We’ve become more aware of the quality of the air we breathe indoors, which has led to an uptick in air purifier products and purchases. While that mostly works for the general population, the appliance isn’t always a good fit for all kinds of people, especially the most sensitive and at-risk members of our families: babies and toddlers. They also need to breathe clean air, perhaps even more than adults do, but most air purifier designs are clearly made for grownups. This product concept envisions one that is intended for the little ones, not only in the way it looks but in how it can keep watch over them when parents aren’t in the room or at home.

Designer: Swarali Satpute

Until recently, the majority of air purifying machines looked simply like large cans or boxes that shouted their presence to everyone in the room, both visually and sometimes even audibly. The growing demand for these appliances, however, also meant that they needed to start catering to the aesthetic needs of customers. Fortunately, this has given rise to better-designed air purifiers that blend well with the rest of your home decor or, at the very least, look like a design object rather than an out-of-place appliance.

Airo is a concept air purifier that takes that trend in a slightly different direction, designing for the youngest members of the family rather than a general audience. It has a fun appearance, with a dome-like body and head topped by two ears, clad in soft pastel colors that are easier on the eyes, especially for babies whose eyes can easily latch onto bright colors and sharp shapes. But despite appearances, Airo is still meant to function as a proper air purifier, albeit one that is specifically tuned for the needs of babes and tots.

That isn’t the only function it serves, however. Since the appliance will be staying in the child’s room 24/7, it is also in the perfect position to monitor the baby remotely. To that end, it has a built-in camera, exactly where the face is, and comes with an app that has the expected bells and whistles for remote camera control. Thus, Airo offers a multifunctional package that offers parents some assurance that their babies are breathing clean air and are safe from harm.

The concept design admittedly focuses on the form of the device as well as the user experience, so it leaves plenty of room for the actual implementation of the features. An air purifier for kids, for example, will need to be extra quiet, especially at night, and should be childproof from accidents. The latter might be a bit more difficult to ensure given how the toy-like design of the product could make kids actually want to play with it.

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Blom is a refreshing and innovative approach to air purification. It is a wall and stand air purifier, that transforms the mundane function of air purification into an aesthetically pleasing experience. Inspired by the elegance of a flower, Blom not only enhances air quality but also elevates the visual appeal of any interior space, truly living up to its name derived from “bloom.”

Designer: Hyunjae Noh and Designer dot

The beauty of Blom lies in its organic shape that mimics the natural form of a flower. This design choice is both symbolic and functional, reflecting the purifier’s mission to blend seamlessly with nature. Plants, often regarded as natural air purifiers, serve as a fitting inspiration. While plants contribute to cleaner air by producing oxygen and filtering out certain pollutants, Blom takes this concept a step further by incorporating advanced air purification technology within a floral form.

Blom is an air purifier and an interior object that enhances the ambiance of your living space. Traditional air purifiers often occupy space and can be an eyesore when not in use. Blom, with its flower-inspired design, offers a new experience by adding visual pleasure even when it’s off. Whether mounted on a wall or placed on a stand, it can be customized to suit any room, turning a functional appliance into a piece of art.

Flexibility is at the heart of Blom’s design. Available in four colors, it can be wall-mounted or stand-alone, allowing users to integrate it seamlessly into their homes. An integrated handle adds to its portability, making it easy to move from one room to another. Whether you need fresh air in your office, during a workout session, or in any other part of your home, it adapts to your needs without requiring multiple units.

The purifier is equipped with a state-of-the-art HEPA filter that purifies air efficiently. Air enters through the rear intake, passes through the HEPA filter, and is released through the front outlet, ensuring a continuous flow of clean air. The intuitive design includes a remote control that magnetically attaches to the center of the unit, ensuring it is always within reach and never misplaced.

The integration of smart technology further enhances Blom’s functionality. Users can register their Blom air purifier through a QR code located on the back of the unit and operate it via a dedicated application. The neumorphism-style user interface provides a modern and user-friendly experience, giving users complete control over their air quality.

The air purifier also serves as a digital clock, adding to its utility and charm. When wall-mounted, it functions as a stylish timepiece that also purifies the air, making it a multifunctional addition to any room. This dual functionality ensures that Blom is not just an appliance but a valuable and constant part of your living space.

