The International Home and Housewares Show hosted a preview highlighting some of the trends and products we can look forward to seeing this year in Chicago. Besides the usual mix of ergonomic kitchen gadgets, new technologies in home appliances, and green solutions for everyday tasks, we saw some interesting trends in the area of product design and usability. In the kitchen storage category, stackability and space saving design were keys to improving everything from Microplane graters to collapsible nesting bowls and stackable water bottles. My favorite lunchbox product, the Glasslock line of airtight, leakproof and stackable food storage containers now comes in an ovenproof version from Snapware. Ceramic knives continue to be on trend with companies like Cuisinart throwing their hat into the ring at a friendly price point with a break resistant technology that's new to the market.
Check out some more interesting products from this year's IHHS 2011 preview and stay tuned for some fun coverage at the upcoming March show.
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