With 25 submissions to the LEGO Ideas forum (5 of which crossed the 10,000 vote mark), LEGO builder Dimexart is somewhat of a veteran when it comes to putting plastic bricks together. The brick aficionado’s latest creation combines LEGOs with the real-world in the form of a vintage radio that actually plays music. Made from over a thousand LEGO bricks, this vintage radio has a secret flap on the back that lets you slide your smartphone in. Switch on Spotify or YouTube, select your favorite track, and hit play as you pop your phone into the LEGO Vintage Radio and it recreates the feeling of having an antique radio playing your favorite tracks! The best part, Dimexart’s build comes with functional knobs and buttons that you can twist and press, moving sliders inside the gizmo just like you would with an authentic AM/FM radio.
Designer: Dimexart
Strangely enough, Dimexart made a radio back in 2021 out of LEGO bricks, and it did cross the 10,000 vote mark too, but was rejected by LEGO’s internal team. Unfazed by this, Dimexart went back to the drawing board and decided to tweak the radio to make it even better. The new MOC (My Own Creation, as it’s called in LEGO parlance) now features a flap on the back that let’s you slide any smartphone in, using the phone’s speakers and the acoustic chamber of the empty LEGO radio to create that warm, slightly twangy audio associated with radios of the past.
In Dimexart’s demo, he even uses the phone screen to mimic the warm backlight seen in most radio control panels. Given that they were sometimes used at night too, radios came with lights in their gauges so you could see which station you were on. Dimexart’s build uses light from your smartphone’s screen to create a similar experience.
The dials on the left and right are both functional and cause sliders inside to move left or right to indicate the station/frequency or the volume. There are dials/knobs and buttons on the bottom too, which are functional in that they can be interacted with – but that’s about all they do. It’s a fun interaction, however, and recreates the real tactile joy of the radio, which firmly belonged in a much more hands-on era long before touchscreens dominated our lives. The radio comes with a wood-inspired aesthetic, a rather realistic set of grills, and that gorgeous control panel on the bottom that I’m sure you won’t be able to get enough of.
Dimexart’s entry currently has 3,228 supporters as of writing this article. If you want to vote for the entry (and hopefully see it turn into a retail box set), vote for it on the LEGO Ideas website here.
Portable speakers come in all types, sizes and themes but never before have I laid my eyes on one that looks like a front-loading washing machine. Only possible in the concept design world realm, this Bose branded portable speaker is a true conversation starter in any geeky den.
The intriguing design of this compact sound blaster tickles my fancy for its ingenuity in the placement of the different elements. Most definitely, you’ll start to see all those front-loading washing machines as a huge speaker once you lay your eyes on this concept. However, in reality all the button placements and speaker components are designed in a way that they seem like the perfect amalgam of portable audio equipment and a miniature washer for your undergarments.
Although there is no detailed information about this concept’s development stage, there’s a picture at the end suggesting a prototype or a display model is indeed crafted by the designer. Dressed in a cool titanium grey finish, the portable speaker is a treat to watch if you are an audiophile who appreciates modern product design. The front of this cool gadget has all the audio telemetry to show the player controls on the touchscreen display along with the volume rocker knob, power button and play/pause buttons. On the left bottom side there’s the Bass actualizer knob.
To the front lies the subwoofer and on each side are the stereo speakers to beam quality sound. Wireless connectivity should be a given on this one, since no one in 2024 would buy a portable speaker without that option. Frankly speaking, this portable speaker would rock your desk setup as well. Folks over at Bose would also be keenly viewing this design language if they want to add something on these lines to their existing line-up.
Pill boxes and dispensers are becoming more common inside households, especially those with members that require daily medication for their health. The simplest designs are just containers with compartments for different days, but there are also more sophisticated machines that try to automate that routine so that you won’t forget to take your pills. Unfortunately, neither of these solutions takes into account unauthorized or accidental access to those medicines, especially by children for whom those drugs could very well be fatal. This smart pill dispenser concept tries to bring all those concerns together, offering not only a convenient tool but also a safe one for users as well as the people around them.
The tedious work of taking medication regularly actually starts at the moment you allocate them for each day. Pill boxes and dispensers make it easier to dispense those pills and capsules, but they don’t exactly make it easy to fill them up in the first place. You might drop a pill or two on the floor in the process or, worse, drop them in the wrong compartment, forcing you to lose time trying to double-check and correct that mistake. We’re still a few steps away from a completely automated process that segregates and distributes those pills without human intervention, so any aid toward this part of the process will be significant, even if it still involves manually dropping in pills.
