NikolaTesla Unplugged: A Revolutionary Approach to Kitchen Design

Discover Elica's Award-Winning Induction Hob with Extractor System

Designed by Fabrizio Crisa for Elica, the NikolaTesla Unplugged is a groundbreaking induction hob with an integrated extractor system. Inspired by everyday kitchen users and technology enthusiasts, this design combines high performance, intuitive controls, and a sleek aesthetic.

The NikolaTesla Unplugged stands out for its innovative design solutions that cater to top performance in cooking and extraction. The product is controlled through fixed click-release knobs with an analog touch, providing quick and intuitive access to its features. All elements are incorporated into a bold-lined appearance, developed to intelligently separate the cooking zone from the control area. The cooking and extraction areas are distinguished by the linear central glass flap, which conceals the extraction area.

The cooking surface is realized in waterjet cut ceramic glass, while the knobs are produced by stainless steel knurling. The extraction part is covered with a grid in die-casting aluminium iron-cast finished black version and aluminium. The grease filter is made of three layers of metallic mesh, each one of them oriented in a different angle. Some of the parts such as the lid under the filters are the results of polymers moulding. The rest of the structure is made of sheet metal bending and stamping of plastic.

NikolaTesla Unplugged is a 900 mm x 530 mm induction hob with extractor system. It offers high-level performances for healthy and tasty recipes. Simply placing a pan on one of the 4 zones, the product automatically turns on the corresponding slider control and the two bridge zones allow to use larger pots. The hob cleverly hides a powerful air extraction system that can be activated with a simple switch movement of the flap.

The cooking zones and the hood are controlled easily and independently by the presence of 5 ergonomic knobs located on the top in the frontal part of the hob: one for each of the 4 cooking zones and one for the aspiration with 9 speeds + booster. Thanks to the red-light indicators that show the set power level, each zone is very simple to monitor. When the cooking is over and the product is switched off, the absence of serigraphy gives an elegant smooth look to the hob.

The project started in January 2020 in Fabriano and finished in April 2022 in Fabriano. It was exhibited in Salone del Mobile in June 2022. The research behind NikolaTesla Unplugged started after a benchmark with the necessity from Elica to integrate and optimize the Living room and kitchen spaces that are increasingly one. In terms of design, the consumers look for products that are both beautiful and functional at the same time: most of them believe that cooking is a pleasurable activity both because they enjoy the results and because it is a way to take care of their own well-being and of their family.

The challenge in realizing NikolaTesla Unplugged was to create a hob with a professional look and a natural touch for assured cooking results. The other challenge was to realize top cooking results also ensured by ergonomic knobs that offer a natural and error-free interaction by the haptic/tactile feedback, evoking a professional expertise in touch, look & feel. This Design was awarded Platinum in A' Home Appliances Design Award in 2023, recognizing its world-class, exceptional, and highly innovative design that showcases unmatched professionalism, genius, and contributes to societal wellbeing.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Fabrizio Crisà
Image Credits: Elica
Project Team Members: Design Fabrizio Crisà
Project Name: Nikolatesla Unplugged
Project Client: Fabrizio Crisà


Nikolatesla Unplugged IMG #2
Nikolatesla Unplugged IMG #3
Nikolatesla Unplugged IMG #4
Nikolatesla Unplugged IMG #5
Nikolatesla Unplugged IMG #5

Read More on Design Radiant