INTERNATIONAL HOME + HOUSEWARES SHOW 2016 ~ PART ONE

I had the pleasure of attending this year’s world premier International Home+Housewares Show, which was held at Chicago’s McCormick Place.  This annual show draws over 20,000 trade attendees from 100 countries that check out the latest in design, functionality and technology for all-things home and housewares from over 2,100 exhibitors.  The four-day event isn’t nearly enough time to see all of the exhibits, attend all of the workshops, and enjoy the multi-venues, which include a Cooking Theater that attracts the best and brightest in culinary chef-dom.  Once again, I barely scratched the surface in checking things out.  This show is where the next trends are uncovered and new designs are discovered.  It is THE place where buyers and sellers come to see firsthand the latest and greatest in products that will be on the shelves for consumers in the coming months. 

Products were categorized into exhibit segments, and included: Clean, Contain and Design ~ bath, cleaning, organization, seasonal products; Dine and Design ~ cookware, tabletop, gourmet foods, home decor products; Discover Design ~ tableware, flatware, cutlery kitchen and home collection products; Wired and Well ~ energy conservation, appliances, healthcare products; and, Global Crossroads ~ international pavilions.  Another major show component included the Cooking Theatre, which featured many outstanding celebrity chefs that shared with attendees the latest in cooking and food trends, culinary efficiencies, while featuring their branded products; food samplings and cookbook autograph sessions were also featured.

One of the biggest product trends I noticed at the show this year was that of color in prep pieces, cooking vessels, and serveware. It seems that adding pops of color to the chore, thereby increasing the level of enjoyment from a chore.  Color is also a great way to break-up a chore’s tedium.  For me, using color to the cooking process is like adding the right blend of spices, herbs, and seasonings to the dish, and turning the ordinary into something extraordinary and delicious.  Other trends included products made using silicone materials and sustainable woods, digital technology and connectivity to mobile devices; hydration with more and more filtration systems, infusers, and sport bottle designs; improving the ease of functionality and practicality of items for home cooks of all levels; and, a return to cast iron, safe non-stick cooking surfaces, ceramics, and green and sustainability products.

I had the pleasure of testing the following products, which were all exhibited at this show.  Each one offers a glimpse into some of the unique and innovative products that consumers will want to consider making a part of their culinary and home routines.  For more information on this show, visit https://www.housewares.org/show/

~ Around the Kitchen ~

Bosign Stockholm ~ I love clever and practical items that accessorize my kitchen with functionality.  I was very impressed with the items from Bosign Stockholm I tested; they included their Instant Dish Soap Dispenser, Soap Saver Flow, Cake Tester Air, Spreader Knife Air in Wood and Stainless Steel.  The Soap Dispenser is a self-contained pump-action dispenser that minimizes waste of dishwasher fluid and dispenses just the right amount of liquid every time; the silicone Soap Saver’s curved draining spout allows for easy drainage of bar soap and prevents bars from becoming mushy, and works well in the kitchen or shower; the Cake Tester is ideal for checking for doneness of baked goods, fish, poultry, or beef; and, the Spreader Knife Air is an ingenious design that allows for a knife to sit on a flat surface without the blade touching that surface; it’s ergonomically balanced and won’t tip over; available as a small spreader, or as a larger butter knife.  http://en.bosign.se/shop/shop.lasso

Microplane Garlic Slicer ~The definitive kitchen tool company that home cooks and chefs the world over rely on for precision grating, slicing, and cutting.  The patented bi-directional blades are made from precision etched surgical grade stainless steel and makes for uniformly thin slices of garlic; can accommodate up to three large peeled garlic cloves; sliced garlic falls into a chamber; there’s even a handy scraper to remove the sliced garlic without having to touch the slices.  http://us.microplane.com/microplanegarlicslicer.aspx

reCap Mason Jars ~ I love Mason Jars and use them to display dried beans, sugar, flour, pasta, rice, raisins, and cranberries.  These jars add a bit of whimsy to my kitchen, but also help keep those pesky annoying insects from moving into a new neighborhood.  Just when I thought the storage concept couldn’t get any better, there appears on the scene a way to reCap and repurpose Mason Jars; the new design turns jars into functional pour and store flip-top jar for the standard or wide-mouth designs.  http://masonjars.com

Silikids ~ I fell in love with these products that are perfect for a child’s unsteady hands, but I also saw a wonderful need for these same products being perfect for the elderly and infirm, who can also have unsteady hands.  All products are made from non-toxic, durable, and dishwasher safe BPA-free silicone.  I was able to test out their Siliskin Reusable Drinking Straws, SiliSpoons, and Siliskin Reusable Food Bags.  The Straws were great because I could use them in hot liquids, like coffee; the Spoons were adorable and brightly colored with shovel-shaped scoopers and knobbed handles for easy-gripping (they should consider making a slightly larger version for the elderly and infirm); and, the see-through Food Bags were ideal for holding leftovers, sandwiches, veggies, or cheese; easy self-clip closure to maximize freshness.  http://www.silikids.com