That’s the kind of help that the Cadence concept design offers, using a pharmacy-grade pill sorting plate that makes it easier to put pills where they belong. The specially-designed tray only has an opening for a single day so you don’t accidentally drop medicine inside compartments that have already been filled up. You can also just pour your pills on the tray and then use the built-in spatula to move the exact kind and number toward the opening.
The smart pill dispenser has 30 slots arranged like spokes around a wheel. When it’s time to dispense the day’s dosage, it releases the pills down a dropper shaped to guide the pieces into a cup or glass for collection. And then it turns the wheel so that tomorrow’s pills will be ready for the next round. The button to dispense the pills for the day is located at the top, out of the reach of kids, while locks prevent those same children from accidentally getting into the dispenser itself and scattering its contents.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a smart pill dispenser if it didn’t have any hi-tech features. When connected to a mobile device, Cadence will be able to keep track of your intake, calculating how many doses you have left or how many you’ve missed in that month. The dispenser itself has a small digital clock in the corner to take note of the time, and an LED light strip around the box that gently catches your attention when it comes time to take your medicine. Cadence isn’t exactly a sophisticated smart device, but it’s this balance of digital and analog methods that actually makes the design concept even more effective.
How many people does it take to turn on an air dryer? It may sound like the beginning of a joke but actually this is a real question and the answer is around a hundred people make up the team that has created one of the most high-tech hair dryers. But there’s also a surprising twist with this team as it’s actually made of engineers and scientists that used to create drones. Your hair dryer will not fly in the sky but you’re getting something pretty high-tech.
The Airlight Pro was unveiled last month at the Consumer Electronic Show and is considered a “next-generation hair drying tool” that can be for professional hairdressers, stylists, and ordinary consumers at home. This was developed by L’Oréal in partnership with hardware startup Zuvi. The latter was created by drone engineers and scientists, most of whom came from technology company DJI, so you know that this is definitely a device that comes with good tech. It uses infrared-light technology and wind to have the hair dry faster and also use 31% less energy consumption.
The hair dryer uses a special 17-blade, high=speed motor, and patented infrared technology as well as tungsten-halogen bulbs so that you don’t use excessive heat when drying your hair. This also means that your hair is properly (or naturally) moisturized since the water is dried on the hair surface and the heat will not excessively dry it. Design-wise, it looks like a typical, high-tech hair dryer so there’s nothing really extra special there. But the fact that its technology can dry your hair quicker and still keep it shiny and smooth is the selling point.
The AirLight Pro has a small display in the handheld grip and can also be connected to an app so you can customize the settings depending on your hair type, length, and style. There isn’t a price tag announced yet although they may be looking at something below $400.
Japanese design is just so quintessentially functional, thoughtful, and pretty-looking too! I have a soft spot for Japanese product designs as they always manage to be – simple, sophisticated, and high-value. I love incorporating Japanese products in my home space, they have such a soothing effect and can add an elegant touch to any home. I also enjoy using Japanese kitchen appliances and tools. Not only are they adorable to look at and gentle to use, but they’re also high on functionality and very rarely give you any trouble. They’re foolproof designs that you can depend on to tackle your cooking prep and other kitchen tasks, and we’ve curated some top-notch Japanese kitchen tools for you!
1. Mitsubishi Bread Oven
Mitsubishi’s Bread Oven is created to serve you the perfect toast! Looking like an adorable waffle maker, the toaster features a veneer brown look that seems to be straight out of the ’80s. It has a sealed thermal-insulated structure and can toast your bread without releasing any moisture, preparing a soft and fluffy toast for you!
Why is it noteworthy?
The Bread Oven is equipped with two plates that can go up to temperatures as high as even 500 degrees Fahrenheit. These nifty plates seal the piece of bread, transferring heat to it, and creating a slice of toast that is anything but dry.
What we like
It has four cooking settings – Toast, Frozen Toast, Topping, and French Toast
Sleek good looks, making it a great fit for your dining table
What we dislike
You can only toast one slice of bread at a time, which can be inconvenient
It takes longer to toast bread with low sugar content
2. Slim Fold Dish Rack
Named the Slim Fold Dish Rack, this innovative dish rack has a portable design, allowing you to carry it anywhere with you. It features a patent-pending spring mechanism, that lets you adjust and shrink the rack from 14″ to 1.2″ in no time. The rack can be easily deployed, making it quick to set up and use.
