Whoever said that cleaning tools should just be simple and functional has probably never met a creative and whimsical designer. We’re learning through these product designers that you can put both form and function together and even add a sense of humor when possible. There are several sources of inspiration for all the various cleaning things that you have at home and specifically your kitchen but I never thought about man’s best friend being one of those. If you’ve ever wished for a little more joy in your daily chores, this unique scrub brush with a little puppy inspiration is here to put a wag in your cleaning routine.

Oscar may not bark, but he sure scrubs up a storm! Designed by the whimsical minds at Ototo Design, Oscar is a dish brush shaped like a dachshund, complete with adorable floppy ears and a long, sturdy back for an easy grip. Whether you’re a dog lover, a collector of clever kitchen gadgets, or just someone who enjoys a little fun at the sink, this best boy is ready to make dishwashing feel less like a chore and more like playtime.

Designer: Ototo Design

Shaped like a friendly dachshund, Oscar instantly adds personality to your kitchen counter. His cheerful face and tail are sure to make you smile every time you reach for him. But Oscar isn’t just a pretty face! He’s got a practical side, too. The bristles are tough enough to tackle stubborn food stains, while the ergonomic handle ensures comfort during extended scrubbing sessions. Designed to be intuitive and easy to use, just grip him by the body, wet the bristles, and get scrubbing. He’s perfect for dishes, pots, pans, and even vegetables. When you’re done, Oscar can perch proudly on your sink, ready for his next “walk” around the kitchen.

Oscar’s dish scrubber bristles stay strong through countless washes. The brush is made from durable materials, so it’s up for daily use and won’t lose its charm or effectiveness over time. When the cleaning’s done, this sturdy helper dries quickly and stays fresh for next time since there are no doggy odors here. Oscar’s palm brush design fits comfortably in your hand, giving you confidence as you tackle even the toughest stains on your plates and dishes.

Oscar is the ultimate “white elephant” or housewarming gift, especially for dog lovers and collectors of unique kitchen tools. He isn’t just cute but he’s also a conversation starter. Guests will notice his playful silhouette and may even want their own. If you’re looking for a practical yet adorable addition to your kitchen, Oscar makes the perfect choice. It transforms an everyday chore into a delightful experience. His puppy-like charm brings a bit of joy to your kitchen routine, making even the most stubborn messes feel less daunting. Kids might even volunteer to help with the dishes just to give Oscar a try.

The post Get a best boy in your kitchen with dog-shaped scrub first appeared on Yanko Design.

I’m a huge coffee and tea drinker and yet over the past couple of years, I’ve been drinking these beverages more outside the house at cafes and restaurants. Ideally, I should learn to make my own coffee and brew my own tea as it’s cheaper and also it should be fun to experiment with methods and recipes. I’ve made a lot of excuses as to why I’m not doing this yet and one of those is that I’m looking for the perfect tools and accessories that will make the experience better.

When I saw this Ovalware Collection designed by Aleš Boem, I thought they would fit in perfectly with what I’ve been dreaming my home cafe should look like. This collection is a celebration of form, function, and the art of brewing which is perfect for anyone who finds joy in the little moments of their daily coffee or tea ritual. Each piece is a study in minimalism, with soft, oval contours (since it’s for Ovalware after all) that feel as inviting as they look. The collection includes a range of glassware and accessories, all unified by their gentle curves and a sense of quiet sophistication.

Designer: Aleš Boem

The glass carafes and cups are visually light, yet they have a presence that stands out on any countertop or coffee table. The subtlety of the oval shapes isn’t just about aesthetics but also about how these objects feel in your hand, making every pour and sip feel special. The designer’s approach goes beyond mere appearance. The tactile experience is central to the Ovalware Collection. The smoothness of the glass, the comfortable grip of each handle, and the balanced weight of every piece reflect a deep understanding of user experience. For those who appreciate design that delights all the senses, these details make the collection a joy to use.

