Tag Archives: Appliances

Top 10 Essential Tea & Matcha Brewing Tools For A Superior Tea Experience

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What’s the first thing you need when you wake up? Is it a cup of tea?! Me too! I need a boost of energy, a dose of motivation, and a rush of serotonin every morning. And, I’m pretty sure that’s the case for most of us. We all need our cup of tea. There is a different satisfaction and pleasure in sipping caffeine that you know results from your hard work, something precariously prepared with your personal touch to it. And if you’re someone who’s chasing that feeling, then a unique, innovative, and interactive tea brewer is all you need, and ninety-five percent of the battle is won (the other five percent is you setting aside your laziness and operating the machine)! This collection of kitchen tools and appliances is designed to make your tea-making and drinking experience effortless and fun!

1. Smart Tea Pot

Say hello to the Smart Tea Pot, an essential for all tea lovers. It is a unique connected teapot, which lets you brew your own tea using technology. You can prepare a delicious brew based on the tea you like to drink, creating a specialized brew of your own choice.

Click Here to Buy Now: $349

Why is it noteworthy?

The Smart Tea Pot features advanced brewing adjustment you can customize, to prepare the kind of tea you want. It has a “Golden Drop” rotating infuser which is the perfect example of Japanese minimalism.

What we like

  • Features a compact size, and minimal design language
  • It is the perfect specimen of Japanese minimalism and design philosophy

What we dislike

  • The teapot uses tech for brewing, which may take time for users to adjust to

2. Hug Cup

Dubbed the Hug Cup, this adorable cup embodies the designer’s belief that, “we give special attention to things we use in our everyday life. We like to have a personal relation to the objects we touch closely, such as a cup.” The cup has a unique take on the mug’s traditional side handle.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Hug Cup lets users securely hold it while allowing them to feel the warmth of the liquid contents within. Imre says “The whole cup creates an intimate tunnel through the cup itself for your finger, you may enjoy the heat of your beverage without burning your palm.”

What we like

  • Gives the typical mug a wholesome makeover

What we dislike

  • The new form of the handle could take a while to adjust to

3. ChaiBot

The ChaiBot is designed to be the Nespresso of tea. It automates the entire process of making tea. It merges the expertise of tech with the old and wholesome art of tea brewing. It is a tabletop device that can work well with every type of tea there is, ranging from liquor tea to milk-based chai, or some soothing matcha.

Why is it noteworthy?

You simply need to add tea to the ChaiBot and tell it to start brewing. The ChaiBot chooses the right temperature and begins to expertly prepare your tea, based on the kind of tea you’ve got. The brewed tea is then poured into a kettle, which keeps it warm for hours.

What we like

  • Compatible with all kinds of teas
  • Gives your tea 30% more antioxidants than if you brew it manually

What we dislike

  • It is a bulky and space-consuming appliance, not well-suited for smaller kitchens

4. U Soo

Named U Soo, this concept allows you to chill and relax, as you prepare a cup of tea for yourself. You are able to smell the tea as it steeps, so it also doubles up as an aroma diffuser. The machine is a lot like a coffee machine or something truly unique and eccentric right out of a laboratory.

Why is it noteworthy?

You can witness the entire process – ranging from boiling the water to the steeping of the tea when you pour it into your cup. This whole transparency adds a rather therapeutic and interactive element to the tea machine.

What we like

  • Has transparent bits, making it quite interesting and interactive

What we dislike

  • Since it is a concept, we don’t know how well it will translate into a real product

5. Cuzen Matcha

Say hello to Cuzen Matcha – the matcha maker you’ve been waiting for! It is a compact and sleek appliance, well-suited for homes, offices, and basically any space with an outlet. The product is portable, allowing you to enjoy a fresh and authentic cup of matcha tea wherever you feel like.

Why is it noteworthy?

The magnetic whisker replicates the movements of the traditional bamboo whisk, and it mixes cold water with tea, preparing a frothy matcha drink for you. It is equipped with an aluminum canister to ensure your leaves stay fresh, and it supports sustainable tea farming with eco-friendly packaging.

What we like

  • Sleek and compact form that can be carried anywhere with you

What we dislike

  • Takes up a substantial amount of counter space
  • Not compatible with other teas, you need to use the Cuzen Matcha brand leaves

6. FinalPress V2

Named the FinalPress V2, this product is portable, lightweight, and all-metal. It provides the fine and premium quality of a French Press directly inside your tea cup or coffee mug. It is great to prepare some top-notch tea of your choice, wherever you like.

Why is it noteworthy?

