Hottest, newest gadgets to help around the house
Interested in making your life much easier, and perhaps even healthier?
How would help lifting those heavy hampers of laundry strike you? Or a laugh while you're baking cookies? Or the greatest grater or coolest popsicle maker?
On "The Early Show" Monday, BehindTheBuy.com Senior Editor David Gregg showcased some of the niftiest gizmos and gadgets he's seen at the International Home + Housewares Show going on in Chicago through tomorrow.
The housewares show is a trade event that features the newest consumer and lifestyle products and trends for all areas of the home.
LAUNDRY
The Rising Roller by Rising Concepts $60 risingroller.com
David's take: Ideal for apartment-dwellers, condo residents, students in dormitories or those who have trouble lifting, the Rising Roller enables you to roll through laundry day with ease. Why lift that pile of laundry and supplies when you can roll it all with the Rising Roller?
Company description: The Rising Roller is a sturdy, wheeled laundry hamper that takes the strain out of transporting laundry and supplies from closet to washer, and back again. Building on the innovation of wheeled luggage, the Rising Roller will eliminate laundry-day hassles for anyone struggling to get clothes and supplies to the laundry room or to a remote laundry facility. The telescoping handle adjusts to three different lengths. Once the handle is extended, you can wheel the Rising Roller just as you would a dolly or hand truck. The deep center holds three loads of laundry. Use the generous side pockets for supplies and the mesh pockets for coins. Available in two colors: Denim Blue and Khaki Green.
BATHROOM
Everloc Suction Cup System/Fixtures Prices start at $15 everloc.com
David's take: The patented suction cup technology (negating the need for tools, hardware or drilling) used in these bathroom fixtures allows them to adhere to more surfaces (even textured surfaces), for longer periods of time and holds more weight.
Company description: The Everloc Suction Cup System's patented technology allows it to adhere to more surfaces (even textured surfaces), for longer periods of time and holds more weight. The Everloc's suction cup has a patented silicone rim around the perimeter of the cup that creates a tighter seal. The silicone rim combined with the rubber suction cup and the unique locking system gives serious staying power (holds up to 10 lbs. per suction cup). No tools, hardware or drilling needed and it can be removed and reapplied as many times as needed! The weight capacity of the Everloc system combined with the multiple surface application (adheres to any non-porous surface) makes larger shelves and bath accessories possible without the need for drilling, tools or permanent attachment to your surfaces.
KITCHEN
EZ-Freeze Pure Water Filtration Bottles $12-$14coolgearinc.com
David's take: These filtration bottles not only filter your water, but they keep it cool, as well.
Company description: EZ-Freeze Pure water filtration bottles provide an easy solution to finding cool, refreshing, and clean water. The patented non-toxic freezer filtration system filters up to 150 gallons of water, or approximately after four months depending on usage. The water flows through the inside channel of the filter and freezer stick, and reduces the chlorine taste and odor, while simultaneously keeping it cool. This encourages consumers to eliminate bottled water waste and commit to a reusable bottle. EZ-Freeze Pure offers a clean, fresh drinking experience. BPA free 24 oz
Edgeware Graters & Zesters $13 & up edgewareproducts.com
David's take: These zesters and graters are the most cutting edge technology around and make these tasks easier than ever before.
Company description: Edgeware by Smith's, The Edge Experts since 1886, is introducing a complete line of v-etched graters and zesters at the 2011 International Home & Housewares Show, March 6 - 8. These colorful new tools will brighten-up any kitchen and are ideal for both professional chefs and home cooks alike! All models feature a patent pending design, which showcases their v-shaped etched teeth. V-shaped teeth provide shear action sharpness for even grating on all types of foods, all with minimal effort. Non-stick coating ensures smooth grating or zesting and makes clean-up simple. Dishwasher safe. (Availability: Spring 2011)
Amco Clean Glide Corn Desilker $7 focuspg.com
David's take: This kitchen tool will put an end to getting those annoying corn (on the cob) silks caught in your teeth again!
Company description: The Clean Glide Corn Desilker removes stubborn silk from ears of corn. It's easy to use: Simply center brush and gently slide down ear of corn; repeat as needed. Top shelf dishwasher safe. (Availability: March 2011)
Talking Timerz $20 talkingtimerz.com
David's take: Here's a product that's sure to put some comedy in your kitchen, while reminding you to tend to your recipes in a timely fashion!
Company description: Talking Timerz are hilarious kitchen timers that talk, sometime sing and always makes you smile! Each Talking Timerz has 5-6 humorous and irreverent lines to get your attention! Talking Timerz are the brainchild of Tom and Lori Pappas who see unlimited humorous possibilities in their lives and with similar personal products that can add zest to our everyday world.
Casabella Flip Silicone Measuring Cup Set $20 casabella.com
David's take: The designs of these measuring cups are refreshing, modern and functional. The organic shapes create a new look for an old tool. Created for the cook and baker with a youthful sense of style, these measuring cups can be mistaken for table decor.
Company description: Casabella introduces new measuring cups to its Gourmet collection of kitchen products. Like all of the Casabella silicone kitchen items, the Flip measuring cups are made from the highest quality, BPA-free, FDA and European Grade Silicone. The flexibility of the silicone makes these cups ideal for measuring sticky foods such as peanut butter and shortening. They are easy to clean, store or display. The Flip measuring cups are colorful and asymmetrical. The One-Cup Measuring Cup is designed to be turned-over, as one would turn over an hourglass. The Flip Measuring Cup Set is comprised of three of these modern hourglass style cups (2 in 1). Each cup turns over and becomes a different measuring cup, making six in all. The tablespoon flips to a teaspoon, the quarter cup flips to a half cup, the third cup flips to two-thirds cup.
