UTENSIL SETS

Jul 2023

In-house designed utensil sets, from concept to golden sample

In-House + ODM

To save on cost and improve efficiency, the spaghetti spoon, ladle, and spoon were sourced from a supplier. We then designed our own scraper, spatula, fish turner, and whisk head parts because we couldn’t find high-quality options available.

Spatula

Different hole patterns were designed according to brand guidelines, while ensuring optimal flexibility — not too flimsy, not too stiff.

Flexibility Test of the Material

We conducted a series of tests by adding different amounts of glass fiber to nylon.

Challenging Production Limits

At first, we asked several suppliers, and they said the thinnest they could make for the tip part was 1.4 mm. Surprisingly, the reason behind this was that they saw others doing the same and assumed 1.4 mm was the production limit. However, we invested in a test mold to see if we could go thinner, because at 1.4 mm the part was definitely too stiff and lacked the flexibility needed to handle a fish fillet.

We opened the test mold and conducted a flow test. Against expectations, it succeeded at 0.8 mm, which provided optimal flexibility. The high heat did not melt the tip, while maintaining the best functionality of both the spatula and the fish turner.

Scraper

Self-Made Mold for Flexibility Testing

I modeled and created a silicone casting mold to test how different insert thicknesses affect flexibility. After producing the mold, I purchased the materials and conducted the tests myself.

Mockup Test

Self-made samples saved at least two weeks of back-and-forth with the supplier.

NURBS 3D

Curvature analysis before opening the mold.

Sample Review

Material Check – Silicone boosters affect results and may cause flaws (e.g., watermarks). Each batch requires confirmation of brand and ingredients with the supplier.

Whisk

Ideation

We chose the flat whisk for the utensil set because it is easy to store and works better for cooking in pans or pots with sauce. I also explored a few alternative forms, such as a nylon whisk shaped like a spatula with slotted holes for whisking, or a single-wire design that makes cleaning and washing easier.

Ergonomics

Tested wires with different bent angles.