If you’re having a dinner party and you need to smoke some of your food like meats, vegetables, fish, cheese, and nuts, you probably will have to do it outdoors. But if you don’t have space to do actual smoking and you just have your table as your space, then that can be a problem (or you might have to just change your menu). There are options out there for table smokers but not all of them are convenient or emit minimal smoke or worse, they can make your food a bit charred.
The Cloche table smoker may be the solution to that particular problem. It uses aromatic plants and wood chips as your smoker so that the food you’re cold smoking will still be able to retain their original flavors but this time with a smoky note added to it. It can also serve as part of your dining table decoration as its beech and stainless steel aesthetic can add to the atmosphere of your meal. You can create a ritual out of arranging the food, lighting the fire, then putting it out and presenting the food for eating.
Using it seems pretty easy on paper. You place the ingredients on the metal part and then put the aromatic plants or pine needles on the hearth. You can use matches or a blowtorch to light your “fireplace” then close the smoker with the beech cover. The fire will be put out once you put the cover on (hopefully). After 30 minutes, you can lift the cover and then start consuming whatever it is you were cold smoking. You will still get some residual smoke but hopefully not to make anyone cough or choke.
Having a table smoker like this can help alleviate the pressure of having an actual smoking grill if you just need to cook a bit of food for your party. But of course this is assuming you’re just having a few guests over since the Cloche table smoker is a bit small. If you’re not using it, it can also just be part of your table decoration or a food container.
Coffee machines and luggage aren’t necessarily two things that you think of that go together. Sure, when you travel, you get to experience different kinds of coffee places but you don’t necessarily lug around all your coffee paraphernalia. Well, some people actually do, but they’re the exception. When it comes to design though, coffee machines and expensive luggage aren’t really that distant so it’s interesting to see what a collaboration between two brands of those categories would look like.
Designer: Rimowa x La Marzocco
Look no further as we’re getting a Rimowa x La Marzocco Linea Mini coffee machine that brings the best of both worlds into a limited edition product. The exterior features the classic aluminum groove look and silver steel that we’re used to seeing in Rimowa suitcases but this time it’s used in the Linea Mini, a professional-grade kitchen-scaled espresso machine. Most of the parts of this machine are crafted from anodized aluminum. In fact, each of the machines are handcrafted for around 40 hours in Florence, Italy. The grooved panels were actually built in the Rimowa factory in Cologne and then assembled and installed by hand in La Marzocco’s workshop.
When it comes to features, it’s your typical espresso machine that can give you your much needed caffeine fix. Only this one has more style because of the addition of Rimowa’s signature look to what’s already a pretty stylish La Marzocco aesthetic. Both of them have their branding on the base and the frame of the machine. The minimalist aluminum feel plus the bespoke accents like the hot water tap and knobs gives off a very high-end Italian coffee shop vibe.
The Rimowa x La Marzocco Linea Mini was displayed at the recently concluded Milan Design Week. You can apparently already pre-order the machine although it’s not indicated how much and where you can actually place your order. Because these two brands are coming together, expect that the price to own a stylish espresso machine will be steep.
Imagine brewing your morning espresso in a machine that looks like it’s straight out of a mission control center. Made from sleek, space-grade aluminum and carbon fiber, the LanderShot Lunar Espresso Machine boasts a futuristic aesthetic that’s guaranteed to turn heads. But it’s not just about looks. Every detail, from the robust dials and gauges to the stainless steel plumbing, is meticulously designed for durability and precision.
The LanderShot Lunar Espresso Module’s design is a breathtaking fusion of functionality and futuristic aesthetics. Machined from CNC-machined type III hard-coated 6061 aluminum and carbon fiber, it stands out with its robust and sleek chassis, ensuring durability while echoing the advanced engineering of spacecraft. Its premium components, including stainless steel plumbing and a reliable pump system, promise longevity and consistent performance, making every espresso shot a perfection of science in your cup.