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With time, and with innovation, humanity has the ability to shrink some amazing technologies down to size. See televisions today versus 50 years ago. Or look at storage from the decades gone by and take a look at how much bizarre storage today’s SSDs offer. The way it works is that innovation catches up with intent, allowing humans to make things better, sleeker, and more efficient. What we’ve managed to do today is take a look at 10 products that have benefitted from this fusion of innovation and intent. These ten tiny thingamajigs here (I have a thing for alliterations) aren’t just ‘small for the sake of small’… they’re highly functional too, from being the most compact and powerful espresso maker we’ve seen, to 4K VR headsets the size of swimming goggles. The only thing that isn’t tiny here is this list!

1. Smallest EDC Multitool – KeyMaster Titanium Multitool

A key unlocks a lock… the KeyMaster unlocks life. Named clearly after its tiny, key-shaped design that’s small enough to sit on your keychain, the KeyMaster is a pocket-sized powerhouse. Crafted from ultra-durable Grade 5 titanium, it effortlessly tackles tasks from opening bottles to fixing your bike. Despite its comprehensive functionality, the KeyMaster’s unique design keeps it remarkably lightweight at just 29 grams (1 ounce), ensuring it remains a lifelong companion on your keychain. Despite its ridiculously small size, the KeyMaster packs a whopping 14 tools, including a foldable knife with a removable blade. Why a removable blade, you ask? So that it’s easy to maintain, and it’s TSA friendly!

2. Smallest Espresso Maker – Wacaco Minipresso GR2

An impressive 5 centimeters (2 inches) smaller than the original Minipresso, the Wacaco Minipresso GR2 is a tinier yet mightier espresso maker that gives you strong, fresh coffee on the fly. The new design has an adjustable basket letting you load anywhere between 8 to 12 grams of coffee, with a double-walled container that holds 80ml of water. The way you use the Minipresso remains the same. A hand-powered pump lets you manually create 8 bars of pressure (the perfect amount for espresso), giving you the perfect extraction with zero electricity. The entire device is about as small as a beer can, and comes with its own cup that you can extract your espresso into. No more compromising with instant coffee while traveling – the Wacaco Minipresso GR2 lets you brew fresh coffee anywhere… no questions asked.

3. Smallest Device Charger – MELLO 20W GaN Charger

It looks like a key-fob, but can fast-charge your phone. Sounds magical, doesn’t it? Well, MELLO holds the title of being the world’s tiniest/sleekest charger. Built using GaN technology, the ridiculously small charger outputs 20W of power, giving your phone enough juice to charge faster than your standard 15W charger. The MELLO sports a foldable design, with the pins tucking right into its unique framework. It comes in three plug styles, and you can choose the variant based on the type of socket you’ve got in your own country. What’s more, the MELLO comes with its own lanyard-shaped USB-C charging cable too, so this tiny little thing that can strap to your keychain transforms into a full-fledged charger for your phone or earbuds – adapter, cable, and all!

4. Smallest Bluetooth Speaker – Marshall Willen

Before you come for me, I’d like to explain myself. The idea with this collection of gadgets and gear was to balance size with functionality. A sachet of instant coffee might be smaller than the Wacaco coffee machine we described earlier, but it isn’t superior to fresh-brewed coffee. Similarly, the internet is filled with tiny Bluetooth speakers that provide a pathetic excuse for sound, but they don’t stand up to the Marshall Willen. Measuring just 4 inches tall, this palm-sized speaker has a 10W amp and a passive radiator, giving you sound you wouldn’t believe could come from something so small. 15 hours of playback, IP67 water and dust resistance, and the ability to ‘stack’ or connect multiple Willen speakers together makes this a true portable powerhouse of punchy audio.

5. Smallest Power Bank – Statik Snap-n-Charge (3000mAh)

The Snap-n-Charge from Statik is yet another example of balancing size with ability rather well. It’s a compact, pill-shaped charger that quite literally snaps onto the bottom of your phone using a novel magnetic charging port architecture, giving your phone a 3000mAh battery boost. Sure, most will say that 3000mAh isn’t great by today’s standards, but it’s enough to get you through about a weekend. Most smartphones have batteries maxing out at 4000 or 5000mAh, so the Snap-n-Charge should get you from 20% or battery-saving mode to 100% in no time. The power bank comes with its own snap-on adapter that you plug into your phone, allowing you to attach the power bank using a magnetic fixture sort of like the MagSafe seen on MacBooks back in the day. Quite impressive for a $29 power bank, am I right?

