Showstoppers: exciting new products debuted at the Kitchen/Bath Industry Show

Building Products, May-June, 2004 by Stephanie Herzfeld

New products--from brushed nickel faucets to high-performance toilets to faux granite surfacing--crammed each aisle of McCormick Place in Chicago at the 2004 Kitchen/Bath Industry Show in April. Here are just a few of the many show highlights. Take a peel< for inspiration for your clients' homes.

Sharp. The Insight range, the firm's first major appliance introduction, combines a smooth glass cooktop, conventional or convection oven, and a microwave drawer. The 30-inch unit features touchscreen controls, integrated handles, and large viewing windows that conceal the oven and the microwave, The Insight comes in stainless steel, black, and white finishes. 800-237-4277. www.sharpusa.com. Circle 425.

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Hamat. The solid brass Ergo-T pull-down kitchen faucet with ceramic-disc-valve construction has a soft-touch hand spray that diverts from spray to stream while maintaining movement with a 360-degree swivel spout. The faucet, which comes in polished chrome or stainless steel, is available with a choice of a black or matching finish pull-down spray. 866-524-2628. www.hamatusa.com. Circle 426.

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Kohler. Vapour colors glide across fixture surfaces to create a translucent look chat highlights the curves of the units, says the maker. Available on select cast iron products, color choices include light blue, green, orange, indigo, and pink (shown on the Dolce Vita lavatory). Vapour colors can be mixed and matched with other materials to create multi-texture bathrooms 800-456-4537 www.kohlercom Circle 427.

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CaesarStone. Made with semi-precious stones that are imbedded by hand, Concetto quartz surfacing can be used for countertop and vanity applications. The line comes in eight shades ranging from earthy browns to vibrant blues. Stones used in the manufacturing process include rose quartz, turquoise, flint, and more 811-918-2189 www.caesarstone.com. Circle 428.

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Jenn-Air. This professional-grade dual-fuel range combines a gas cooktop with an electric oven, providing users the best-performing energy sources for various cooking needs, claims the maker. Pro-Style ranges come in 30- and 36-inch sizes. Convection wall ovens, freestanding electric ranges, three-rack dishwashers, and wine chillers also are available. 800-688-1100. www.jenn-aircom.

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Maax. Designed with builders in mind, Akers series domeless acrylic showers, tub/showers, bathtubs, and whirlpools have nailing flanges for easy and cost-effective installation; such a feature typically is found only on gel-coat units, claims the maker. Many styles and models are available in the series. 800-463-6229. www.maax.com. Circle 431.

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Sterling. Operated with dual buttons on the tank lid, the Rockton toilet features Dual Force flushing technology that will flush the traditional 1.6 gallons per flush or a meager .8 gallon. The latter flush option, if used regularly, can save a household of four up to 6,000 gallons of water a year as compared with traditional flushing, says the maker. 800-783-7546. www.sterlingplumbing.com. Circle 432.

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Hansgrohe. The traditional look for the Retroaktiv collection of bath and kitchen faucets and accessories recalls automobile designs of the 1950s and 1960s, says the maker. The faucets feature ceramic-disc valves and thermostatic temperature controls and a choice of chrome, polished brass, brushed nickel, polished nickel, and oil-rubbed bronze finishes. 800-719-1000. www.hansgrohe-usa.com. Circle 430.

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Sears. Kenmore and Kenmore Elite refrigerators now are available with high-performance PUR Ultimate filters that remove chlorine taste and odor, lead, cysts, sediment, herbicides, pesticides, chlorination by-products, and gasoline additives from water and ice. A filter indicator light alerts homeowners when it's time to be replaced. 800-349-4358. www.sears.com. Circle 433.

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