What’s particularly wonderful about the Ovalware Collection is how it elevates the act of brewing. The set includes a sleek, transparent carafe which is ideal for pour-over coffee or loose-leaf tea brewing, along with matching cups and a coffee dripper. The transparency of the glass invites you to appreciate the brewing process, turning it into a meditative ritual. Watching your coffee bloom or your tea infuse becomes a moment to pause and appreciate. Collectors will find the modularity and stackability of these pieces especially appealing. Their uniform shapes allow for beautiful arrangements, whether displayed on open shelves or lined up in a dedicated brewing nook.

Each piece in the collection looks like an invitation to slow down and savor the experience of making and enjoying a hot beverage. The restrained color palette and timeless form mean these items will never feel dated and they’re designed to be cherished for years, perhaps even passed down as heirlooms. Every item is both a functional tool and a work of art. The collection bridges the gap between everyday use and collectible design, making it perfect for those who curate their homes with intention and care.

The post Ovalware Collection brings elegant functionality to coffee and tea brewing process first appeared on Yanko Design.

One of my goals as I embark on a new life chapter is that I will lessen eating outside or getting take out and start making my own food. This means I also need to fix my kitchen as it’s a bit chaotic and incomplete right now. One of my favorite things to order in my nearby coffee shop are waffles and so probably one of the first things I need to learn is to make my own. So a waffle maker is on top of my priorities to purchase for my kitchen. The only decision right now would be what kind, what design, and what additional features I would like in one.

If this waffle maker concept was a real one, this would definitely be part of my list, at least design-wise. The Hapffe Waffle Maker is a concept or visualization design for a kitchen appliance that brings together modern minimalism and natural elements. It actually looks like a retro radio transistor but instead of bringing you music, it brings you breakfast staples with thoughtful design and versatile funcitonality.

Designer: Maxim Zhuravlev

The waffle maker’s warm beige body is elegantly contrasted with smooth wooden handles, lending a sense of warmth and approachability. The rounded edges and simple, intuitive dial reinforce a friendly and accessible design, making the appliance fit seamlessly into both contemporary and classic kitchens. There isn’t much information about its proposed features and materials but we can make some assumptions based on its visualization. This isn’t just a pretty or aesthetic waffle maker but one that is designed for real-world ease. The rotary dial on the front panel allows for precise control over cooking time, ensuring every waffle, sandwich, or snack is cooked to perfection.

The sturdy wooden handle provides a comfortable and safe grip, making it easy to open, close, and move the appliance, even when hot. Another key feature is its modular, multi-functional cooking plates. As depicted in the collection of images, the waffle maker offers an array of interchangeable plates: from classic waffles and sandwiches to grill marks, filled ovals, and even cake fingers. This adaptability means the Hapffe can handle breakfast, lunch, and snack time—making it a true all-in-one appliance for creative cooks and busy families alike.

As I take these first steps toward a more intentional and homemade lifestyle, investing in the right tools for my kitchen feels both exciting and empowering. The Hapffe Waffle Maker, with its inviting design and practical features, perfectly captures the kind of thoughtful innovation I’d love to bring into my daily routine. Whether or not this concept ever makes it to stores, it’s a great reminder of how good design can inspire us to create new habits and enjoy the process of making food at home.

The post Waffle maker concept is a pretty and functional breakfast companion first appeared on Yanko Design.

Not everyone is blessed with a house that has a spacious kitchen. A lot of times, small apartments and houses come with space-conscious living—and that includes the kitchen, which often has limited counter space, minimal storage, and sometimes even doubles as the dining area. In these environments, every square inch counts, making it essential to choose appliances and tools that are both efficient and compact. As a result, many people have started gravitating toward products that are specifically designed to save space without compromising on performance. Functionality is key but it’s always a bonus if these products are not only practical but also add a touch of style to your home, helping you create a kitchen that’s both beautiful and functional, no matter the size.

Enter the Kenwood Go Compact Stand Mixer, a standout piece in the new Kenwood Go series that brings together high performance and modern design in one small, smart package. It is engineered for modern kitchens, particularly those with limited counter space. At under 30cm in height, it’s designed to be tucked away easily, whether on a shelf or in a cabinet drawer. But don’t let the small footprint fool you. This mixer is built to handle everyday baking needs with surprising power and precision.

