XXXitchen
Challenging pre-existing conventions and distorting the observer’s point of view, presenting him with a new way of looking at familiar objects. This is the stylistic hallmark that has always characterized the work of designer Raffaele Iannello. Through a skilful mix of irony, creativity and innovation, he has set himself the goal of transforming everyday life into something extraordinary, offering irreverent products that give the user a unique and surprising design experience.
Faithful to this design philosophy, the XXXitchen collection was also created to displace the observer and stimulate him to reflect on the meaning behind a specific shape. And to invite him to explore new ways of interacting with objects that perhaps he had never thought of before: it is a line of kitchen utensils that opens up unprecedented scenarios of use in the culinary field and beyond. Presented during the Milan Design Week 2007, the collection includes juicers, pepper mill, roll holder, dish brush, pot holders, salt/pepper dispensers and jars of various sizes.
The juicer is made of soft silicone with an ABS plastic core. Inside is a small motor, powered by a built-in battery, which causes the product to vibrate. In this way it is less effort when you have to squeeze a lemon. Or if you want to use it in other ways…
The juicer is also available in another version, without a motor, made of ceramic. Although the latter is an apparently cold material, just put it in the microwave for a few seconds and, as if by magic, you will find in your hands a juicer at body temperature, perfect for squeezing limes without risking rheumatism. Or for any other use in contact with the body that the imagination can suggest.
The pepper mill (or salt mill, just adjust the screw on the base to adapt it to the type of grain to be minced) has a solid ABS plastic body covered with a soft silicone skin which makes the object very pleasant to the touch. It does not vibrate, but will still be able to give pleasant unexpected sensations to the most enterprising user. In fact, if used for ‘recreational’ purposes, it must be remembered that there is always the possibility that a few grains of pepper or salt may inadvertently escape from the object, adding that spicy or salty touch to everything else.
The paper roll holder, made of plastic and covered with silicone, itself does not vibrate. But it has a powerful magnet at the base which allows it to remain attached to the extractor hood or refrigerator (for normal use in the kitchen) or to vibrating objects (such as the washing machine when it rinses more vigorously) for use a little more unusual.
The dish brush has an ergonomic handle, designed to be easily handled even with wet hands and to offer a pleasant tactile sensation during any type of use. Its captivating and sinuous shapes are inspired by the organic forms found in nature. The body of the product is made of ABS plastic, covered in the handle area with a thin layer of soft transparent silicone that “protects” it. The bristles are made of nylon and ensure perfect cleaning of all types of crockery.
The pot holders allow you to grip incandescent dishes in complete safety and with the plus of doing so by squeezing the anatomical appendages. Appendages which, as often happens in reality, are also made of silicone in this case. The steel hook they are equipped with allows them to be hung.
The salt and pepper dispensers are made of plastic material and are magnetically attached to the chromed steel holder. The whole block can be moved easily without the two containers risking detaching and falling.
The line of jars is characterized by the use of different materials. There is a version with an unbreakable glass cup and a plastic lid. And then there is the version with both ceramic components. In all models, the upper ‘knob’ is made of soft silicone and undergoes a stretch when you grab it to open the jar… a sensation that will surely be familiar to most. The lid is available both in the version with a simple joint (to be inserted or removed quickly with one hand), and with a hermetically sealed silicone gasket (to prevent the passage of air from damaging the food contained). The knob is available both with and without a steel ring.
The products in this collection have been withdrawn from the market following some legal disputes between the designer and his previous international licensees. But don’t despair, they will be back on sale again in 2023. If you like them, stay tuned!