Fill the FinalPress V2 with the tea of your choice, shut it, and immerse it in water to begin the infusion process. The press can be filled with hot or cold water, and once it’s done, hit the plunger on the top to extract all the water out of the basket. You have some fresh and delicious tea ready for you!

What we like

  • Portable and lightweight design
  • It seems pretty easy to clean

What we dislike

  • Prepares only one serving in a go

7. Mosi Tea

Meet Mosi Tea! You can now easily and effortlessly brew and drink some soothing loose-leaf tea at home, or on the go, using Mose Tea’s patent-pending, multisensory tea infuser. Mosi Tea allows you to brew the perfect cuppa no matter where you are. Whether you prefer your tea hot or cold, Mosi brews it for you in no time.

Why is it noteworthy?

Mosi prepares your tea in no time, with zero effort. You don’t even need to carry around any messy tools. It is made from Tritan which has the feel and look of glass. The material is strong enough to withstand extreme temperatures and clumsy hands, ensuring the bottle stays safe.

What we like

  • The mouthpiece mimics a teacup, making it easy and fun to drink from

What we dislike

  • Small liquid volume compared to the size of the bottle

8. BRÜ Tea Maker

This is the BRÜ tea maker, designed to prepare the perfect cup of tea for you at the push of a button. You can use any tea! You simply need to set the temperature, cup size, and brew time, and it prepares the tea for you, saving you a whole load of time and energy. It saves your previous settings, so you can simply repeat the process, without the need to set up the machine every single time.

Why is it noteworthy?

BRÜ lets you use any drink you fancy, the included spoon and sieve prepare any kind of tea for you. You don’t need to use any expensive capsules of pods with BRÜ, you can just use the tea you have at home, allowing you to explore and try different flavor combinations.

What we like

  • Saves your tea preparation settings for you
  • It can also prepare pot noodles and coffee for you

What we dislike

  • Hefty price tag

9. TMB

Dubbed the TMB or the Modular Bottle, this one-of-a-kind bottle is designed to hold your drink of choice as you work through the day. This bottle will cater to your various drinking requirements, ensuring you don’t ignore your hydration while working, and providing you with a refreshing beverage when you need it.

Why is it noteworthy?

The inside of TMB is made from durable borosilicate glass, which ensures your drinks have the perfect taste, irrespective of how many times the bottle is used. The bottle is also easy to clean, and the mid-section is translucent, so you can always see how much liquid is left inside.

What we like

  • It features an Infusion Module Add-On for tea and fruits
  • Has a secret compartment to store snacks

What we dislike

  • Since it is a glass bottle, it can break easily and must be handled with care

10. Imbue

Meet Imbue – the magnetic tea-infusing vessel. This unique device brews great-tasting loose-leaf tea anywhere for you. You don’t need to carry your entire kitchen with you! It is designed to simplify the process of brewing loose-leaf tea for you. It easily and effortlessly steeps leaves at home or on the go.

Why is it noteworthy?

Imbue can prepare delicious hot or cold tea for you. It prepares single-serving loose tea for you wherever you like. It also functions as an excellent water bottle once the tea is over. It serves well as a multi-use vessel.

What we like

  • Made from shatter-resistant borosilicate glass which functions as an effective insulator
  • The lid is made from bamboo, adding an eco-friendly element

What we dislike

  • Seems a bit fragile, and looks easily breakable

The post Top 10 Essential Tea & Matcha Brewing Tools For A Superior Tea Experience first appeared on Yanko Design.

Rectangular robot vacuum concept proposes a more efficient design for smaller spaces

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Robot vacuum cleaners and mops are common sights these days, but despite all the advancements they’ve made in terms of technology, their basic shape has remained unchanged since the first-ever Roomba. They’re almost all circular, though the are some that have taken on rounded square forms, a shape that was dictated by the limitations of old technologies that don’t seem to be relevant today. This standard design, however, still carries over other limitations, like squeezing into tight spaces or cleaning corners. Perhaps it’s time to rethink that old and outdated design, which is what this concept tries to do in order to cater to homes with smaller, cramped spaces and messy floors.

Designer: Subin Kim

The initial design of robot vacuums was made primarily for the robot and not the humans. The circular shape made it easier for the machine to turn and correct its direction, something that was all too common given the very basic technologies from decades past. Today, however, most robot cleaners have no problem navigating the most cluttered floors, so there’s now an opportunity to rethink that basic shape.

mini is a concept design that stretches the robot vacuum into a more rectangular form, technically more pill-shaped with its rounded sides. The idea is that this robot can better squeeze itself into narrow spaces, like those between walls and furniture, or hug edges to properly brush and vacuum areas that even the most sophisticated circular robot can’t reach. In small apartments or tiny homes, that is more often the case, so such a design is more useful than the majority of round or square robots.