The Slim Fold Dish Rack has a minimalist yet durable design, perfectly capturing the highlights of Japanese design. It ensures adequate ventilation and offers plenty of space for cookware, utensils, and plates of any shape and size. Since it has a convenient portable form, it is great for camping outdoors too.
What we like
Collapsible and flexible form that ensures clean and dry utensils in the nick of time
Portable design that is easy to clean and dishwasher friendly
What we dislike
Since the rack has slim wires, it’s not the best option to hold heavy utensils like pots and plans
3. Black Kitchen Knives
These Black Kitchen Knives are fashionable and sophisticated featuring a sleek black blade that makes them stand out from other typical knives. The black sheen offers the knives a refined look, adding a touch of Japanese class to your kitchen and cooking process. They’re the upgrade you need from your mundane knives.
The Black Kitchen Knives feature a clean and sleek form, with only a subtle “i” logo, ensuring there are no loud distractions on its body. The knives remind you of a ninja in the shadows, which goes straight for the kill, cutting your ingredients with stealth, grace, and deadly precision.
What we like
The knives are crafted from molybdenum vanadium steel, making them quite durable and sharp
They’ve been coated with titanium to provide increased wear resistance
What we dislike
The knives are only available in black, with one uniform design, so there aren’t a lot of colors to choose from to match our kitchen
4. Rassen Chopsticks
Designed by Nendo for Hashikura Matsukan, the Rassen (spiral chopsticks), perfectly marry fun and functionality, to create a product that is quintessentially Japanese. The pair of chopsticks can be attached together to form one convenient single unit, and they can be separated whenever you need to use them.
Why is it noteworthy?
Bringing the chopsticks together and then separating them feels like you’re playing with a jigsaw puzzle. Using the chopsticks becomes a fun and interactive experience, bringing joy to your daily meal. And since you can easily combine the pair, you never have to live in fear of losing one!
What we like
The perfect culmination of fun and functionality
Handmade by artisans
What we dislike
May not be preferred by those who like traditional chopsticks, and could take a while for them to get used to the product’s unique form
5. Iron Frying Plate
If I had to pick one kitchen product that truly captures the sensible yet interesting Japanese design philosophy – I would pick the Iron Frying Plate. This unique kitchen design doubles as a serving plate and a frying pan, all thanks to its innovative removable handle, which allows the product to change forms.
The Iron Frying Plate marries both a frying pan and a serving plate to create a functional and unique kitchen tool. Made using durable materials, the plate cooks and serves, while facilitating direct-from-the-pan serving. It introduces an ingenious and novel new way of cooking and serving.
What we like
The plate’s wooden handle can be attached and detached, allowing it to double up as a frying pan and serving platter
What we dislike
It’s made from iron, making it quite a heavy pan in comparison to traditional frying pans. Hence it could be difficult to store and handle in small kitchens
6. Magemono Tumbler and Bread Tray
The Magemono Tumbler and Bread Tray are beautiful Japanese-style serving dishes. The tumbler features a Hasamiyaki porcelain inner vessel and a Magemono Japanese cedar wood sleeve on the outside. The bread tray is a thin tray crafted from a fir tree and is available in two sizes.
Why is it noteworthy?
The bread tray is perfect for serving those breakfast sandwiches, while the tumbler can hold a brewed cup of coffee. Both the dishes represent the serene and untouched perfection of Japanese craftsmanship, while also providing sustenance to the craftsmen and their families, and also allowing this art to be passed down to younger generations.
What we like
Preserves and boasts Japanese craftsmanship
The bread tray can even toast the bread for longer according to the designer
What we dislike
Available in a single colorway only
7. Precision Chef Kitchen Scissors
Named the Precision Chef Kitchen Scissors, sleek black kitchen shears feature a curved serrated blade that slices through your food in a quick and easy manner. The precise scissors are excellent for cutting up some steak on the dining table, allowing you to showcase your meat-cutting skills.
The Precision Chef Kitchen Scissors have an aura and image of power and style, owing to their jet-black shade. The position they’ll occupy in your kitchen will be impressive and intimidating, while skillfully chopping through veggies, pizza, steak, and more.