Culbuto & Tia Mills $18/$20 swissmar.com
David's take: Like the refreshing measuring cups, grinders can be beautiful too and Swissmar products take them to the next level!
Company description: Culbuto Mills: Features and Benefits: Ceramic grinder - harder than steel, odorless, rust & corrosion-proof; 10-year warranty. Multi-purpose mill - grinds pepper, salt, dry herbs & dry spices. Fully adjustable grind settings for custom & consistent output (coarse to fine). Long shaft for perfect fit knob, allows for easy assembly & filling of mills. Mills come pre-filled, ready-to-use. Colors: Black, White, Purple, Green and Orange. Available May, 2011: $18 each. Tia - Mills with Acrylic Window: Ceramic grinder - harder than steel, odorless, rust & corrosion-proof; 10-year warranty. Multi-purpose mill - grinds pepper, salt, dry herbs & dry spices. Fully adjustable grind settings for custom & consistent output (coarse to fine). Long shaft for perfect fit knob, allows for easy assembly & filling of mills. Mills come pre-filled, ready-to-use. Easy-to-remove sticker covers mill base to avoid spillage during transportation & for clean in-store presentation. Available in 2 finishes - Shiny or soft touch. Colors: White and Purple. Available May, 2011: $20 each.
COOKWARE
Berghoff Ceramic Non-Stick Cookware Prices start at $50 earthchef.ca
David's take: When buying non-stick cookware you should always stay away from petroleum based coatings. This cookware uses ceramic coating, which is 6 times stronger than traditional non-stick coatings and is totally non-toxic. It always offers a lifetime warranty!
Company description: The Berghoff Earthchef Acadian 10 Piece Ceramic Non-Stick Cookware collection includes: 9 1/2" x 5 1/2" covered casserole, 8 3/4" x 4 1/4" covered saucepan with helper, 8" x 3 3/4" covered saucepan, 7" x 3 1/4" covered saucepan, and 11 3/4" x 2 2/3" deep skillet. The All Natural Ceramic non-stick coating that is naturally 6 times stronger than any traditional non-stick coating, and does not contain toxic or hazardous materials like petroleum based coatings. Color: blue/grey interior and black exterior. Body is 3 mm (1 1/4") aluminum with a practical pouring rim. Material handle is a solid cast stainless steel handle that is double riveted. All Berghoff includes a LIFETIME limited warranty.
HOT/COLD FOOD & DRINK
Cuisinart Soup Maker & Blender $200 cuisinart.com
David's take: This product combines a powere of a blender and heating element to allow the user to create and cook hots sauces, soups and gravy...It also functions as a conventional blender too!
Company description: The Cuisinart Soup Maker & Blender cooks and blends ingredients for homemade soups and also works as a blender for sauces, dips, smoothies and crushing ice. This is a very popular product in the U.K. and only just became available here. It is currently exclusive to Williams-Sonoma, and will be available at other retailers nationally in June. The thermal shock resistant blender jar holds up to 48 oz of hot liquids and 56 oz of cold liquids. It delivers 900 watts of power, push-button digital controls for setting cooking time (saut�©ing, simmering and boiling) and temperature. The easy-to-read LED 30-minute countdown timer, 4 blending speeds, pulse and stir function make are all features designed to offer ease of use and convenience. An internal heater to ensure soup is kept at optimum temperature.
Keurig Elite Single Serve Brewing System $120 keurig.com
David's take: Nearly a-quarter of all coffee drinkers prefer their coffee over ice (SOURCE: NPD GROUP)...that number goes even higher during the months of summer. This single serve coffee maker is the first to offer an iced beverage setting for iced coffee and tea!
Comp[any description: The Elite Brewing System brews a perfect cup of coffee, tea, hot cocoa or iced beverage in under one minute at the touch of a button. With the choice of two cup sizes, the Elite brewer offers a removable drip tray to accommodate travel mugs. Includes a bonus variety box of 12 K-Cups.
DESSERT
The Quick Pop Maker from Zoku$50 zokuhome.com
David's take: From fresh fruit ice pops to fudgesicles filled with frozen bananas to frozen yogurt draped in white chocolate, frozen pops are made easily in as little as seven minutes, without electricity.
Company description: The Quick Pop Maker from Zoku promises to become a popular choice for dessert and snack time fun for kids and adults alike. Use yogurt, frozen fruit, juice or milk and cream as a base; then personalize the pops with your favorite flavors and ingredients. With a bit of creativity, anyone can make frozen pops decorated with stripes, stars or hearts, and then add a sprinkle of cookie crumbs or chocolate nibs to create a personalized pop that is as much fun to make as to eat. Simply store the base in the freezer so the Quick Pop Maker will be ready to make pops at a moment's notice. Just insert the reusable pop sticks, add chilled ingredients, and then watch it freeze. Whether it's rainbow stripes, heart-shaped fruit bites, nuts or sprinkles, it is easy to create a festive one-of-a-kind creation. A handy Super Tool makes it easy to remove finished pops, and Drip Guards ensure no drop will go uneaten. The Quick Pop Maker offers a space-saving design (8 by 4-1/2 by 4-1/2 inches), comes with six reusable sticks, six reusable drip guards and one Super Tool. The entire set is BPA and phthalate free.