The design can actually be even more efficient than standard robot vacuums because it can change its orientation depending on the area of the floor to be cleaned. In its vertical mode, it can easily clean out narrow gaps, but then it can rotate and switch to horizontal mode if there’s a wider space available for it to move. Such a feat would require AI and advanced sensors, both of which are readily available on most robot cleaners today.

mini’s design does mean it won’t be able to turn quickly, but that can be handled by better obstacle detection and smarter navigation. Although it might not work perfectly in practice, the concept does challenge the status quo and encourages a design that really puts the user at the center, rather than simply turning such robot helpers into technological showcases.

The post Rectangular robot vacuum concept proposes a more efficient design for smaller spaces first appeared on Yanko Design.

Top 10 Transparent Tech Gear That Truly Showcase The Minimalist Magic Of See-Through Design

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Transparent tech designs seem to be taking the world by storm. They make a powerful yet simple statement by combining functionality with a futuristic and aesthetic appeal. These innovative designs offer users an opportunity to observe and appreciate the innards and intricate mechanisms of their favorite devices. Transparent designs unveil their inner workings to users and buyers, creating an atmosphere of openness and honesty. We’ve curated a collection of stunning and super functional transparent tech designs that are a true celebration of minimalism and clarity. From a transparent Gameboy version to a transparent variant of Ray-Ban’s Meta Wayfarer glasses – these products truly showcase the magic of see-through design.

1. Transparent Game Boy

Designed by LFD Official, this conceptual Game Boy design is an ultra-advanced gaming accessory. It is designed to cater to your indoor and outdoor gaming needs, without any restrictions, allowing you to play on the native small screen or a bigger one. And it is transparent It includes an integrated mini projector, which can be removed and placed to project on any room wall, outdoor tent, or more.

2. Ghost Cipher Special Edition Gamepad

The Ghost Cipher Special Edition gamepad features an intriguing transparent outer shell, which exposes all the innards in their real form while showcasing the working dynamics. The see-through aesthetics are contrasted by a silver interior, grey joysticks, and bronze accents on the triggers and D-pad, creating a futuristic and dynamic appeal. The buttons and Xbox logo are white, adding a sophisticated vibe to the design.

3. Meta Ray-Ban Limited Edition Transparent Wayfarer

Ray-Ban’s Meta Wayfarer glasses are the ultimate combination of fashion and meet – a classic style is elevated with advanced smart features. Recently Ray-Ban and Meta introduced the new Shiny Transparent Wayfarer, which features exposed innards and Clear to Sapphire Transition lenses. This new and improved model truly tests and pushes the boundaries of what smart glasses can look like.

4. Lenovo ThinkPad Transparent Display Laptop

The Lenovo ThinkPad Transparent Display Laptop is the world’s first laptop with a 17.3-inch Micro LED transparent display. It is a concept product that is truly mesmerizing to look at, and you can see the applications windows and their contents very clearly, while still viewing what’s behind the screen. Only some parts of the screen become “opaque” when displaying something, while the rest stays fully transparent!

5. LG SIGNATURE OLED T

LG’s SIGNATURE OLED T is the world’s first wireless transparent 4K OLED TV. The screen gets entirely covered and lit up with vibrant pictures, fluid animations, and ecstatic images, completely concealing what’s behind those parts, while retaining transparency in the areas without images. The TV blends with the background, once you’re done watching, allowing it to merge with your home.

6. Jetstream Loudspeaker

The Jetstream loudspeaker looks more like an art piece than a speaker. It is made using transparent acrylic for the horn, and it is blown up to human-sized proportions. It serves as a distinctive and one-of-a-kind speaker, giving the impression that the drive unit is floating in mid-air. The speaker resembles the sonic boom traces left by a high-speed jet when it is seen from the side, making it a truly unique piece.

7. Harman Kardon Gramophone Mini Speaker Concept

Designed by Wagner Pozebon, this speaker design is the perfect epitome of minimalism, combined with the spirit of the good old gramophone, while also incorporating a modern and contemporary design aesthetic. The versatile wireless speaker features a translucent body that mimics the classic gramophone’s contours. The amplification of the speaker is right on point delivering encapsulating audio from the soundbox.

8. Nothing Bass (1) Speaker

Named the Nothing Bass (1), this portable speaker is designed in Black or White color, making it an excellent conversation starter for a house party. The speaker pairs up with the power of LED lighting, which syncs perfectly to the rhythm of beats, ensuring the device captures everyone’s attention. The speaker’s cone is transparent, protecting the innards from the outside elements. The appeal of the speaker is pretty classy, and it will elevate the vibe of any living room.

