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 portable Japanese rice cooker – these top-notch kitchen products are for you.

1. Iron Frying Plate

Dubbed the Iron Frying Plate, this unique kitchen appliance is exactly what you need to prepare a quick, efficiently cooked and healthy meal. This kitchen tool not only prepares your meals for you, but it also serves it for you as well! This is all due to its handy removable handle.
Click Here to Buy Now: $69

Why is it noteworthy?

The Iron Frying Plate functions as a frying pan and a serving plate, forming a kitchen tool that is not only unique but wholly functional. It allows direct-from-the-pan serving, and it is made using durable materials, which provides a novel new way of cooking.

What we like

• The handle can be removed, and you can use the plate as a serving platter too

What we dislike

• Since it is crafted from iron, it is quite heavy and tough to store and operate. You need to handle and store with care

2. Cheat Sheets

Called the Cheat Sheets, these non-stick silicone dividers are called Cheat Sheets, and they’re here to make healthy eating an achievable goal. It is designed to elevate oven cooking, by transforming a single baking tray into a multi-compartment cooking surface. This tool lets you make multiple dishes in one go!

Why is it noteworthy?

The Cheat Sheets segregate a single sheet pan into a multi-portion culinary canvas. It can accommodate six small or three large portions. The sheets are an excellent design for making healthy family meals, or to support your weekly meal planning.

What we like

• Allows you to cook multiple dishes in one tray
• You can prepare different portions according to your requirement

What we dislike

• Since the sheets are made from silicone, they can easily get dirty

3. PrecisionGrip Chopstick Tongs

Called the PrecisionGrip Chopstick Tongs, these innovative tongs are shaped like chopsticks! You can utilize them to pick up small pieces of food, helping you with portion control, and ensuring you don’t overeat! You can turn them over on the pan with complete ease like a MasterChef!

Click Here to Buy Now: $19.00

Why is it noteworthy?

The PrecisionGrip Chopstick Tongs can be used to prepare healthy lunch boxes or even to eat sushi which is a light and healthy meal. There is really no wrong way to hold and use the utensil.

What we like

• The tongs are crafted from sustainable SUS821L1 stainless steel, which is procured from scraps and offcuts

What we dislike

• Difficult to use for larger pieces and cuts, only ideal for smaller food items

4. 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

5. Playful Palm Grater

Called the Playful Palm Grater, this tiny product will add some practical fun to your kitchen and dining experience. The grater neatly fits into the palm of your hand, and lets you grate fresh garnishes and ingredients into your food, adding a refreshing, clean and gourmet touch to your meals.

Click Here to Buy Now: $25

The post Top 10 Kitchen Tools To Make Healthy Cooking & Eating An Achievable Goal first appeared on Yanko Design.

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.

Since Apple came into existence in 1976, it has always been at the peak of modern innovation! And let’s take a moment to appreciate all the awesome products and inspiration Apple has provided us with. The groundbreaking tech giant never fails to surprise us, we always find ourselves biting our nails and squirming with curiosity, whenever Apple announces a new product launch. And, the launch of a new iPhone every year is also one of the things that gets us going! The launch of the iPhone 15 series this month had us completely swooning over it! With their sleek designs, advanced technology, and drool-worthy camera if you’re planning to buy any of the iPhones, then you’ve reached the right spot. We’ve curated a collection of unique, innovative, and super useful accessories for your new iPhone. Dive in!

1. UPRO Ostand Case

Dubbed the UPRO Ostand case, this unique design won the iF Design Award. It elevates your iPhone’s MagSafe to a whole new level, by amping it with a bunch of cool upgrades. This ensures that the iPhone stands, hangs, or stays firmly in your hands as you click a picture, or reply to an email. It may look like a boring old iPhone case, but it is equipped with the familiar magnetic ring, which offers it a cool upgrade.

2. (Re)Classic

Apple’s MagSafe Power Bank isn’t available anymore, but the (Re)Classic from Native Union does a terrific job as well! It measures .086cm thick, making it as thick as your iPhone. You can attach it to the back of your iPhone, or any smartphone with the MagSafe sticker. The power bank allows you to easily and wirelessly charge your iPhone wherever you please. It features a slim design, which effortlessly merges into your iPhone’s sleek profile, and you don’t need to deal with a heavy and bulky power bank.