Designer: Steve Parsons

The mixer’s clean lines, rounded forms, and muted color options (like Storm Blue and Clay Red) make it as attractive as it is functional. It easily blends into contemporary kitchen aesthetics, elevating both form and function. It has intuitive controls as well and its simple, user-friendly dials allow for effortless speed adjustment. The included splash guard features a unique rotating mechanism, offering both safety and ease of use. It also comes with a compact mixing bowl and essential accessories for whipping, mixing, and kneading. The thoughtfully integrated tools like a measuring spoon on the splash guard help streamline the prep process.

Whether you’re whipping cream, kneading dough, or mixing batter, the Kenwood Go Compact Stand Mixer offers the versatility of a full-size mixer in a size that suits daily use. It’s ideal for quick bakes, small-batch recipes, or home bakers just getting started. This is not a showpiece you keep in a cupboard for special occasions. It’s designed to be your go-to mixer, always ready without taking over your entire counter. With its elegant design, practical features, and space-saving dimensions, it offers the perfect solution for anyone looking to mix performance with portability.

The post Kenwood Go Compact Stand Mixer is a baking tool housed in a smart package first appeared on Yanko Design.

When it comes to kettles or any water heating device, I’m not really that concerned about the design or its features. As long as I get hot water when I need it, then I’m good. Usually I don’t look for any other bells and whistles since all I need it to do is make water hot for my coffee, tea, or noodles. But there are product designers who think long and hard about things like this and how to make products more convenient for their users.

The Mini Instant-Heating Water Dispenser was created by Hongbin Chen for an Italian brand. So of course, we expect it to be a bit more stylish. But what makes it different, aside from its sleek design, is that it is able to deliver hot water instantly and is created for both portability and countertop convenience. It targets modern, urban users wanting cafe-quality hot water anywhere, whether at home, in the office, or traveling.

Designer: Hongbin Chen

This portable water dispenser features a sleek, vertical cylindrical form with clean, uninterrupted lines that give it a distinctly minimalist aesthetic. The soft pastel color palette enhances its modern appeal, making it feel more like a decorative object than a utilitarian appliance. Thoughtfully designed, the unit incorporates contrasting color elements and subtle geometric shapes, infusing a touch of artistic flair into what is typically a purely functional product. This blending of form and visual balance makes the dispenser not only practical but also visually engaging—something you’d be proud to display on a kitchen counter, office desk, or hotel nightstand.

Rooted in the design principle of “form follows function,” the exterior is shaped to reflect and support its internal mechanisms without unnecessary embellishment. Clever internal engineering allows the stacking structure to be completely hidden from view, contributing to the device’s streamlined silhouette and reinforcing its compact footprint. As a result, the dispenser is highly portable—roughly the size of two 500 ml water bottles, making it an ideal companion for travel, whether you’re commuting, working remotely, or staying in a hotel.

The touch-sensitive LED panel at the top of the device lets you choose temperature and water volume. The presets lets you create precise-temperature beverages like tea, coffee, or even baby formula. The powerful heating tech is able to give you nearly instant hot water, unlike the usual water kettles where you have to wait for a few more seconds or even minutes. This is perfect for those that have little space in the kitchen, for those who travel who want hot water anytime, and health-conscious individuals who need specific temperatures for their drinks.

This mini dispenser blends form and function with thoughtful user customization and portability. It taps into the modern demand for instantaneous, temperature-accurate beverages while doubling as a design statement. With minor refinements like safety locks and sustainable packaging, it could be a standout product in compact kitchenware.

The post Hot water dispenser brings form and function in a minimalist aesthetic first appeared on Yanko Design.

I legitimately gasped when I saw this appliance in my news feed. Yes, waffles are just pancakes optimized for better surface area and pockets to carry butter or syrup… but what if the waffle weren’t flat? What if it were bowl-shaped? Just imagine not having to precariously balance whipped cream and berries on top of a stack of waffles when you could just put the toppings INSIDE the waffle?

Sounds revolutionary, and something most dudes would absolutely love. Yes, I know Father’s Day is just around the corner, but Bro Love is permanent; so in case you’re looking to self-pamper, or gift this to a dad (or even a non-dad) in your life, this might just be the only acceptable way to eat waffles from now on.

