Guest Picks: International Home + Housewares Show
Blogger Jen Luby rounds up some of the best new household products featured at the 2012 event
I walked many miles at this year's International Housewares Association show in Chicago. From all those booths and displays, these are the products that stood out the most to me. Not all are available just yet. As noted, some are still in production while others are seeking distribution in the U.S. — Jen from Second City Soiree
Corkcicle
Insert into a wine bottle and it chills the wine from the inside. The Corkcicle will maintain the ideal serving temperature for an already-chilled white wine for up to an hour.
Flavorstation 500
Create sparkling single-serve beverages in seconds! You can control your level of carbonation for each individual serving. Expected stateside this summer.
Fiesta 5pc Place Setting, Flamingo
Introducing Fiestaware's newest color: Flamingo! It will also be available this summer.
Scentilizer MIST-WHISTLER, Frosted Glass
Aroma and color therapy in one stylish package! This product uses fragrant water vapor to reduce the dryness of indoor air. It also has a built-in speaker for pre-programmed music or to connect an iPod.
Lakeland 20 Poachettes
A finalist in the IHA Innovation Awards, these little pouches are made of a material similar to coffee filters, except they help you make the perfect poached eggs.
They will be available in the U.S. in late 2012 and are currently available overseas.
They will be available in the U.S. in late 2012 and are currently available overseas.
Zoku Character Kit
This is a cute kit for the popular Zoku popsicle makers. Using the stencils, cut fruit into desired shapes, then press to the side of the pop maker. Pour in the liquid as normal and when you remove the popsicle, it comes with a cute face!
Prepara Ice Balls
This product makes two-inch round balls of ice. You can fill it with just water or get creative with mint leaves, basil, juice, lemon or lime segments, etc. Large cubes are great for bourbon or whiskey drinks, as they won't melt as fast as regular ice.
Pressed Glass Goblet
Doesn't this remind you of Depression glass? These are beautiful pieces. They would even make lovely votive holders.
Curtis Stone Bump & Grind With Full Porcelain Pestle
It's a mortar and pestle, but with a skinnier shape that makes grinding easier. Plus, the tapered end makes pouring wet marinades a breeze.
Workbench Cutting Board
This sturdy chopping block features recessed areas for mise en place and waste disposal. A new generation of this model is coming out soon.
FFerrone Design Champagne Flute
This clever line of glassware pulls double duty. Shown here is the champagne flute, or is it a cordial glass? You decide, with the flip of the wrist.
Inada Sogno DreamWave Massage Chair, Creme
As you can probably guess from the price tag, this is no ordinary massage chair. I sat in it for 10 minutes? 20? Eight hours? Whatever the length of time was, it wasn't enough. This chair not only does the usual rubbing routine, it also compresses your sore forearms and calves, and even does Thai massage style twisting for your tight hips. There are worse ways to spend nearly $8,000.
Eva Solo Aquastar Watering Can, Gray
Chic enough to leave on display, this stylish watering can holds two liters of water and can easily be refiled by removing the spout.
Loveramics Flutter Salad Plate
The "Flutter" collection is inspired by classic Chinese flower bird paintings. Simply perfect for spring and summer.
Entity 20
This beautifully-designed set comes with a 100-percent melamine tray and five colored sticks, ideal for finger food of the finest form. It will be available in late 2012.
Dreamfarm Garject Garlic Presses
This is no ordinary garlic press; this ingenious new device peels and presses, then self cleans (the tricky step most garlic presses skip).
Nambé Monroe Salt And Pepper Set
This sexy salt and pepper set nestles together with complementary lines and contrasting materials — a match made in culinary heaven.
Next: Find information on the latest design events in your area
Next: Find information on the latest design events in your area