Picture this: you’re in your kitchen, looking like it’s fresh off a Pinterest board. You casually set your phone on the countertop, and—poof!—it starts charging like it’s been kissed by tech fairies. No cords, no plugs, just pure, futuristic magic. That’s the reality of the Freepower.io charging station, a sleek wireless charger embedded right into your granite or natural stone countertop. It’s the kind of thing that makes your neighbors jealous and your Instagram followers double-tap. But here’s the kicker: it costs a eye-watering $1,500. That’s a bit of change to charge your phone without a cord!
Now, it’s time to admit that not only do we have the Freepower.io installed in the Mother Hubbard’s Custom Cabinetry Showroom, but also we have installed nearly a dozen in the past two years. People love them!
But let’s pause for a moment and consider what else $1,500 could buy for your kitchen. A top-of-the-line dishwasher that practically sings lullabies to your dirty plates? Check. A microwave drawer so stylish it could star in a cooking show? Oh, absolutely. Or how about a farmhouse sink that screams “I’m living my best HGTV life”? You bet. So, is this charging station worth it, or are you better off with a more budget-friendly option? Let’s dive into the glitz, glamour, and gadgetry of the Freepower.io and three possible less expensive alternatives that keep your minimalist kitchen looking sharp.
Why Freepower.io Is the Coolest Kid on the Countertop
The Freepower.io charging station is an aesthetically elegant piece of tech—minimalist, sleek and sophisticated. Unveiled at the 2024 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS), it snagged the Best in Show award, along with CES Innovation Awards and KBB’s Kitchen Product of the Year. Here’s why it’s got everyone buzzing:
- Invisible Magic: Embedded beneath your countertop, it’s completely hidden, keeping your kitchen’s minimalist aesthetic pristine.
- Charge Three Devices at Once: With Qi2 speeds up to 15W per device, it can juice up your iPhone, Samsung, or Google phone simultaneously—no fighting over the charger.
- Fancy “Charging Halo”: A glowing ring projects through the stone to show where to place your devices, and you can tweak its color and brightness via an app. It’s like mood lighting for your phone.
- Works With Many Material: Works with natural stone, engineered stone, and wood, so your granite island or wooden bar top can join the charging party.
- Future-Proof Tech: Upgradeable software ensures it stays relevant, so you’re not stuck with yesterday’s tech tomorrow.
- Industry Love: Partnerships with big names like Cosentino and over 450 showrooms stocking it by 2025 mean it’s a legit player in high-end design.
But let’s not kid ourselves—$1,500 is the kind of money that makes you double-check your bank account. For that price, you could get a dishwasher that’s so quiet it could sneak into a library. So, if you’re not ready to drop that kind of cash on a charger, don’t worry. There are other ways to keep your kitchen cord-free and fabulous at a more affordable entry point.
Budget-Friendly Alternatives for Stylish Kitchens
For those who love the idea of a cord-free kitchen but are hoping for something more budget friendly, here are three design-friendly alternatives that keep your countertop looking like a minimalist masterpiece:
1: Kew Labs UTS-2 Invisible Wireless Charger
- Price: $185 (Kew Labs UTS-2)
- What It Does: This sneaky little charger hides under your countertop, sending wireless power to your Qi-enabled devices like a tech ninja.
Key Features:
- Invisible Design: No visible wires or pads, keeping your countertop as clean as a Zen garden.
- Material Compatibility: Works with non-metallic surfaces like quartz, granite, and wood, tested with brands like Cosentino and Neolith.
- Fast Charging: Supports Apple (7.5W) and Samsung (9W) fast charge, plus other Qi devices like AirPods and Kindles.
- Easy Installation: Uses double-sided tape for a quick setup, ideal for 8-12mm thick surfaces (though thicker ones may need routing).
- Safety First: Patented IPC™ technology ensures safe, efficient charging, approved by leading surface manufacturers.