6. Smallest 4K Camera – Insta360 GO 3S

You look at the Insta360 GO 3S and your first reaction is probably “That isn’t so small”. The GO 3S looks like it’s the size of a regular action camera… but what you don’t realize at first is that the camera isn’t the entire device, it’s the small pill-shaped module that sits inside the device. Touted as the world’s smallest 4K action cam, the GO 3S weighs a paltry 35 grams and is tiny enough to fit wherever you want it. A magnetic design lets it snap onto a variety of accessories for a unique PoV, and the larger housing itself gives you the added advantage of a battery boost, along with a flip-out display that lets you see what your camera sees. The camera records in 16:9 landscape and portrait formats, as well as a 1:1 square ratio for the ‘gram. It captures in 4K, has a total recording time of 170 minutes (with the larger camera body), comes with stabilization, and is IPX8 waterproof up to 16 feet. Content creation never looked this compact.

7. Smallest 4K Projector – LG CineBeam Q

You can’t follow a 4K camera with a 1080p projector, now can you? In the spirit of going big or going home, this is the LG CineBeam Q, a portable projector that comes with its own handle that doubles as a kickstand. Debuted at CES 2024 this year, the CineBeam Q is an oddly appealing projector that takes on a Braun-esque design language and an avant-garde functional approach. Once you’ve set the projector up, using the handle to prop it at any angle, the CineBeam Q outputs a 4K projection up to 120 inches diagonally, giving you a bona fide cinema experience wherever you go. 500 ANSI lumens means a bright projection that’s good even in dimly lit settings, and a smart design lets you tap into all kinds of content without needing an extra Chromecast or what have you. At $1,299, it might be a little prohibitively priced for the mid-range consumer, but if design, functionality, and compactness are what matter to you, the LG CineBeam Q makes for a terrific pick.

8. Smallest VR Headset – Bigscreen Beyond

Speaking of prohibitive pricing, it does make sense for some products to get more expensive as they grow more compact. Take the Bigscreen Beyond VR headset – currently the world’s tiniest immersive virtual reality headset. No larger than a pair of swimming goggles, the Beyond may not look like much, but it comes with two 1-inch OLED microdisplays, each at a resolution of 5120×2560, and support for 75Hz and 90 Hz refresh rates. You’ve got 6DoF movement, giving you the most comfortable immersive VR experience in an ergonomic, tiny form factor. I say ergonomic because the Beyond’s eye-guard comes 3D printed to your own face’s measurements, ensuring a perfect fit. The entire device weighs a paltry 127 grams (4.4 ounces), and given its small size, it doesn’t work standalone – so you need to tether it to a device running VR software. The caveat here, is that the Beyond is priced at $999, which enters Quest Pro territory (that offers pass-through, hand-tracking, and runs on a standalone OS)… but like I said, if you want the smallest, most powerful VR headset money can buy, the Bigscreen Beyond is where it’s at.

9. Smallest Gaming Device – Tiny Circuits Thumby

Let’s also indulge the absurd for a second here with the Tiny Circuits Thumby. Quite literally the size of a thumbnail, the Thumby holds the title of the smallest gaming console to be publicly available to consumers. Tiny but mighty, the actually lets you play games on it, even though it’s less than an inch tall and weighs about as much as an individual AirPod. This keychain-sized console boasts a 72×40 monochrome OLED display and 2MB of storage, letting you play 5 pre-loaded games with the option to expand your library via MicroUSB. And yes, it can even run a version of Doom! The Thumby’s tiny frame belies its powerful core. A Raspberry Pi Pico RP2040 processor brings games to life on the crisp 72×40 monochrome OLED display. Navigate worlds and unleash actions with the intuitive 4-way D-pad and 2 buttons. With a surprisingly large 2MB of storage, the Thumby keeps you entertained for hours on its 40mAh battery.