~ Cooking & Serveware ~

Cookina Parchminum ~ The innovators of reusable baking and grilling sheets now has another genius product…Parchminum, a reusable cooking and presentation sheet that performs better than traditional parchment paper; it’s dishwasher safe, naturally non-stick, and one roll is the equivalent of 25 rolls of aluminum foil, making it very economical.  It’s also reversible and rated for high temperature cooking, 550°F (288°C).  http://cookina.co

Fiesta Dinnerware Individual Casserole ~ This is the perfect sized Casserole dish for preparing individually baked dishes in an oven or microwave that easily serves two; lead-free glazed ceramic has the feel and performance of cast iron; foods won’t stick and cleanup is super easy; microwave safe makes reheating foods another convenience.  http://www.fiestafactorydirect.com

Knork Curve 20 Piece Set ~ The Curve is the latest sleek and modern design from Knork, a company known for its ambidextrous and ergonomic designed eating utensils.  Each piece is well-balanced, easy to hold, and conforms to a person’s natural grip.  Made of gleaming forged eighteen-percent chromium stainless, this set is also durable and dishwasher safe.  http://www.knork.net

Toockies Organic Handcrafted Housewares ~ These artisan-crafted, 100% organic cotton kitchen products make cleanup chores a bit more enjoyable.  I enjoyed using their Square Joy Potholder, Scrub Pads, and Scrub Cloths; the natural fibers were gentle on all surfaces and laundering was easy.  The artisans are from all over the world and provide for self-sufficiency within the respective communities.  http://www.toockies.com

Totally Bamboo ~ This beautiful Laser Etched Tree of Life Salt Box is the perfect size to keep on your kitchen counter-top, close by your prepping and cooking areas.  Holds a generous three-quarters of a cup.  Bamboo is a sustainable grass that’s an alternative to hardwood; it regenerates quickly and is also environmentally conducive in preventing soil erosion; also provides for immense shaded habitats for wild life, making it the ideal sustainable product.  http://www.totallybamboo.com/c126/Tree-of-Life.htm

~ Worth Mentioning ~

Although I didn’t get a chance to test any of these brands, the world leader in cookware is definitely the Meyer Corporation http://www.meyer.com/us.html.  Under its impressive umbrella are a number of extraordinary retail brands that were showcased at the Housewares Show that prominently featured the latest in colors, trends, designs and technology.  Included were Anolon https://www.anolon.com; BonJour http://www.bonjourproducts.com; Breville http://www.brevilleusa.com/cookware.html;

CakeBoss http://www.cakebossbaking.com; Circulon http://www.circulon.com; Farberware

http://www.farberware.com; Paula Deen http://www.pauladeen.com; Raechel Ray http://www.rachaelray.com; Ruffoni http://www.ruffoni.net/homeeng.asp; SilverStone

http://www.silverstone.com.

~ Paula Deen Display ~  

(Photo by T. Herman)

~ Raechel Ray Display ~

(Photo by T. Herman)

~ Ruffoni Display ~

(Photo by T. Herman)

~ In Closing ~

I’ve enjoyed testing these products in my home, which are available at traditional brick and mortar retailers, as well as online retailers.  Be sure to also check out each brand’s website, as well as their social media platforms to obtain additional information.

That’s it for this edition.  Until the next one, remember to always celebrate yourself and your culinary curiosity.  Happy creating…happy cooking…happy eating!

By Terry Herman

TERRY HERMAN continues perfecting her passion for food and wine.  She has been covering culinary related for many years as it relates to wellness and a healthy lifestyle.  Her popular blog, Terry's Spa, Beauty and Wellness Go-To has featured formidable reviews of cookbooks, restaurants, wine and food, food prep and tools, chef interviews, and coverage of prestigious events such as the International Home+Housewares Show, the National Restaurant Show and the Sweets and Snacks Expo.  She has been published since the mid-1990s in both consumer and trade publications, and is regarded as an expert in spa, beauty, wellness, travel and lifestyle, and is frequently interviewed by publications for her expert content.  She has also presented at major industry conferences, and has served with distinction on numerous governing and advisory boards.  She has a background in strategic and qualitative management, consulting, and motivational speaking.  In addition to her blogs, her social media outreach also includes Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.  Don’t forget to “Like” her Facebook Page, “Terry’s Second Helpings”.  Please note that the “Comment Section” has been disabled.  For additional information, email her at terry.herman@gmail.com.

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(Photo credits as indicated, or as represented by the specific brand.)