What we like
The scissors are equipped with a curved serrated blade that cuts meat safely, effortlessly, and swiftly
Makes cutting an easy and hassle-free step of the food prep process
What we dislike
The scissors are only available in black, so there aren’t many color options to choose from and match with our kitchens
8. Playful Palm Grater
The Playful Palm Grater is what you need to add some Japanese functionality and whimsical fun to your kitchen or dining table. The little grater can fit perfectly into the palm of your hand, marrying fun and functionality to create a product that is lightweight, full of value, and transforms a simple cooking process into an interesting experience. Click Here to Buy Now: $25
Why is it noteworthy?
The Playful Palm Grater is a charming and functional product that resembles a curled piece of paper. It is made from a single aluminum alloy plate and is available in different color options. You have a wide range of colors to pick from, allowing you to add a pop of color and sparkle to your boring old kitchen and dinner table.
What we like
Has a unique and ergonomic form that offers a strong and sturdy grip
Transforms the simple of act grating into a fun and playful experience, while also making it easier
What we dislike
The Playful Palm Grater has a tiny size, which isn’t suitable for grating large amounts of food or larger food items
9. PARTAYAKI
The PARTAYAKI is an innovative tabletop grill designed to bring the flavors and experience of a Japanese Steakhouse to your kitchen table. It lets you be the chef, and cook up your own steaks for your friends and family. You don’t need to step out of your home to experience a Japanese Steakhouse.
Why is it noteworthy?
The PARTAYAKI is modeled after the same professional grills that you see in Japanese Steakhouses. It lets you prepare delicious meals and create a Japanese Steakhouse-like experience for your family and friends in the comfort of your own home and kitchen.
What we like
Equipped with dipping sauce trays and one-quart hot pots to prepare traditional Chinese-style Hot Pots
Features molded chopstick holders
What we dislike
It is quite a space-consuming design, so you’ll need sufficient space in your kitchen
It does seem a bit difficult to clean and maintain
10. Thanko Electric Bento Rice Cooker
Meet the Thanko Electric Bento rice cooker – a portable cooker that lets you prepare a bowl of warm rice wherever you are. This little cooker is designed to make rice an omnipresent food item no matter where you go. It is excellent for cooking single-serve rice in a short period of time. The LED light glows once the rice is ready!
Why is it noteworthy?
The Thanko Electric Bento rice cooker is great for those who travel or want fresh rice at the office instead of takeout or repacked meals. The rice cooker can prepare 6 ounces of rice in one go. It even comes with a measuring cup for convenience!
What we like
Depending on the ounces of rice, it will be cooked between 14-20 minutes
Portable, easy-to-carry design
Lets you eat rice straight from the container
What we dislike
There doesn’t seem to be variety in sizes and colors
Projectors are becoming a popular alternative to extra large screens like TVs, mostly at home but sometimes even outdoors. Product design trends have started to move away from bulky boxes to more compact forms, but most of them are still restricted by a few design considerations. Even projectors that are supposedly designed for portability often come with clunky and sometimes unattractive stands, or worse, require setting up on tripods just to get the perfect angle. This concept design tries to solve that problem in a rather creative way, offering a highly compact and portable projector that can be propped up and angled conveniently, all without using a tripod or even a stand.
Thanks to progress in technology and manufacturing, it’s now possible to cram much of the electronics that powered large, hulking projectors into something the size of a small box or even a cylinder. But despite the smaller designs, or probably because of their more cramped designs, these portable projectors often rely on an external mechanism like a tripod or stand to prop them up at the desired angle. Not only does this ruin the aesthetics of the otherwise beautiful product, it also makes it cumbersome to bring the projector along wherever you go.
The Slim.VU concept tries to offer the ultimate on-the-go entertainment experience by encapsulating all the needed parts and design in a single, compact, and portable package. A projector with a built-in battery is not exactly new, but one that comes with 4G connectivity is still unheard of. That enables the projector to function not only without an external power source but even without a Wi-Fi connection, allowing it to access streaming sources without having to use up your phone’s cellular data.
The more interesting aspect of the projector’s design, however, is the built-in stand that looks nothing like a stand. The removable “cap” of this tumbler-like projector functions as this stand, holding the projector in its place magnetically. The curved shape of this stand lets you rotate the cylindrical projector and angle it properly. This way, you don’t need any other accessory to enjoy a video anytime you want, anywhere you go.
The Slim.VU projector concept contains everything you need, freeing you from concerns about power, connectivity, and stability. Of course, actually implementing such a projector is a different matter entirely, and it might need to make a few compromises in exchange for its compact form. Audio and video quality might actually take a hit just to cram this much technology inside a canister shape, making the portable projector less ideal for outdoor use, or even indoor when there’s too much ambient light.