10. Smallest Outdoor Flashlight – MiCoin Rechargeable Flashlight

Roughly the size of an AirTag, the MiCoin is portable, powerful, and durable flashlight that’s designed to sit on your keychain and outshine your smartphone’s pithy torchlight. It comes with a titanium shell that makes it destruction-proof (you could literally run over it with your car and the MiCoin would shrug it off), and houses a 300-lumen light that has a whopping 32-meter range. For comparison, the smartphone flashlight outputs not more than 10 lumens. This means the MiCoin is vastly better at illuminating the world around you than your phone is, making it exceptionally handy in the outdoors, or even indoors. It attaches to your keychain, comes with a USB-C port for charging, has tritium slots that let you find the flashlight in the dark, and boasts a single button that lets you cycle through the MiCoin’s 5 lighting modes – 4 brightness levels, and 1 strobe mode for emergencies. Quite impressive for something that’s literally the size of a coin, no?

Editor’s Choice: Smallest Multitool Scissors – 8-in-1 EDC Scissors

Meet the 8-in-1 Multi-functional Scissors, proving that big things come in small packages. At just 13cm (5.1 inches), these tiny shears fit snugly in your hand, pocket, or bag without the need for any foldable gimmicks. And despite their size, they’re tough enough to slice through food, including meat. But cutting is just the beginning. These scissors are a multitool marvel. One handle opens lids, both handles crush nut shells and grip caps for easy twisting, while the blades moonlight as a bottle opener, can opener, degasser, and even a small knife. That’s eight essential functions in one compact, space-saving tool. Perfect for anyone on the go!

(Bonus) Smallest/Slimmest Mechanical Keyboard – lofree EDGE

I’d be remiss if I left the lofree EDGE out of this curation. Sure, it isn’t the smallest keyboard out there, but the lofree EDGE holds the distinction of being the thinnest mechanical keyboard ever made. Weighing just a pound and measuring a mere 5.4mm at its thinnest point, the EDGE still manages to retain its mechanical keyboard status thanks to a completely re-engineered internal AND external structure. The outside uses a magnesium frame and a carbon-fiber upper plate, along with redesigned keycaps that are slick but still boast ergonomics. On the inside, redefined Kailh mechanical switches provide the oomph of a mechanical keyboard in the form factor of something that looks as sleek as a laptop keyboard. It might seem trivial to the eye, but the amount of engineering gone into building the EDGE feels dizzying. Think about it, a mechanical keyboard that weighs less than half of its competition, and measures about as much as two smartphones at its thickest point… and just more than the new M4 iPad Pro at its thinnest.

The post Top 10 Smallest Gear And Gadgets to Absolutely Upgrade and Elevate your Life first appeared on Yanko Design.

Whoever invented this deserves a Nobel prize. Imagine being able to cook at home without staining your walls with oil, or without flagging the smoke detector. Meet Oilvent, a simple splatter-proof lid that sits on top of any pan you’re cooking with. Equipped with its own built-in chimney, the Oilvent filters and scatters fumes, while catching oil molecules that often end up creating grease-films around our kitchen. Instead of your kitchen needing to have a chimney, the Oilvent just directly puts one right over your utensil. It’s perhaps the smartest product I’ve seen in a while and costs 1/5th of what a modular kitchen chimney would.

Designer: oilvent

Click Here to Buy Now: $69 $139 (50% off) Hurry! Only 206 out of 700 left.

Think of the Oilvent as basically a portable chimney that fits on top of any cooking utensil you have. It has the shape and size of a large lid, sitting on small saucepans, wide skillets, or even large crock pots with ease. A mesh lid helps prevent splattering liquids from splashing out and onto the counter (or on you), and a handle focuses in on the center of the lid, which has a built-in air venting and filtration system. It’s a simple solution to a very common kitchen problem – smoke, grease, splatters, and VOCs. I say ‘simple solution’ because it’s so easy to visually grasp the two distinct parts of the Oilvent’s design… but on the inside, it’s a cleverly engineered chimney system that uses multiple filtration layers, and a powerful yet quiet fan that keeps your kitchen free of dense smoke and strong odors.

The Oilvent’s design truly evokes one of those “why did nobody ever think of this before?” moments. It comes with a lid-shaped form factor that also stands vertical, like a fan. This means, you can either use the Oilvent as a lid while cooking, or if you’ve got multiple burners working, just place the Oilvent vertically near your stove and it works like a chimney, sucking fumes from your stovetop in and filtering them out. For a more messy meal, however, all you need to do is lift the Oilvent and place it horizontally on top of your cooking vessel.

