The population of downtown Chicago has swelled by an additional 60,000 people thanks to the attendees of the International Home and Housewares Show at the McCormick convention center. This trade event features a sneak peak of the newest consumer lifestyle and product trends for all areas of the home.
BehindTheBuy.com shows us some highlights from the show’s most popular product categories.

Berghoff Cookware – 10pc Ceramic Non-Stick Cookware Set

The Berghoff Earthchef Acadian 10 Piece Ceramic Non-Stick Cookware collection includes: 9 1/2″ x 5 1/2″ covered casserole, 8 3/4″ x 4 1/4″ covered saucepan with helper, 8″ x 3 3/4″ covered saucepan, 7″ x 3 1/4″ covered saucepan, and 11 3/4″ x 2 2/3″ deep skillet. The All Natural Ceramic non-stick coating that is naturally 6 times stronger than any traditional non-stick coating, and does not contain toxic or hazardous materials like petroleum based coatings. Color: blue/grey interior and black exterior. Body is 3 mm (1 1/4″) aluminum with a practical pouring rim. Material handle is a solid cast stainless steel handle that is double riveted. All Berghoff includes a LIFETIME limited warranty.Single Cookware pieces prices start at around $50; http://www.earthchef.com

The Romertopf Clay Pot by RECO International

The Romertopf clay pot by RECO International is perfect for quickly preparing healthy, high-quality meals for two to four people. This versatile 4- to 6-pound 3-quart-capacity clay pot may be used for a wide variety of foods, from soups and stews to desserts and breads. The baker is made of porous clay that is unglazed inside and out, which allows it to “breathe” during the cooking process. Soaking the baker in water before baking allows it to create and maintain moisture that cooks recipes to perfection, while preventing flavors and nutrients from escaping. The pot should be placed inside a cool oven and then the temperature should be set, allowing the oven and baker to heat up gradually. Sudden temperature changes should be avoided. The handsomely embossed terra-cotta baker easily moves from the oven or microwave to the table for use as an attractive serving piece. Dishwasher-safe clay and available in many sizes. Starting at $40; www.reco.com

The Emile Henry Tagine

The new olive and fig colors make this Moroccan inspired casserole dish, with a flat bottom and a teepee style tall lid a festive piece of cookware. This Tagine is 12.5inch in diameter and holds nearly 4qts of food and amply serves 6 people. The tagine is not only a sensational serving dish that is sized perfectly for a dining room table; it is a high performing cooking vessel. The Emile Henry Tagine is made from an innovative ceramic technology that is remarkably hard and flame-proof so it can be used directly on a heat source or stovetop, for browning meats and vegetables and then can be placed in the oven for a gentle, flavor-producing simmer. The traditional Tagine lid allows the steam to rise, condense on the walls and then moisten the food below. The Flame-Top Tagine’s direct heat tolerance is so high that it, unlike many Tagines, can sit on a very hot open flame, empty, for an extended period of time and it won’t crack, discolor or break. Most ceramic Tagines are used for serving only and can’t be placed on a stovetop. The Emile Henry Tagine is lighter in weight then cast iron Tagines of similar size and far more durable then other ceramic or terra cotta Tagines. The glazed surface cleans up easily and quickly in the sink or dishwasher. A team of potters make each piece by hand, using all natural ingredients. Retails for $165; http://www.emilehenryusa.com

Rising Roller

The Rising Roller is a sturdy, wheeled laundry hamper that takes the strain out of transporting laundry and supplies from closet to washer, and back again. Building on the innovation of wheeled luggage, the Rising Roller will eliminate laundry-day hassles for anyone struggling to get clothes and supplies to the laundry room or to a remote laundry facility. The telescoping handle adjusts to three different lengths. Once the handle is extended, you can wheel the Rising Roller just as you would a dolly or hand truck. The deep center holds three loads of laundry. Use the generous side pockets for supplies and the mesh pockets for coins. Available in two colors: Denim Blue and Khaki Green. $99; www.risingroller.com

The CoffeeStack by YouCopia Products

The compact CoffeeStack by YouCopia Products measures just over 5 inches wide and fits in all standard kitchen cabinets. Four drawers hold a total of 40 K-Cups, making the CoffeeStack the highest-capacity K-Cup organizer on the market. To use, simply pull the drawer out until it’s extended and lower it to resting position at eye-level. Because all the K-Cups labels face out, it’s easy to select the coffee of choice. Refill with new K-Cups as needed by dropping each pod into an empty holder. The patent-pending CoffeeStack’s black and silver colors match the most popular coffee machine models. No assembly is required and units are stackable. $30; www.coffeestack.com

The iTouchless Touchless Toilet Seat

The iTouchless Touchless Toilet Seat has 2 built-in sensors that detect the presence of an occupant and automatically lift the lid cover and seat for use. The seat and cover will close automatically 1 minute after you walk away, preventing toilet-related accidents and aerosols from spreading through the air. It retrofits most standard toilets with a simple D.I.Y installation. $130 (Available May 2011); www.itouchless.com

Everloc Suction Cup System/Fixtures

The Everloc Suction Cup System’s patented technology allows it to adhere to more surfaces (even textured surfaces), for longer periods of time and holds more weight. The Everloc’s suction cup has a patented silicone rim around the perimeter of the cup that creates a tighter seal. The silicone rim combined with the rubber suction cup and the unique locking system gives serious staying power (holds up to 10 lbs. per suction cup). No tools, hardware or drilling needed and it can be removed and reapplied as many times as needed! The weight capacity of the Everloc system combined with the multiple surface application (adheres to any non-porous surface) makes larger shelves and bath accessories possible without the need for drilling, tools or permanent attachment to your surfaces. Prices start at $15; www.everloc.com