9. Apple Clear Series

Named the Apple Clear Series, this concept design recreates popular Apple products with transparent aesthetics, giving them a cool see-through vibe. The AirPods Max Clear are super cool transparent cans with the rear portion of the earcups exposed.  While the AirPods Pro Clear seems to be inspired by Beats, and the Apple Watch Ultra Clear features a transparent shell, and a rubber strap in a see-through material.

10. Transparent Turntable

Stockholm-based Transparent has released a turntable, which is truly quite stunning. It features a transparent tempered glass cover on top of an aluminum body, which has been meticulously crafted. It is available in black and white and equipped with a preinstalled Elliptical Diamond Ortofon OM Stylus 5E which delivers rich and top-notch sound quality. You can replace it with a fancier stylus model as well if you prefer.

The post Top 10 Transparent Tech Gear That Truly Showcase The Minimalist Magic Of See-Through Design first appeared on Yanko Design.

Top 10 Transparent Tech Gear That Truly Showcase The Minimalist Magic Of See-Through Design

Posted on by

Transparent tech designs seem to be taking the world by storm. They make a powerful yet simple statement by combining functionality with a futuristic and aesthetic appeal. These innovative designs offer users an opportunity to observe and appreciate the innards and intricate mechanisms of their favorite devices. Transparent designs unveil their inner workings to users and buyers, creating an atmosphere of openness and honesty. We’ve curated a collection of stunning and super functional transparent tech designs that are a true celebration of minimalism and clarity. From a transparent Gameboy version to a transparent variant of Ray-Ban’s Meta Wayfarer glasses – these products truly showcase the magic of see-through design.

1. Transparent Game Boy

Designed by LFD Official, this conceptual Game Boy design is an ultra-advanced gaming accessory. It is designed to cater to your indoor and outdoor gaming needs, without any restrictions, allowing you to play on the native small screen or a bigger one. And it is transparent It includes an integrated mini projector, which can be removed and placed to project on any room wall, outdoor tent, or more.

2. Ghost Cipher Special Edition Gamepad

The Ghost Cipher Special Edition gamepad features an intriguing transparent outer shell, which exposes all the innards in their real form while showcasing the working dynamics. The see-through aesthetics are contrasted by a silver interior, grey joysticks, and bronze accents on the triggers and D-pad, creating a futuristic and dynamic appeal. The buttons and Xbox logo are white, adding a sophisticated vibe to the design.

3. Meta Ray-Ban Limited Edition Transparent Wayfarer

Ray-Ban’s Meta Wayfarer glasses are the ultimate combination of fashion and meet – a classic style is elevated with advanced smart features. Recently Ray-Ban and Meta introduced the new Shiny Transparent Wayfarer, which features exposed innards and Clear to Sapphire Transition lenses. This new and improved model truly tests and pushes the boundaries of what smart glasses can look like.

4. Lenovo ThinkPad Transparent Display Laptop

The Lenovo ThinkPad Transparent Display Laptop is the world’s first laptop with a 17.3-inch Micro LED transparent display. It is a concept product that is truly mesmerizing to look at, and you can see the applications windows and their contents very clearly, while still viewing what’s behind the screen. Only some parts of the screen become “opaque” when displaying something, while the rest stays fully transparent!

5. LG SIGNATURE OLED T

LG’s SIGNATURE OLED T is the world’s first wireless transparent 4K OLED TV. The screen gets entirely covered and lit up with vibrant pictures, fluid animations, and ecstatic images, completely concealing what’s behind those parts, while retaining transparency in the areas without images. The TV blends with the background, once you’re done watching, allowing it to merge with your home.

6. Jetstream Loudspeaker

The Jetstream loudspeaker looks more like an art piece than a speaker. It is made using transparent acrylic for the horn, and it is blown up to human-sized proportions. It serves as a distinctive and one-of-a-kind speaker, giving the impression that the drive unit is floating in mid-air. The speaker resembles the sonic boom traces left by a high-speed jet when it is seen from the side, making it a truly unique piece.

7. Harman Kardon Gramophone Mini Speaker Concept

Designed by Wagner Pozebon, this speaker design is the perfect epitome of minimalism, combined with the spirit of the good old gramophone, while also incorporating a modern and contemporary design aesthetic. The versatile wireless speaker features a translucent body that mimics the classic gramophone’s contours. The amplification of the speaker is right on point delivering encapsulating audio from the soundbox.

8. Nothing Bass (1) Speaker

Named the Nothing Bass (1), this portable speaker is designed in Black or White color, making it an excellent conversation starter for a house party. The speaker pairs up with the power of LED lighting, which syncs perfectly to the rhythm of beats, ensuring the device captures everyone’s attention. The speaker’s cone is transparent, protecting the innards from the outside elements. The appeal of the speaker is pretty classy, and it will elevate the vibe of any living room.

