KBIS 2012 - Best of Show Coverage

I didn't get to Chicago this year for NKBA's annual Kitchen & Bath Industry Show.  (Can't get to everything!) That doesn't mean you miss out on KBIS coverage.  No way!


Every year, an expert panel names Best of KBIS Awards for the most innovative products at the event.  There is also a People's Choice award.  I just emailed that winner to a kitchen client for whom it might be perfect.  I'll likely specify it in numerous projects.  


These are the 2012 winners I'd rate as "Molten Gold" candidates:

Best of Show 

Segmented Cooktop: Gas/Griddle/Induction 
Bertazzoni 

Press Release Copy:  Bertazzoni sets the new standard in surface cooking flexibility with its new Design Series Segmented cooktops. Housed in a sleek and sophisticated low-profile stainless steel frame, these new 36” cooktops are available in six combinations of gas, electric griddle and induction to perfectly match your own style of cooking. 


Molten Gold Perspective: Here's something for everyone: a cooktop that delivers the best of everything in one 36" cooktop. It offers performance and flexibility, as you can choose the combination that works best for your cooking need. Brava, Bertazzoni! 

Best Green Product 

MotionSense Faucets 
Moen 

Press Release Copy: MotionSense™ from Moen provides an intuitive, hands-free kitchen faucet experience that responds to users’ simple hand movements to activate water flow. There are three ways to turn on faucets with MotionSense: The Wave Sensor at the top of the faucet, the Ready Sensor near the base of the faucet that identifies when an object is placed beneath the spout, and the handle on the side of the faucet offers traditional manual operation. 


Molten Gold Perspective: I love hands-free faucets for their water-savings, reduction of germ spread and convenience. When you've got a pot or a pet to wash, you may not have a free hand. I'm glad to see another brand introduce hands-free capability to the kitchen! 

People’s Choice Award 

U-Socket Wall Outlet with Built-in USB Ports 
FastMac 

Press Release Copy: U-Socket is an AC receptacle with built-in USB ports that can power any device that is capable of being charged via USB, including iPods, iPhones and iPads. Designed to replace a traditional wall outlet, U-Socket eliminates the clutter of AC Adapters that stick out & take up space. Enjoy the convenience of a charger built right into the wall! U-Socket is also eco-friendly thanks to its 5-star energy efficient design that auto-senses wattage and only outputs full power if something is connected to it.  

Molten Gold Perspective: This is definitely a product I see myself specifying in numerous upcoming kitchen and bath projects. Just about all of my clients have smart phones and tablets. This innovative outlet handles both, and has a sensor to reduce wasted energy aka vampire drain.  FYI, it will also charge your Kindle, digital camera or gaming device, as long as they have USB ports.

Rest of the Best

You can find out about the rest of the winning products on the KBIS 2012 site.  There are some great goods on there from some of the best in our business.