Inspect A Gadget

Inventors who take a gamble on clever little gizmos certainly make our lives more interestng. A list of the greatest gadgets ever.

Pez Dispenser (1927)

For almost 80 years they've been an integral part of growing up. Back in the day, the technology of the 'easy, hygienic dispenser' was pretty awesome too. And you thought those iconic heads were just to make them look cool!

The Clapper (1982)

The clapper was a product of such genius that it is still receiving a very deserved round of applause. Today, Clappers can control multiple electrical devices and adjust the brightness of your lights. It's all in the wrist.

Swiss Army Knife (1891)

American GIs coined the name Swiss Amy Knife during World War Two when they couldn't pronounce the official name, Offiziermesser (Officer's Knife). The very first knife had four functions. Today they can have up to 72.

Lux Minute Egg Timer (1936)

Oh! We knew about old fashioned glass egg timers for a long time before this baby came along - but it revolutionised our breakfasts forever. Suddenly we could time our poached eggs to perfection, without having to keep an eye on running sand.

Rubik's Cube (1974)

Invented by Erno Rubik in 1974 for absolutely no reason other than to entertain and frustrate, this iconic plastic cube can still provide hours of bafflement and euphoria.

Irobot Roomba (2002)

It replaced the humble broom in a big way. as one of the first household robots for many people, this almost-autonomous vacuum machine cleans your house while you're at work.

Cuisinart Food Processor (1973)

Engineer Carl Sontheimer's microwave definition finder was used by NASA in the moon missions, but it's his Cuisinart Food Processor that he's most remembered for. Everyone, from professional chefs to gourmet wannabes, could now slice, dice and mix in a chop without all the grind.

Master Lock Padlock (1924)

Locksmith Harry Soref had two claims to fame. The first was patenting and manufacturing the first padlock. The second was showing Harry Houdini how to escape from one.

Zippo Windproof Lighter (1932)

This windproof stylish accessory works every time and comes with a lifetime guarantee. Operated by one hand, it also makes for some good party tricks.

Magic 8 Ball (1946)

A cross between tossing a coin and opening a fortune cookie! Mattel's amusing, oversized '8 ball' from the game of pool has a transparent window on the one side; inside it is filled with water and a cube with life's answers on each of it's faces. For a laugh you shake the ball to rotate the cube, ask the 8 ball a question and then look inside to see the answer.