Stelton’s EM77 vacuum jug is an all-time coffee table favorite

The EM77 vacuum jug designed by Erik Magnussen in the 1970s is one of the icons of Scandinavian design. Its minimal form and simple structure have made it a favorite that has made its way onto thousands and thousands of coffee tables around the world.

Text: Design Stories

STELTON'S ICONIC EM77 is undoubtedly the world's most famous vacuum jug. Designed by Erik Magnussen in 1977, the EM77 was launched as a type of continuum for Arne Jacobsen's highly appreciated Cylinda Line -range. The design of the Magnussen vacuum jug indeed does follow Jacobsen's footsteps: the functionality and classic minimalist form manages to always feel fresh, timely and timeless.

Already at the age of 20, Magnussen, who had been educated as a ceramic artist, designed a coffee and tea set for the Danish porcelain factory Bing & Grøndal. He had already won the prestigious Lunning prize when he received a request to design a vacuum jug for Stelton. The end result combines the features typical of Magnussen's production: functionality, simplicity and minimal form.

The ingenious technical innovation of the jug is its unique drip lid, which automatically opens when tilted and snaps back when the jug is placed on the table. The EM77 jug soon became a sales success and is still one of Stelton's best-selling products of all time.

The vacuum jug was initially made of steel, but has since 1979 also been made as a glass-glazed colored plastic version. The product range has since been expanded with a press coffee maker, a creamer and a sugar bowl.

In addition to the most popular white and black colors, Stelton has launched new season colors each year, and with these, the classic Scandinavian design manages to always stay topical.

See also:

• Shop the EM77 vacuum jug >
• More Erik Magnussen's designs >

Text: Design Stories Photos: Stelton

The article was updated on 3 May, 2024.

Published on 3 Oct, 2017