Control is a central theme of the LanderShot experience. This machine offers an engaging, hands-on approach to coffee brewing, reminiscent of piloting a lunar mission. From the tactile feel of its dials and switches to the precision of its analog gauges, users can manipulate every aspect of their espresso—pressure, temperature, and brewing duration. This control doesn’t just alter the taste; it transforms the brewing process into a deeply personal ritual, reflecting the individual’s preferences and the intricate dance of espresso extraction.
The technical specifications of the LanderShot are as impressive as its design. It features a PID-controlled temperature system that guarantees the optimal heat for brewing, a critical factor in achieving the perfect espresso. The machine can heat water from 20°C to 100°C in just three minutes, with a pressure reserve of about 10 bar during extraction, and includes a heat exchanger dial that allows for fine-tuning the brewing temperature. At its core, an Arduino Nano Every board oversees the machine’s precise control and monitoring, highlighting the blend of traditional coffee-making and modern technological innovation.
Not only is the LanderShot Lunar Espresso Module visually out-of-this-world, it also serves as an elegant addition to any interior. Its unique appearance and state-of-the-art features make it not just a tool for making espresso but a conversation piece that sparks interest and admiration among coffee enthusiasts and tech aficionados alike. The $2,395 price point may be a deterrent for most, but then again, if having a great coffee palate, an appreciation for space travel, and tonnes of ancestral wealth are traits that describe you perfectly, this espresso machine might just be the right pick for you.
If you’ve been slowly entering the culinary world, and are currently a novice chef on a mission to become an accomplished chef who can whip up delicious meals, then you’ve reached the right place. The key to preparing amazing dishes 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. If you’re someone who likes quick and easy-to-fix meals, then we’ve curated the perfect collection of kitchen utensils for you. From an Iron Frying Plate that lets you cook and serve meals on it to a space-themed kitchen appliance that merges a microwave and an air fryer – these top-notch kitchen products are for you.
1. Iron Frying Plate
If you’re looking for handy and innovative kitchen appliances, that help you cook up a storm in no time, while retaining delicious flavors, then the Iron Frying Plate is what you need. It is a one-of-a-kind kitchen utensil that functions as a serving plate and a frying pan, owing to its nifty removable handle.
The Iron Frying Plate merges a frying pan and a serving plate to build a unique kitchen fool that not only cooks but also serves your meals. The plate supports direct-from-the-pan serving and is crafted using durable materials, offering you a refreshing method of cooking and serving.
What we like
The wooden handle is removable, allowing the plate to be used as a frying pan and a serving platter
What we dislike
Since it is crafted from iron, it is quite heavy and tough to store and operate
2. NEVO Microwave Oven
Meet the NEVO Microwave Oven – a unique kitchen design that looks like an IKEA or ACE toolbox, but is in fact a cutting-edge microwave that attempts to amplify cooking convenience and simplicity. It merges design, innovation, and industrial aesthetics to create a microwave that is well-suited for modern homes.
Why is it noteworthy?
The NEVO Microwave Oven features an intuitive user interface, which makes control and operation easier than ever. You can control a whole bunch of complicated options, which can be otherwise challenging and daunting for most microwave users.
What we like
Features a thoughtfully designed touch user interface
What we dislike
Occupies a lot of counter space, which isn’t a good option for those with minimum kitchen real estate
3. Precision Chef Kitchen Scissors
These are the Precision Chef Kitchen Scissors, and they’ve been designed with a curved serrated blade that will slice through your food pretty fast. They’re great for cutting some steaks on the dining table, allowing you to display your wonderful meat-cutting skills.
The scissors are jet-black in color, and they have a wonderful aura of power and style, which allows them to have an impressive place in your kitchen while letting you efficiently and skillfully chop your veggies, meat, pizza, and more.
What we like
Feature a curved serrated blade that cuts through meat swiftly and safely
Cutting becomes an easy and quick step of your food prep process
What we dislike
Only available in black, no other color options to choose from
4. Fooding
Designed by Yifeeling Design, this conceptual design Fooding merges the best of the microwave and an air fryer. The unique appliance is inspired by the bulbous shape of an astronaut’s helmet, and it combines the user-friendly form of the microwave, and the air fryer’s ability to cook some tasty and healthy meals.
