Zeer – Oliver Poyntz (United Kingdom)

Friday, 21 August 2009 00:00

In Nigeria a simple device called a Zeer is used to store and cool food. It is incredibly simple yet effective method of refrigeration. A Zeer is made by placing one earthenware pot into another slightly larger earthenware pot. A layer of sand is placed in between the pots to which water is added. Then a damp cloth is placed on top of the pots. The water is drawn through the outer earthenware pot by capillary action. Evaporation of the water from the outside pot causes the temperature of the inside pot to naturally cool down.

A prototype was built to test if this simple method could be adapted for use in the modern kitchen. The results were positive establishing a temperature of around 10 degrees Celsius was attainable. Although this temperature is not suitable for storing foods such as meat and fish further research showed that it is perfect for a variety of fruit, vegetables and some other foods that are normally and incorrectly stored in a fridge or a cupboard.

The project was then able to develop around consumer interaction, the overall aesthetic and the manufacturing restrictions of earthenware ceramic to create a new product solution that hopes to drastically reduce energy consumption required for storing food.