Time-savers in the kitchen

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Every year, the International Home & Housewares Show reveals thousands of new products for the kitchen. Trends we noted at this year's show: yellow, a kitchen color on the upswing; multitasking tools geared for smaller and/or more value-conscious households; and an industrywide push toward environmentally friendly design. Here are some items that captured our attention; some will not show up in stores and online sites until later this year.

BRING ON THE FRUIT: It zests! It scores! It garnishes! It's the Ultimate Citrus Tool from Microplane (microplane.com or 800-555-2767). This multi-tasking gadget comes in three bright, citrusy colors. The yellow costs $13 in Williams-Sonoma stores now; green and orange will show up in additional retailers in August.

NOT-SO-SILLY SILI: That Sili Thing from William Bounds (wmboundsltd.com or 800-473-0504) is an unobtrusive dual-use silicone gadget (heat-resistant to 500 degrees) that slips between a pan and its lid to help keep the lid in place when draining water, but also to create a small wedge of air to keep soups and stews at an even simmer.

Green Shopper employee Harvey Levinson, center, shows a recycled shopping bag to Cindy Sellers at the International Housewares Show at McCormick Place in Chicago in March 2008.

COOK WITH PAULA: Meyer Corp. (meyer.com) unveiled the Paula Deen Signature Collection of cookware, tools and cutlery that is almost as expansive as Deen's Southern drawl. Favorite items included the swirled cast-iron pans (from $30 for a 10-inch skillet); the pretty yet sturdy speckled enamel-on-steel mixing bowls ($20 for set of three), and an old-fashioned 8-cup percolator ($25). The 85-plus piece collection will appear in September.

CAFFEINE CRAZE: Even the coffee and tea makers bragged of environmental consciousness, noting that their devices use less water and energy and use few to no filters. Still, many of today's popular coffee pods encase single-serve portions in plastic. Bodum's latest incarnation of the French Press traps coffee grounds in a cylindrical filter, instead of in the bottom of the carafe. The newest Chambord will show up on the Web and in stores in June

CHOP TO IT: We liked the efficiency of the hand-powered VeggiChop from Chef'n (chefn.com). This little gizmo has about a 3-cup capacity and works with the pull of a drawstring. It's dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup. $30 in Sur La Table stores; on their Web site in May.

COOK TOTE: A Bakers Sto 'N Go is seen on display at the International Housewares Show at McCormick Place in Chicago, in March 2008.

GOING GREEN: Responding to concerns about the environmental dangers of plastic bags, Perf Go Green Inc. manufactures garbage bags, kitty litter liners and lawn and leaf bags that are 100 percent biodegradable. "The problem we have with landfills is the (plastic) bags don't break down for thousands of years," said Tony Tracy, chairman and CEO. "Our bags can break down in 12 to 24 months, totally disappear." Expect them on discount store shelves

TWO-TIMING TOASTER: The Four-Slice Toastation from Hamilton Beach (hamiltonbeach.com or 800-851-8900) is a combination toaster/toaster oven. The two don't work simultaneously, but the two-in-one, 16 1/4-inch wide appliance will certainly free counter space. Two extra-wide slots on top can accommodate four toast slices or bagel halves; the oven is large enough for a 9-inch pizza. With automatic shut-off. It costs around $40.

Robert Mayerfeld of Tuscan, Ariz., looks at models at the CorningWare display at the International Housewares Show at McCormick Place in Chicago in March 2008.

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BRING ON THE FRUIT: It zests! It scores! It garnishes! It's the Ultimate Citrus Tool from Microplane (microplane.com or 800-555-2767). This multi-tasking gadget comes in three bright, citrusy colors. The yellow costs $13 in Williams-Sonoma stores now; green and orange will show up in additional retailers in August.

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