Check out these must-have items from the 2015 housewares show
Some 2,100 housewares companies large and small came from around the world to show off their latest and most popular products at the International Home and Housewares Show earlier this month at McCormick Place.
I navigated the aisles of cast-iron grill pans, silicone bakeware, hydration solutions (aka water bottles), egg yolk separators, lunch bags, countertop multicookers, garlic gadgets and cocktail gizmos with an eye on those things I'd want in my kitchen.
Those things that made me say “I must have it.” So without any further ado ...
Grow it: Gardeners with limited yard space or uncooperative soil can enjoy potatoes, carrots, parsnips and other roots with the Homegrown Gourmet line of Harvest Grow Bags. Besides the root bag, pictured, there's one for herbs and greens, one for tomatoes and an all-purpose bag. The fabric bags are sturdy and reusable. $20 (shown). Available now at online retailers.
Press it: You don't have to live in Greece or Spain to enjoy olive oil within hours of pressing. The majority of olive oil takes between six months and two years to get from field to suburban store shelves. Olive X-Press uses patented technology in a countertop appliance to crush fresh olives ($15 for a 5-pound bag) into the freshest, most nutrient-dense oil to drizzle over salads, pour for bread dipping or infuse with your homegrown herbs. $299. Anticipated availability 2016.
Nuke it: It may be called a Tortilla Warmer on the package, but this flexible, silicone two-piece vented steamer is microwave-ready and does wonders with steaming vegetables and heating up pancakes — and we eat a lot of steamed broccoli and pancakes in my house. $29.99. Available now at national retailers.
Sip it — cold: 18 hours. That's how long beverages will stay cold in Contigo's Glacier 20-ounce hydration bottle. There's a large opening for ice in this stylish, comfortable-to-hold, vacuum-insulated bottle that locks so it won't spill in your car, in your backpack or your briefcase. $17. Available now at national retailers.
Sip it — hot: The ceramic lining is the selling point for the Bubba TasteGuard travel mug. Why ceramic? So acidic coffee and tea don't react with metal and negatively affect the beverage's flavor. It's a coffee snob's dream traveler. 12-ounces $21.99; 16 ounces $25. Available now at national retailers.
Keep it: A carbon packet that fits into the lid counteracts gases that cause produce to wilt and over-ripen in OXO's new line of GreenSaver Produce Keepers. The three-piece units feature a colander insert that allows air circulation, a sliding guard that can limit airflow and a guide to tell you how much airflow is appropriate for the most popular produce. Have turnips or papaya in your GreenSaver? Head to the OXO website for airflow guidance. Filters last 90 days. $14.99 (1.6 quart), $19.99 (4.3 quart); $24.99 (5 quart). Available in April at Bed, Bath and Beyond and specialty kitchen stores.
Fizz it: Turn ordinary tab water into a refreshing quencher with bonne O home carbonation system. The countertop unit features a patented tank-free carbonator to turn infused waters (think lemon-basil or cucumber-lime) into sugar-free sparkling beverages. $149.99. Available this spring at Williams Sonoma and Bed, Bath and Beyond.
Pop it: Microwave popcorn with minimal unpopped kernels is the promise chef'n stands by for its flexible, silicone Pop Top. Fill the inner divot with about 5 tablespoons of your favorite kernels, fold the flaps over and put it in your microwave. As the kernels heat, they pop and the container expands, allowing the early popping kernels to get out of the way so the slower kernels have room to pop. The tabs stay cool for easy opening. $19.99. Available at national retailers.
Bake it: No more guessing where to make your cuts to get 15, 18, or even 36 portions from your 9-by-13-inch pan of brownies. The PerfectSlice nonstick pan has hatch marks along the perimeter. Ingenious, right? The pan was developed by mom Becky Parr who maintains the pan won't warp and is the only pan you'll ever need for sweet and savory treats. It comes with a tool that's great for slicing through chewy brownies. $24.95. Available soon at Bed, Bath and Beyond.