Kitchen & Bath Design News is the industry's leading business, design and product resource for the kitchen and bath trade.
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Kitchen & Bath Design News readers determine 2016's most-asked-about products. 2016 Top Products anufacturers continually introduce new kitchen and bath prod- ucts to complement their existing lines. Oftentimes, designers first learn about those recently introduced as well as existing products via trade publications, including Kitchen & Bath Design News. In each issue throughout the year, the magazine highlights every- thing from cabinetry and countertops to appliances, hardware, plumbing fixtures and more. At the end of the year, KBDN showcases the products that generated the greatest amount of interest, as determined by tallying reader requests throughout the year. This year, glass surfaces saw plenty of interest, claiming two of the top 10 spots and four of the top 20, while organizational products also garnered attention, including everything from storage solutions to in-drawer outlets that minimize counter clutter. Bath products made a big splash as well, claiming three of the top 10 spots, as well as four more in the top 20. And, if you consider additional space-neutral products, such as countertops; other sur- facing materials including recycled glass and tile; lighting; storage and clutter containment, and vacuum and ventilation systems, baths seem to be top of mind. On this and the following four pages, Kitchen & Bath Design News looks at the 20 most-asked-about products of 2016, decided by you, our KBDN readers. ▪ M 1 IN-DRAWER ELECTRICAL OUTLETS Docking Drawer offers a range of innovative electrical products, including in-drawer electrical outlets. The full array of ETL Listed solutions are patented, simple to specify and offer a way to add movable outlets inside drawers safely, the firm notes. A variety of charge and power solutions are designed to fit all types of cabinets so they can be installed almost anywhere. "We are fortunate to have the right product at the right time, having created a new catego- ry for in-drawer electrical outlets," says Scott Dickey, president. "Technology and bath clutter are overtaking our lives. Most people have two to three devices that require cords for charging. Multiplied by several family members, it's a big mess. Our in-draw- er electrical outlets offer a solution that can create a charging station in the kitchen." Docking Drawer outlets also provide a safe, legal solution for in-drawer power via inte- grated interlocking safety features. Docking Drawer Slim outlets feature a UL Listed circuit breaker that prevents high-power devices from being used while Style Drawer and Style Drawer Flush outlets feature a UL Listed thermostat that cuts power to the outlet if the surrounding temperature exceeds 120 degrees F to minimize risk with devices that are left on when the drawer is closed. Circle No. 155 on Product Card 2 UNIQUE GLASS COUNTERTOPS ThinkGlass offers an array of 100% recyclable custom glass countertops that are durable for indoor and outdoor use, according to the company. Each countertop is unique, with a selection of original and organic hand- crafted textures. Customers can select the thickness, the edge treatment and can even inte- grate artwork into their application. The countertops are naturally resistant to scratches, mold and mildew. Glass is translucent, has brightness and can- not be imitated, says the company. Furthermore, it is non-porous and easy to clean, making it virtually maintenance free and hygienic. Glass can also endure high heat without scorching or cracking and is impossible to stain. "The other interesting feature about glass design is that it may be edge lit to transform an application, giving it an entire floating or ethereal feel," says ThinkGlass' Michel Mailhot. "From a design point of view, the high-end ap- pearance and uniqueness of ThinkGlass applications will be the focal point of any living space." ThinkGlass soft mold technology is a unique process and is open to many applications and creative possibilities, the firm adds. Circle No. 156 on Product Card 44 Kitchen & Bath Design News • December 2016 MOST-ASKED-ABOUT PRODUCTS