Why is it noteworthy?
Since Fooding is the unique combination of a microwave and an air-fryer, it occupies less space in the kitchen, while providing you with delicious meals. It is a one-stop shop for using both appliances.
What we like
Compact form that combines the microwave’s rectangular shape with the air fryer’s rounded edges
What we dislike
It is a conceptual design, so we don’t know how well it will translate into a tangible product
5. PrecisionGrip Chopstick Tong
Meet the PrecisionGrip Chopstick Tong – these unique tongs are shaped like chopsticks, and they’re used to pick up and handle small pieces of food with total ease. You can easily pick them up, and turn them over on the pan – much like an expert chef! They’re crafted from lightweight and durable SUS821L1 stainless steel.
You can use the delicate tongs to prepare lunch boxes, or even consume sushi, as there is no wrong way to hold and handle the utensil. These tongs are designed to last you a lifetime, and they have a special metal processing which makes sure the jet black color doesn’t peel or scratch off.
What we like
Made from sustainable SUS821L1 stainless steel, which is derived from scraps and offcuts
What we dislike
Difficult to use for larger pieces and cuts
6. STEAMIE
Named STEAMIE, this kitchen appliance reintroduces steam into mainstream cooking! It can cook food without diluting or compromising on the flavor, providing you with healthy food, that is not only rich in nutrients but also pretty delicious. It is a tabletop appliance that will present you with food that is nutritious and delicious.
Why is it noteworthy?
STEAMIE is equipped with a built-in scale that lets you measure your food before you cook it. It also features a bamboo-wood lid that functions as a cutting board for food prep. You can watch your food being prepared via the frosted-acrylic food bowl, while an intuitive display lets you input and check prep times.
What we like
Utilizes a unique turbo convection method to rapidly steam-cook the food
What we dislike
Bulky and heavy form that will occupy substantial space on your kitchen counter or dining table
7. Chao
Say hello to Chao – an AI-powered social cooking platform which is created to reduce the hassle of meal planning, and the difficulties we encounter while cooking. Chao is designed to make your daily cooking experience more accessible, easy, and enjoyable as well.
Why is it noteworthy?
Chao uses intelligent machine vision to ensure that all the utensils are used correctly, which is great for new cooks. It also attempts to make cooking a joyful social collaboration, where users can prepare and enjoy meals together.
What we like
Allows users from all corners of the globe to create and prepare meals, forming a global culinary community
What we dislike
It is currently a concept, so we are unsure how functional and user-friendly it will be in reality
8. Playful Palm Grater
Ever in the mood to grate some fresh garnishes onto your meal? Well, then you need to get your hands on the Playful Palm Grater. This little product is designed to add some functional fun to your kitchen space, and it also fits completely into the palm of your hand, letting you grate fresh garnishing.
It resembles a curled piece of paper and can be purchased in a bunch of fun colors, letting you pick the one that perfectly matches your dining and kitchen requirements and space.
What we like
Provides a sturdy grip, while transforming the task of grating into something fun
What we dislike
Not the best for grating large amounts of food, since it has a small size
9. Thanko Electric Bento Rice Cooker
Called the Thanko Electric Bento rice cooker, this portable cooker prepares a bowl of warm rice for you in no time. It makes rice an easily available and omnipresent food item irrespective of where you go. It prepares single-serve rice in a quick period of time.
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 prepacked 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
Has a portable and easy-to-carry design
You can eat the rice from the container, don’t need a separate utensil for it
What we dislike
No variety of choices in terms of sizes and colors
10. Plate Grater
Called the Plate Grater, this grater resembles a compact little plate, and you can use it by setting it on the table. It merges a plate’s functionality with the utility and practicality of a grater. You can utilize it to add fresh garnishes to your meal, or to even make some fresh wasabi for sushi!
