
Component Design Northwest showcased the Grill Surface Thermometer that is designed to sit directly on any cooking surface from a grill's rack to a frying pan or griddle. The innovative thermometer that has a temperature range of 150 to 700 degrees F measures two inches in diameter, and features easy-to-read digits. A color-coded target range indicator makes it easy to read the temperature -- beige denotes measurements below 450 degrees and red highlights temperatures 450 degrees and above. The thermometer is made with a durable laboratory glass lens that is shatterproof and heat resistant, too. It retails for a suggested price of $6.49. For more information, call 800-338-5594.
Starmoon Limited presented electronic kitchen scales with extra features for cooking perfect eggs. The three-in-one EggXact kitchen scale is a high-precision kitchen scale that weighs up to two kilos and is accurate to one gram. The scale has an extra-loud electronic kitchen timer and calculates exact cooking time for eggs. The compact, contemporary scale weighs in grams or ounces. For more information, e-mail info@starmoon.biz, or visit www.ipiltd.biz.

Leifheit debuted an assortment of kitchen gadgets and equipment, including a stainless steel roll holder, a salad spinner, a food chopper, a digital timer, an apple corer, and a carafe. The large-capacity salad spinner features an easy-pull cord that remains tangle free and activates a powerful right-to-left rotation to thoroughly dry salad greens and herbs. Available in August, it will retail for $24.99. For more information, call 866-MYLEIFHEIT (695-3434), or visit www.leifheitusa.com.
The Spice Device from Dynamic Designs makes measuring a joy, as it accurately measures with the twist of a wrist. It screws on the top of standard spice jars and fits into standard spice racks. It measures one-fourth, one-half, or one teaspoon; pours; and sprinkles. Available in five colors -- red, green, blue, black, and white, it has a see-through cap to monitor your measurement and is also available in a three-spice gift pack. For more information, call 310-326-9500, or visit www.spicedevice.com.
Taylor Precision Products unveiled their new Connoisseur Line of thermometers. The line broadens their offerings in the gourmet market and provides consumers with products that are safe, fast, dependable, easy to use, and look great. The line includes nine thermometers for use in oven-grill, meat, beverages, and candy. The Instant Read Thermometer combines precision accuracy with the fast response that chefs crave. The ergonomic design includes a large one-inch dial that provides effortless temperature reading, a sleeve with a textured grip for easy handling, and colored accents for a touch of style. It is available for a suggested retail price of $16. For more information, call 630-954-1250.

Spices are ground to perfection with the line of Zassenhaus Spice Grinders from Frieling. The mills feature a high-performance, two-stage grinding mechanism and offer infinite settings from powder fine to extra coarse, along with extreme accuracy. The harder-than-steel ceramic grinding mechanism resists wear and tear and will not rust. The Zassenhaus mills come in various sizes and designs, including brushed stainless steel, wood, and acrylic. For more information, call 800-827-2582.

William Bounds Ltd. has upgraded one of mankind's oldest culinary tools, the mortar and pestle, making it more efficient and easier to use. The new Grate Bowl features a patented system of grooves that quickly crushes ingredients and releases essential oils. The Grate Bowl is also the first mortar and pestle from the company to have a no-slip black or red silicone band around the base to prevent slipping on countertops while grinding or pulverizing. Made of vitrified porcelain, the Grate Bowl is hard and non-porous and will not stain or absorb flavors. Dishwasher safe, it will become available for shipment July 2005. It retails for a suggested price of $19.99. For more information, call 800-473-0504, or visit www.wmboundsltd.com.
HotSpot introduced their newest silicone kitchen tool -- thefoodloop. Designed by Fusionbrands and available through Lamson and Goodnow, the versatile tool may be used anywhere someone would use butcher's twine, kitchen string, toothpicks, or trussing pins. Non-stick and heat resistant to 675 degrees F, it won't scratch non-stick surfaces or stick to foods and is reusable. The tool cleans up easily in soapy water or in the dishwasher. For more information, call 800-872-6564, or visit www.thefoodloop.com.
Silvermark formally introduced their new Complete Prep Mortar and Pestle Dressing Bowl. The product has a porcelain base with a stainless steel shaker lid that contains a grater plate, a draining spout, and a measuring cup. The set also includes a pestle. The base functions as a conventional mortar and pestle, but due to its design, also serves as a decorative tabletop dish or dressing bowl. The martini-style lid functions as a strainer or a watertight cover for the bowl. The lid's top is also a calibrated measuring cup. The suggested retail price is $44.99. For more information, call 212-535-4540.