5 top products from housewares show
Progressive International Corp.'s Collapsible Salad Spinner Credit: Handout
Five products out of 65 recently won special honors in Manhattan at the annual Housewares Design Awards, presented by Long Island-based Homeworld Business Magazine with support from the International Housewares Association. The items featured here won for their unique appearance, function and/or eco-responsive design.
Pretty Saucy
Winner of the "Best of the Best Silver Medal," the Chicago Metallic Lasagna Trio pan ($29.99 at Bed Bath & Beyond), by Focus Products Group LLC, allows cooks to make three different kinds of bakes in one pan. The pan can also be used for breads, meatloaves and any other home baked creations.
Little Sucker
The Electrolux UltraSilencer Green ($299.99 at Best Buy) won a Green House Award for its environmentally friendly design. The compact canister vacuum is built with 55 percent recycled plastic, mostly retrieved from shredded cars, and uses only 9 amps of power at a reduced noise level.
Having a Ball
Nellie's PVC-Free Dryerballs ($24.99 for set of two at nelliesallnatural.com), from Batten Industries, eliminate the need for chemical softeners and eliminate static cling while reducing drying time by 15 to 25 percent, according to the company. The dryerballs hold removable fragrance sticks (available separately), and were the winner of both a Green House Award for eco-conscious design and the "Best of the Best Bronze Medal" for overall excellence.
Water Works
NextLife's RainStore Rainwater Collection System ($225.99 at Choose Renewables.com) won a Green House Award. The unit is designed to maximize rainwater accumulation with a rectangular shape that sits flush against walls. It boasts a 50-gallon capacity. The exterior is made from 40 percent recycled resin, features a self-watering planter on the top and comes in two colors: white and stone.
Spin Cycle
Progressive International Corp.'s Collapsible Salad Spinner ($29.99 at Bed Bath & Beyond) won the show's "Best of the Best Gold Medal." The entire unit collapses to less than 3 inches high. A self-retracting cord makes operation simple, and a braking button in the lid ensures safe stopping.
