This new kitchen gadget saves my wallet, food waste and the planet

Kitchen gadgets that aim to reduce waste are currently in fashion. Earlier this week, we discussed Vitesy’s shelf, which keeps the air in your refrigerator clean and your food fresher for longer. This month I’m using B!pod Dro!d – a new anti-aging food device.

That stupid name aside, Dro!d is actually very cool. This is the first high-performance vacuum device for consumers, using innovative technology that allows food to stay fresh for up to five times longer than traditional storage methods.

Food waste is a real problem in the UK – 9.5 million tonnes of food are wasted every year across the country and households are responsible for 70% of this waste.

This latest innovation from B!pod consists of two parts – Dro!d, a vacuum device, and specially designed containers.

Dro!d aims to fight food waste by preserving the flavors, colors, textures and aromas of all types of food by removing air from the container and stopping the oxidation process.

As I mentioned in the introduction, I have been using Dro!d for the better part of a month now and I am extremely impressed.

A little background: I have a toddler who eats fruit at the same rate as Winnie the Pooh eats honey, so my fridge is constantly stocked with grapes, raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, cucumbers, etc. We manage. Very of it in a week, but inevitably some remains…

Now, instead of throwing away moldy fruit at the end of the week, you can store it fresh in stylish B!pod containers (available in a variety of eye-pleasing colors).

It’s really simple to use. Just place the food in the container, connect it to the vacuum cleaner and press the button to start the process. In just 30 seconds, Dro!d will eliminate 95 percent of oxygen molecules, stopping the oxidation of food. This will extend the shelf life of its contents, without affecting its smell, color or consistency. It also does not crush food, as is the case with vacuum packaging.

The container can then be left at room temperature, in the refrigerator or even placed in the freezer.

When it comes to removing food, simply open the valve at the top to break the vacuum seal.

I find this very useful for fruit and salads as it allows me to prepare food before sealing it – a lifesaver when you have a screaming toddler demanding to be fed.

I also find the size very attractive. The Dro!d is about the same size as a pair of binoculars, but the B!pod claims it can provide the performance of a professional vacuum machine ten times its size.

It’s so compact that I actually took a Dro!di strawberry picking container, and since it’s battery-powered, I was able to close it in the field to ensure maximum freshness.

As part of the B!pod’s launch in the UK, I took part in a cooking class to learn how to get the most out of the device, as although it is primarily used to store food, it can also be used in the preparation process.

We’re talking about rapid infusions, mixing and marinating at incredible speeds. During the class, we put some blanched asparagus stalks, baby artichokes, lemon juice and oil sauce into a vacuum container, then closed it and left it to marinate for just 20 minutes, not overnight.

During marinating, the reduced pressure allows the marinade to penetrate the food better and faster. Once again, everything is impressive and the results are delicious (thanks to The Langham Hotel’s chefs).

Now it’s time to sound like a Tupperware salesman – B!pod containers are microwave and dishwasher safe and BPA free.

The Dro!d starter package includes a set of three reusable containers (0.5L, 1L and 1.5L), a Dro!d vacuum device and a charging base. The starter pack costs £319 (although it’s currently on sale for £271) and additional containers cost from £20.

Of course, it’s quite expensive, but Dro!di containers give the impression of a premium product. Although if I could change something, I would prefer it to be charged via USB-C rather than a decent charging base.

Ultimately, though, there’s no denying that B!pod Dro!d is a game changer – I’ll be vacuuming all my food from now on.

If you liked this, check out our guide to the best smoothie makers for a refreshing summer.