10 Best Kitchen Tools For Brewing The Ultimate Cup Of Coffee, Tea & Espresso

Everyone has a beverage of choice that they need in the morning to wake them up – usually, it is coffee or tea. For me personally it is coffee!  I love coffee, I need it to start my day, or else I simply refuse to start my day! It’s the boost of energy, dose of motivation, and rush of serotonin that I need every morning. And, I’m pretty sure that’s the case for most of us. We all need our cup of tea or coffee. There is a different satisfaction and pleasure in sipping caffeine that you know is the result of your hard work, something precariously prepared with your personal touch to it. And if you’re someone who’s chasing that feeling, then a unique, innovative, and interactive coffee machine or tea brewer is all you need, and ninety-five percent of the battle is won (the other five percent is you setting aside your laziness and operating the machine)! From a smart teapot to the Tesla of coffee machines – this collection of super cool and easy-to-use tools will start you off on your coffee/tea brewing journey. Cheers!

1. xBloom

Meet the futuristic xBloom – the Tesla of Coffee Machines. It is the first coffee machine with an Autopilot feature, making it quite an innovative and unique one. This makes preparing coffee super easy and efficient, almost transforming it into an art. The coffee machine is quite sleek and pristine, and looks like it jumped straight out of a sci-fi movie!

Why is it noteworthy?

The xBloom was designed by ex-Apple employees, and it identifies, grinds, dispenses, brews, and pours your coffee for you. The machine uses the finest beans sourced from the top roasters worldwide, offering you the finest cup of coffee to enjoy!

What we like

  • With the xBloom, it feels as if a professional barista is making you a cup of coffee, creating an elevated coffee-drinking experience
  • Features the power of NFC technology

What we dislike

  • It does not accommodate instant coffee, which can be a hassle for some coffee drinkers

2. Smart Tea Pot

If you prefer tea over coffee, then you need to get your hands on the Smart Tea Pot. This connected teapot lets you brew yourself a cup of tea with the help of technology, creating the perfect brew for you. You can prepare a delicious brew based on the kind of tea you like, depending on your mood and needs.

Click Here to Buy Now: $314 $349 (10% off at checkout). Hurry, Valentine’s Day sale ends in 48 hours!

Why is it noteworthy?

The Smart Tea Pot features advanced brewing adjustments that are influenced by the kind of tea you need, and your tea-drinking requirements. It has a “Golden Drop” rotating infuser, which is a perfect example of Japanese minimalism, and it merges technology with simplicity.

What we like

  • Has a compact size, and clean minimal aesthetics allowing it to perfectly fuse with your kitchen and dining space

What we dislike

  • The Smart Tea Pot employs technology for brewing customizations, which can be complicated for those who prefer traditional, simple tea-making processes

3. Ceramic Cup

This minimalist-looking mug is finely crafted, and is a true meeting of the earth and wood in a unique and subtle symphony of texture. It is designed to be a lovely treat for your sensitive lips as well as your fingers. As you drink from it, you are invited into a sensory experience where you can truly enjoy sipping your tea.

Click Here to Buy Now: $54 $60 (10% off at checkout). Hurry, Valentine’s Day sale ends in 48 hours!

Why is it noteworthy?

When we’re sipping a drink, our lips come into contact with the surface of a glass or mug, and this impression sets the mood for the entire experience. This beautiful mug intends to create that kind of engagement in the form of a design with intriguing contrasts.

What we like

  • Crafted from quality Japanese ceramic

What we dislike

  • You cannot put the mug into a microwave
  • The aesthetics can be considered a bit simple and boring

4. Brewster

This battery-powered coffee machine is called the Brewster, and it is designed for the future. It will satisfy your random coffee cravings with complete convenience and precision, allowing you to enjoy the perfect cup of joe everywhere you like. It is a portable design providing you with coffee anytime, anywhere.

Why is it noteworthy?

Brewster is more than just a coffee machine, it is a lifestyle innovation designed for the future. It features a convenient compact design, that makes it super easy to carry around.

