Matthew Marchant, who runs a home appliance repair shop in West Sussex, says that the durability of older models of Kenwood Chefs is partly down to their British components and manufacturing.
Mr Marchant, who has developed a niche in repairing food mixers, adds: “Old Kenwood mixers were made wholly in the UK, in Havant, by local people, using British-made parts.
“The whole life cycle of the product was contained on the island, so you’ve got traceability and a small carbon footprint,” he says.
“Whereas today, with more modern appliances, you’ve got components that are sourced from all over the world, assembled in the Far East and then shipped to the UK with a supply chain which is equally as fragile.
“You might get a motor from Italy, casing from China, the computer board inside made somewhere else. So sourcing parts for the new appliances is effectively like a game.”
Kenwood closed its 12-acre production plant in Havant, Hampshire, in 1999, with its then chief executive saying UK manufacturing was “no longer a competitive option” for most of its product lines.
Vintage Kenwood products appear to be in high demand on resale websites such as eBay, with older models of the Kenwood Chef selling for anywhere between £50 and £120.
Sewing machines
Susan Stiff, 84, from the South Downs in West Sussex, has been using her Elna sewing machine since the 1960s.
“My daughter was born in 1966 and I had it to make baby dresses for her. So it was about then that I got it.”
Today, Mrs Stiff uses her Elna to make clothes for her nine-month-old granddaughter, as well as curtains and cushion covers, and occasionally some dresses for herself.
“I’ve never had anything done to repair it. I just clean the fluff out of it with a little brush and boil it from time to time – that’s it.”
Sarah Carter is a health and wellness expert residing in the UK. With a background in healthcare, she offers evidence-based advice on fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being, promoting healthier living for readers.