9. Apple Clear Series

Named the Apple Clear Series, this concept design recreates popular Apple products with transparent aesthetics, giving them a cool see-through vibe. The AirPods Max Clear are super cool transparent cans with the rear portion of the earcups exposed.  While the AirPods Pro Clear seems to be inspired by Beats, and the Apple Watch Ultra Clear features a transparent shell, and a rubber strap in a see-through material.

10. Transparent Turntable

Stockholm-based Transparent has released a turntable, which is truly quite stunning. It features a transparent tempered glass cover on top of an aluminum body, which has been meticulously crafted. It is available in black and white and equipped with a preinstalled Elliptical Diamond Ortofon OM Stylus 5E which delivers rich and top-notch sound quality. You can replace it with a fancier stylus model as well if you prefer.

The post Top 10 Transparent Tech Gear That Truly Showcase The Minimalist Magic Of See-Through Design first appeared on Yanko Design.

Sustainable refrigerator concept turns it into a “Food Station”

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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.

Does your Water Purifier also give you chilled or hot water on demand? The TOKIT AkuaPure T1 Ultra does

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No more purifying your water and then needing to put it in the fridge to chill, or the microwave to warm up. The TOKIT AkuaPure T1 Ultra literally dispenses purified hot/cold water with the press of a button. It’s the kind of multitasking we can appreciate, helping you cut the dependence on extra appliances for just adjusting water temperature.

There was a time when phones just allowed you to make phone calls. Then they became portable. Then they allowed text messaging. Eventually we’ve gotten to a point where a phone can practically do anything while being small enough to fit in your pocket. Without being hyperbolic, the TOKIT AkuaPure T1 Ultra is one step forward in that direction for purifiers. Most water purifiers just clean your water for drinking purposes. The AkuaPure T1 Ultra does so too, with a rigorous 6-stage purification process… but it also does more. With an instant cooling and heating feature, the purifier also lets you make coffee or iced tea in seconds. No waiting hours for your fridge to chill the water, or minutes for your microwave to heat water up. Now that’s what I call good problem-solving.

Designer: TOKIT

Click Here to Buy Now: $399 $699 (42% off). Hurry, only 270/300 left! Raised over $50,000.

Arguably the most impressive bit about the AkuaPure T1 Ultra is the one feature no other tabletop water purifier has – the ability to offer refreshingly cold water at 41°F alongside instant hot water courtesy its 1600W thick-film heating element. Users can select from six preset temperatures, ranging from 41°F to 210°F, allowing quick preparation of beverages in as little as three seconds. Whether you need a cold glass of water or a hot cup of tea, this device is built for versatility. The entire process takes just 3 seconds, whether it’s heating or chilling your water. Separate pipes for hot and cold water ensure ‘taste and temperature integrity’, according to the TOKIT team.

The heating and cooling may be impressive (and they are), but ultimately it’s the purification that counts, right? To that end, the AkuaPure T1 Ultra’s 6-stage reverse osmosis (RO) filtration system is pretty much state-of-the-art. This system achieves a filtration accuracy of up to 0.0001μm, effectively removing 99.99% of contaminants, including antibiotics, heavy metals, bacteria, and organic matter. The addition of activated carbon from Sri Lankan coconut shells enhances water taste, further elevating the drinking experience. With NSF/ANSI 58 and 42 certification, the AkuaPure T1 Ultra meets stringent U.S. standards for reducing total dissolved solids (TDS), chlorine, and other impurities, ensuring a cleaner, healthier drinking experience. Moreover, the water gets UV sterilization treatment too. Equipped with two UV germicidal lamps, the device is engineered to inactivate bacteria and viruses by destroying their molecular structure.

All the features sit within a sleek tabletop design that’s portable (to a degree) and doesn’t need plumbing or being bolted into a wall. The AkuaPure T1 Ultra has the demeanor of a modern coffee maker, with its vertical design and a dispensing area for you to place your cup or glass. A display on front guides you through the heating and cooling presets, while a real-time TDS display lets users monitor water quality at a glance, informing you when it’s time to change the purifier’s replaceable filters. A child safety lock feature ensures that hot water dispensing cannot be accidentally activated, a nifty and practical solution for families with young children.

The AkuaPure T1 Ultra comes in a single space-grey metal finish with a touch-sensitive display on the front and a 4-liter water reservoir at the back that needs to be periodically refilled. You can use any kind of water with the AkuaPure T1 Ultra, as TOKIT vouches for the quality of its filtration system, following years of R&D in the space and having carved its name as an indispensable water purification expert. In fact, the purifier also has its own automatic self-cleaning function that kicks in periodically to flush out its filters, ensuring that you only drink the freshest water… hot or cold.