What we like

  • Features a battery-powered design that doesn’t really need to be tethered to a chord
  • It has an intuitive design that offers a hassle-free coffee-making experience

What we dislike

  • It’s a conceptual design, so we’re not sure how functional and practical it will be as a real product

5. Earth-friendly Stacking Cup

Enjoy your favorite beverage with this Earth-friendly stacking cup. It is a stylish and minimal stacking cup that helps you save the environment. It is built from eco-friendly synthetic materials and has a unique texture which contributes to a distinctive and sensory tea-drinking experience.

Click Here to Buy Now: $22.5 $25 (10% off at checkout). Hurry, Valentine’s Day sale ends in 48 hours!

Why is it noteworthy?

The texture of the stacking cup is unique and resembles ceramic and wood. It provides a distinctive sensory experience to your mouth and lips, while also embodying minimal aesthetics and eco-friendly practices, forming a soul-enriching drinking experience that you won’t forget.

What we like

  • Made from plant-derived biodegradable resin
  • The material biodegrades into water and carbon dioxide through natural microbial action

What we dislike

  • Aesthetically quite common to other cups on the market, nothing to set it apart

6. Earth-friendly Tumbler

Have you ever heard of PAPLUS? It is a new kind of thermoplastic resin that can be mixed with biodegradable paper to add durability, heat resistance, and moldability which normal PLA often tacks. This unique earth-friendly tumbler is made using PAPLUS, making it a sustainable and stylish drinking tumbler for your coffee or tea.

Click Here to Buy Now: $25

Why is it noteworthy?

The earth-friendly tumbler is made using an eco-friendly material to add a unique texture that is similar to the surface of ceramic or wooden cups. As you take a sip from this tumbler, a wonderful flavor is brought to your tongue, which creates an engaging sensation for your lips.

What we like

  • Uplifts the act of drinking beverages to a new sensory experience for your tongue and lips
  • Has a heat resistance of 120°, allowing you to enjoy piping hot as well as ice-cold drinks

What we dislike

  • The natural color of the tumbler can fade or become uneven with use, which may not be appreciated by users

7. F1 Coffee Grinder

Dubbed the F1, this portable and sleek wireless coffee grinder works automatically and manually. It features industrial-grade conical burrs, and a motor that provides 100 grind settings, allowing you to prepare fresh coffee when you’re at home or even out camping!

Why is it noteworthy?

Features a built-in fold-out collection tray, and allows you to hot-swap for one-button electric grinding or a hank-crank for a more hands-on grinding experience. The grinder is the size of a small thermos, and can easily fit into bags and suitcases.

What we like

  • Travel-friendly grinder with Scandinavian minimalism

What we dislike

  • You need to remove the motor, before washing it in the dishwasher

8. Slim Fold Dish Rack

This unique and innovative dish rack can be carried anywhere with you. It has a patent pending spring mechanism, that you can adjust and shrink from 14″ to 1.2″ within seconds. Deployment of the dish rack is also just as fast, making it quite easy to set up and use.

Click Here to Buy Now: $75.00

Why is it noteworthy?

Called the Slim Fold Dish Rack, this product has a minimalist yet durable design, which ensures adequate ventilation, and has plenty of space for plates, utensils, and cookware of any size. It is an excellent design for your kitchen or for camping outdoors.

What we like

  • Flexible collapsible form that will clean and dry your utensils in no time
  • Easy to clean and dishwasher-friendly

What we dislike

  • The slim wires will find it difficult to hold heavy utensils (pots and pans)

9. Steampunk Espresso Machine

Called the Steampunk Espresso Machine, this unique espresso machine was designed by Ahmet Kemal Daşhan for Steam Espresso. It is adorned with brass fittings that take you on an exciting and surreal journey through time. It has a distinctive appearance, that makes it stand apart from boxy and typical coffee machines on the market.

Why is it noteworthy?

The espresso machine features exposed gears that are reminiscent of a bygone era’ mechanical marvels, which besides serving a functional purpose, also add a touch of authenticity to the entire espresso-making experience. The machine features vintage aesthetics which take you back in time.

What we like

  • Helps you embark on a visual journey through time

What we dislike

  • It’s a concept, so we are unsure how it will translate into a tangible product

10. DOTS

Called DOTS, this portable coffee machine is an excellent fit for automated vehicles, but it can also be used for other on-the-go scenarios as well. It is a great option for those long car journeys, where you need to get somewhere in a jiffy, and cannot stop for a much-needed coffee break.

