A ceramic heater, flexible silicone beakers, and a paper bakeware line were honored as the Best of the Best during the 2012 Housewares Design Awards gala luncheon and ceremony last Wednesday in New York.
The Best of the Best honorees were among the 12 Best in Category award winners presented. The 2012 Green House Award winner for eco-responsible housewares design was also honored.
The Stadler Form Anna Heater from Swizz Style Inc. was named Best of the Best — Gold. The Anna Heater received top honors in part for its sleek appearance and a process that ensures the white paint on the heater doesn't turn yellow, even after being exposed to heat.
Best of the Best — Silver: SleekStor Pinch+Pour Beakers from Chef'n Corp. The SleekStor beakers feature the company's Pinch+Pour technology, offering a flexible silicone form that can be pinched to create a pour spout, coupled with a sturdy nylon core that helps the beakers retain their shape.
Best of the Best — Bronze: went to Welcome Home Brands' Paper Bakeware. The Welcome Home line offers decorative, oven-safe paper bakeware in freestanding forms that let users pour batter directly into the bakeware and place directly into the oven.
Twelve "Best in Category" winners were presented during the 2012 Housewares Design Awards gala:
- Cookware & Bakeware: Welcome Home Brands — Paper Bakeware
- Countertop Cooking & Beverage Appliances: Jura Capresso Inc. — Jura Impressa J9 One Touch TFT
- Countertop Food Prep Appliances: Cuisinart — Blend and Cook Soupmaker
- Countertop Kitchenware: Joseph Joseph Inc. — No-Spill Mill Electric Salt and Pepper Mill with Closing Base
- Cutlery: Robert Welch Co. — Robert Welch Signature Range
- Floor Care & Cleaning Appliances: Electrolux Home Care Products Inc. — Electrolux Nimble
- Gadgets & Kitchen Tools: Chef'n Corp. — SleekStor Pinch+Pour Beakers
- Home Environment Appliances: Swizz Style Inc. — Stadler Form Anna Fan Heater
- Home Organization, Laundry Care & Non-Electric Cleaning: Cool Gear International Inc. — Go Gear Travel Tubes
- Home & Outdoor Decor: Nambe — Elbow Frame, 5x7
- Personal, Health & Garment Care: Spectrum Brands Inc. — Remington Pro Power Series Haircut & Beard Trimmer
- Tableware, Serveware & Beverageware: Black + Blum — Lunch Pot
- This year's Green House Design Award winner is the Fresh Air Odor-Free Kitchen Compost Collector from Full Circle Home.
The product submission and judging process is managed exclusively by the International Housewares Association. Products judged were introduced to the U.S. market between Oct. 1, 2010, and Sept. 30, 2011. No prototypes were allowed.
The 2012 Housewares Design Awards are presented by Homeworld Business, with sponsorship by The Gourmet Housewares Show at NYIGF, Whitford Corp. and Gourmet Insider magazine.