The grater/plate product is dual-functional, and it can be used as a grater and a plate. Besides being quite good-looking, it grates fresh garnishing for you, elevating your meal to a gourmet level.
What we like
You can grate fresh ingredients onto your meal, taking it to a gourmet level
What we dislike
Since it has dual functionality, it may take users a while to adjust to it, and learn to use it
A lot of aspiring product designers get inspiration from existing brands whose aesthetics are very distinct. One famous brand of hair dryers and stylers has made its mark on those interested in product design (and pretty devices) and has served as a basis for concepts. We get a lot of “what if _____ made _____” concepts from aspiring designers and it’s actually pretty interesting to see what they come up with just based on the current product line of these brands.
Designers: Anika Patel, Arya Shewale, Prapti Shah, Pratyasa Samanta, Nandana B. Nair, Pia Walia
A lot of the blenders we see are more functional rather than aesthetic. But who says you can’t have both? This concept for a Jar Blender blends (pun intended) the two as you get a cylindrical form that uses chamfered surfaces to connect to the various parts. Using the industrial and minimalist aesthetic, you have what looks like one of those modern-looking gas lamps. But it is in fact designed to be a functional blender that you can use in your kitchen or even bring with you if you’re traveling.
Aside from the sleek aesthetics, you get key functional elements, at least on paper and in renders. It has things like a liquid level window, lock alignment indicator, and a power switch and in keeping with their visual inspiration, they use rounded rectangles as a key element. And if you’re the type who likes seeing the blender in action, the section around the blade is transparent so you can see how it works in blending the various ingredients you put in it (or if you’re doing a “will it blend?” kind of content). There’s also a perforated mesh at the bottom so the blender gets proper ventilation and air circulation.
The blender also comes with a cap so if you need to carry around the juice or energy shake that you blended, you don’t need a separate bottle for it. The jar is 500ml which should be enough for a drink for one person. It would be interesting to see this aesthetic jar blender come to life.
If you do a lot of cooking (by choice or by necessity), you probably have a lot of kitchen tools lying around. But not everyone has a spacious kitchen or cooking area so having instruments and accessories that are space savers can be a big blessing. We’re seeing a lot of pretty simple yet innovative solutions to small ticket kitchen items like silverware, cooking tools, accessories, etc. They might not revolutionize your kitchen but they do provide convenience (and space) which can sometimes make all the difference.
One such product, or at least concept, is for a measuring cup called Boi. If you cook regularly, then you’re in need of different sizes of measuring cups. But sometimes they take up space and if you have a small kitchen or storage, then that can be a problem. This concept solves that by designing a measuring cup that is just technically a one-piece silicone cup. Because of its material, it is flexible so the size can change according to what you need.
The idea for Boi is to use the flexbile material and the slider to adjust the size according to the measurement that you need for your ingredients and your recipe. The maximum capacity of the measuring cup is 250 millimeters and it is 20 centimeters long and 6 centimeters high. There are notches and labels in the cup so you know what size you need, ranging from 1 cup (250 ml), 1/3 cup (80m ml), 1/2 cup (125 ml), 1/4 cup (60 ml), and 1/8 cup (30 ml).
The renders shows the measuring cup to have an orange color but it’s easy to visualize it having other bright colors. This kind of kitchen tool will not only help you save space but can save you water and dish detergent since you’re just washing one item. It’s a pretty simple but interesting solution if you want a more space-saving and convenient tool for your cooking adventures.
Slick, svelte, and almost looking like Michael Jackson leaning forward in his iconic stance, the AF007 (no relation to James Bond) is a tabletop conical burr grinder that does one job well – grind exactly the right amount of coffee for a single serve. For people who love the idea of a Keurig or Nespresso, but hate resorting to preground commercial beans, the AF007 gives you exactly a single or double-shot worth of coffee, dispensed directly in your portafilter, or a coarser ground dispensed right into your French press or pour-over.
