More Neat Gizmos And Gadgets For The Home
The future is now -- or near -- for thousands of products debuting at the mammoth International Home and Housewares Show at McCormick Place in Chicago -- the biggest of its kind in the world. Tuesday is the third and final day of this year's event.
Lifestyle expert Sissy Biggers is there. She took a look Monday at "green" items being showcased.
On Tuesday, Biggers spotlighted several others:
The following product descriptions include information provided by the manufacturers
ELECTROLUX ERGORAPIDO VACUUM
Ergorapido, the only cordless stick vacuum with a built-in hand vacuum, brings power, convenience and comfort to quick clean-ups. Faster and more powerful than a broom, Electrolux' 12-volt Ergorapido cleans bare floors and low-pile carpets. It also offers a detachable hand vacuum that snaps out to reach crumbs on tables and countertops, while its unique 180-degree swivel head allows for comfortable, easy cleaning. Comes in four designer colors -- Havana Brown, Magenta, Dreamsicle, and Diamond Sand. Launches June 2008. A 9.6 Volt model launched in October and is now available at Target).
PRICE:$129; www.electroluxusa.com
HOMZ REVOLUTION 360 IRONING BOARD
HOMZ introduces a revolutionary dual-sided ironing board. The board's surface rotates 360 degrees, eliminating the need to move and adjust shirts by hand. Its perimeter follows the contours of the human body, holding clothing taut for a quick and thorough process. Additional features include a safety iron rest, a convenient inset for ironing collars, cuffs and pockets, and handy pant clips to make pants ironing and creasing easier. Available September 2008.
MSRP: $119.99; www.homzproducts.com
BREVILLE SMART TOASTER
Breville, the award-winning countertop appliance company, introduces the new Die-Cast 2-Slice and 4-Slice Smart Toaster. The Smart Toaster eliminates all the guess work in making the perfect piece of toast. It's the only toaster on the market to feature one-touch auto-lowering (no levers), which utilizes an internal smart chip to lower the bread with a single touch. It's like an elevator for your toast. The Smart Toaster also features Breville's patented "Lift and Look" technology, which enables the user to take a peek at the bread or bagel without interrupting the toasting cycle. And the first-ever "A Bit More" function" adds 30 extra seconds to get it just right! Both toasters available this week at Brevilleusa.com and at preferred retailers, including Williams-Sonoma, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Macy's.
PRICE: 2-Slice Smart Toaster:$129.99 for 2-Slice; $179.99 for 4-Slice.
EDGE BROWNIE PAN
For corner brownie fans and chewy edge lovers, it's a dream come true -- a gourmet brownie pan that adds two chewy edges to every serving! The innovative design allows for 70 percent more edge (side) surface area than a conventional pan. Fits standard recipes and box mixes with no adjustments necessary.
PRICE:$34.95; www.bakersedge.com
LEIFHEIT POWER PEELER SWINGO
Enjoy faster and easier food preparation at home with the new Power Peeler Swingo from Leifheit. The state-of-the-art peeler speeds the process of peeling fruits and vegetables via its battery-powered design. Features a vibrating, razor-sharp blade to peel and cut with exact precision -- ideal for hard-to-prep foods with very thin skins, such as kiwi and tomatoes. Can also be used as a grater or shaver with hard cheeses, chocolate, orange peel and coconut. Includes two interchangeable blades, one serrated, and one straight. Runs on two AA batteries with operating time of one hour. Available June 2008.
PRICE: $19.99; www.leifheit usa.com or call 1-866-MYLEIFHEIT.
NORPRO MELON SLICER
Serrated stainless steel blades make the Norpro Grip-EZ Melon Pineapple Slicer ideal for cutting cantaloupe, honeydew, and pineapple.
PRICE:$19.95; www.norpro.com
LITTLE COOK APRON & SILICONE BAKEWARE SET
This kids' baking apron set from Sassafras features the hottest trend in cooking -- silicone bakeware. It includes an apron, two mitts, chef's hat, star mold, spatula and loaf pan. Other apron cooking sets available. PRICE:$19.95; Go to Sassafrasenterprises.com
MARIO BATALI APRONS
Designed by celebrity chef Mario Batali for Copco, these oversized aprons feature unique bellowed cargo pockets with durable snap closures. A "D" ring on the pocket holds hand towels while cooking and cleaning. Comes with extra-long ties for universal fit.
PRICE: $19.99 for Striped Apron; $22.99 for Bistro Apron;$24.99 for Cargo Apron.
LODGE CAST IRON COOKWARE
Lodge is the oldest cast iron cookware manufacturer in the United States. More than 110 years after its inception, the company's product is still in demand due in part to the popularity of well-made cast iron cookware. It's durable, versatile, and conducts and retains heat better than any other cookware.
For more information go to www.lodgemfg.com
MYSON PAELLA PAN
This carbon steel pan is ideal for making the perfect paella. The large cooking surface enables the rice to cook evenly and maximize flavor -- with the 45 inch size serving up to 140 people. Can be used over grill or gas. Made in Spain.
PRICE:$699.99; www.mysoncorp.com