Porta-Toast is a compact toaster designed for an on-the-go lifestyle.




A closed, compact design that keeps your toast warm and hands safe from burns.


Skills

Rapid Prototyping
Physical Modelling
Solidworks CAD
Keyshot Visualization

2022





01

Covered Heating

Unique open-and-close design allows hands-free operation, preventing burns




02 

Portable Design

Separated charging puck allows for easy carry-and-go. Compact and closed form means it fits easily in bags.




03 

Personalized Identity

Designed to move with you, Porta-Toast can be customized through color to represent your image








Setting up Porta-Toast
Pull-open and insert bread into tray. Push the toaster parts back together and adjust knob for preferred cooking time





Sliding out Toast
When toast is ready, simply pull the toaster apart and slide our your toast without burning fingers







01

Sketching and Ideation
I wanted to find an unexpected way of using a toaster, one that improves its experience without compromising core functionalities



01 Sliding Cover
A retractable cover that unveils the toast
02  Integrated Handle A handle that opens the toaster and acts as a way to carry your toaster around

03 Opening Halves
A handheld toaster opened by pulling it apart
Inspired by grilled cheese




02

Prototyping
Using foam to refine the ideal pull-apart experience and size Experimented with incorporating simple LED electronics for knob interaction





03

Final Model Fabrication
The final model was made using a mixture of 3D printed parts and flat-cut acrylic









Thanks for stopping by!

Catherine Liu 2024