# Open-Ended Cooking Utensils These Abstract Kitchen Tools Encourage Communal Cooking By Katherine Pendrill | Published 2016-02-08 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/abstract-kitchen-tools References: [psfk](http://www.psfk.com/2016/02/abstract-kitchen-tools-make-cooking-a-whimsical-activity.html) & [andyiliao](http://www.andyiliao.com/) '(Un)Contained' is a set of abstract kitchen tools that is intended to change the way we prepare home-cooked meals. Instead of purchasing tools intended for a single use, these open-ended utensils allow consumers to choose their own functions. (Un)Contained was created by Andyi Liao, Sharonna Chan and Ivana Low as a way of breaking free from the restraints of [traditional kitchen tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/practical-kitchen-tools). The collection consists of a series of abstract kitchen tools that can be used for chopping, grating and other cooking techniques. Each tool features an open-ended design that means it can be used for a number of different functions. The possibilities of each piece help to turn cooking into a creative activity that can be enjoyed by multiple people at once. As a result, the utensils help to encourage culinary creativity and [communal cooking](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shaken). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.9/10 - Popularity: 97% | Activity: 73% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Modern](https://www.trendhunter.com/modern) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Multi-functional Kitchen Tools:** The trend of multi-functional kitchen tools allows consumers to choose their own functions and encourages culinary creativity. - **Abstract Design in Cooking Utensils:** The trend of abstract design in cooking utensils breaks free from the restraints of traditional kitchen tools and turns cooking into a creative activity. - **Communal Cooking Movement:** The trend of communal cooking encourages multiple people to enjoy cooking together, fostering a sense of community and culinary collaboration. ### Where This Applies - **Kitchen Utensils:** The kitchen utensils industry can create disruptive innovation opportunities by developing multi-functional and abstract-designed tools that enhance culinary creativity and communal cooking experiences. - **Home Appliance:** The home appliance industry can explore disruptive innovation opportunities by incorporating multi-functional and abstract-designed kitchen tools into their product lines, promoting a sense of creativity and community in the kitchen. - **Food and Beverage:** The food and beverage industry can tap into the trend of communal cooking by creating marketing campaigns and products that encourage consumers to cook together, fostering a sense of community and connection through food. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Sustainable Kitchen Gear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/legni-collection.md) - [Multi-Functional Kitchen Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/multifunctional-kitchen-tools.md) - [Multifunctional Kitchen Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/latticeboard-multipurpose-kitchen-board.md) - [Multi-Functional Cook Pots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/this-cooking-appliance.md) - [Telescoping Component Kitchen Appliances](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hybrid-kitchen-aid.md) - [Visual Impairment-Friendly Cooking Utensils](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/haptics-of-cooking.md) - [Ai-Powered Recipe-Generating Appliance](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-kitchen-cosmo.md) - [Fashionable Fusion Cutlery Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rething-cutlery.md) - [Speculative Cutlery Forms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/evolving-spoon.md)