Designer: Presto

Click Here to Buy Now

I can’t begin to tell you how much my mind is blown. Here’s a small nugget of information for people who don’t know me – I love food, I love gadgets, and I love creativity. The Presto Waffle Bowl Maker scratches every one of those itches PERFECTLY. Ladle your batter in, shut the lid, wait for a bit, and you’ve got a literal edible bowl made of waffle batter. The bowl measures 4-inches wide, making it perfect for breakfast or even snacks.

The possibilities are dizzying if you think about it. Imagine filling your waffle bowl with fruits and syrup for a nice breakfast. Or a thick soup for an impromptu meal. Chuck salsa, ranch, or guac in and you’ve got a perfect dipping bowl for all sorts of condiments. Heck, even hummus works in a pinch. Not a savory or brekkie person? Heck, load it up with scoops of ice cream. Chuck some Maltesers in. Maybe popcorn.

The best part of the experience is that there’s no cleanup afterwards. The bowl is literally the dessert once you’re done with your meal. Keep a jar of Nutella or Cool Whip handy and just break off parts of your bowl and eat them once you’re done. The perfect way to end a meal… and no loading the dishwasher either. I’m thoroughly impressed.

Click Here to Buy Now

The post This Waffle Bowl Maker Is The Ultimate Bachelor Gift For Guys Who Hate Doing The Dishes first appeared on Yanko Design.

I do get that sometimes just writing about tech that I believe improves your lives can sound somewhat patronizing or holier than thou, but with the Shelfy Lite, things are different. Here, I’m an equal offender, and absolutely the target audience for this particular device. As a single bachelor living alone, there’s a LOT of food in the back of my fridge way past its expiry date. How the heck does one dude consume an entire sourdough loaf on his own in 2 days because it expires fast? Or milk for that matter? Heck, I bought a fancy Pecorino Romano cheese last year, and I still haven’t opened it. Chances are, I’ll rush to use stuff I wish lasted longer (and not savor it in the process), or throw it away because maybe I just needed half a bundle of basil leaves and not the entire thing.

Let’s be frank, food waste isn’t just a personal irritation, it’s a planetary problem. Globally, we waste about a third of all food produced, with a shocking chunk of that happening right in our own kitchens (10% of all carbon emissions are because of food waste). In the US alone, households toss out something like $1,996 worth of food every year. That’s not just money down the drain; that’s methane in the atmosphere, wasted water, land, and energy. And that’s before you consider the guilt of tossing a $6 artisanal cheese that you swore you’d eat this time.

Designer: Vitesy

Click Here to Buy Now: $68 $114 (41% off) Hurry! Only 7 left of 3092 units

Enter the Shelfy Lite, the latest brainchild from Italian design-forward startup Vitesy. If you’ve ever wished your fridge came with a freshness sidekick, Shelfy Lite is here to play that role, and it does so with a kind of understated nerdy elegance that makes my inner gadget geek quietly fist-pump.

Let’s break it down: Shelfy Lite is a compact, uniquely different purifier, purpose-built for the fridge. It doesn’t want your Wi-Fi password, it won’t nag you with app notifications, and it doesn’t scan barcodes of everything in your fridge. At 5.7 inches tall, 4.3 inches wide, and 3 inches deep, it’s smaller than your average sandwich, but it packs a punch where it counts – the air your food breathes.

At its core, Shelfy Lite uses advanced purification to tackle the two arch-villains of produce longevity: ethylene gas and bacteria. Ethylene is the sneaky plant hormone fruits release as they ripen, and it’s the reason your apples turn into applesauce and your spinach slumps into slime. Shelfy Lite quietly absorbs or neutralizes ethylene, slowing the ripening process and buying you precious extra days for that “I’ll eat healthier this week” salad. It also takes on odors and airborne bacteria, so your fridge doesn’t start smelling like a chemistry experiment gone rogue.

Just place the Shelfy Lite in your fridge and hit its single button to power it on in one of 3 modes – Eco, which lets the gadget work for longer periods of time, keeping your food fresh (perfect for a half-full fridge), next is the Crisper mode, which is fine-tuned for when the Shelfy is placed in your veggie drawer, so your veggies like the capsicum or cucumber, or greens like spinach, basil, iceberg lettuce, all stay crispy and fresh for longer. Finally, a performance mode maxes out the battery, but it’s perfect for shorter bursts when you can feel your fridge is beginning to develop that ‘spoilage’ odor – perfect for a completely full fridge.

