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If a non-essential appliance is going to claim counter, cabinet, or floor space, it better be prepared to work for it. The Appliances and Tech winners in this year’s Domino Good Design Awards earn their keep—there’s even an espresso machine that handles its own cleanup. After seeing what these five can do, going back to the bare necessities feels a little, well, unnecessary.
Best Countertop Appliance: Demi Coffee Machine by Terra Kaffe
Terra Kaffe managed to squeeze a whole lot of coffee shop into just 7.5 inches of counter space. The Demi grinds whole beans fresh for everything from espresso to drip coffee, then lets you adjust strength, temperature, and volume with a single stainless-steel dial. But perhaps its greatest contribution to your morning routine comes after the caffeine: a self-cleaning cycle powered by special rinsing tech, and a front-loading waste bin and drip tray.
Best Garbage Disposal: Composer One Sink Disposal by Composer
The garbage disposal probably isn’t something you spend much time thinking about, let alone wishing it were better designed. The Composer One might just change that. After the one-horsepower motor grinds everything your food scraps, an automatic burst of water and a release of natural enzymes cut down on suspicious smells and buildup (which is what leads to clogs—no thanks). There’s even a built-in seal that helps muffle the sound. The least glamorous appliance in the kitchen is worth a second look after all.
Best Cleaning Appliance: Matic Robot Vacuum by Matic
Robovacs have been roaming our homes for years, but Matic looks and acts more like a tiny housekeeper than a runaway puck. Its cute, cube-like shape is a welcome departure from the usual disc, and you can cue it on what to clean and where with the point of a finger. It vacuums and mops, recognizing floor types, cycling in clean water, and sweeping up debris into a HEPA bag as it goes. As for its mapping data, that stays on the device rather than somewhere in the cloud. The only thing the Matic hasn’t figured out is how to climb the stairs.
Best Speaker: Music Studio 5 Speaker by Samsung
Most speakers are designed to blend in, but Samsung’s Music Studio 5 would rather be noticed. Created with French designer Erwan Bouroullec, its sculptural dot shape was inspired by a symbol that appears across music and art, making it feel more like art than functional object. The Wi-Fi- and Bluetooth-enabled speaker supports wireless Dolby Atmos technology for more immersive sound and can also sync with your Samsung TV. Long story short, it sounds as good as it looks.
Best Outdoor Appliance: Outdoor Induction Griddle by Induction Hardware
Go ahead and retire the propane tank. Induction Hardware took the speed and precision we love about our indoor cooktops outside with this induction-electric barbecue griddle. Two oversized coils power a removable carbon-steel surface that can sear on one side and simmer on the other. No open flame or gas also means it can go where many grills can’t, including some balconies and fire-restricted spaces.