Designers: Nicola Zanetti and Federico Gonzales Bosque
The AF007’s design is so ruthlessly minimalist you could put it somewhere in an Apple Store and nobody would bat an eyelid. It sports an incredibly clean design that’s focused on utilitarianism and is devoid of any details that would clutter the aesthetic. That being said, the AF007 still has a personality, with its geometric surfaces, wonderful matte metal finish, and that leaning-forward stance that gives it a sense of dynamism even though it’s a static device that sits on your kitchen countertop.
Using the AF007 is simple. Load the beans in the vessel through the opening at the top. The top also doubles as a rotary knob that lets you choose the grind size, going coarse for pour-over brewing, or finer for use in a Moka Pot or an espresso machine. An LED panel on the side lets you choose between a single or double-shot (smaller or larger depending on how much coffee you consume), and a holder and tray right in front of the nozzle lets you attach a portafilter or a collecting vessel for the grounds to get deposited into. It’s all deviously simple, both visually and functionally, which is what makes the AF007 such a neat little device for coffee aficionados. In fact, the grinder even won the A’ Design Award last year for its simple yet sophisticated approach to the coffee-making process!
Most household items we own today are made one of two or three ways. If they’re made from plastic, chances are they’re injection molded… and if they’re metal, they’re either cast or they’re rolled/stamped into a distinct form. These methods end up defining what a product will look like. An injection-molded plastic part will never look as intricate as a 3D-printed mesh part… and a stamped metal utensil will never have the elegance of something like the Snapsys tray set. Designed using a series of strategic Origami-style bends, the Snapsys set of trays and table platforms are deceptively simple to look at, but are engineered and manufactured to perfection. Each item is made from a single 0.8mm sheet of metal that’s been creased, bent, and then anodized. The result is a set of kitchenware that’s incredibly slim, yet just as strong, thanks to the nature of the folds that help provide rigidity.
The Snapsys set of trays and table are ‘Origami-style folding plate’ that have a thickness of 0.8mm (about as much as a credit card).
The Snapsys set comes in three tray styles that double as decorative tabletop platforms for displaying your food. Most trays look terribly run-of-the-mill, but given the Snapsys set’s unique manufacturing technique, this tray collection has no such problem. The trays look defyingly thin, to the point of feeling fragile. They do measure just 0.8mm (about as much as a credit card), but are surprisingly strong thanks to the folding structures that give them the ability to carry well beyond their weight without bending or flexing.
Use as a service tray.
A decorative incense stick tray!
Candle Holder!
The secret lies in the origami-style folds that help strengthen the trays while giving them their rather memorable designs. The fold lines aren’t regular, but instead follow a curve, allowing the metal sheet to bend in a curved way too. This helps strengthen the metal, making it rigid instead of flimsy. You can try the same technique with paper, observing how curved folds help give paper additional stiffness too.
Some trays look conventional, with handles on either side. Others come with legs, elevating your food by an inch or two to help your dishes stand out against a laid-out table. All trays come with anodized color options, allowing you to add a splash of vibrance to your tabletop decor as well as allowing the trays themselves to serve as accent pieces. The anodized finish also makes them durable and corrosion-resistant, increasing their overall lifespan. The tray sets, which come in black, yellow, blue, or a nude silver, start at a discounted $149, which includes three trays – 1 rectangular tray, 1 oval tray, and 1 half-plate tray.
The kitchen serves as the heart of the home, and it plays a key role in determining a healthy lifestyle. In such a context, a wellness kitchen strives to deepen our bond with nature by integrating cutting-edge technology to improve both efficiency and comfort. With a focus on revamping food storage, preparation, cooking, consumption, and disposal for fresh, organic ingredients, an ideal Wellness Kitchen integrates elegant designs that inspire social interactions and eco-friendly lifestyles that nurture the mind, body, and soul. Check out the top 10 trends in wellness kitchens
In wellness-focused kitchens, gardens are vital, enabling you to grow nutritious produce and promote healthy eating while reducing reliance on stores. Integrating them brings joy and tranquillity, whether through simple planters or innovative hydroponic setups like ‘refrigerator’ gardens. Hydroponic systems offer indoor vegetable cultivation, needing consistent light typically from grow lights, best suited for separate spaces like a pantry to avoid disrupting evening routines.