Here’s my favorite part: it’s zero-maintenance. There are no filters to swap, no cartridges to replace, and no QR codes to scan. Just stick it in your fridge and forget about it, which, to be honest, is probably the only way any of us will consistently use it. A specially formulated ceramic open-foam filter is activated using an innovative light spectrum (not UV light), while a fan helps circulate air inside the fridge through the Shelfy. It’s exactly how most purifiers work, but this one neutralizes bacteria and breaks down ethylene gas – the two culprits for food spoilage.

And maintenance is as simple as merely rinsing the ceramic foam under regular running water. A nano-coating ensures dirt doesn’t stick to the foam, so a quick rinse makes the filter as good as new. Pop it back in, charge the Shelfy Lite, and you’re set for a good 3 weeks before the Shelfy needs another battery charge (and possibly a quick filter rinse too).

The design, as you’d expect from an Italian outfit, is deceptively simple. Smooth curves, soft edges, a minimalist profile that blends into the fridge landscape. No awkward LED panels, no cryptic controls. Just a compact design that literally works with any refrigerator, regardless of its make or region, just as long as you have enough space to store the Shelfy Lite inside.

On the money-saving front, the math is compelling. Imagine shaving off even 10 percent of your annual food waste. That’s $150 rescued from the jaws of spoilage, easily covering the $74 Kickstarter price (with change for a celebratory pizza). Multiply that by the 12 million US households who routinely toss wilted greens and fuzzy berries, and Shelfy Lite starts looking less like a niche gadget and more like a quiet revolution.

The result is food that lasts longer – and that’s not just great for budget-conscious consumers, it’s great for the planet too. Food waste is a leading source of methane emissions. Moreover, food can have a major carbon footprint, with the effort gone into growing, processing, and transporting it, just to then have it expire before it’s consumed… so every apple you save from the compost heap is a tiny, delicious victory for your wallet as well as for the planet that worked hard to bring it to your plate.

Click Here to Buy Now: $68 $114 (41% off) Hurry! Only 7 left of 3092 units

The post Save $2000 a Year With This Tiny Fridge Gadget That Keeps Food Fresh for 2X Longer first appeared on Yanko Design.

A modern apartment kitchen is more than just a place to prepare meals. It’s a personal studio, a gathering spot, and a reflection of your approach to living well. In compact urban spaces, the tools you choose matter—every object should feel purposeful, every detail considered. The best kitchen essentials are functional, and they also bring clarity and calm to daily routines, turning ordinary tasks into quiet rituals.

For chefs and passionate home cooks, design-forward tools heighten the experience, making prep work, cooking, and serving feel seamless and satisfying. These objects save space and time while adding a sense of beauty and ease, supporting a lifestyle where efficiency and aesthetics coexist. We’ve curated a collection of carefully chosen kitchen essentials that make the act of cooking enjoyable, and not simply an obligation. These tools are the best of precision, versatility, and thoughtful design.

1. DraftPro Top Can Opener

The DraftPro Top Can Opener is a compact, minimalist can opener designed for easy and smooth operation. Its clean silhouette and simple turning mechanism allow for efficient opening of standard cans. The space-saving design means it tucks neatly into drawers or shelves, ideal for kitchens where every inch counts.

For modern apartment chefs, the DraftPro Top Can Opener’s efficient function is matched by a form that complements streamlined, urban kitchens. Its compactness keeps counters uncluttered and its straightforward operation suits fast, everyday meal prep, making it essential for anyone balancing convenience and style in a small-space kitchen.

Click Here to Buy Now: $59.00

Benefits for the Modern Apartment Chef

• Minimal, space-saving design.
• Simple, efficient operation.

Cons for the Modern Apartment Chef

• Suitable for standard cans only.
• Not dishwasher safe.

