Why are kettles often called jugs in New Zealand?

From the UK you often hear the term "Put on the kettle, Luv". However, since the 1940's in New Zealand, and often to the the puzzlement of overseas visitors, the request to heat water was more often, "Put the jug on". 

This quite unique description of a kettle probably stemmed from the design and manufacture of upright electrified metal jugs in New Zealand and, in particular,  ceramic jugs common in Australia at the time. Originating from stovetop kettle design, electrified kettles were more commonplace in Britain and America. The specific reason for the adoption of upright electrified looking jugs in New Zealand is unclear. It may have been a restriction of imported products from the northern hemisphere at the time or simply the term was an import from across the ditch. 

For a wide range of options, and at our every day low prices, check out our jug page.

These days, with globalisation and a greater choice of goods, the good old 'Jug" is under attack from the 'kettle' and it's probably destined to slowly disappear out of our  common kiwi language.

However, at Folders, as a local kiwi company,  we are doing our bit to keep our New Zealand colloquialisms alive. We have a wide range of electric jugs, as well as toaster and jug sets. Surprisingly, these days they actually look very similar to kettles. And, as far as we know toasters have always been toasters!

For a wide range of options, and at our every day low prices, check out our toaster and jug page.