- Why It’s Awesome: At $185 – without installation – it’s a steal compared to Freepower.io. You get the same invisible charging vibe without needing to refinance your home. Plus, it’s half the size of its predecessor, making installation a breeze.
- The Catch: It’s not as flashy as Freepower.io’s Charging Halo, the installation requires some McGiver-ish work, and it’s not widely installed as of this writing, so longevity might be an issue.
2. ONE POINTECH DIY
- Price: The units look to be under $65, but are bare-bones.
- What It Does: These chargers stick under your countertop, powering devices through thick surfaces for a seamless charging experience.
Key Features:
- Thick Surface Support: Two models—QB06 (10mm-30mm) and QB21 (20mm-50mm)—handle everything from thin laminates to chunky granite.
- Material Versatility: Compatible with quartz, granite, marble, and other non-metallic surfaces.
- Simple Installation: Adhesive setup makes it DIY-friendly, though professionals can handle it too.
- High Efficiency: Up to 87% charging efficiency, reducing heat and boosting speed.
- Customizable Pads: Optional resonator pads can feature your logo or QR code, adding a branding touch.
- Why It’s Awesome: ONE POINTECH’s focus on thick countertops makes it ideal for kitchens with substantial surfaces.
- The Catch: What you’re buying is a bare-bones inductive charger with a cord that will require DIY or professional installation underneath a desk our countertop. It also requires a resonator, a black adhesive circle thingy, that will spoil the visual on top of the hard surface.
3. COME TALK TO US
- Price: A lot less than $1,500!
- What We Do: As we design your kitchen we’ll find ways to hide outlets or wire chases, allowing the integration of typical Anker-like charging cubes to integrate (fairly) seamlessly into the design
- Why It’s Awesome: We can come close to the clean look of the Freepower.io at a fraction of the cost.
- The Catch: You’ll need to design your kitchen with us?
Why Choose Freepower.io Despite the Price?
Let’s give credit where it’s due. The Freepower.io charging station is a game-changer for high-end kitchens. Its multi-coil array means you don’t need to align your phone perfectly—just plop it down and let the magic happen.
The Charging Halo is like a techy version of a disco ball, and the ability to charge three devices at once is perfect for gadget-heavy households. Plus, its industry accolades and partnerships with brands like Cosentino make it a status symbol in the design world. If you’re the type who wants to brag about your kitchen’s tech prowess at every dinner party, this is your ticket.
The Freepower.io charging station is a marvel of engineering. Its multi-coil array creates a broad charging zone, so you can place your phone anywhere within a 9×5.5-inch area and still get power. The system is hardwired or plugged in, requiring a certified fabricator for installation, which adds to the cost but ensures a flawless finish. It’s compatible with all major smartphones, and the app lets you tweak the Charging Halo’s glow to match your kitchen’s vibe—think warm white for cozy nights or cool blue for a modern edge. The “wave to wake” feature, where you wave over the countertop to activate the charger, is straight out of a sci-fi movie.
Industry feedback is glowing. Designers like Juliana Ewer called it “mind-blowing” at KBIS, while Chad Magleby praised its “WOW factor.” With over 250 patents and partnerships with leading stone manufacturers, Freepower.io is a trusted name in luxury design. But the price tag is a hurdle, especially when you consider the alternatives.
Making the Choice: Luxury or Practicality?
For your high-end kitchen and bath design, the Freepower.io charging station is the gold standard. Its seamless integration, multi-device charging, and industry cred make it a showpiece for clients who want the best. But the $1,500 price tag might be a tough pill to swallow.
The alternatives—Kew Labs UTS-2 and ONE POINTECH—offer a potential compromise if you don’t mind doing some engineering work to install them properly. They deliver wireless charging with the same minimalist appeal, at prices that leave room for other kitchen upgrades. Kew Labs is the most straightforward, with a clear $185 price point. ONE POINTECH excels with thicker surfaces and bulk savings. Each keeps your kitchen cord-free and stylish, ensuring your clients get the modern convenience they crave without the sticker shock.
Or, call us! Let’s talk through the options!
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