2. Obsidian Black Mini Grip Tongs

The Obsidian Black Mini Grip Tongs are designed for precise handling of small foods, like appetizers, garnishes, and delicate ingredients. Their compact size allows for easy use, cleaning, and storage, while the matte black finish adds a refined touch to the utensil collection.

Apartment chefs benefit from these tongs’ ability to plate with accuracy, even in tight kitchen quarters. Their small footprint is perfect for maximizing utility in limited spaces, and their elegant look ensures they fit seamlessly with contemporary or monochrome kitchen aesthetics.

Click Here to Buy Now: $19.00

Benefits for the Modern Apartment Chef

• Compact and easy to store.
• Precise control for small foods.

Cons for the Modern Apartment Chef

• Not intended for large or heavy items.
• Limited reach.

3. Plate Grater

The Plate Grater is a flat grater meant for zesting citrus, grating cheese, or adding spices directly onto plates. Its slim design means it can be stored almost anywhere, and its surface is easy to clean after use. It is built from durable 21/0 stainless steel and equipped with an anti-slip silicone rubber base that also serves as a cover.

Perfect for apartment chefs, the Plate Grater offers a practical and beautiful way to finish dishes right before serving, making it possible to add fresh touches even in a small kitchen. Its low profile supports efficient storage, and its versatility suits the multitasking demands of compact cooking environments.

Click Here to Buy Now: $65.00

Benefits for the Modern Apartment Chef

• Flat, easy-to-store design.
• Suitable for garnishing at the table.

Cons for the Modern Apartment Chef

• Not ideal for large quantities.

4. Hinoki Essence Cutting Board

The Hinoki Essence Cutting Board is made from Japanese hinoki wood, renowned for its lightweight build and ability to protect knife edges. It naturally resists odors and moisture, and its thin profile makes it easy to maneuver and store. It also perfectly pairs up with the Precision Ceramic Sashimi Knife!

In a modern apartment kitchen, where surfaces are limited and storage is precious, this board’s lightness and slimness are advantages. It’s easy to wash, move, and tuck away, while its gentle surface keeps tools in peak condition—ideal for chefs who prioritize both practicality and traditional materials.

Click Here to Buy Now: $59.00

Benefits for the Modern Apartment Chef

• Lightweight, easy to handle.
• Gentle on knives.

Cons for the Modern Apartment Chef

• Requires hand washing.
• Softer wood may develop marks.

5. Precision Ceramic Sashimi Knife

The Precision Ceramic Sashimi Knife features a ceramic blade that holds its sharp edge and lets you slice through sashimi with precision and stealth. It is designed for fine slicing of sashimi, vegetables, and fruit. Its lightweight construction means less fatigue during repetitive tasks.

Ideal for apartment chefs, this knife is a functional choice for preparing delicate ingredients in a small kitchen. The superior ceramic blade preserves flavor and color, and its slim profile fits easily in compact storage spaces, making it a natural fit for those who value both efficiency and presentation.

Click Here to Buy Now: $299.00

Benefits for the Modern Apartment Chef

• Stays sharp for longer.
• Offers a comfortable and secure grip.

Cons for the Modern Apartment Chef

• Fragile if dropped.
• Not suitable for hard foods.

6. Iron Frying Plate

The Iron Frying Plate is designed to blur the line between cooking and serving, letting you eat right off the surface you cooked on. Made from 1.6 mm-thick mill scale steel, it’s rust-resistant and stick-resistant, so you can use it straight out of the box without extra prep. The pan’s sturdy build helps bring out the best flavors and textures in your food, offering a direct connection between heat and ingredients.

This plate eliminates the need for extra serving dishes, making it a practical solution for apartment chefs and their small kitchens with limited storage and counter space. The wooden handle attaches and detaches easily with one hand, allowing for a smooth transition from stove to table.

Click Here to Buy Now: $69.00

Benefits for the Modern Apartment Chef

• Doubles as both a frying pan and a serving plate.
• Rust-resistant and stick-resistant, ready to use out of the box.

Cons for the Modern Apartment Chef

• Steel construction can be heavy for some users.
• Not suitable for microwave or dishwasher use.

