Tag Archives: refrigerator

Projector and mini-fridge in one concept will solve problems of snackish couch potatoes

Posted on by

If you ask people how they spend their rest days or leisure time, most will probably say go to a mall and shop, meet up with friends, or travel. But there are also homebuddies like me who would say an ideal rest day is consuming media, whether it’s a book, a TV show, a movie, and snacking while doing it. There are products and concepts that will appeal to couch potatoes who love that kind of alone time.

Designer: Changhwi Kim

fits is one such concept that will, well, fit, that kind of lifestyle. Basically it’s a media projector and a refrigerator in one compact device. You will be able to watch whatever your heart desires and if you get snacky (which of course, you will eventually become), then you just have to reach over and get whatever it is you stored in the mini fridge.

The device also has an adjustable height function so whatever position you want to take, you can calibrate it to the perfect position. The product renders show that it looks just like a typical mini fridge but with a projector on top. In theory, you can also connect it to an app that will give you content recommendations and even suggest snacks that will go with it.

While most of the time I will consume media on my phone or tablet while lying in bed, it will of course be more convenient if I had a mini fridge nearby as I’m watching. So this will probably be marketable for people like me.

The post Projector and mini-fridge in one concept will solve problems of snackish couch potatoes first appeared on Yanko Design.

Sustainable refrigerator concept turns it into a “Food Station”

Posted on by

For people like me who live alone and who has no time to really cook or prep meals, the refrigerator can sometimes be either an empty vessel or a wasteland of unused ingredients and leftover food. Some product designers probably had me in mind (even if I’m not Gen Z) when they came up with the concept for turning the refrigerator into a sustainable food station.

Designers: Hyungwoo Lee, Hyerhyn Park, Seokoo Yeo, Haeri Ryoo, Seryeong Hong

The OneTwo Food Station is a concept for a refrigerator for Generation Z that has a separate compartment for Meal Prep dishes. This means that the brand is also connected to a Meal Prep service and the OneTwo is merely a food storage for the dishes before you cook them or consume them. This prevents the unnecessary waste of ingredients that you don’t really need therefore helping you practice sustainable eating.

So basically the main difference of this ref is that almost half of the space is meant for these meal prep containers. Of course there’s still a regular compartment for other items that you still would want to store and there’s also a freezer compartment although this one is located at the bottom. Instead of the regular ref door handle, you have strap handles on the front for a more “appealing” interaction. It also has double-sided doors so you can easily reach the items whether they’re at the front or back.

The Meal Prep component on the OneTwo app is pretty customizable and also has some sharing and social components since we all love sharing what we eat, especially if it’s visually appealing. There was no mention of what material the Food Station is made from but in keeping with its sustainable branding, it should also be more eco-friendly than the regular refrigerators.

The post Sustainable refrigerator concept turns it into a “Food Station” first appeared on Yanko Design.

Solar-Powered Fridge Doesn’t Require Electricity And Can Run For 40 Hours Without Power

Posted on by

In the privileged corners of the world, it’s easy to take for granted the amenities that define modern life—consistent electricity, reliable refrigeration, and an abundance of technological conveniences. However, a significant portion of the global population struggles to access what many consider basic necessities. This disparity underscores a broader issue: our comforts, powered by unsustainable practices, contribute to long-term environmental degradation. EasyFreeze finds a good balance between the two, embracing more sustainable alternatives, which is not just a nod to the past but a necessary step toward a viable future.

Designer: Amped Innovation

Imagine living in Lagos, Nigeria, where daily power outages can last for hours. In such conditions, a conventional refrigerator is nearly useless, and consequently, very few people own one. However, Amped Innovation, a forward-thinking startup, has developed a game-changing solution: the EasyFreeze, a solar-powered fridge designed to operate efficiently even with an unreliable grid or completely off-grid. This innovation is particularly transformative for regions rich in solar energy but poor in infrastructure.

