# Multi-Purpose Hot Plates The Folding Iron Acts as a Clothes Press and Portable Heater By Meghan Young | Published 2011-05-17 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/folding-iron References: [yankodesign](http://www.yankodesign.com/2011/05/16/press-and-heat-in-one-appliance/) & [ifdesign.de](http://www.ifdesign.de/) The name 'Folding Iron' narrows the playing field of what this baby can actually do; it is more than just an iron. A handy, multi-purpose concept, it can also convert into a [portable hot plate](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jet-focus) to reheat your cup of coffee or even your bowl of soup. Designed by Cai Ze Zhou and Wu Wenjun, the Folding Iron is currently only a concept. Entered as a 2011 iF concept design, it is both simple and clever. With its portable heating system and [clothes-pressing functionality](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fully-automated-ironing-system), this multi-purpose design would work on college campus settings and vacation trips alike. It is also great for small spaces that benefit from [dual purpose products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fire-maple-sunflower-x). I especially like the sleek form that the Folding Iron takes on. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 0.7/10 - Popularity: 2% | Activity: 12% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Multi-purpose Appliances:** The Folding Iron demonstrates the growing trend towards multi-purpose appliances that serve multiple functions. - **Portable Heating:** The Folding Iron showcases the trend of portable heating solutions that can be used to reheat food or beverages on the go. - **Dual Purpose Products:** The Folding Iron exemplifies the demand for dual purpose products that save space and provide multiple functionalities. ### Who This Affects Most - **Home Appliances:** The home appliances industry can explore opportunities in developing more versatile and multi-functional products like the Folding Iron. - **Travel Accessories:** The travel accessories industry can tap into the trend of portable heating solutions, providing travelers with convenient options like the Folding Iron. - **Home Furnishings:** The home furnishings industry can innovate by creating more dual purpose products like the Folding Iron that maximize space and functionality. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Multi-Functional Cook Pots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/this-cooking-appliance.md) - [Folding Garment Care Caddies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/joseph-joseph-pocket-plus.md) - [Dual-Fucntional Steam Iron Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/darimeven.md) - [Space-Saving Garment Care Mirrors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flip-dualfunction-ironing-board-mirror.md) - [Design-Conscious Space Heaters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/folding-heater.md) - [Portable Compact Kettles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/foldable-kettle.md) - [Collapsible Microwave Appliances](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/foldable-microwave.md) - [Clip-Style Clothing Care Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/steamur.md) - [Portable Suitcase-Style Barbecues](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yuanye-folding-barbecue.md)