3. The Elago WS M5 Charging Stand

The Elago WS M5 Charging Stand functions as a fun and whimsical MagSafe charger in the form of the Nintendo Game Boy Advance SP. It serves as a stable stand to charge your phone. It features a fixed 30-degree angle which is great for watching videos or to use the IOS Standby Mode at night. The stand also has a helpful support on the back, to ensure that the charger doesn’t fall back, due to the phone’s weight.

4. Icemag

Called the Icemag – this is the world’s first power bank with an innovative turbo-cooling feature. Designed by the Sharge, the power bank remains cool, and keeps your phone cool as well during charging. It has an ultra-silent fan that moves at the speed of 8000 RPM, and it cools the battery pack inside. At the same time, the power bank charges your phone, and nothing gets heated up during charging.

5. Electric Trout Charging Docks

Designed by David Stychno, the Electric Trout charging docks are built from acrylic. They feature productive and sleek silhouettes and are a fun upgrade from the old-school docks. The docks cater to a large range of users, and they have MagSafe-compatible charging solutions for one, two, or even a whole bunch of Apple’s handheld and wearables!

6. iPod Wallpapers Pack

Meet the iPod Wallpapers Pack which transforms your iPhone lock screen into a makeshift iPod! It displays the popular music player’s display which showcases the date and time, as well as your iPhone lock screen widgets. It doesn’t control music playback, although we wish it would! How cool is this one?

7. The MAG:3

Called the MAG:3, this MagSafe wireless charging device by Courant resembles a minimalist valet tray for your iPhone, and AirPods, as well as other objects you need to place on your side table and desk. This tray ensures your belongings are organized in a neat manner. The device is available in leather and linen options, as well as in multiple colors. You can select the one that complements your home and work aesthetics.

8. Belkin iPhone Mount

The Belkin iPhone Mount is a nifty design with MagSafe which converts your iPhone into a webcam for the Apple 4K TV. It is a versatile mount that you can directly attack on your TV. You don’t need wires or tools to attach it. You can utilize your iPhone’s rear camera for FaceTime or Zoom calls with it. You could also fold the stand in landscape or portrait mode on a wall or table through magnetic attachment.

9. Side Note

Named the Side Note, this little leather-bound notebook has an integrated pen and a MagSafe-compatible design which you can snap onto your iPhone or any magnetic surface. It functions as an analog notepad by your side, and you can swiftly take down notes and journal. You don’t need a different physical notebook, as there is already one attached to your phone.

10. The MAG.L MagSafe Powerbank

Named the MAG.L MagSafe Powerbank, this design has a 10000mAH capacity which elevates the wireless charging and power bank experience. It was designed by Neo Bie and Leigui Lui for Stylepiece, and it includes four operation buttons – SELECT, START, A, B, and a d-pad (directional pad). The lower section works as the stand of the power bank.

The post 10 Best Accessories To Pair Up With Your iPhone 15 first appeared on Yanko Design.

Meet the Wooask TransBuds A8 – a pair of TWS earbuds that are so unique you’ll want to ditch your AirPods for them. Built with ChatGPT integration in the earbuds themselves, these wearables put the power of AI in your ear, actively translating 147 languages and accents in real-time, without an app. What’s better, if you do need to navigate through the TransBuds A8’s functionalities, you don’t even need to look at your smartphone, the earbuds case comes with a nifty 2-inch screen for both online or offline translation, as well as the ability to simply chat with ChatGPT the way Iron Man chats with JARVIS. Oh, and you can listen to music too.

Designer: Wooask Technology

Click Here to Buy Now: $179 $299 (40% off). Hurry, only 63/200 left!

The A8 translation earbuds facilitate real-time bidirectional translation, allowing two people to wear one earbud each for instant simultaneous interpretation.

