-By Joseph Tarnowski

Efficiency could have been the theme of the International Housewares Association’s recent media event, held last month in New York. Whether it’s reducing space, reducing energy consumption or reducing the time it takes to biodegrade, most of the products on display at the tabletop exhibit were designed to make life easier and more comfortable around the home. Below are some highlights from The Gourmet Retailer’s visit to the event.


Cutting it Close
Epicurean cutting surfaces were designed to have all of the best qualities of poly, glass and wood cutting boards in one functional surface, while eliminating the negative properties of the other materials. The cutting surfaces can be used on both sides and are intended to be used every day for improved food preparation. Every design is detailed for functionality in use, cleanup and storage. All styles of Epicurean cutting surfaces include the following features:
• Exclusively manufactured in the United States of America.
• Knife-friendly: Cutting surfaces will not dull knives, so they need less sharpening.
• FSC-certified: Epicurean’s Natural, Slate and RC100 materials are all certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
• Heat-resistant up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit/176 degrees Celsius, so the surface can be used as a trivet without leaving a blemish. (Not microwave-safe and should not be used as cookware.)
• NSF-certified: Backed by the National Sanitary Foundation (NSF), which means they are easy to clean and will not harbor bacteria.
• Dishwasher-safe: Unlike wood and bamboo cutting boards, Epicurean cutting surfaces can be cleaned in the dishwasher.

For more information, call 218-740-3500 or visit www.epicureancs.com.
CLICK VENDOR LINK NO. 410


Coffee 2.0
Convenience is the driving force behind Hamilton Beach’s latest introduction: the Voice Activated 12-Cup Coffeemaker. Users simply press the button, listen to the unit’s pre-programmed questions and verbally respond. Voice setting options include setting the time of day for brewing or just telling it when you want that “wake up” pot of hot coffee. Traditional manual programming can be used with the touch of a button. “The traditional programming function on coffeemakers isn’t always used because many people think it’s too difficult,” states Betty Bryne, consumer test kitchen manager at Hamilton Beach Brands, Inc. “With our voice-activated technology, the consumer is guided through the process, step by step.” Each 12-cup capacity unit features a drip-free carafe to prevent drips and spills, two-hour auto shutoff; auto pause and serve; and a nonstick hot plate. Both the carafe and removable filter basket are dishwasher-safe. For more information, call 800-851-8900 or visit www.hamiltonbeach.com.
CLICK VENDOR LINK NO. 413


Strong and Sexy Sipping
Pacific Cornetta’s new Sof-t line of travel mugs combines stainless steel and silicone materials to create exclusive new designs. The Sof-t’s silicone and stainless steel material combination was developed to offer added comfort for on-the-go sipping while increasing durability. Due to the flexible nature of silicone and the strength of stainless steel, the Sof-t is virtually unbreakable, according to the Tualatin, Ore.-based manufacturer. In addition, the use of silicone allows endless customization options through embossing and debossing logos and patterns. “We wanted to create something new and exciting for our customers. Something that no one else in the industry was doing,” says Alex Liu, president of Pacific Cornetta, Inc. “The Sof-t is functional, comfortable, completely customizable and has a unique new look.” In addition, the Sof-t is dishwasher-safe, 100 percent recyclable and BPA-free, and can be disposed of with minimum impact to the environment. It’s available in a variety of shapes and colors. For more information, call 503-218-5170 or visit www.pacific-cornetta.com.
CLICK VENDOR LINK NO. 416


Naturally Clean
The Flip loofah sponge and Grip Pot Scrubber from Port Chester, N.Y.-based Full Circle harness the power of nature to help clean dishes. The Flip is a sponge and a scrubber in one. It’s made of tough natural loofah on one side and a soft cellulose sponge on the other. It expands to twice its size when wet, and completely biodegrades when composted. The Grip leverages loofah’s natural abrasive properties to remove food from pots and pans; and its handle is made from Bonterra, a plant-based plastic, so it’s completely biodegradable. For more information, call 866-259-0727 or visit www.fullcirclehome.com.
CLICK VENDOR LINK NO. 419


Back to the Grind
Spice Ratchet’s New York Grinder is now available in red for the holiday season. The grinder’s upright mill design was developed to leave no particles on the table after use. Its clear polycarbonate material body allows users to see the contents inside and the silicone base cap avoids scratches on dining tables, while sliding easily. The ratchet function of the ceramic mechanism works easily for right- and left-handed consumers. The grinder, which retails for $12, can be used with a variety of ingredients, such as herb mixes, sea salt, coffee beans, flaxseed and cinnamon chips. For more information, call 866-568-0938 or visit www.spiceratchet.com.
CLICK VENDOR LINK NO. 411

Industry News
Nordic Ware Expands
Minneapolis-based kitchenware products manufacturer Nordic Ware has expanded its St. Louis Park manufacturing facility by 60,000 square feet to accommodate customer demand.

“Our Nordic Ware brand is known for quality and durability,” says David Dalquist, CEO of Nordic Ware. “We believe that our American-made products offer customers a better value and last longer, in part because Nordic Ware places great emphasis on quality assurance, which we are better able to control [by] manufacturing here in the U.S. We also believe that the infrastructure in our country assures the environmental impact of manufacturing is significantly less here than overseas.”

Family-owned Nordic Ware has been manufacturing kitchenware products in Minnesota for more than 63 years. Known for its Bundt pans, which it created, it also produces a complete line of conventional cookware, ovenware, bakeware, indoor/outdoor barbecue cookware and specialty kitchenware.

For more information about Nordic Ware, call 952-924-8601 or visit www.nordicware.com.


Great Grilling
Rosle’s new three-piece stainless BBQ Tool Set consists of 16-inch Locking Tongs, the Barbeque Fork and the Barbeque Turner, and is warranted to last a lifetime, even if used in all weather conditions and seasons. The tools are made of 18/10 stainless steel for performance and visual appeal. The 16-inch locking tongs feature a one-handed locking mechanism so the tongs close for convenient storage and open with just a squeeze. All of the tools feature stainless steel handles and the Rosle trademark style of blending finishes to give both contour and depth to the product. The tools come boxed for easy gifting; MSRP: $79. For more information, call 302-326-4801 or visit www.Rosleusa.com.
CLICK VENDOR LINK NO. 414


Boiling Point
The SmartKettle from Avondale, Pa.-based Chef’sChoice was designed to quickly heat water to either boiling or precise temperatures ideal for preparing sensitive teas such as green and white. And while it heats water faster than a microwave or stove top, it uses less than half the energy compared to an electric stove top. Advanced electronics and a smart microcomputer control heat to a desired temperature accurate to 1 degree Fahrenheit; and the “Keep Warm” mode maintains the temperature until it’s ready to pour. Each unit features stainless steel construction, a concealed heating element and a 360-degree swivel cordless design. For more information, call 800-342-3255 or visit www.chefschoice.com.
CLICK VENDOR LINK NO. 417