Click Here to Buy Now: $399 $699 (42% off). Hurry, only 270/300 left! Raised over $50,000.

The post Does your Water Purifier also give you chilled or hot water on demand? The TOKIT AkuaPure T1 Ultra does first appeared on Yanko Design.

Revolutionize your Coffee Brewing with this Ultra-Minimal Grinder with 48 Grind Profiles + RPM Settings

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I’m not a coffee nerd, but I’m a ritualist. I love the idea of brewing your beverage of choice (tea or coffee) the intended way. With tea, it’s a fairly fixed routine that I seldom deviate from, and for coffee, although I go through the entire ritual of ensuring the temperature and brew times are perfect, I imagine my coffee would taste significantly better if I ground my own beans instead of using the pre-ground ones I picked up at my local barista. But with so many grinders on the market, finding one that balances performance, ease of use, and design can be a grind in itself. The Grinista Coffee Grinder aims to check all those boxes. It’s sleek enough for any modern kitchen and packed with features that will appeal to beginners and pros alike. If I was any more of a coffee person I currently am, I’d probably already have added this to cart – and it isn’t because of how gorgeously minimal it is.

Designer: Grinista

Click Here to Buy Now: $169 $398 (58% off) Hurry! Only 117 of 400 left.

The first thing you notice about the Grinista is its minimalist look. It’s not one of those kitchen gadgets that scream for attention. Instead, it quietly blends into its surroundings, all smooth lines and matte finishes. No unnecessary embellishments—just clean, functional design – sort of something from the minds at Braun back in the day. The grinder has a plain, matte-finish black outer body, with perfect cuboid forms and a large circular knob that breaks the visual monotony. The knob is matte black too, although Grinista will sell you a light/dark wood knob too, making the grinder look even more Scandinavian in its overall aesthetic. It’s the kind of appliance you don’t mind keeping out on your countertop, which is good because once you see how convenient it is, you’ll want it within arm’s reach. And, despite its minimalist appearance, it doesn’t sacrifice functionality in the name of style. That simplicity extends to how easy it is to wipe down after use, avoiding any lingering coffee dirt.

Operating the Grinista is refreshingly straightforward, which is rare for a machine with such high-end capabilities. The digital interface is intuitive and well-thought-out. Instead of squinting at confusing dials or fumbling with awkward settings, you’re met with a clear and simple digital display. You can easily adjust the grind size, set the timer, or weigh your beans directly on the grinder—no need for a separate scale cluttering up your workspace.

Look at it and you’re greeted with a blockish design featuring a rotary knob on the front, and a backlit LED display right beside it… but hidden inside is the Grinista’s most underrated feature – its companion scale. Most home grinders don’t include this feature, so it’s nice to see Grinista streamlining the process. The Grinista’s grinding basket (or hopper) pops out, and you can place it on the small digital scale included with your brewer to save both time and effort, while having absolute precise control over your coffee-brewing process. Once weighed, pick the basked up and pop it back within the Grinista. The grinding basket stores a single dose worth of beans (40g which makes up to 3-4 cups), which means you can store the rest of your beans in an air-tight container to keep them fresh, using exactly the amount you need each time.

Inside, Grinista boasts a 64 mm flat burr powered by a 5Nm torque motor, which grinds the beans with the precision that coffee purists demand. Whether you’re grinding for a pour-over or an espresso shot, the burrs make sure the coffee particles are consistent, allowing for better extraction. The result? A smoother, fuller taste in every cup. Add to that the ability to set a grind timer, and you’ve got a machine that’s capable of handling everything from a quick morning cup to a full batch of coffee for entertaining guests.

The knob on front lets you cycle through grind-sizes, depending on whether you want a coarse grind for a French Press or a fine grind for an espresso-maker. Grinista’s 48 adjustable grind settings, or “gears,” give you the freedom to fine-tune your grind size to perfection. Paired with the adjustable RPM (controlled by a second knob at the back), you can slow things down to get a more controlled grind without generating too much heat, which is a common culprit in ruining the flavor of freshly roasted beans. This kind of detail is usually reserved for more commercial-grade equipment, but Grinista manages to bring that precision into a home-friendly machine.

Cleaning is typically the dreaded chore of any grinder owner, but Grinista makes it easier than most. Its magnetic assembly allows for quick disassembly, allowing you to wipe down the machine between uses. Coffee oils and static can sometimes cause coffee grounds to stay stuck around the dispenser spout – but an ‘Auto Powder Knocking’ button vibrates the spout, clearing out any clumps of coffee powder that could get stuck in the machine.

