I want a Codlo. A what? It is a combination of plug socket, timer and temperature probe that allows a dumb heating device such as a slow cooker to be used for tricks like sous vide cooking. I think it would also be very useful for homebrewing; when brewing with grains, you need to hold them in a narrow temperature range for an hour or so to allow enzymatic action to convert starch to the sugar that will feed the yeast in the subsequent fermentation.

The only drawback is that Codlos don’t yet exist as a commercial product. They have working prototypes but need to raise the cash to take the steps to enter full production. That is where Kickstarter comes in, a website that allows inventors to attract subscriptions that will fund the next stages. I’ve seen quite a few things of interest on Kickstarter in the past but this is the first one where I have made a pledge.

I really do want one of these. If they succeed, I get one as soon as possible and at a small discount. If not, I’ve lost nothing (although I hope the inventors will find another way to get it to market). Now all I have to do is wait until the end of the month to see what happens; if you would also love one of these, now would be a really good time to put down your own pledge to make it more likely to happen.