Living in a city like Dubai, where the scorching summer heat can be relentless, I can totally understand the value of a reliable air conditioner. Imagine taking that comfort outdoors with a portable air conditioner – a dream come true for residents like myself. The Yuuye Portable Air Conditioner is designed to transform outdoor spaces into cool, refreshing havens during the sweltering summer months.
The Yuuye Portable Air Conditioner features a cutting-edge design that combines a refrigeration module with an exhaust module. This ingenious combination allows the device to efficiently suck in the surrounding heat and release cool, refreshing air, providing relief and comfort even in the midst of scorching temperatures.
The inclusion of an LCD ensures easy control and monitoring of the cooling settings. The super-large air outlet guarantees a widespread and consistent flow of cool air, ensuring that every corner of your outdoor space is covered.
Recognizing the need for convenience, this portable Air Conditioner is designed for one-handed handling, making it easy to move and position. The quick disassembly feature further enhances portability, allowing users to effortlessly switch between different outdoor locations.
The challenges faced while using traditional outdoor air conditioning units were identified and addressed while designing the modular design of the Yuuye Portable Air Conditioner such as –
Effortless Scene Switching
Traditional outdoor air conditioners often involve heavy components and energy-consuming behaviors during scene switching. The Yuuye Portable Air Conditioner utilizes a modular approach, allowing users to detach the upper and lower modules with a simple ‘release and lift’ mechanism. This innovative design turns scene switching from a physically demanding task into a comfortable and hassle-free experience.
Mosquito Prevention
Thick exhaust pipes in traditional outdoor air conditioners can create gaps between the tent and the pipes, allowing mosquitoes to enter. The Yuuye Portable Air Conditioner eliminates this issue with an independent exhaust block, ensuring a mosquito-free outdoor experience.
Space Efficiency
The large volume of traditional outdoor air conditioners often occupies significant space in the trunk. The modular design of the Yuuye Portable Air Conditioner allows for efficient use of space, making it more practical and convenient for transportation.
Operation Mode
The Yuuye Portable Air Conditioner operates by taking in indoor heat, processing it through the refrigeration module for rapid cooling and strong temperature control, and then releasing the hot air outside through the exhaust module. This efficient process ensures a constant and comfortable cooling experience in outdoor settings. However, the battery life is unknown but I’m sure the designers would’ve taken care of it.
Yuuye Portable Air Conditioner is a game-changer for those living in hot climates, offering a portable solution to enjoy the outdoors without sacrificing comfort. Its innovative design, user-friendly features, and modular approach make it a valuable addition to the arsenal of anyone looking to beat the heat in style.
Just like with humans, hydration is pretty important for our four-legged friends. But also just like with people like me, we often forget to drink water unless it’s there already in front of us. And if you have pets at home and you can’t be with them for the most part of the day, it’s important to have enough water for them to last the whole day. Of course you can leave water in a bowl for them but it’s sometimes not enough or it’s not always that hygienic. Pet water fountains are a good option and this one in particular seems to be a pretty well-designed one.
The PAWaii Wireless Pet Water Fountain is one way to make sure that your pet is properly hydrated whether you’re at home to take care of them or not. It is one way to make sure that they will have access to clean and filtered water as it is has an NSF-certified filter that reduces calcium and magnesium ions and has UV sterilization that kills bacteria and microorganisms in the water. There are three modes that you can use and they can even be used simultaneously. There is an inductive mode, a regular mode that dispenses water per hour, and a manual mode.
To also ensure your pet’s safety, the device has a water-electricity separation design and an anti-slip silicone pad. But It also has a 5,000 mAh lithium-ion battery so it can last up to 70 days without a need to charge it if you schedule it to dispense water at least 25 times a day. The more it dispenses of course, the less the battery will last. It is also able to monitor the water consumption and drinking times and all the data is transmitted to the connected app so you can track everything remotely.
It looks like a regular water filter container for humans but the fountain part may attract your pets when the water gushes out and may induce them to actually drink whether they’re thirsty or not. It is available in a bright orange color but also a more minimalist white/transparent color, depending on your pet’s (or rather, your) taste. Now if only we could also have something similar for humans like me who need constant reminders to hydrate.