Keurig Elite Single Serve Brewing System

The Elite Brewing System brews a perfect cup of coffee, tea, hot cocoa or iced beverage in under one minute at the touch of a button. With the choice of two cup sizes, the Elite brewer offers a removable drip tray to accommodate travel mugs. Includes a bonus variety box of 12 K-Cups.
Automatic
Choice of 2 cup sizes (8 oz. and 10 oz.)
Removable 48 oz. water reservoir
Quiet-Brew Technology
Energy Savings Mode – Auto Off
$120; www.keurig.com

Cuisinart PerfecTemp Cordless Programmable Kettle

The Cuisinart PerfecTemp Cordless Programmable Kettle is operated solely using the one-touch controls on its handle that offer six preset settings: Delicate, Green, White, Oolong, French Press and Black. The Keep Warm, Start and Open controls are located on the handle as well, and all controls have blue LED indicators. Also, the 1.7-liter kettle has a 2 minute memory feature that allows it to be removed from the base without shutting off or interrupting the brewing process. In addition, Cuisinart’s kettle has 1500 watts of power for fast heat-up, auto shutoff and boil dry protection $100; www.cuisinart.com

Cuisinart Soup Maker & Blender

The Cuisinart Soup Maker & Blender cooks and blends ingredients for homemade soups and also works as a blender for sauces, dips, smoothies and crushing ice. This is a very popular product in the U.K. and only just became available here. It is currently exclusive to Williams-Sonoma, and will be available at other retailers nationally in June. The thermal shock resistant blender jar holds up to 48 oz of hot liquids and 56 oz of cold liquids. It delivers 900 watts of power, push-button digital controls for setting cooking time (sautéing, simmering and boiling) and temperature. The easy-to-read LED 30-minute countdown timer, 4 blending speeds, pulse and stir function make are all features designed to offer ease of use and convenience. An internal heater to ensure soup is kept at optimum temperature. $199; www.cuisinart.com

The Quick Pop Maker from Zoku

The Quick Pop Maker from Zoku promises to become a popular choice for dessert and snack time fun for kids and adults alike. Use yogurt, frozen fruit, juice or milk and cream as a base; then personalize the pops with your favorite flavors and ingredients. With a bit of creativity, anyone can make frozen pops decorated with stripes, stars or hearts, and then add a sprinkle of cookie crumbs or chocolate nibs to create a personalized pop that is as much fun to make as to eat. Simply store the base in the freezer so the Quick Pop Maker will be ready to make pops at a moment’s notice. Just insert the reusable pop sticks, add chilled ingredients, and then watch it freeze. Whether it’s rainbow stripes, heart-shaped fruit bites, nuts or sprinkles, it is easy to create a festive one-of-a-kind creation. A handy Super Tool makes it easy to remove finished pops, and Drip Guards ensure no drop will go uneaten. The Quick Pop Maker offers a space-saving design (8 by 4½ by 4½ inches), comes with six reusable sticks, six reusable drip guards and one Super Tool. The entire set is BPA and phthalate free. $49.95; www.zokuhome.com

Amco Clean Glide Corn Desilker

The Clean Glide Corn Desilker removes stubborn silk from ears of corn.
It’s easy to use: Simply center brush and gently slide down ear of corn; repeat as needed. Top shelf dishwasher safe. $7 (Availability: March 2011); www.focuspg.com

Talking Timerz

Talking Timerz are hilarious kitchen timers that talk, sometime sing and always makes you smile! Each Talking Timerz has 5-6 humorous and irreverent lines to get your attention! Talking Timerz are the brainchild of Tom and Lori Pappas who see unlimited humorous possibilities in their lives and with similar personal products that can add zest to our everyday world. $20; www.talkingtimerz.com

Casabella Flip Silicone Measuring Cup Set

Casabella introduces new measuring cups to its Gourmet collection of kitchen products. Like all of the Casabella silicone kitchen items, the Flip measuring cups are made from the highest quality, BPA-free, FDA and European Grade Silicone. The flexibility of the silicone makes these cups ideal for measuring sticky foods such as peanut butter and shortening. They are easy to clean, store or display. The Flip measuring cups are colorful and asymmetrical. The One-Cup Measuring Cup is designed to be turned-over, as one would turn over an hourglass. The Flip Measuring Cup Set is comprised of three of these modern hourglass style cups (2 in 1). Each cup turns over and becomes a different measuring cup, making six in all. The tablespoon flips to a teaspoon, the quarter cup flips to a half cup, the third cup flips to two-thirds cup. $20 for the measuring cup set; www.casabella.com

MUkitchen Kitchen Textiles

Style, sass, and the highest quality kitchen textiles at a price you can afford!…That’s the mantra at MUkitchen as they unveil their new products for 2011. This year, the product line’s focus is to offer chic colors, value pricing, stylish design, while maintaining hi-quality.
New Offerings Include:
Ultimate Magnetic Apron + towel set
Heat Resistant Mitt
City Collection Aprons with built in towels and coordinating 17 inch mitt
Mucloth with built in scrubber
Mutowel
Bamboo Cloth & Towel
Ultimate Magnetic Apron + towel set
Heat Resistant Mitt
City Collection Aprons with built in towels and coordinating 17 inch mitt
Mucloth with built in scrubber
Mutowel
Bamboo Cloth & Towel
Ultimate Magnetic Apron + towel set
Heat Resistant Mitt
City Collection Aprons with built in towels and coordinating 17 inch mitt
Mucloth with built in scrubber
Mutowel
Bamboo Cloth & Towel
Prices Range from $5-$25; www.mukitchen.com