Drink coasters usually don’t do much. Sit there and protect the coffee table from condensation, that’s about it. Pretty boring stuff. However, these Flowing City Coasters by Megawing do more than just soak up our drinks. Made from silica gel, the coasters are formed into the shape of Taipei, Taiwan and allow for condensation to become trapped in the alleys and streets. Pretty neat and more fun than watching those annoying white circles work their way into the tabletop.
(Via Oh Gizmo)
Juicers tend to be underappreciated. Sure, they supply us with the means to produce freshly squeezed juice from oranges and other ingredients, but they rarely get a second thought. Considering that the juice reamer is almost always the same half-sphere design with ridged edges and it’s not too surprising. Change the shape of the business end of the juicer and suddenly it gets noticed.
The Dr. Bird Juicer from imm Living does just that. With a hummingbird design, the 3-inch tall juicer stands out amongst other juicers. Utilizing the beak and ruffled feathers of the bird to facilitate juicing, the juicer offers a fresh and fun design that is useful too. Designed by Lesley Look Hong, the fun little kitchen gadget would make a nice gift for anybody—even the person who has everything.
Countertop appliances and kitchen gadgets usually get put away after use. Not because they may look funky: while design is constantly in flux, the issue is usually available space. Yet, some everyday kitchen tools allow for perfect placement without a second thought. Topping that list might just be the teakettle. It looks at home when left out in the stovetop, and the easy functionality is always within hand’s reach. As long as you’re going to leave the teakettle out, it might as well look good too.
Continue reading Everyday Teakettle Looks Good On The Stovetop
Yes, it’s cold out there, but inside where it is nice and warm one major kitchen appliance has ice in the brain. (Or at least the upper compartment.) With the distance between the freezer and the water faucet (or the filter pitcher) being directly proportional to the amount of water that ends up on the floor, consideration for the lowly ice tray isn’t such a bad idea.
Continue reading Your Freezer Still Wants You To Think Of Ice
Ground coffee in hot water. It’s a simple concept, but the world wouldn’t be the same without it. Even if you’re not a coffee drinker, it’s hard to underestimate the impact of the little caffeinated bean that could. While many different brewing methods have evolved, perhaps there is none better than the simplest one: ground coffee in hot water.
Yes, it’s worth repeating: ground coffee in hot water. Using a press pot brings this method to the table. Literally. Just add grounds and hot water and let it steep. How long is entirely up to the coffee drinker and makes for unparalleled control over the resulting brew. For less than $50, a Bodum French Press offers an excellent option for home brewing. Featuring varied construction, the presses offer not only a time-tested way to brew your brew, but also a way to keep it warm at the table.
When it comes to looking for kitchen gadgets to serve as gifts, it can be pretty hard to decide on what to give. The hidden gizmos that populate the kitchen cupboards of those that we know and love can be pretty hard to divine. Luckily there is usually something that every kitchen can use, and yet most kitchens don’t have: stone.
Continue reading How to Fill Thirty-Two Ounces of Stone(ware)