Place the Oilvent on top of your pan, switch the fan on, and two things happen – for starters, the Oilvent’s outer mesh layer keeps bubbling liquids or hot oil from splashing out of the pan and onto your counter or your skin. Simultaneously, the Oilvent’s mini-chimney gets to work, sucking air through as many as 4 different layers to catch grease molecules, charcoal soot, dense smoke, and volatile organic compounds or VOCs. The cooking fumes that usually happen during roasting, frying, sauteing, or reducing get turned into vapor – vapor that doesn’t stink up your kitchen, grease your walls, or trigger your smoke alarm.

The Oilvent’s large design means it can sit on any utensil comfortably without you worrying about size. Measuring 380mm or 15 inches wide, it works perfectly with all your utensils, sitting comfortably on top of their rim. The wide metal mesh serves an additional purpose apart from just containing splatters – it works as a sieve too, allowing you to do things like strain out pasta water, bacon fat, chicken/beef/veggie stock, etc. Use it just the way you’d use a strainer to separate liquids from solids… smart, eh?!

Four different filters in the Oilvent’s chimney help capture and purify fumes

The Oilvent works straight out of the box, needs no installation the way a chimney would, and can be used in both on-utensil and standing formats. A single button lets you switch the fan on or off, and toggle through 3 different speed settings. Even at its highest speed, the fan just outputs 42 decibels, which is around the decibel level in a library. Once you’re done using the Oilvent, simply detach the handle (which houses the electronics) and place the mesh in a dishwasher to clean it.

The Oilvent comes in one singular size, and runs on long-lasting 18650-type batteries. These batteries are rechargeable, offering more than 2 hours of continuous usage, and depleted batteries can be juiced in just 10-20 minutes using a standard battery charger.

Designed to practically replace chimneys, the Oilvent is perfect for small homes, rented apartments, RVs, hostels/dorms, or any place where a chimney is difficult to come by. It’s versatile, works flawlessly, can be used both standing/resting positions, and costs just a fraction of what a modular chimney would. The Oilvent’s filtration system should last as long as the product does, although the activated charcoal filter is the only part that needs replacing every 2-3 months. Each Oilvent does come with a spare set of AC filters to make things easier. The Oilvent starts at $69, and ships globally.

Click Here to Buy Now: $69 $139 (50% off) Hurry! Only 206 out of 700 left.

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It isn’t just outdoors that air quality can be a problem. The recent years have made us acutely aware that even indoors, the air we breathe isn’t always in its best state. Even disregarding pollutants, the air inside our houses or rooms can be bereft of moisture, leading not only to discomfort but also respiratory issues. That’s why not only air purifiers but also humidifiers have become so popular of late, though most of their designs leave a lot to be desired. Fortunately, there seems to be a wave of creativity washing over this market, producing designs that blend better into living spaces or push the boundaries of what an appliance can do, like this minimalist humidifier concept that also gives a home to nature’s own purifiers: plants.

Designer: NOI Creative Design Studio

There’s a reason why interior designers always recommend placing plants in living areas, and not just because they look good. They have the natural ability to clean the air around us, purifying and releasing just the right amount of moisture. Of course, just a few plants can no longer handle our poor air quality by themselves, and they’ll definitely need a little help to ensure the quality of life of the humans they’re living with. That’s the core concept of the ACQUAIR design, a smart humidifier and air purifier that tries to combine technology and nature in an aesthetic design.

ACQUAIR is actually two products in one, a smart humidifier and a pot for a single-stem plant. These two parts share the same water tank that both nourishes the plant and sprays moisturized mist to meet the required humidity in the air. The latter is determined using sensors, intelligently adjusting the mist depending on the temperature and amount of humidity already present. There’s very little human intervention needed other than refilling the tank once in a while.

With this system, both the plant and the smart appliance can work together to ensure the comfort and health of the people living inside the space. The small plant can utilize its own natural abilities to purify the air while also living on the same water used to humidify the air. It also serves an aesthetic value, displaying a symbol of life and health in a simple yet elegant pot. Unfortunately, the concept doesn’t go deep enough to detail the device’s features for helping keep the plant alive beyond just water. It definitely has room for improvement, like utilizing sensors to also monitor the health of the plant itself.