7. Precision Chef Kitchen Scissors

Precision Chef Kitchen Scissors are crafted to make food prep simple and efficient, especially in compact kitchens where every tool needs to excel. With sharp blades and a striking black finish created through oxidation coloring, these scissors bring both power and style to your kitchen or dining table.

They’re designed for more than just looks—the curved serrated blade is specially engineered to make cutting meat easier and safer, so slicing through steaks, vegetables, or pizza is truly effortless. The ergonomic structure means the blades never touch the surface when laid down, helping keep your space clean and hygienic, making them a perfect fit for modern apartment chefs. Their elegant appearance establishes a modern presence, while the practical features make them a staple for any meal.

Click Here to Buy Now: $99.00

Benefits for the Modern Apartment Chef

• Special curved serrated blade for easy, safe meat cutting.
• Durable black finish that resists fading.

Cons for the Modern Apartment Chef

• Not intended for tough bones or very hard foods.
• Should be hand-washed to maintain the finish.

8. Obsidian Black All-Around Tongs

Obsidian Black All-Around Tongs transform cooking into a seamless, stylish experience for apartment chefs who value both function and aesthetics. With a length of 9.45 inches (24cm), these tongs handle a variety of kitchen and dining tasks—from flipping burgers or turning chicken in the pan to serving pasta or handing out pastries.

The built-in stand keeps the tips elevated, ensuring your surfaces stay clean and your workflow remains uninterrupted, even in compact kitchen spaces. Made from SUS821L1 stainless steel, these tongs are lighter and thinner than typical options while boasting twice the strength of standard SUS304 steel.

Click Here to Buy Now: $25.00

Benefits for the Modern Apartment Chef

• Built-in stand keeps tips off surfaces for cleanliness.
• Durable, lightweight, and sustainable stainless steel construction.

Cons for the Modern Apartment Chef

• Longer length may be less convenient for very small pans.
• Should be hand-washed to preserve the black finish.

9. Smart Tea Pot

The Smart Tea Pot redefines the tea experience for apartment chefs who appreciate both innovation and ritual. With app-connected brewing, you can select your tea type and let the teapot handle optimal brewing conditions, drawing from a comprehensive tea database for everything from green to herbal blends.

Six advanced sensors analyze your heart rate, finger temperature, and environment, personalizing each cup to match your mood and physical state, ensuring your tea is always tailored to your needs. Inspired by traditional Japanese techniques, the patented rotary brewing system replicates the nuanced wrist movements of a tea master, delivering a rich, full-bodied flavor profile every time.

Click Here to Buy Now: $349.00

Benefits for the Modern Apartment Chef

• App-connected brewing and personalized tea experience.
• Patented rotary system for rich, full-bodied flavor.

Cons for the Modern Apartment Chef

• Requires a smart device and app for full functionality.
• Regular cleaning is needed for sensors and the brewing mechanism.

10. Obsidian Black Precision Chopstick Tongs

The Obsidian Black Precision Chopstick Tongs offer a refined blend of chopstick elegance and tong versatility, perfect for apartment chefs who cook and dine in compact, modern spaces. Shaped like chopsticks but functioning as tongs, they handle small or delicate foods effortlessly—ideal for turning pieces on the pan, prepping bento boxes, or serving sushi.

Their ergonomic design ensures comfort and confidence, making them as suitable for eating as for cooking, and removing the guesswork from holding traditional chopsticks. Made from lightweight and durable SUS821L1 stainless steel, these tongs stand out for their strength, corrosion resistance, and lasting black finish.

Click Here to Buy Now: $25.00

Benefits for the Modern Apartment Chef

• Combines chopstick precision with tong versatility.
• Durable black finish resists scratches and peeling.

Cons for the Modern Apartment Chef

• Less effective for heavy foods or large servings.
• May require practice for those unfamiliar with chopstick-style tools.

The post 10 Must-Have Design Kitchen Essentials For Modern Apartment Chefs first appeared on Yanko Design.

I’ve seen grunge, distressed, even hammered finishes – this is different. The Yin Mo Star Kui knives from Beijing Wang Mazi Tech are perhaps the most alluring set of kitchen knives I’ve rested my eyes on. A lot of kitchen knives resort to simple, functional design details (after all, they aren’t made for looks, they’re made for high-octane kitchen environments), but the Yin Mo Star Kui take functionality and merge it with aesthetic excellence in a way that elevates the knife’s visual DNA without taking too much from its performance.