The EasyFreeze is a meticulously designed fridge and freezer capable of refrigeration in under 20 minutes (reaching 8ºC) and freezing in less than an hour (0ºC). Unlike typical cold storage solutions, it maintains its temperature for up to 40 hours during power outages or on cloudy days, ensuring reliability in even the most challenging conditions.

A significant innovation within EasyFreeze is its use of an “ice battery” instead of traditional lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-ion batteries, while common, are expensive, prone to overheating, have a shorter lifespan, and pose safety risks. The ice battery system in EasyFreeze utilizes ice pouches embedded within the refrigerator walls to absorb and release heat. These pouches are cooled by solar panels during the day or by grid power when available, enabling the fridge to remain cold for extended periods without active power. This system not only enhances safety and durability but also significantly reduces costs.

Amped Innovation is rolling out the EasyFreeze across more than a dozen countries in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia, focusing on communities that are hardest to reach. Small businesses, such as corner stores, benefit immensely from the ability to sell cold beverages and ice, while medical clinics and hospitals can safely store medicines and vaccines at precise temperatures. The fridge’s design prioritizes off-grid efficiency, with proprietary circuits, software, and mechanical designs to deliver city-like performance in rural settings.

One of the distinguishing features of the EasyFreeze is its durability. Unlike many other solar refrigerators that fail within a year of use, the EasyFreeze is built to last. The equipment is assembled locally to avoid steep import fees and reduce costs, ensuring affordability without compromising on quality. This holistic approach to product design and distribution makes EasyFreeze not only efficient but also economically viable.

The EasyFreeze uses R-600a refrigerant, which has zero ozone depletion potential (ODP) and a very low global warming potential (GWP). It is at least 38% more energy-efficient than other market options, thanks to its powerful 225W compressor and thick, 75mm closed-cell polyurethane insulation. These features ensure the fastest cool-down times and the longest autonomy—maintaining efficient cold storage for up to 18 times longer than other freezers during power outages.

While the EasyFreeze is not inexpensive, retailers charge around $900, it remains within reach of middle-class families in countries like Nigeria. This price point reflects a commitment to quality and long-term affordability, prioritizing the total cost of ownership over the initial purchase price. Amped Innovation’s focus on high-quality materials and efficient design means EasyFreeze offers unmatched value, making it accessible to a broader audience.

The EasyFreeze’s utility extends beyond developing regions. Following the wildfires in Maui in 2023, the fridge garnered interest from residents in Hawaii. With electricity costs in Hawaii being exceptionally high, EasyFreeze offers a payback period of just two years, making it an economically attractive solution for both disaster resilience and everyday use.

As we acknowledge the privileges that many of us enjoy, it is crucial to recognize the pressing need for sustainable innovations that can bridge the gap for those less fortunate. The EasyFreeze exemplifies how thoughtful, eco-friendly design can transform lives, providing reliable refrigeration in areas with unreliable power. Amped Innovation’s focus on efficiency, durability, and affordability positions EasyFreeze to become a conventional choice for refrigeration in parts of Africa and Asia that receive ample sunlight. This remarkable appliance not only meets the immediate needs of its users but also paves the way for a more sustainable future.

The post Solar-Powered Fridge Doesn’t Require Electricity And Can Run For 40 Hours Without Power first appeared on Yanko Design.

Electricity-free Refrigerator uses Natural Clay to Keep Food Fresh

Posted on by

In the world of innovative design, industrial designer Lea Lorenz has unveiled Tony, a revolutionary portable refrigerator and food container that takes inspiration from an age-old tradition of using clay pots to store fruits and vegetables. Tony represents a modern reimagination of the traditional clay jug cooler, utilizing the power of evaporative cooling to create an eco-friendly and electricity-free solution for preserving perishables.

Designer: Lea Lorenz

At the heart of Tony lies its porous raku clay shell, a material that naturally absorbs water from a reservoir. Through the process of evaporation, this unique cooling system brings the interior temperature to a range of 13°C-17°C without relying on electricity. Lea Lorenz explains that this temperature range creates an ideal storage environment for foods that are sensitive to extreme cold, such as fruits and vegetables, which can lose flavor and undergo undesirable post-ripening processes in traditional refrigerators.

