After five days of exploring the 2019 International Home and Housewares Show, I can honestly tell you that I still love going to this show! With more than 60,000 attendees and 2,200 exhibitors, there is so much to see and learn about. The show is held at Chicago’s McCormick Place Convention Center in three of its enormous halls.
What never ceases to amaze me is the creativity of products shown. Yes, all the major brands are there but so are small, soon-to-be-well-known (in my opinion) companies from all over the world. If you have ever wondered how a product comes to life, consider that someone had a need and made it happen.
Like Get It Right, a company owned and operated by a female entrepreneur who was frustrated with the way her spatulas broke while in use in her kitchen. So, she designed a line of silicone products that resolved her issue and so many of our complaints with kitchen tools. Last year, I was introduced to GIR’s ladles. You never stop to think about all the ways you use this kitchen tool and what you might want it to do beyond its original purpose. But GIR founder, Samantha, and her team thankfully did! Try it yourself and you will see what I mean!
With all the eco initiatives, many brands have designed silicone re-usable straws instead of plastic. GIR even has a carrying case and cleaner for the straw to throw in your bag. They also have created stretch lids for round or rectangular containers. These are the perfect solution to not having to battle with plastic wrap. They are reusable and stretch to fit your bowls.
That last portion of any bottle that you simply can’t reach, can now be used, thanks to Flip It’s stand.
When it comes to top quality cutting boards, John Boos is what you want to keep your knives sharp. While they are also known for their wood kitchen islands, they are now making these stunning dining tables for home or restaurant use.
Technology is everywhere! A new pop up shop called b8ta is a showroom of tech gadgets. Such innovative ideas.
Oxo has some very useful products to share as you would expect. In the canister, there is a scoop that is attached to the lid of the container. Smart! An asparagus peeler to get rid of the woody ends rather than snapping the stalk. Children’s bowls that adhere to their tray so no flying plates.
Had specialty coffee from IMUSA. Finished with brown sugar and steamed milk. Delicious!
Excitement surrounded KitchenAid as it celebrated it’s 100 year anniversary. New products, classic favorites and current models all on display. Technology plays a part in their kitchen tools.
Impress your guests with Hasselback potatoes using this slicer from LeKUE. So easy to make and everyone loves them. Make your own bagels and add Everything Spices to the top.
Silicone is everywhere at the show with so many brands making what was once plastic into a more eco friendly option.
This super innovative brand of gadgets from Dreamfarm comes up with new ideas each time I see them. The purpose and design is well made and the colors are very fun!
Last year, I shared how SMEG collaborated with Dolce and Gabbana to design these kitchen appliances. Here are some new pieces to enjoy. Quite the art work for the kitchen!
The most well loved American made brand of cast iron cookware, Lodge, has created new pieces. Check out their Chef Collection for the noteworthy details. They also have many accessories to make using and carrying for this cookware easy.
Walking through French cookware manufacturer, Le Creuset, you notice that the new colors are softer shades. Le Creuset’s spring 2019 color palette is called “The New Calm” and includes four tranquil shades: Meringue, Sea Salt, Fig, and Coastal Blue. Each one of the new colors is fresh and neutral.
A few more pieces from Le Creuset:
- A rice cooker was brought back due to demand
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4) Metallic cups
Bialetti, known for their stovetop espresso machines brings us stackable non-stick cookware and their popular pasta pot in stainless steel. Note that stainless is coming this Fall.
I first saw these adorable faces from Tassen Fiftyeight several years ago at the National Restaurant Show before it was formally in the U.S. I am thrilled to see their growth. Fun, filled with personality and purpose. Each design is a conversation piece whether bowls, cups and saucers or pitchers.
A vase that caught my eye for it’s beauty and usefulness is by a brand called Sagaform. This vase is pretty on it’s own. But, it can also accommodate tall floral arrangements by lifting the gold decorative piece so your flowers won’t droop. Such a great idea for a gift!
This list could go on and on as I found so many intriguing items. I will leave you with the following photo. After approximately 15,000 steps a day (times 5 days!), I’d like to thank Trumedic for saving my feet. This foot massage ended the show on a relaxing note.
See you next year, International Home and Housewares Show!