Introducing Home Garden, a sleek herb drawer designed by Igor Abakumov. This innovative solution seamlessly integrates into your kitchen, providing access to fresh herbs year-round without sacrificing counter space. Equipped with a smart system, Home Garden monitors plant moisture, temperature, freshness, and readiness for use, all adjustable via smartphone. Its compact design makes it perfect for any kitchen, catering to both urban apartments and spacious suburban homes. With Home Garden, enjoy the convenience of having your favorite herbs at your fingertips while adding a touch of greenery to your culinary space.
A vital aspect of a wellness kitchen is its capacity to nurture social connections. A key design trend involves crafting spaces that encourage collaboration and interaction. One effective method is designing a generous kitchen island with space for food preparation, allowing multiple people to engage in cooking, alongside areas for standing and conversing, as well as seating for comfortable interaction, including defining a clear boundary between the kitchen and living area.
The wellness kitchen should incorporate air purification systems, including kitchen chimneys and exhaust fans, to reduce toxins, minimize pollutants, and ensure clean indoor air quality. Adhering to VOC limits for interior paints, coatings, adhesives, sealants, insulation, and flooring is also essential. The kitchen should also feature windows to facilitate natural ventilation and improve indoor air quality by replacing stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air.
4. Natural Light
Enhancing natural light by enlarging windows and adding skylights brings proven health benefits such as increased productivity, improved moods, and energy conservation. LED lighting, with its longevity and energy efficiency, further complements natural light, while also potentially alleviating seasonal affective disorder. A well-designed lighting scheme should include ambient, task, and accent lighting to create a layered effect, promoting overall well-being in the wellness kitchen.
The Sunday Light, conceived by designers Nat Martin and Sean Hammett, is a groundbreaking overhead LED fixture designed to bring the mood-boosting effects of daylight to any space, particularly in dreary English winters. Suspended beneath a reflective panel, it diffuses light akin to Earth’s atmosphere, promising to infuse rooms with the invigorating sensation of a sunny day. Serving as a remedy for seasonal affective disorder, it delivers 30,000 lumens of warm, comforting light, boasting a CRI value of 93 for a natural and pleasant ambiance. Its intense yet gentle illumination experience uplifts mood, energy, and alertness.
As people seek a deeper connection to nature for greater happiness and tranquillity, natural materials are gaining popularity in kitchen design, with stone and wood being prime examples. Combining these natural elements with modern ones seamlessly integrates both aesthetics, capturing the essence of each.
Sebastian Cox’s Mycelium pendant lamps are grown, not made, utilizing mycelium—a sustainable, vegan alternative to suede and leather. Teamed with researcher Ninela Ivanova, the “Mycelium + Timber” project explores mycelium’s potential in commercial furniture design. Each lamp undergoes a 4–12-week growth process, where mycelium fibers bind with willow wood inside molds filled with cultivated fungus, resulting in a unique, compostable composite material.
To maintain cleanliness and organization, it’s advisable for a wellness kitchen to minimize open shelving. Yet, for those who favor the appearance of ample open shelves, pocket doors offer an excellent solution. These doors enable convenient access to stored items during meal preparation and can be closed to keep shelves free from dust when not in use.
In a Wellness Kitchen, fresh produce is showcased through glass refrigerator doors or grown in a kitchen garden, promoting accessibility. To meet consumer needs, refrigeration options in the ideal Wellness Kitchen offer varied temperatures and humidities for organized and visually appealing storage, featuring glass doors, multiple compartments, and concealed compressors to minimize noise pollution.
8. Biophilia
Biophilia, rooted in Greek for “life” and “love,” embodies the human urge to connect with nature, essential in wellness kitchen design. This strategy integrates natural elements like plant walls, greenery, nature-inspired crockery, skylights, and large windows to foster physical and psychological well-being, reduce stress, and boost creativity.