Perhaps one of the most user-friendly aspects of the Grinista is its universal compatibility with portafilters. Compatible with your standard 58mm portafilter, the Grinista’s powder cup lets you quickly get brewing your coffee once it’s ground. Just place your portafilter over the cup and tip it over. The coffee empties directly into your portafilter and can be tamped and taken straight to your machine. Alternatively, if you’re using a French press, a moka pot, or a pour-over, just pour the grinds directly into your setup from the powder cup.

All in all, the Grinista Coffee Grinder feels like a thoughtfully designed tool for people who take their coffee seriously but don’t want to deal with overly complicated equipment. It combines a streamlined design with features that give you real control over your grind, all without turning your kitchen into a barista’s workshop. Between the built-in digital scale, the powerful flat burr, and the easy maintenance, it covers all the bases for a truly satisfying coffee-making experience. And while it doesn’t shout for attention, the Grinista quietly makes your mornings a little better—one grind at a time.

Click Here to Buy Now: $169 $398 (58% off) Hurry! Only 117 of 400 left.

The post Revolutionize your Coffee Brewing with this Ultra-Minimal Grinder with 48 Grind Profiles + RPM Settings first appeared on Yanko Design.

The Roborock Zeo Mini M1 At IFA 2024 Is The Perfect Compact Washing Machine For Delicate Laundry

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At IFA 2024, we spotted a trend that may or may not be here to stay, but it did win our hearts. We came across a bunch of super adorable mini-washing machines. Roborock’s Zeo Mini M1 features a compact little body, soft curves, and downright cute plumpness. Of course, the model cannot be compared to traditional washer-dryers and their capacity, but it can handle one kilogram of laundry for washing, and only 500 grams for drying. It has a pretty small drum, which must be noted.

Designer: Roborock

Even though the machine has a small load, it has some intelligent features such as automatic drying, if you forget to unload the machine after washing, and detergent dispensing. It is an all-in-one solution that merges the convenience and size of a small washing machine, with the efficiency of a dryer. The cutesy washing machine can accommodate 25 pairs of lightweight underwear, 15 pieces of bras, and 80 pairs of socks simultaneously, so it could serve well for the everyday requirements of a contemporary family.

The M1’s engine is a DD variable frequency direct drive motor and it can rotate up to 4000 times per minute, with the air flowing up to 18kph. The motor runs pretty quietly, creating only 45dB of noise, and it can run overnight. It also includes a 90°C self-cleaning mode. The washing machine is essentially an auxiliary device, with the ability to handle fragile items of laundry that you don’t want to pop into your bigger washing machine. It functions as a companion to your primary washing machine, allowing you to fit in pieces of clothing that are too soft and gentle for a big load.

The Roborock Zeo Mini M1 isn’t currently available for sale, but it should arrive in the country soon for a price of around $660. Would you consider purchasing the M1? Is such a compact solution viable in today’s homes, or is it yet another unnecessary luxury that we could probably do without? We’ll probably know once it is out on the market.

The post The Roborock Zeo Mini M1 At IFA 2024 Is The Perfect Compact Washing Machine For Delicate Laundry first appeared on Yanko Design.

AEG’s Smart Kitchen Challenge at IFA 2024: CEO + Chef in a High-Tech Cook-off

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With its kitchen-line products on display at IFA, AEG is putting its money where its mouth is – by having a CEO produce a top-tier dish with help from a chef while using the company’s induction hob, oven, and overhead chimney. The cook-off, hosted by Radhika Seth of Yanko Design, attempts to drive home a simple point – with the right tools, anyone can be a chef. To prove this, we got Anna Ohlsson-Leijon (CEO Business Area Europe APMEA & Group Executive Vice President, Electrolux Group) to collaborate with professional chef Paola Martinenghi. Martinenghi, a designer-turned-chef with a history of working for Michelin star restaurants is a designpreneur in her own right, with her own women-led lighting-design firm. With a passion for cooking, Martinenghi believes in preserving old-school recipes, even if it means updating them so that people can use cutting-edge kitchen appliances to make age-old traditional dishes.

Both CEO and Chef will be attempting a deceptively simple dish that’s known for requiring perfect technique – Risotto Tricolore with pomodoro, pesto, and burrata – a summer spin on the Risotto Milanese. Risotto is considered an incredibly technical dish given the precise control required over temperature, cook-time, and the gradual addition of broth to rice while you constantly stir the dish. Mess any step up and your risotto is less-than-ideal resulting in a dish that would make an Italian nonna fume. It’s a good thing, however, that AEG’s state-of-the-art kitchen collection makes certain steps foolproof, allowing you to easily attempt even the most technical recipes.

