OBJECT 8

A toaster that works!

So far, all the objects I have written about have been ones that I own myself. OBJECT 8, however is one that as far as I know is not yet in production. See if you like it.
Some objects have become so ubiquitous we rarely think about them. They blend into the visual background of our daily lives and get little or no attention unless they malfunction. From a design point of view, some of these objects seem to have reached an evolutionary dead end. The toaster is one of these.
Nearly all toasters on the market today fall into one of 2 categories: 1– pop-up toaster: vertical slot loading with timer of sensor activated sprung platform 2– Toaster oven: small counter-top oven with top and bottom heating elements. A 3rd category of toaster, the conveyer type is found nearly exclusively in the hotel/restaurant industry and is designed for high volume use.
Enter the TOASTA. Designed by George Watson (UK), and winning entry in this year’s MACEF Milano International Home Show, this object kicks some design butt when it comes to making toast. Made of slip moulded bone china, the TOASTA (for toast automatica) combines form and functionality that makes it the best thing to come out since…sliced bread. Come to think of it, sliced bread is the only kind of bread it will accommodate easily. Have a look at the photos and read the designers note that follows.
IN USE

HOW TO USE

HOW IT WORKS

In Mr. Watson's own words:
"There has been little development of the toaster since the start of the century, whilst other appliances have developed and improved incorporating new technologies and thinking, toaster have remained relatively untouched. When the toaster was first invented eating toast was a social activity that took place on the breakfast table, these days toasters have been relegated to cheap plastic objects hidden away in the kitchen landscape. This toaster is designed to engage the user, re-invigorating the social context of toasting by questioning everything about what we toast with today. I was also keen to make playful object to be proud of having on your breakfast table. Slip moulded bone china allowed me create this intricate and sculptural form, but also provided the material longevity that I required. This is a toaster that brings life and joy to a stagnant domestic appliance, and iconic object for the home."
Coming soon to a breakfast table near you.

Joseph Froncioni