To achieve the optimal cooling effect, Lea Lorenz conducted extensive experiments with different types of clay and clay mixtures. The results revealed that a Raku clay shell absorbs water from the tank most effectively. Each Tony clay container comprises a water tank, a food container, and a lid, allowing each section to operate independently with its water supply. The outer wall’s surface is meticulously subtractively machined to increase the surface area for enhanced water evaporation and a quicker drop in temperature inside.

Understanding the impact of external factors like sunlight and nearby heat sources on internal temperature, Lea paired Tony with a wooden stand for increased mobility. This allows users to move the clay cooler around, ensuring optimal storage conditions for fruits and vegetables.

Lea Lorenz addressed the importance of proper fruit and vegetable storage by designing Tony as several rectangular clay containers of varying sizes that can be stacked on top of each other. This innovative approach provides a designated space for each group of produce, contributing to longer freshness and reduced spoilage.

Lea emphasizes the environmental sustainability of Tony throughout its lifecycle. The Raku clay is responsibly sourced from the Westerwald region of Germany, minimizing transport routes and reducing CO2 emissions. The production process involves firing the clay coolers at the lowest possible temperature of 1000°C for minimal energy consumption. Furthermore, Tony is built to last, and if it becomes non-functional, the clay coolers can be recycled by grinding them into fireclay, which can then be used to manufacture new coolers.

Tony by Lea Lorenz is not just a functional and aesthetically pleasing design; it represents a thoughtful and sustainable solution to food storage. By marrying traditional methods with modern technology, Tony offers an eco-friendly alternative to conventional refrigeration, promoting food longevity, reducing waste, and contributing to a more sustainable future.

The post Electricity-free Refrigerator uses Natural Clay to Keep Food Fresh first appeared on Yanko Design.

The Super Smart Fridge Is The Compact & Stylish Furniture-Like Kitchen Appliance For Your Living Room

Posted on by

Owning a second fridge has become a pretty popular and common trend, that has slowly made its way to homes in the past few years. However, fridges tend to be pretty large and occupy a substantial amount of space wherever they’re placed, hence accommodating them in smaller homes and apartments ends up being an issue. But this is where the Super Smart Fridge comes in. Designed by Rocco co-founders Alyse Borkan and Sam Naparstek, the Super Smart Fridge is a compact and stylish refrigerator that looks more like a piece of furniture than a kitchen appliance.

Designer: Rocco

The Super Smart Fridge is a mix between a small fridge and a dedicated wine fridge. The good-looking fridge features a modern and contemporary design, which includes a smart exterior paired with a fluted glass door. The modern exterior is further accentuated by the compact and small size of the fridge which allows it to seamlessly merge with the rest of the home decor and furniture in the room. This makes the Super Smart Fridge an ideal fit for not only your kitchen but also your living room or bedroom.

Measuring 16 inches in depth, the compact fridge is designed to be subtly pushed against a wall, allowing the fridge to further blend in with the furniture and the space surrounding it. If you look at the Super Smart Fridge, it looks more like a bar cart than a kitchen appliance! It is built using a powder-coated steel frame which is available in a wide range of colors, so you can pick the color that perfectly suits your aesthetic and home. The fridge features walls that are 3x thicker than anything available on the market today and boasts the same compressor as the Sub-Zero.

The Super Smart Fridge functions efficiently and smoothly in any living space, without causing any kind of excessive noise. It is covered by a 10-year warranty and has a unique technological feature that enables you to connect the fridge to your phone, via an internal camera system called Sight System. This allows users to glance into their fridge to see if anything needs to be restocked or purchased – pretty cool, eh?!

The post The Super Smart Fridge Is The Compact & Stylish Furniture-Like Kitchen Appliance For Your Living Room first appeared on Yanko Design.