This article discusses the history hot water bottle and how they are still widely used today.
Hot water bottles have been around in one form or another for centuries. They evolved as a safer alternative to the 16th century practice of using stones or coals from the fire to warm a bed for slumber, which sometimes resulted in scalding or even dangerous fires. The earliest hot water bottles were constructed from copper, glass, zinc, or stoneware, and were fitted with a lid to prevent spills. The hot water bottles were then wrapped in cloth to prevent burns, and could be kept in bed overnight, a definite advantage over earlier versions that needed to be removed from the bed, resulting in rapid heat loss. Some of these early earthenware hot water bottles have stood the test of time and are still in use today!
When mass production became common, stone or earthenware hot water bottles began being mass-produced in a variety of colours and styles, and remained popular into the late 1960s. However, the invention of vulcanised rubber that was flexible and could withstand hot temperatures led to the decline of the hard earthenware models and the beginning of mass hot water bottle production using this new material. In 1903, Croatian inventor Eduard Penkala patented “Termofor,” a rubberized hot water bottle that was easier to use and store than bulky earthenware models. Soon, rubber water bottles began being mass-produced around the world.
Used in private homes, hospitals, and other settings, hot water bottles enjoyed great popularity around the world in the 1900s. Inexpensive to purchase and use, requiring no specialised equipment, they were a universally used product with little competition from any other product. After almost one hundred years of mass popularity however, hot water bottles began to suffer a decline. The increased availability of central heating and the advent of the electric blanket in the 20th century made the simple water bottle seem outdated and largely unneeded, particularly in North America and Europe. They never fell entirely out of use, however, remaining a popular product in rural areas or in countries where electricity was less widely available or to was expensive to use.
In recent years, the hot water bottle has been making a comeback. Newer models in novelty shapes with cute or themed covers have helped increase their popularity once again. The environmentally conscious consumer often turns to hot water bottles over electric blankets for energy efficiency. Traditional hot water bottles are perfect for camping or other outdoor activities where electrical outlets are not readily available, and are easily folded for greater portability.
In recent years, alternatives to the traditional hot water bottle have come to market, which eliminate the need for water. These bags are often referred to as “hotties,” and frequently use beans, wheat, or gel-like substances to provide heat. Microwaveable, these products can be ready to use in a fraction of the time it takes to prepare a traditional bottle. Since these newer products are flexible, they can easily be shaped to fit the contours of a particular body part for concentrated heat, making it simple to provide heat on an area such as an elbow or a knee, for example.
Despite all the modern conveniences available today, the simple hot water bottle has managed to stay relevant. Newer versions have adapted to changing times while remaining true to the original purpose that spurred those early models of the 16th century.
