BS1363 plugs are joyfully oversized, yes (and make excellent caltrops if dropped) but they are in other ways excellently engineered. Inherently polarised, fuses

BS1363 plugs are joyfully oversized, yes (and make excellent caltrops if dropped) but they are in other ways excellently engineered. Inherently polarised, fuses to protect the appliance wiring[0], socket shutters that open on the earth pin only to prevent vigorous insertion of metal by children, sleeved conductors to avoid shock when partially inserted, essentially unbendable... Plus, I will fight anyone who suggests that 1400W is enough for a decent kettle ;-) [0] Admittedly this was mostly included to offset the idiosyncrasies of final ring circuit wiring, but it's still better than just a big breaker.