Valentine’s Day is around the corner, and if you’re in the mood to cook up a delicious and romantic dinner spread for your better half, then you’ve reached the right place. The key to preparing an amazing dinner is having a streamlined and efficient cooking process, which can be achieved with the help of the right kitchen appliances and tools. With the perfect kitchen accessories, you can create fantastic meals within no time, and with minimum hassles. And, we’ve curated a collection of unique, innovative, and functional kitchen tools for you. From a sheet pan that helps you prepare culinary masterpieces, to a pair of sleek kitchen shears – these are the useful tools you need in your kitchen with you!
1. Cheat Sheets
Called the Cheat Sheets, these oven-safe, non-stick silicone dividers are designed to transform oven cooking completely. They convert a single baking tray into a multi-compartment cooking surface, that allows you to prepare various dishes in one go while retaining their unique flavors and meeting their cooking requirements.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Cheat Sheets segregate a single sheet pain into a multi-portion culinary canvas, holding up to six small or three large portions. They’re excellent for family meals or weekly meal planning; if you own multiple sets of these, you can have real control and efficiency in the kitchen. They’re also great to prepare a versatile and luxurious Valentine’s Day meal for your partner!
What we like
Supports cooking multiple dishes simultaneously on one tray
Accommodates various portion sizes, suitable for individual or family meals, so you can have a truly efficient and well-structured kitchen
What we dislike
Made using silicone which tends to attract dust and grease, leading to a sticky surface if not used regularly
2. Iron Frying Plate
Named the Iron Frying Plate, this unique kitchen design can be utilized to serve your food or as a frying pan with a removable handle. You can cook a delicious dish on it and then serve the food in it as well for a wonderful Valentine’s Day dinner with your loved one!
The Iron Frying Plate is an innovative and super cool design as it merges both a frying pan and a serving plate. It is made using durable materials and provides a functional yet elegant solution for cooking and serving. It supports direct-from-the-pan serving and is a novel and ingenious way of cooking.
What we like
The wooden handle can be attached and detached when needed, creating a unique dual-functional product
What we dislike
Since the frying pan is made from iron, it is heavier than traditional frying pans and can be difficult to store and handle in smaller kitchens
3. Precision Chef Kitchen Scissors
Called the Precision Chef Kitchen Scissors, these sleek, black innovative kitchen shears cut through your food in a quick, easy, and efficient manner. They’re perfect to cut up some steak for your romantic Valentine’s Day dinner!
The scissors are black and possess an image of power and style, which lets them occupy an intimidating and impressive position in your kitchen space. The scissors can cut through veggies, pizza, steak, and more with finesse and style.
What we like
Features a specially designed curved serrated blade that ensures the meat is cut safely and effortlessly
The scissors are a multifunctional tool that supports precise cutting, which is integral for food prep
What we dislike
There are no different color options, so not an excellent option for users who want diverse varieties of color
4. Volt 12
Called the Volt 12, this compact, kitchen-and-outdoor-friendly oven lets you make authentic New York and Neapolitan-style pizza pies for your special Valentine’s Day meal with your partner. It is the electric version of Ooni’s super successful pizza ovens!
Why is it noteworthy?
The Volt 12 eliminates the need for a massive brick oven, it even reaches temperatures of up to 850°F, letting you bake the perfect pizza pie in 90 seconds, much like your favorite pizzeria!
What we like
Doesn’t need firewood or gas to heat up
What we dislike
Has a small door opening and a cooking surface
Loses heat pretty quickly
5. Seer Perfecta Grill
This unique AI-powered grill uses an AI system called NeuralFire to identify up to 50 types of food items, allowing it to adjust the time, temperature, and other settings, with respect to the particular item.
Why is it noteworthy?
The user-friendly onboard display keeps you informed about the cooking progress, so you can kick back and relax while the magic happens.
What we like
Utilizes electricity and propane to power the infrared burners on the left and right
What we dislike
Currently, in the development phase, we will have to see how the final product turns out
6. Kurenai Kitchen Knife
This beautiful Kurenai kitchen knife is the result of storied tradition, craftsmanship, and sharp modern aesthetics. It is truly a far cry from the boring old kitchen knives you find on the market, owing to its mesmerizing flame pattern along its sharpened edge.
Why is it noteworthy?
The knife features a unique flame pattern which is a lovely tribute to the knife’s flame-forged origin, as well as the fiery passion and precision that were used to create it. The knife features a distinctive octagonal-shaped wooden handle that fits snugly into the user’s hand, irrespective of the size.
What we like
The knife perfectly combines functionality, craftsmanship, and aesthetics
What we dislike
It doesn’t have a ribbed knife option to support multiple cutting styles
7. Plate Grater
This revolutionary little design perfectly combines a plate’s functionality with a grater’s practicality. It is ideal for your Valentine’s Day dinner, as it lets you grate fresh ingredients onto your partner’s plate, adding a fresh touch to your V-Day meal.