In fact, as a winner of the A’ Design Award, one could argue that these knives are actually the pinnacle of form and function. They’re made with perfect proportions, a good ergonomic grip, a full-tang design, and that eye-catching battered finish that makes the knives look like cutting instruments that were weathered by asteroids.

Designer: Beijing Wang Mazi Technology

The set comprises 4 knives (although the images show just three) made from high-carbon steel, with a unique hot/cold forging method that results in high edge retention. Each knife is characterized by 3 unique details – first, the charred wood handles that play into the knife’s black and white aesthetic beautifully, secondly, the taotie pattern found at the tip of the handle, giving each knife its signature, and thirdly, the knife’s gorgeously weathered design that features multiple craters that give it a sense of gravitas. The texture, however, is immediately polished off as you move your eye downwards, revealing the blade’s sharp edge.

Each knife’s steel is made by hot-forging the steel at 1040°C, and then cooling it to -196°C. The hot forging process improves the overall strength and toughness by optimizing the shape and eliminating imperfections. The cooling enhances the crystal structure to increase resistance to deformation. Meanwhile, the rough texture on the top of the knives creates enough air pockets to allow the blade to glide through sticky or starchy foods without them adhering to the knife blades. Try sticking a suction pad on a textured surface and you’ll see it fails – the same principle applies here too.

Each knife set comes with a holder that allows you to put the knives on display, almost like you would a precious Katana. The holder doesn’t conceal the blade the way most knife holders do – instead, it conceals just the edge (for protection’s sake), but keeps that cratered, textured surface visible to the eye, given that it’s easily the knife’s highlight.

The post These Galaxy-Inspired ‘Cratered’ Chef Knives Look Like They Were Forged In The Cosmos first appeared on Yanko Design.

Making small changes in the kitchen can add up to a big difference for the planet. If you’ve been searching for an effortless way to cut out plastic and microfibers from daily routines, the Sun Sponge might be your new favorite dish tool. This gentle, round sponge is designed not just to clean your plates, but to help you take a big step toward a plastic-free kitchen.

Unlike most dish sponges that are made from synthetic fibers or plastic, the Sun Sponge is crafted from 100% sheep wool, a natural, renewable, and biodegradable material. Each sponge is hand-crocheted, celebrating traditional craft while making every piece slightly unique. The result is a sponge that feels soft in your hand, is gentle on your dishes, and doesn’t leave microplastics behind in your sink or the environment.

Designer: Nina Stefanova (Ninavation)

Wool is no ordinary fiber when it comes to cleaning. Thanks to lanolin, a naturally occurring oil in wool, the Sun Sponge resists stains and odors better than most other materials. Lanolin helps repel liquids and makes it harder for bacteria or grime to stick to the fibers. When combined with exposure to sunlight, which brings the germicidal power of UV rays, your Sun Sponge stays fresher, cleaner, and safer for longer.

The circular shape of the Sun Sponge isn’t just for aesthetics: it’s a thoughtful choice with benefits for both comfort and performance. Unlike factory-made rectangles, the round design has no stress points, making it more comfortable to hold and more effective at reaching corners and edges. The 9.5cm diameter fits perfectly in your palm, giving you control without the awkward corners of a square.

Sun Sponge prides itself on being zero-waste from start to finish. Handcrafting each sponge allows for the perfect round shape with no leftover material. When it’s finally time to say goodbye to your Sun Sponge, you can compost it guilt-free, knowing it will break down naturally and return to the earth without leaving a trace of plastic behind.

For eco-conscious homeowners, choosing a dish sponge might seem like a small decision. But swapping out plastic or even cellulose sponges for Sun Sponge brings both peace of mind and a sense of pride. With its gentle touch, natural resistance to stains and odors, and earth-friendly lifecycle, Sun Sponge is proof that simple switches can make your kitchen a cleaner, greener place—one plate at a time.

The post Sun Sponge Promises A Zero-Waste Wool Dish Sponge for Plastic-Free Kitchens first appeared on Yanko Design.