03/24/2007 -- Sometimes, it isn't that a product is new, it's that a manufacturer has made technology more accessible to consumers. That's the case with this year's International Home & Housewares Show in Chicago. Some of the standout items were things that you would expect to see in an airport or bottling plant. In many instances, refreshing colors or storage innovations made common household products such as brooms and containers feel new. Here are some of the things you should expect to see in the coming year:
Best in show
Lotus Sanitizing System already has been named a best invention by Time Magazine. The countertop filtration unit adds ozone to water, which destroys bacteria and viruses. This ozonated water becomes a chemical-free cleanser, neutralizes pesticides on fruit and vegetables, sanitizes baby bottles and toothbrushes, and makes ground and tap water safe to drink.
Container vacuum
Lots of companies, including Eureka and Hoover, were showing easy-to-store vacuums with extra long hoses and retractable cords. Leading the trend is the goClean Wet/Dry Vacuum by Emerson Tool Co. in St. Louis, which won the IHA (International Housewares Association) award in the floor-care category.
Coffee lover's dream
DeLonghi and Nespresso have introduced the Lattissima, a single-service coffeemaker and milk frother. The product is beautifully styled in stainless steel or a rich red and makes perfect cappuccino and latte.
Cook's favorite — Chef'n's has created a silicone oil wand. The dispenser can withstand temperatures up to 650 degrees. Just put your favorite oil into the container, squeeze the oil into a pan, then brush the oil around the pan. There is no swirling of oil, so theoretically, you'll be using less.
Infrared help — SimpleHuman has added infrared sensors to the trash can, so that it automatically opens and closes. The company also has added a sensor to a soap dispenser with a very smart clear container so there is no guessing if the unit is full. Taking infrared a step further, iTouchless introduced the EZFaucet, which can control the water on any standard sink faucet.
Tajines — Moroccan-style cooking serving dishes will be the thing for tabletops. Le Creuset and Staub have added colorful ceramic versions of tagines in a plethora of sizes and colors. Expect to see these dishes in plenty of stores.
Color — At the risk of being tomorrow's avocado countertop, many products are now available in a variety of colors, from pink to turquoise and chartreuse. Just about everything, from storage containers, are coming out n bright colors.
Coming soon — Gooten, a manufacturer from China, is awaiting U.S. approval for its Light Wand, an ultraviolet light that is supposed to kill bed mites, mold or anything else lurking in your bed. The company also makes a travel size for folks staying in hotels, but we're not sure if you'll be able to take them on a plane.
--JAMILA ROBINSON--
--PD HOME EDITOR--
