By Ed Lowe
Senior writer
Trekking through the 50 acres of exhibits at McCormick Place during the recent International Housewares Show can be a bit daunting. Looking for new, useful, reasonably priced equipment is sometimes mind-boggling. This year, we decided that we would focus on a few household essentials and select what, in our judgment is the “best of the show.”
One of the essential pieces of equipment for every chef is a set of well-made knives—knives that are used for everything from paring fruits to slicing meat and bread. Over the years, knife styles and handles have changed. Many of the manufacturers have found ways to create ergonomic handles that fit comfortably into the chef’s hands. But one thing has remained constant. The world’s best steel knives are produced in the German city of Solingen and the best knives made with that special carbon steel are made by the Hoffritz company. Their knives are the standard by which others are measured.
At the show, hundreds of manufacturers showed pots and pans. Steel, aluminum, and even copper were used in making the various sized utensils. But after checking through the better quality cookware, we settled on the goods made in Pennsylvania by All-Clad. One satisfied customer was Katherine Cooke, a New York homemaker.
“They cook evenly. They feel solid and they’re well-balanced. After we’re through cooking with All-Clad, we find these pots easy to clean. All-Clad LTD equipment does not use non-stick surfaces. I’m not crazy about whatever chemical concoction makes something non-stick and I’d prefer not having to feed it to my family when it starts to flake off,” Cooke said. “All-Clad handles are solid metal yet they don’t burn you when you touch them. I’ve used an All-Clad pan for several years and it still looks great and there’s not a loose fitting on it.”
Among the gadgets we have found to be outstanding, reasonably priced, and essential to a well-managed kitchen is the stainless steel soap-shaped bar called “Wonder Bar.” Distributed by SK Enterprises from Allison Park, PA, this floating bar is used to eliminate fish, garlic and onion odors from hands. No one seems to know how it works, but we have used one for years and find that it is ultimately effective. Simply wash off oils with soap; and then, under running water, rub the Wonder Bar over the hands that have chopped onions and odors disappear.
Naturally, hundreds of appliances are shown at the Housewares Show every year. Some are useful but overpriced, based on their utility to the average householder. An example is an immersion blender that will turn skim milk into whipped cream with the addition of artificial sweetener and a bit of vanilla. Non-fat whipped cream? Yes, but at prices ranging from $150 to $240, enthusiasm for buying the product is seriously dampened.
While the show is not open to the public, it allows buyers and industry officials a chance to introduce new products, view industry trends and provide the best possible array of merchandise to consumers in the year ahead. |