The TransBuds A8 has a familiar design, albeit with a few VERY clever upgrades. Sure, you’ve got the white case with a flip-top lid that reveals two white earbuds… but on both hardware and software fronts, the TransBuds A8 are much more advanced than any regular TWS earbuds you’ll find on the market. For starters, the entire wearable has ChatGPT integration, giving you a voice assistant that is far more advanced than Google, Siri, or Alexa. You can simply tap the earphones to talk to ChatGPT, or access the AI through the unique interface built into the case. The case with a touchscreen is a welcome feature too – it eliminates the need for an app, and gives you a perfect standalone device that works without draining your phone’s battery or piggy-backing off your phone’s cellular network.

By leveraging ChatGPT’s vast knowledge base and natural language processing capabilities, users can enjoy more than just translation assistance.

The presence of AI isn’t just a bandwagon feature, it helps aid the TransBuds A8’s core value proposition – the ability to actively translate 77 languages and 70 accents in real-time, giving you the ability to pretty much travel anywhere in the world without a language barrier. The interaction is swift and seamless, either share an earbud with someone and have bi-directional conversations in two separate languages, and the earbuds will actively translate both of them simultaneously, or use the earbuds and case together to have a conversation with a local. The earbud-sharing method is perfect for in-person meetings and other long conversations. Each person wears one earbud like a Bluetooth earpiece of sorts, and the TransBuds A8 listens to what the opposite person is saying, and translates it for you right in your ear. A transcript of your entire conversation gets captured as a text thread on the TransBuds A8’s screen, and can be saved for later, allowing you to quickly and easily transcribe an entire meeting using the power of AI.

Alternatively, the case itself comes with a microphone and powerful speakers, allowing you to use just the case as a translator device. Hold it up and speak into it, and the TransBuds A8 lets you have a conversation with a local or a stranger without needing to share an earpiece. A powerful mic and speaker system allow you to easily converse with people even around ambient noise, while the display on the case does a good job of allowing people to read the translated text if they can’t hear the translated audio.

The case, frankly, is more of a smartphone that houses earbuds than just your average charging case. It runs on a Qualcomm Quad-Core Processor and earbuds use a Qualcomm 3040 chipset that allows it to translate 147 languages and accents with a latency of 0.5 seconds and an impressive 98% accuracy. The 2-inch screen has an app drawer that lets you access the TransBuds A8’s different features, even letting you tap into the offline translation feature that works with 16 popular languages. Buttons on the side of the case let you increase or decrease the case’s volume, or even go back to the home screen while navigating the interface.

The earbuds are remarkable too, with an ergonomic design, and a dual-mic setup that powers the ENC (Environment Noise Cancelation) feature to help you speak and hear clearly even if you’re in a noisy environment. The earbuds have a translation time of 5 hours, and a regular battery life of 35 hours along with the case that doubles as a charging dock for the buds. 16 gigabytes of in-built memory means you can even load your favorite MP3 files right onto the case, turning it into a makeshift iPod Touch that plays music directly without a streaming app or pairing with your phone. You can, however, pair the earbuds with your phone to listen to music, watch movies, or take calls too.

Quite the all-round device, the TransBuds A8 are for any and everyone. They work independently without your phone, translating over a hundred languages, transcribing conversations, and giving you the power of ChatGPT right in your ears. They also work as your standard TWS buds when you’re looking for something traditional, pairing with your phone via Bluetooth for answering calls, watching TikTok, or listening to music and podcasts. The buds are ideal for avid travelers, students, digital nomads, expats, and people working in multicultural companies and teams. The TransBuds A8 starts at a discounted $179 (an absolute steal considering the features it packs), which also includes one year of free ChatGPT integration. Subsequently, you’ll either be required to pay $9.9 per month or $40 annually for the AI features – online and offline translation remains free forever.

Click Here to Buy Now: $179 $299 (40% off). Hurry, only 63/200 left!

The post What if AirPods had ChatGPT, could translate languages, and came with a touchscreen case? first appeared on Yanko Design.