This grater/plate design stands out for its dual functionality, as it functions both as a stylish plate and an efficient grater. Its design is not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical for grating fresh ingredients right at the table, adding a gourmet touch to your meals.
What we like
Allows you to grate fresh garnishes directly onto dishes
Elevates your dining experience by adding a gourmet touch
What we dislike
Users may not be used to its dual purpose, so it may require a period of adjustment
8. Good Grips Salad Dressing Shaker
If you’re in the mood to prepare a delicious and healthy salad for your romantic V-Day dinner, then you may want to consider this shaker and pourer by OXO. It is an exceptional modern solution for creating some yummy dressing without making an absolute mess in your kitchen.
What we like
The shaker is equipped with a wide top that can be unscrewed to add and mix a variety of ingredients like oil, vinegar, garlic, onions, and mayonnaise. The cup has measurements in ounces and milliliters to facilitate easy measuring.
What we like
Has a leakproof design, making it easy to use
Can be used to mix, serve, and prepare sauces and marinades
What we dislike
Seems a bit fragile and easily breakable, so needs to be handled with care
9. xBloom
And of course, the perfect way to wrap up a delicious V-Day meal is with a hot cup of joe! And if you’re looking to make the perfect cup of coffee, then look no further, all you need is the Tesla of Coffee Machines – the xBloom. It has a unique Autopilot feature that assists you in the art of making coffee.
Why is it noteworthy?
The xBloom is designed by ex-Apple employees, and it identifies, grinds, dispenses, brews, and pours your coffee for you. It utilizes the finest beans sourced from the top roasters worldwide, offering you and your partner the finest cup of coffee ever.
What we like
Feels as if a professional barista has made you a cup of coffee
Amped with NFC technology
What we dislike
The xBloom does not accommodate instant coffee, which is inconvenient for instant coffee drinkers
10. Playful Palm Grater
Coined the Playful Palm Grater, this playful little product was designed to add some functional fun to your kitchen space, and dining experience. It fits snugly into the palm of your hand.
It is a charming and functional product that resembles a curled piece of paper. Made from a single aluminum alloy plate, it is available in different color options, so you can pick the one that suits your dining/kitchen space.
What we like
Features a unique and minimal form that provides a firm grip
Makes a simple act like grating fun and playful, as well as convenient and efficient
What we dislike
Since it is quite small in size, it isn’t the best option to grate large amounts of food
Long battery life up to 9.5 hours continuous runtime
Smart MemoryPark feature ensures effortless retrieval from the surface
CONS:
Needs to be charged
Unable to detect new debris in previously cleaned areas
Larger debris may float away during surface cleaning
RATINGS:
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Beatbot AquaSense Pro redefines pool cleaning with AI, efficient floor-to-surface cleaning, and water clarification, becoming a dream for pool owners.
Swimming pool cleaners have been around for a long time, but those available from Leslie’s Pool Supply or even the robotic ones on Amazon lack technological innovation, making them no better than traditional pool cleaners. These traditional pool cleaners, often known as suction-side or pressure-side cleaners, operate more simply than their robotic counterparts. They’re costly and need to be connected to a hose that hooks up to the pool’s existing filtration system.
This review explores why smart robotic pool cleaners, particularly the Beatbot AquaSense Pro, are the future. As a spoiler, Yanko Design named it one of the best consumer products at CES 2024.
Designer: Beatbot
Aesthetics
The Beatbot AquaSense Pro is the world’s first all-in-one intelligent pool-cleaning robot. It’s cordless and cleans the floor, waterline, and surface. It also features a water clarification function. With 20 onboard sensors, nine powerful motors, a dedicated Quad-Core 1.8 GHz processor, and an AI algorithm powered by Beatbot OS, it’s a dream come true for pool owners.
The “holistic” view of this robotic pool cleaner is impressive, given its numerous industry-first innovations. Let’s start with its simulated flight propulsion design. No other pool cleaner on the market can float to the surface and clean it intelligently.
This design draws inspiration from nature, specifically from the feeding mechanism of blue or humpback whales. These whales use a unique mechanism called filter feeding to consume large quantities of small prey, such as fish and tiny sea creatures. They do this by opening their mouths wide to gulp in a massive amount of water, then pushing the water out through their baleen plates with their tongues.
