Cube-shaped kitchen appliances could save counter-space

Cory Doctorow 10:56 am Mon May 4, 2009

James "Bagless Vacuum" Dyson has proposed a new model for kitchen appliances: making everything square, without sticky-outy handles and other lumps and decoration that increase the appliances' footprint. Hilariously, he's applied for a patent on the idea of "make-everything-square." Uh, James? I think White Castle may have some prior art.

Their answer, given in patent filing US 2009/0095729, is a simple one: make all free-standing gadgets like kettles, toasters, juicers and food mixers in the shape of tall cuboids that can easily be pushed together on a worktop, with no wasted space between them. As the controls could be recessed in their flat lids or on the front panels, no space-wasting side access is required. The patent also suggests connecting the appliances together – presumably using a common power supply.

Cubist kitchen could stem gadget invasion

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