Iron Dryer: A Revolutionary 2-in-1 Home Appliance

Eunji Kim's Innovative Solution for Single Households

Living alone in a small, high-priced room in Seoul, South Korea, Eunji Kim found herself needing an iron but lacking the space to store one. This led her to a realization: the mechanical structures of hair dryers and steam irons are remarkably similar. This sparked the idea for the Iron Dryer, a combined appliance that could serve dual purposes without taking up additional space.

The Iron Dryer is designed with the increasing global ratio of single households in mind. These households often face challenges such as limited space, frequent moves, and financial constraints. By combining a steam iron and hair dryer into one device, the Iron Dryer lightens both economic and spatial burdens. Users can use the product as a hair dryer daily and easily attach the steam iron component when needed, making it a versatile tool for both home and travel.

The design realization of the Iron Dryer is based on the similar structures of hair dryers and steam irons, both of which require hot air to function. The Iron Dryer measures 210 mm x 75 mm x 230 mm and features separate adjustment buttons for the strength of the steam iron and hair dryer. To use the steam iron, users simply fill the water tank, close it, and insert the steam iron component onto the hair dryer body.

The Iron Dryer project began in January 2016 in Seoul and was completed in September 2016. It was awarded the Silver A' Home Appliances Design Award in 2017, a prestigious accolade given to top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise and innovation. This award is a testament to the Iron Dryer's unique design and its potential to significantly improve the lives of single households.

With the increasing global trend of single households, the need for products focused on this demographic is more important than ever. The Iron Dryer, with its innovative design and practical functionality, is a step in the right direction. It not only addresses the challenges faced by single households but also offers a solution that is efficient in terms of space and economy. As Eunji Kim's design shows, sometimes two is better than one.