Why is it noteworthy?

The DOTS coffee machine has a removable bottom, so it can be adapted for whatever use you have for it. It utilizes coffee capsules instead of the usual brewing method to make it easier to use.

What we like

  • A control or lever lets you adjust the intensity of the extraction method from the capsule

What we dislike

  • It has a lid to place a straw on it, but sipping hot coffee with a straw seems weird and uncomfortable

The post 10 Best Kitchen Tools For Brewing The Ultimate Cup Of Coffee, Tea & Espresso first appeared on Yanko Design.

10 Best Desk Gear Designed To Achieve Peak Productivity

It doesn’t matter where you’re working, whether at home or in a commercial life, both these scenarios involve a desk! A desk is probably one of the most important pieces of furniture in our modern lives, only because we spend the majority of our day on it. You may be typing away to glory, munching away on a snack, or simply fidgeting with a random object – you do end up spending hours on your desk. And hence, your desk must be neat, tidy, and uncluttered. Not only will this improve your work routine and productivity, but it will also help you maintain a clearer and more streamlined mindset. And, I’ve discovered that adding limited, quality, and innovative products to my desk setup can help me in achieving these goals! And we’ve curated a collection of smart and well-designed desk gear to help you achieve peak productivity. Happy working!

1. POD

This minimalist timer lets you enjoy the simple benefits of a Pomodoro timer without relying on a clunky analog timer, especially one that looks like an awkward little tomato on your desk.

Why is it noteworthy?

Dubbed POD, this unique tool combines the feeling of an analog timer with the convenience and utility of an electronic device in a simple, minimalist, and appealing form. The only control it has is pushing the puck down like a button, which then starts the countdown.

What we like

  • Minimally distracting, utilizing only flashing lights to get your attention rather than sounds or vibrations

What we dislike

  • Replacing the battery seems a bit tedious and annoying
  • It is quite tiny, so can be easily misplaced

2. Grovemade Note-Taking Kit

Named the Grovemade Note-Taking Kit, this innovative kit helps you effortlessly and efficiently capture down, process, and store notes, hence boosting your daily productivity, and ensuring your process feels simple and free-flowing.

Why is it noteworthy?

The kit includes a refillable notepad with dot grid paper and a solid metallic base, alongside a display rail to hold and store your notes and devices, while also offering a vertical organizer that stores your notes until you need to use them.

What we like

  • Provides a neat workdesk, that helps you complete the important tasks at hand, and elevate productivity

What we dislike

  • Occupies a substantial amount of real estate on your desk, not well-suited for smaller desks

3. Quick-Access Organizer

Dubbed the Quick-Access Organizer, this minimal and compact organizer is designed to ensure you never lose all your essentials. It is a well-designed organizer that helps you perfectly organize your essentials so you’re never in fear of losing them, allowing you to have a tidy desk that boosts productivity.

Why is it noteworthy?

This smart organizer isn’t simply a storage solution, it revolutionizes your desk, using magnetic wizardry to keep your essentials organized and easily available. It perfectly combines form and functionality, offering an excellent 21st-century design philosophy.

Click Here to Buy Now: $69

What we like

  • Equipped with a rotating mechanism that will take all the annoying guesswork out of storage
  • It is a lid and tray, making it a dual-functional product

What we dislike

  • Those who possess a larger array of items will find this organizer limiting and may need a bigger one
  • It can be concerning having magnets around certain electronic devices or cards, hence you need to be selective about what you store

4. Nemonic Gen 2

Dubbed the Nemonic Gen 2, this inkless, thermal, and wireless printer lets you effectively and efficiently print your notes and even images on Ultra Sticky Notes, and they won’t easily fall off!

Why is it noteworthy?

The tiny printer can be connected to your desktop and mobile devices allowing you to print out any notes that you may have written, drawn, or typed on the connected app. You can even integrate it with the Microsoft Office apps, and Slack and Zapier too, allowing you to maintain smooth productivity.