The post Biophilic smart humidifier concept also functions as a plant pot first appeared on Yanko Design.

2024 Lexus GX as a 7-seater off-road SUV has hit the right notes with the most critical reviewers after the official launch. The car carries forward the Japanese automaker’s promise of luxury with performance. To bring something unique to the world of a kitchen on wheels, Lexus has teamed up with GE’s Monogram (luxury appliance division) to fit a Smart Flush Heart Oven in the rear of the bossy car.

The luxury culinary experience on board this off-road SUV seems like an odd combination when we talk of practicality since the vehicle will tread inhospitable dirt tracks bouncing around. That though fades away quickly as soon as one lays eyes on the exquisite vehicle, inside out. The interiors are embellished with a stainless-steel, black, and brass color scheme, with gold badges, gold accents. That’s a good start for the adventure-oriented GX, but there’s a lot more, so read on.

Designer: Lexus and GE Monogam

The idea here is to convert the capable off-roader into a bespoke culinary experience on wheels” right from the moment you enter the vehicle, drive it and then take a break to eat some delicacies. Monogram doesn’t just stop at the rear, the whole interiors are done in the matching theme with dual-tone camel leather seats and door panel trims, complemented by the brass and titanium metal along with the Dekton slate stone accents. The interior has numerous luxury appliances and accessories to elevate the whole experience. According to Lexus, the one-off GX comes fitted with a rare heated ice press (between the rear seats) that makes spherical ice cubes.

What makes it a lip-smacking proposition is the boot having a Smart Flush Hearth Oven with a 30-inch display. The electric oven is custom-made to mimic the performance of a wood-fired brick oven to bake pizzas and other eatables. Of course, you’ll need something to drink along, so there are pressured fitted cutouts on the side panels to store wine, bourbon, glasses and bottle openers. To complement this, Monogram has fitted a bar complete with a bar kit, glassware, bitters and a folding cutting board. Other essentials like cutlery and trash bin are houses inside the truck for quick retrieval. Everything is finely trimmed with quilted leather and carpeting, with the addition of a Dekton slate stone countertop-like plating station.

The post Custom Lexus GX bakes oven fresh pizzas in the boot, comes with luxe appliances and exclusive Monogram interiors first appeared on Yanko Design.

Summertime is almost here, and you best believe I’m getting in the mood for some camping! And, I do love camping trips. Relaxing amid nature, in a sweet bubble of my own, away from the hectic city life – sounds like heaven to me! However, one thing that always worries me before any camping getaway is the meals! I’m a food lover through and through, and having warm and freshly prepared (and tasty) meals at all times is a must for me. A good meal isn’t always guaranteed though when you’re getting down and dirty in the outdoors, but we can always try our best! Hence, we’ve curated a collection of portable and functional kitchen appliances that will help you prepare delicious meals even when you’re surrounded by nothing but the wilderness

1. All-in-One Grill

Dubbed the All-in-One-Grill, this compact grill is designed to barbecue the ideal meal for you during your outdoor camping adventures. It can support different kinds of cooking – ranging from frying to smoking, grilling, stewing or even keeping some wine warm. It doesn’t take up too much space either.

Click Here to Buy Now: $449

Why is it noteworthy?

This grill is built by a small family-owned factory, and it maximizes the limited amount of space available. It features a wooden base, which ensures the table doesn’t get burnt from the grill’s hot bottom, while also serving as a lid when the griller is put away.

What we like

• It can support seven different ways of cooking
• Transforms the task of outdoor cooking into a simple and efficient process

What we dislike

• The design is quite simple, and may not be liked by hardcore grillers

2. Compact Modular Grill

Say hello to the Compact Modular Grill Plate – a portable kitchen utensil designed to cook up a perfect steak for you utilizing heat conduction, heat uniformity, and plate thickness. Although the utensil may look deceiving, once you start using the plate, you’ll realize how magical it truly is, and discover the hidden utility it actually holds.

Click Here to Buy Now: $89

Why is it noteworthy?

The Compact Modular Grill Plate is equipped with a three-layer architecture with two steel layers covering aluminum. It features a lower Stainless Steel SUS439, which allows the grill to work on an induction stove. The upper Stainless Steel SUS304 has exceptional corrosion resistance, allowing it to serve as a handy and durable product.

