During Ikea’s Concept Kitchen installation at the Milan Design Fair, the Swedish company envisioned kitchens without refrigerators. According to PSFK, the retail giant suggested that ten years from now, refrigerators might give way to make room for the modern equivalent of a pantry where food is kept cool in an open display through the combination of traditional methods and smart technology.
In a press release from Concept Kitchen 2025, the modern pantry will incorporate a wooden shelving system which contains "hidden sensors and smart induction technology." The containers are double-walled with glass containing magnetic, stainless gadoliminium alloy base. This will cool the shelves wherein perishable items can be stored. The alloy base can also be switched to a heating device when placed on top of an induction range. An inset porcelain can also be detached from the system to be used as a plate.
The Concept Kitchen also utilizes traditional methods for storing. Garlic and potatoes will be kept inside naturally cool terracotta pots. The counter level open shelving can be used to display eggs, fruits and vegetables which help consumers avoid overbuying which leads to food waste.
This new technology is the result of a collaboration between Ikea, design company IDEO and students of Lund University and Eindhoven University of Technology. The concept aims to change the view of humanity’s relationship with food, “how we’ll be growing our food, storing it, how we’ll be cooking, eating, living and working in the kitchen.”
