Versatronic Hosts His First Boil-in

Automatic Washer - The world's coolest Washing Machines, Dryers and Dishwashers

Help Support :

V

Versatronic

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 6, 2005
Messages
825
I apologize if this thread is a little off-topic, but I know there are some people here who have an interest in vintage kitchen smalls. About a year ago, I joined whistlingteakettle.org to converse about vintage tea kettles. It’s a great group, much like the group here. Two months ago I was lucky enough to acquire the rare and legendary Rocket-Strat-o-Matic-Boil-Master 2000. The story was that a couple moved into a new house and the previous owners had left it behind, and the new owners already had a tea kettle. I was more than happy to take it off their hands for a pittance.

When I told the group at whistlingteakettle.org of my good fortune, it sent shockwaves through the community. There was debate on whether the Rocket-Strat-o-Matic-Boil-Master 2000 had even existed or whether it was just urban legend. The members there insisted that I host a Boil-in so that the others could witness my first test flight of this legendary tea kettle. Reluctantly, I agreed and yesterday was the big day.
 
The Spread

It’s customary to provide food for these Boil-ins, so I put out a spread, using some of my vintage kitchenware as an added touch. Slowly, the tea kettle enthusiasts started showing up and I invited them to partake.
 
The legendary Hippyactivistator

Before I go any further, I was very nervous about the virgin run of the Rocket-Strat-o-Matic-Boil-Master 2000. What if it seized up and sent water and oil all over the floor? So many things could go wrong and I was worried that the whole Boil-in would be a big disaster. So, before the party, I pulled the agitator to inspect it.

There it was. The legendary Hippyactivistator. Nothing can agitate and upset the status quo like this model. It smelled really bad and it was pretty dirty, but other than that, it was in perfect condition. I cleaned it up and reseated it into the Rocket-Strat-o-Matic-Boil-Master 2000.
 
Very friendly members

The members of whistlingteakettle.org continued to filter in. You know, you really have to wonder about some of the women in this close-knit group. That one in the middle there, Whistler’s Mother, I think the trip was already worth it for her. I don’t even want to be present later during the post-shindig activities. That’s why I set up video cameras in all the guest bedrooms. I don’t want my physical presence to put a damper on any of the activities.
 
The main event begins

Well, all 26 people that said they’d be there had finally showed up and it was the moment of truth. They were all gathered in my kitchen. I had veil over the tea kettle. I said “Ladies and Gentleman, may I please have your attention. I now present to you, the Rocket-Strat-o-Matic-Boil-Master 2000!” I pulled the veil and the crowd gasped. “It’s real! It really does exist!”

It was time for to rock and roll. First the tea kettle went into the fill cycle.
 
What's taking so long?

This was going to be a hot water run and it was set to “Warm/Warm”. Something was happening in there. We could hear gurgling noises, various mechanical thumps and thuds. There was a lot of action. The tension in the air was palpable.

My palms were sweaty at this point. Why is this taking so long? What’s going on in there? Is this going to be a disaster? Why doesn’t the spin cycle kick in?
 
We have ignition!

Then suddenly there was a sound like something had just been ignited. And then there was a hiss that grew louder and louder. The spectators took a step back. Then suddenly, plumes of steam shot out of the rockets and the counter top started to shake. Then blam, we hit the spin cycle and the rockets started to take off. One could only estimate the rpms.
 
Ground control to Major Tom

There was a standing ovation in the kitchen and a few people cried. There were hugs all around.
 
Post Main-event celebratory drinking

The main event was over and the group retreated to the tiki lounge for cocktails. I was showered with adulation from the guests and some went so far as to say that it was the best Boil-in ever.

I’m going to be checking out the videos later today.
 
Mike, how fascinating!!! You have a cheschire grin in the pic of you with the girls at the post celebratory drinking. Fascinating, another internet interest. Who-da-thunk. Umm, Smartboil110 got me boiling (VEG). Bob
 
Kettles

AHA! So there is a Kettle Klub out there. I knew there was one.

You should see the people who go to a Weird-Al concert or Harry Potter convention. Fanatics rule!
 
Wow, looks like a great time. Where's the website for the whistling kettle club. I don't have any whistlers just a couple of electrics..there's an older GE electric at the Goodwill right now I passed on a few times, should I grab it for someone? Electric tea kettles are a dime a dozen in Canada, they never were common in the US or the UK like they were and still are here
 
Pete, you crack me up sometimes

Since I have this thread, do you remember the Kelvinator From Hell? The Fridge that was supposed to be in mint condition when I bid on it on eBay. Well, here's a picture of the condition that one of the interior shelves was in. All the shelves were pretty much in this condition.
 
Before/After

I've been using that fridge without any shelves since I got that steenking thing into my house.

However, when I took this photo ten minutes ago, here's what the shelf looks like.
 
Chrome, baby, pure unadulterated Chrome!

Getting these shelves restored was almost as painful as getting the fridge. Ain't nothing gonna be easy with this demonic appliance. But, here is the interior in all it's chromed out glory.

The shelves have back home and now I'm going to fully stock the available space with beer, so if you'll pardon me now....
 
What a coincidence!

I just happened to have a "flair-in" this last week. To add to the feeling of period authenticity, I acquired an old person to whip up some gravy (okay, that's my mom, but she does match the era ;-)
 
Dan, I think your mom is the one that adds "flair" to the kitchen. She's adoreable. I have to ask, WHAT is that pan she's making the gravy in. To me it looks like a 15" or more paella pan. Umm, which dishwasher does that go in well? Bob
 
Bob, that's just a stainless steel roasting pan (which works much better for making gravy from the pan drippings than the non-stick ones)

That turquoise pot on the stovetop is a Le Crueset that she bought at Kilpatrick's (which she would tell you was the last NICE department store in Omaha, LOL) in 1952. She was going to throw it out, before I rescued it.
 

Latest posts

Back
Top