Kitchen Gadgets
at the Cutting Edge

Mix space-age materials with new technology, add a dash of foreign flavor, ladle on a glossy sheen of marketing magic, and before you know it, you’ve got a revolution in the kitchen. “We’re selling products that were only offered to professionals a few years ago,” said Stephen Havlek, owner of Sign of the Bear. “The price of stainless steel has dropped so low that now everything is available in stainless steel.”

Havlek probably knows more about cookware than anyone in Sonoma. Wander through his store and you’ll find a cornucopia of kitchen products – from snow cone makers (a very hot item now) to imported pasta slicers. “Imported products are very popular. People like the style and unique cooking techniques they offer.” According to Havlek, the use of advanced materials is making the biggest impact. “Heat resistant silicon is being used in potholders and spatulas; it’s really changing the way we cook.”
Havlek holds up what looks to be a crystal wine glass.

“And this glass is made from titanium. It’s possible to break it, but it’s not easy. Those are just a few examples of how the industry keeps coming up with new, innovative products that make cooking better, easier and more fun.”

HOT HEADS
Got hot stuff coming out? Then slip your mitts into these insulated mutts. The silicon coated mouths protect while putting a smile on the face. Hot Heads come in dog and frog styles. $10.50 Available at www.shopFosters.com

THE AERO GARDEN
Give your Chia pet the boot and say hello to Aero Garden — a fully automated self-watering, self-feeding farmer’s market for the kitchen. Press a button and Aero Garden will grow everything needed for a scrumptious salad. NASA proven technology grows vegetables up to five times faster than in soil and with no dirt or weeds. $149.95 to $199.95 Available at www.kitchenkapers.com

VENUS AUTOMATIC WINE BOTTLE OPENER
Finally! The cure for wine country elbow – you know, the tingling sensation you get after uncorking one-too-many? Now, you can let Venus do the heavy lifting. Simply rest the opener on the neck of the bottle, flick the switch and it will extract the cork. Flick the switch again and it will spit the cork out. The Venus opener is capable of de-corking 40 bottles on a single charge. $49.99 Available from www after5.com

GRIDDLER
In 1973, Cuisinart brought the food processor to the kitchens of America. Today, it is the 500-pound gorilla of the kitchen industry, dominating the market with cutting-edge products like Griddler. With four separate cooking options, Griddler cooks everything from pancakes to panini and in less time. $79.95 Available at: www.cuisinart.com

IMPRESSA Z6
Cappuccino, Latte, hot chocolate, espresso – whatever Starbucks can do, the Impressa can do, too, and with just a press of a button. The Impressa completely automates the process: beans are ground, cold milk is transformed into hot, and high pressure water is forced through ground coffee. All you need do is pick up your cup and enjoy, while Impressa automatically discards the used coffee grounds. Priced up to $3,599 Available at: Sign of The Bear.