Ensure that conversation never runs dry with these shark wine glasses, which seamlessly infuse a biophilic vibe into your gatherings. Inspired by nature’s elegance, these glasses not only serve as functional vessels but also spark intriguing discussions about the natural world. Crafted to evoke the graceful movement of sharks, they bring a touch of the ocean’s beauty to your table setting. With their sleek design and captivating aesthetic, these glasses are sure to captivate guests and elevate the ambiance of any occasion.
Enhancing wellness involves considering homeowners’ ages, heights, and abilities during the planning process, including features like non-skid floors, a raised dishwasher for comfortable access to top and bottom racks, various seating heights at the island to accommodate all family members, and deep drawers organized for easy access. Additionally, ensuring enough space for wheelchair maneuverability and adapting countertop heights for cooking or food preparation contributes to a more inclusive and accessible kitchen design.
10. Compost
Effectively managing food waste in an eco-conscious manner is a significant concern for individuals striving for sustainability, as placing food waste in the garbage leads to unpleasant odors, attracts pests, and necessitates more frequent collection. Composting emerges as a wellness kitchen trend, with innovative compost bins efficiently managing food scraps, effectively eradicating kitchen odors and fruit flies. With benefits like reducing landfill waste and promoting garden growth, composting seamlessly integrates into the ethos of a wellness kitchen design.
The rise in food delivery services has significantly impacted our eating habits, often leading to unhealthy lifestyles and increased waste. While some services offer healthier options and sustainable packaging, they often fall short in reducing overall waste. Enter Toggle, a composting device designed to transform uneaten food and its packaging into nourishment for plants. This innovative solution allows you to process leftover meals and materials like paper and wood at home, reducing waste volume and producing homemade fertilizer. Toggle’s discreet design resembles a stylish can, featuring safety measures and user-friendly interfaces. It encourages a more responsible lifestyle, ensuring both your plants and the planet benefit from your choices.
You are what you eat, they say… surely the Bean Coffee Machine eats a whole lot of coffee beans, am I right?! A clever visual redesign of the standard coffee machine, this particular appliance by Juliana Juleva tries to make the ubiquitous coffee-brewer instantly recognizable. The way she does it is by making the machine look like a giant bean from afar. Look at it and even if you’re not a coffee drinker, chances are you’ll recognize exactly what it is and what it’s used for. The intuitive design is further complemented by an intuitive user interface, which employs a simple yet large touchscreen to help you brew the perfect cup of coffee ever. Place your empty mug, tap a button, and wait for the giant bean to give you a cup of pure bliss!
Designer: Juliana Juleva
The Bean Coffee Machine doesn’t try to be too fancy. It doesn’t look overtly industrial, or too high-tech like something Apple would have designed. Instead, it tries to opt for visual familiarity by taking inspiration from the shape of a coffee bean. The machine comes with an oval shape, sporting broad and gentle curves that make it look as smooth as a roasted coffee bean. It’s propped up vertically on four legs, and comes with a relatively simple front surface that has the interface on top, and a dispenser at the bottom.
Using the Bean machine is incredibly intuitive too. A transparent window on top lets you look into the machine’s coffee storage, letting you know if it has enough supply of roasted beans. If not, all you do is load fresh beans in, and you’re ready to brew. Right underneath the window is an interface that has the simplicity of a menu card. Tap the kind of coffee you want Bean to brew and it gets to work. The coffee gets dispensed right into your cup below, letting you choose from multiple options from the classic flat white or americano, to even more eclectic options like a decaf.
The Bean comes in 5 colors – black, white, bronze, silver, and our favorite, metallic brown. Sure, everyone’s entitled to having a coffee machine that complements their tastes and interior decor, but the metallic brown Bean just plays to the visual metaphor perfectly, and it kind of does look like an instant classic too, if you ask me personally. The machine was designed for a Russian coffee brand, although it hasn’t hit the market yet.