Washing machines are normally pretty big and bulky, especially since you want to put in as many pieces of clothing as possible in one load. It has made washing clothes easier of course but it’s still a pretty tedious chore. If you live in a tiny space though, having a full sized machine may not be so feasible. Or if you have a child or children, constant washing and disinfecting of clothes is required, not necessarily needing the whole traditional machine.

Designer: Az

This concept for a mini drum washing machine may be the answer to space and size problems. Augenstern looks more like a rice cooker at first glance but it is a portable and smart machine that can disinfect clothes for babies and young children. It has a carrying handle since the idea is that you can carry it anywhere in the house or maybe even outside of your house if needed. There is a mention of wall-mounting by the designer but the renders don’t really show that.

The machine probably doesn’t fully function like your usual washing machines since there isn’t any of the usual tubes and things that you see. There seems to be a bottom suction cup somewhere there that is supposed to reduce the vibration and noise of the machine which should be useful if you have babies that wake up at the slightest noise. This means you can wash or disinfect their clothes even as they’re napping or sleeping.

It’s a pretty interesting concept especially for those that don’t have enough space to have a washing machine. But it may be a bit too small and therefore it means that you’ll have to do several loads, which may defeat the purpose. It would also be nice if there could be more information about the features but the design itself seems to be interesting and feasible.

The post Mini drum washing machine concept lets you clean small loads of clothes first appeared on Yanko Design.

I guess the exploding Death Star metaphor works well here considering it also explodes kernels of corn.

Meet the Death Star Popcorn Maker, an intergalactic-themed appliance that gets you ready for any movie night in minutes. Designed to look like Darth Vader’s cosmic headquarters, this contraption whips up a bowl of popcorn without relying on a drop of oil or butter. It uses a clever vortex of hot air that super-heats the corn kernels up, making them pop. The air then carries the popped kernels out of the heat chamber, giving you popcorn that’s perfectly cooked without getting burnt… and without any unpopped kernels.

Designer: Uncanny Brands

Click Here to Buy Now

Created by the folks at Uncanny Brands, this popcorn maker is perfect for your May 4th ritual of watching every Star Wars movie made (you may require the entire weekend for that program if you commit to it). The Death Star Popcorn Maker comes in two parts, the base of the planet is where the action happens – corn is popped without oil or butter, using pure heated air. Once it’s popped, the corn rises to the top where it collects in a transparent cloche, getting dispensed in the upper half of the Death Star, which conveniently becomes your popcorn bowl!

The air vortex technology is clever for a bunch of reasons. From just a health point of view, the idea of having popcorn without copious amounts of butter or oil just feels less sinful – sure, you can absolutely add butter to your corn after it’s popped. The lack of grease means the Popcorn Maker doesn’t need cleaning up after either – all you need to do is empty out any unpopped kernels. Popcorn pops evenly with a nearly 98% success rate, and the air vortex automatically pushes the popped corn upwards and out into the bowl, so you’re never left with any burnt flavor. You can then easily season your corn with powders and spices of your choice.

When all’s said and done, simply lift the transparent cover and place the popcorn bowl back on top and your popcorn maker magically transforms back into a Death Star replica, looking less like a kitchen appliance and more like fan memorabilia!

Click Here to Buy Now

The post Death Star Popcorn Maker Gives You The Finest Popcorn In The Cosmos Without Butter Or Oil first appeared on Yanko Design.

The air purifier market saw a huge uptick in the past years as homeowners became more aware and concerned about the quality of the air they breathe indoors. A single machine is enough to satisfy the needs of a room or a small apartment, but bigger domiciles would need more units to cover the wider space or numerous rooms. Of course, people won’t be in all those spaces or rooms at the same time, and managing multiple air purifiers could be a tiresome task, even if they’re all connected to your smartphone. What if the air purifier operated only where it’s needed, like in a place where the air quality is too low for comfort? That’s the idea behind this concept design for this elegant air purifier that can indeed go to those areas, using technologies already in use today.

Designer: Gwan-deok Seo

Air purifiers these days, at least the more sophisticated ones, can already detect air quality, but it’s more for automatically adjusting the level of purifying they do more than pinpointing where the poor air is. Robot vacuum cleaners, on the other hand, have become so advanced that they can effortlessly navigate around your home, mapping the floor layout on their own and avoiding all kinds of obstacles. There’s very little reason why these technologies can’t be combined, at least aside from the space they might take up on a single machine.