What we like

• Built by experts from Tsubamesanjo in Japan
• The plate is quite lightweight and compact, hence saving space and reducing efforts to cook on it

What we dislike

• It cannot accommodate larger portions of food

3. Forge 15 Grill

Called the Forge 15 grill, this outdoor grill features a lightweight tubular frame construction that can handle a lot of force from the off-road environment it is exposed to. Besides being robust and durable it is also quite aesthetic, perfectly balancing functionality and form. It features practically-designed, dual-zone, high-output BTU propane burners, and a form that can be easily cleaned.

Why is it noteworthy?

It also comes along with a fold-out prep table which allows it to be easily stowed away, as well as an easy-to-read temperature gauge, a large steel handle, a removable grease tray, a built-in bottle opener, and a weatherproof cover. The swivel grill can be easily detached for tabletop grilling.

What we like

• Features a strong maple cutting board to increase prep surface

What we dislike

• Heavier than most grills
• A bit expensive

4. AirFlow 8-Panel Fire Pit

Named the AirFlow 8-Panel Fire Pit, this firepit design features a modular 8-panel form and serves as a portable sheet metal wonder for the outdoors. You can use it to build a high-temperature grilling pit to cook some delicious barbecue on your next camping trip. It has a lightweight form, which makes it easy to carry around.

Click Here to Buy Now: $325

Why is it noteworthy?

The AirFlow 8-Panel Fire Pit is an excellent fire-building gear for those who love being outdoors. It allows you to build campfires without any excessive hassle. The fire pit features a cinder within which prevents embers from falling out.

What we like

• It can be disassembled into different parts and carried in a special carrying case

What we dislike

• It weighs more than 6kgs, so it is less portable as compared to other designs available

5. GoSun Brew Cup

Meet GoSun’s portable brewer – the ultimate design to prepare an incredible cup of coffee or tea, from start to finish, wherever you go. It is an all-in-one cup that can be used anytime anywhere! It features a 130W Heater and an integrated French press which are fused together in the form of a double insulated mug.

Why is it noteworthy?

This incredible double-insulated mug not only brews your drink for you but also keeps it hot for hours on end. If you’re out camping or hiking and need an immediate caffeine fix, you don’t need to worry, because GoSun has your back! It’ll prepare a fresh and steaming cup of coffee or tea for you in no time.

What we like

• Portable and easy-to-carry design
• Features an innovative all-in-one design

What we dislike

• Doesnt seem to have different options in size and color

The post Top 5 Must-Have Portable Cooking Gear for Camping Enthusiasts first appeared on Yanko Design.

Vacuum cleaners have come of age. They have evolved to be noiseless, automatic, and big dust and grime gobblers that can clean our homes, removing all possible allergens. Irrespective of all the interesting form factors, choice of materials, and functionalities they come with, vacuums still remain in one corner of the house, preferably away from sight, sitting there for longer than being used. This is essential because vacuum cleaners lack decorative usability, which can put them into the mainframe of the living area.

Vacuum cleaners are an everyday requirement we cannot do without on a daily basis now. Since their necessity, work is being done in shaping them to come out of the hiding to sit amid the other appliances in the house. But an appealing vac is yet to make the mainstream. Leaving scope for something like the BLEND I Vacuum Cleaner, which adds an interactive display to the vacuum cleaner’s stand.

Designer: Wootae Kim

The display brings usability to the otherwise idle-lying appliance between uses. The display can be used to show information such as the time, temperature, notifications and more, along with giving the vacuum cleaner a better space in the interior décor.

Drawing some design inspiration from a Dyson, the vacuum cleaner is conceived in metal, featuring harmonious curved and straight lines to create a luxurious body that can complement the novelty of the screen to gel with the interior like never before with a vacuum cleaner. The handle – with a curved finish at the top – has a conveniently angled design, which permits easy handling without straining the user’s wrist.

The display of the standing vacuum cleaner spans the entire height and width of its stand. Standalone it looks like a long thin screen with a steel body and round base. The vac when docked back into the stand for charging and security, becomes an interesting element of décor that you won’t mind placing alongside other essential appliances at home or in the office.

The post This vacuum cleaner gets a display uplift to sit with the other appliances at home first appeared on Yanko Design.

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.