The process gets made simple by AEG’s CookSmart Touch Display, which guides you through step by step. The Sense Fry sensor on the hob helps you maintain a consistent temperature during your cook (sort of like cruise control for chefs) – for the risotto, it’s a steady 120°C. Meanwhile, AEG’s Xtractor Hob, which features an integrated extractor fan, kept the cooking area free of smoke and odors, making the experience even more pleasant. A clean, smoke-free kitchen means less hassle, and less cleanup—a win for anyone who’s familiar with the chaos of post-cooking messes.

Throughout the cook-off, the focus shifted frequently to AEG’s smart features, particularly how the appliances use AI to adapt and enhance cooking. The AI TasteAssist feature automatically adjusts cooking settings based on the dish being prepared. Anna explained that by simply inputting a recipe, the oven analyzes the details and determines the optimal temperature and time, which could revolutionize how people cook at home. The Assisted Dishes function also impressed Paola, as it provides guidance across a wide range of meals, making even the most complex dishes accessible to home cooks.

Energy efficiency was another cornerstone of the new AEG range. Sustainability is more than a buzzword—it’s built into the design. The appliances can reduce energy consumption by up to 30%, with features like PreHeat and Residual Heat, which cleverly utilize retained heat to finish cooking. The SenseBoil & Fry function, for instance, promises to save up to 33% in energy usage. It’s clear that AEG has aligned its smart technology not just with convenience, but with the goal of making kitchens more eco-friendly.

The discussion also touched on design and aesthetics. AEG’s range isn’t just high-tech—it’s designed to be visually appealing. Paola praised the sleek, minimalist look of the appliances, which come in Matt Black and Glossy Black, noting that they not only enhance the cooking process but also complement modern kitchen interiors.

As the cook-off neared its conclusion, Paola and Anna finished the risotto with a flourish, adding burrata for a creamy, indulgent finish. The results were met with unanimous delight as the hosts tasted the dish and marveled at how easy the process had been, thanks to AEG’s smart kitchen tools.

The post AEG’s Smart Kitchen Challenge at IFA 2024: CEO + Chef in a High-Tech Cook-off first appeared on Yanko Design.

SwitchBot Air Purifier Table includes a wireless charger for health and convenience

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Air quality at home has become a key concern among homeowners in the past few years, finally raising awareness that the air we breathe indoors might be just as bad as the pollution-filed air outdoors. Pet owners have it especially bad, with fur and pet hair adding to their list of worries. While air purifiers are becoming more popular because of that situation, very few of them can be considered to have the same aesthetic maturity as more common appliances that have been around for decades. Many are not only uninspiring but also take up space that could have been otherwise given to more functional and appealing furniture. Venturing into the home appliances market, SwitchBot is launching an air purifier that looks a tad more interesting and definitely more useful thanks to its multi-functional design, doubling as a table you can also use as a phone charger.

Designer: SwitchBot

Many air purifier take on a cylindrical shape that maximizes air intake and output, but that means putting their less than attractive bodies in the middle of spaces where they stick out like a sore thumb. The new SwitchBot Air Purifier Table admittedly does have that cannister design, but it takes steps to set itself apart from the crowd and elevate your living space as well.

In addition to its minimalist style, this air purifier puts a flat oval on top that can be used as a table to hold your things while you sit back and relax for a bit. The wood-like finish gives it a bit of visual flair and helps make it match the other furniture in your living area or bedroom. It also encourages you to put the air purifier in places that get a lot of human presence, usually beside couches or beds or maybe even in the middle of the room, allowing it to have a better impact on the quality of the air people breathe.

Its “extra” functionality doesn’t stop there, however. That tabletop is also a wireless charger, supporting 15W charging for Android devices and 7.5W for iPhones. Simply place your phone there and let it charge while you read, watch, or just chill with friends. The Air Purifier Table has configurable lighting between the air purifier itself and the tabletop, allowing you to set the mood you want or be informed when the air quality in its immediate vicinity worsens.

Of course, the SwitchBot Air Purifier Table is an air purifier, first and foremost, and it boasts plenty of street cred for that. It’s also pretty proud of its ability to remove pet hair and prevent it from contaminating the air that humans breathe, all without stressing out the pet in the process. The SwitchBot Air Purifier Table, available now for pre-order, will set you back $269.99, but there’s also a simpler $219.99 version that trades the wireless charging table top for a smaller bowl-like structure that cats might love to sit on.

The post SwitchBot Air Purifier Table includes a wireless charger for health and convenience first appeared on Yanko Design.