Puyager is a concept that does mix these two seemingly different worlds together in a harmonious manner and with a compact design. Of course, it can’t just be a low, disc-shaped machine like most robot vacuum cleaners on the market. It would be too cramped to include the necessary parts for sucking in, filtering, and blowing out air. At the same time, however, a box or cylindrical design similar to typical air purifiers would be too bulky, not to mention unappealing for something that will be moving around your house.

The shape chosen for this robot is an egg or at least the top half of one. This allows the bottom section to still be that round shape that makes robot vacuums efficient in moving around while leaving enough room for electronics and air circulation. Unlike a simple dome, however, Puyager has a gap between the left and right halves of this egg, providing an outlet for clean air to be released. The top edge of this gap houses the touch-sensitive controls that let owners minimally operate the machine without having to reach for their phone.

The end result is a product that looks stylish and elegant, a perfect fit for any home. Even while stationary, Puyager looks like a piece of decoration more than an appliance, adding a bit of visual value whether it’s busy purifying the air or just idling. Admittedly, its performance in actually detecting poor air quality and rolling over there to clean it is something that still needs to be tested, but the design is definitely a good starting point for a more modern and more human-centric solution to air quality at home.

The post Sleek self-driving air purifier robot can go where it’s needed the most first appeared on Yanko Design.

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.

The post Rimowa and La Marzocco partner to create the most stylish espresso machine first appeared on Yanko Design.

We live in an “instant” civilization where we can get what we want almost instantly. Words appear on the screen as fast as our fingers can fly, cup noodles can be done and ready for consumption in less than five minutes, and bread jumps out of the toaster just a few seconds after simply pressing down on a switch. Can you imagine, then, the frustration of having to slowly type out each letter, or manually turning a loaf of bread every minute to make sure it’s properly toasted without burning to a crisp? Of course, no one will want to go back to those not-so-good old days, at least no one in their right mind. That said, such an unimaginable situation could also be an opportunity for a ridiculous invention, which is what this seemingly antiquated typewriter does, making you slowly type each and every letter to adequately toast a bread loaf.

Designer: Ritika Kedia

The idea of typing on an old-school typewriter to toast bread is beyond absurd. The two have almost nothing in common, except perhaps the starting letter of each word. It’s definitely an exercise in patience and futility, one that could make you lose your appetite even before you get a single word out. But like what happens in real life, some ridiculous and frustrating situations can become comic relief if done right, which is exactly what the Toaster Typewriter represents.

The design is practically a Frankenstein of two very mechanical products, a classical typewriter and a bread toaster with much of its outer shell stripped off. Certain letters on the typebar are covered with food-grade clay and have wires coiled around them. The cobbled machine uses multiple transformers to not only power the toaster but also generate heat for the keys, resulting in a composition that looks more like a prop from a sci-fi flick from the 50s or 60s.

The idea is to simply slide in a loaf of bread like you would on a regular toaster, and then slide the toaster box across the typewriter as if it were a piece of paper. Once the letters are sufficiently hot, you press hard on a key and then wait for that letter to be burned onto the bread’s surface. Rinse and repeat until you finally have your desired toast, unless you lose your sanity first.

As you can probably tell, the Toaster Typewriter technically works but it’s impractical and pretty much useless. That’s exactly the point of the design, however, as a paradigm shift toward more entertaining, even comical, designs. The design space has become too serious for its own good. While product designs definitely need to address certain needs and requirements, there is also room for some more entertaining and humorous designs that bring delight in one way or another. Of course, such designs shouldn’t frustrate people the way this Toaster Typewriter does, but good designs need to be able to include more human elements, including human expressions of joy and laughter.

The post Toaster Typewriter puts a humorous and literal spin on how words can burn you first appeared on Yanko Design.

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.

Designer: Landershot

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.

The post This Lunar Lander-inspired Espresso Maker will Brew Coffee that’s out of this world! first appeared on Yanko Design.