The AquaSense Pro robotic pool cleaner works similarly. It has a front flap and uses two propeller motors and two floating chamber motors to glide and suck in debris, leaves, bugs, and other pool pollutants. Its unique AquaGlide Simulated Flight Propulsion Design System enables it to move on water. Its top suction mouth and dust-rolling brush capture debris, preventing them from sinking. This feature alone saves significant pool cleaning time. After each cleaning cycle, the results are satisfactory.
It’s important to note that in its current form, the Pro Mode only makes one pass over the surface. After cleaning an area in an S-shaped pattern on the pool floor and surface, additional debris or leaves may fall into the pool. In such cases, do not expect the device to recognize and go back to clean that area again.
Performance
Where the AquaSense Pro truly shines, literally, in every sense of the word, is another industry-first — the built-in clarifier dispenser for a cleaner-looking pool by clearing up the pool water. This process takes place while cleaning the floor. The AI algorithm determines the amount needed based on the pool size for the most efficient use of the chemical.
In terms of cleaning, this robotic swimming pool cleaner excels. I’ve had the opportunity to use it in my pool and can attest that it effectively removes both visible and invisible debris. It’s surprising to realize how dirty the pool water is when you remove and clean the two-layer filter. This filter basket captures and holds all debris, accommodating particles as tiny as 150 micrometers.
Strong suction is just one aspect. The two sets of brushes, placed at the front and back, scrub simultaneously, enhancing the cleaning power. It’s quite captivating to observe them in action. These brushes operate at different speeds and in different directions at times for precise control and extensive coverage, ensuring a thoroughly clean pool. Usually, I find myself scrubbing the sides and bottom of the swimming pool every few days. Now, that task is reliably delegated.
The CleverNav plan effectively maps out and charts the path forward for an S-shape cleaning pattern for the pool floor and surface, while the sides and waterline utilize the N-shaped cleaning pattern. It does a great job of preventing overlaps. However, I don’t mind a bit of overlap, considering my swimming pool is as old as the house, which is over 35 years old.
Beatbot informed me that future firmware updates will allow for customized cleaning modes, which could enable the robot to clean continuously for up to 9.5 hours if necessary. On average, the battery life of the robot is over 5.5 hours on a single charge, taking less than 3 hours to fully recharge from complete depletion. If the battery level falls below 15%, the robot smartly returns to its starting point and parks itself on the water surface near a wall. It then automatically expels the water from its cavities. This makes it lighter when lifting it out of the pool and prevents a lot of water from spilling out. This MemoryPark smart return to the starting point is another industry first.
Ergonomics
I appreciate that, unlike other robotic pool cleaners, I don’t need to manually turn this one on or off for charging or use. It begins charging as soon as I place it on the charger, regardless of whether it’s on or off. After removing it from the base charger, it takes only 3 seconds to calibrate on a level surface before it’s ready to clean.
The buttons are designed and arranged intuitively. From left to right, they include quick clean mode, standard mode, power on/off, pro mode, and eco mode. My preference is the pro mode as it cleans the entire pool, encompassing the bottom, sides, water line, and surface. The Quick mode cleans the floor once, while the Standard mode also cleans the floor, walls, and waterline once. The ECO mode cleans the floor once every other day. A Custom mode, set to be available later through an over-the-air update, will allow for personalized cleaning settings.
Verdict
Beatbot has impressively incorporated a vast amount of technology and innovation into the AquaSense Pro. It’s hard to comprehend the 131 patents it holds, including 51 inventions and 20 sensors measuring water pressure, ultrasonic sensors, hall sensors, and temperature and humidity sensors. It even includes IMU and electrical current sensors to ensure smooth operation. Thanks to its nine motors, this robot can climb steps, clean them, and then proceed. The brushless main water pump motor at the robot’s core is a powerhouse. It’s akin to a 16-cylinder engine on a Bugatti arranged in a unique W configuration, ready for action every time water oozes out. Collectively, the drive-wheel motors, floating chamber peristaltic pump, surface propeller, stepping motor, and reagent pump motor make the AquaSense Pro one of the best swimming pool cleaners I’ve used in the past two decades. If you’re looking for a new cordless, hassle-free robotic cleaner, this will be the last one you’ll need to invest in.
Simulated Flight Propulsion Design System enables it to move on water. Its top suction mouth and dust-rolling brush capture debris, preventing them from sinking. This feature alone saves significant pool cleaning time. After each cleaning cycle, the results are satisfactory.