What we like

  • It lets you print out your notes directly and has a de-curl feature too

What we dislike

  • They don’t sell refills individually at this point, which is inconvenient if you run out of the notes

5. Fold

Designed by Ganti and Teixeira Design Studio, Fold is a 3D-printed lamp that casts its light downwards and upwards serving as a functional lamp, as well as a source of some good lighting. It’s a unique lamp that helps you work properly, while also letting you relax.

Why is it noteworthy?

The wall light doesn’t need to be turned on or off, nor do you need to adjust it, as the design itself brings two kinds of light together. It is a space-saving design as it can be mounted on the wall, or placed on a small desk or side table.

What we like

  • Offers both ambient light and direct light, helping you save up on owning multiple lamps

What we dislike

  • It looks a bit bulkier when used as a desk lamp, as compared to when it is wall-mounted

6. Effortless Standing Letter Cutter

Having an organized desk is quite important, as it helps you work efficiently while boosting your daily productivity. Having the right tool can help you create the ideal organized desk, and one such tool to add to your desk is this unique letter cutter.

Why is it noteworthy?

This innovative letter cutter reimagines a standard office tool, and efficiently slices through paper, while also doubling up as a chic paperweight ensuring there is no unnecessary clutter on your desk. A decluttered desk is the best solution for boosting productivity!

Click Here to Buy Now: $49

What we like

  • Has a precision cut that ensures that no messy scraps are left behind
  • Doubles up as a paperweight, ensuring there is less clutter on your desk, making it a dual-functional product

What we dislike

  • While fantastic for standard envelopes, it is not versatile enough for those bulkier packages or intricate mail, so you may need a separate letter cutter for those

7. The Note

Called the Note, this small desk whiteboard lets you take notes with the utmost efficiency. Except it’s no ordinary note taker, it has a few tricks up its sleeve and adds some fun and spice to your work.

Why is it noteworthy?

The unique whiteboard can twist or flip over, giving you twice the space to write your notes down effectively and efficiently. One side features a dotted grid surface, while the other side can be plain, or they could have the same design on both sides.

What we like

  • Features a multi-purpose vertical screen that allows you to view the time, calendar, and appointments synced with your phone

What we dislike

  • The screen doesn’t show videos, a function that some people may need for their work

8. SCROOM

Dubbed SCROOM, this portable keyboard looks like a wireless mechanical keyboard at first glance, however when you slide down the keyboard or slide up its bottom, it unveils a display that’s almost the same size as the keyboard.

Why is it noteworthy?

This unique display is a touch screen that’s filled with large-sized buttons, sliders, and other controls that can help you multitask on a tablet that has otherwise pretty limited space for multitasking.

What we like

  • Features a to-do list so that you don’t have to switch back and forth between apps

What we dislike

  • The sliding mechanism is a risk, especially for devices that get carried around a lot

9. Current Task Light

Called the Current Task Light, UK-based Jones and Partners designed this simple, minimalist, and highly functional lighting design that would make an excellent addition to your work desk. It occupies minimum space while helping you work better and more efficiently.

Why is it noteworthy?

The award-winning task lighting + charging concept is a multifunctional product to aid in your daily multitasking and is perfectly complementary to both residential and commercial spaces.

What we like

  • Allows coworkers to plug their devices across a large desk while working together

What we dislike

  • It’s a concept right now, so we don’t know how the final product will turn out

10. Wipe

Dubbed Wipe, this unique and innovative whiteboard notebook features an eraser allowing you to write, erase, and write things over and over again. This helps you note down all your precious ideas and thoughts, letting you work in a streamlined and efficient manner.

Why is it noteworthy?

Wipe has a comfortable personal size that is a tad bit smaller than A4 paper. It is portable, and you can write on it, take a photo that you could save or send to the cloud, erase all of it, and write again. You don’t need any preparation to use it, it is a fast and effective product!

What we like

  • Equipped with a newly developed Mag Force system that combines magnets and rubber brands, building a handle that also doubles up as a pen holder

What we dislike

  • You need to specifically use a dry-erase or whiteboard pen, and not a permanent marker

The post 10 Best Desk Gear Designed To Achieve Peak Productivity first appeared on Yanko Design.