Kitchen Essentials We Love

Each Flex-It silicone bowl has a rim that forms a spout when squeezed, great for precise, easy pouring. The bowl's textured bottom grips the countertop. Microwavable and dishwasher-safe, red bowls ($49 for three) come in 1-, 2-, and 3-quart capacities. Williams-Sonoma; 877/812-6235; williams-sonoma.com

This 12-cup digital programmable coffeemaker boasts a 1,300-watt heater for fast brew time. The unit's oversize, French-press-style filter holds more grounds for richer flavor. Functions include pause-and-serve. GE's model 169209 sells for $39 at Walmart stores or walmart.com.

The Easy Find Lids food storage system helps you get organized. Lids snap together and to the bottom of the containers they fit. Graduated containers nest to maximize drawer or cupboard space. The 40-piece set (7K20) shown costs about $20. Rubbermaid; 866/271-9249; rubbermaid.com

Fun and functional, the Jasmine Block features a maple butcher-block top on a base available in 11 paint colors, such as Sporty Blue and Basil Green. A drawer and shelf adds storage. The work table comes in 24-, 36-, and 48-inch widths ($699-$1,099). John Boos & Co.; 888/431-2667; johnboos.com

Home water coolers are now easy to use and easy on the eyes. Five bottom-loaded models mean no lifting and flipping of heavy bottles. Models range from $99-$200 for stainless-steel versions that match other appliances. Primo Water; 866/429-7566; primowater.com

Using a battery-powered sensor, this pump automatically dispenses soap or hand sanitizer, helping to prevent the spread of germs. Just place your hand underneath the spout. A volume dial controls flow. In black or white, it costs about $30. Simplehuman USA; 888/988-8880; simplehuman.com

Gel-filled anti-fatigue floor mats move from the restaurant kitchen to your kitchen. Especially comfortable on hard flooring such as tile, stone, or concrete, the mats relieve back pain, leg pain, and arthritis-related pain. Choose from several colors and styles in sizes from 20x36 inches to 36x144 inches, priced from about $150. GelPro; 866/435-6287; gelpro.com

Cook for a crowd with these vintage-style enamel-on-steel pieces with chip-resistant stainless-steel rims. From the Paula Deen Signature line, the 12-quart stockpot costs $40 and the colander costs $25. Meyer Corp.; 800/214-8369; meyer.com

Hands messy? With Touch2O, just tap anywhere on the spout or handle to turn water on or off. (It works manually, too.) The pull-down spray head clicks back in place automatically. The Pilar faucet costs $495-$547, depending on finish. Delta Faucet Co.; 800/345-3358; deltafaucet.com

Digital timers from Taylor are compact but sport extra-large 1.6-inch LCD readouts. Each counts up and down to 99 minutes, 59 seconds. Hang it with a built-in magnet or use the display stand. Available starting November 1, item 648774 comes in six colors and costs $10 each. Sur La Table; 800/243-0852; urlatable.com

A country kitchen (or small space) classic, this solid wood plate rack keeps dinnerware and linens accessible and on display. Sold in antique pine or antique black, item 32453 measures 29 1/2 inches wide and costs about $130. Plow & Hearth; 800/627-1712; plowandhearth.com

Woven bamboo dish towels show that green design comes in many colors. The 16x24-inch towels (about $10) are bacteria-resistant and ultraabsorbent, and they soften with each wash. Mukitchen; 866/544-2224; mukitchen.com

This 6-quart digital slow cooker operates on 200 watts, so it's 25 percent more efficient than conventional models. Set the time and temperature or use one of eight cooking programs. A locking lid tops the nonstick, dishwasher-safe insert. GE's model 169200 sells for $39.88 at Walmart stores or at walmart.com.

Using toggle bolts, Rack It Up ceiling-mount pot racks install in any spot on a drywall ceiling -- no need to find a joist or stud. One of five models ($50-$100) in steel with a silver-gray powder-coat finish, this is the Ceiling Bar. Enclume Design Products; 877/362-5863; enclume.com

Inspired by the shape of sake bottles, this set of Pourable Canisters (KTH-1246, about $40) includes 1.5-, 1.75-, and 2-quart sizes. The wide opening eases filling, and the snap-on cap helps you dispense with less mess. The see-through base lets you see when you're running low. Polder; 800/431-2133; polder.com

The 5x8-inch Page digital scale ($40) fits in a shallow drawer or on end between your cookbooks, yet it measures up to 9 pounds, 14 ounces in 1-gram or .5-ounce increments. Orange (shown) is one of seven colors on tempered glass. Soehnle brand, through Leifheit USA; 866/695-3434; leifheitusa.com

Now it's easy to see and reach your favorite dried herbs and spices. This epoxy-coated-steel rack (item #8020, about $13) installs on a wall cabinet shelf. Just pull it down while cooking. All mounting hardware included. Rubbermaid; 866/271-9249; rubbermaid.com

This recycling bin is stylish enough to leave in the center of your kitchen, where it will get the most use. The pedal-operated unit (about $180) holds two color-coded buckets and has a fingerprint-proof stainless-steel finish. Simplehuman USA; 888/988-8880; simplehuman.com

GripperBoards feature dozens of gripping feet on the underside to create a stable, nonslip food-prep area. The colorful polypropylene material is dishwasher-safe and won't absorb odors. The 11x14-inch boards sell for $15-$17. Architec Housewares; 800/659-9786; architecproducts.com

Make healthy, budget-friendly smoothies and shakes in this Single-Serve Blender with travel lid. Its 14-ounce container is made for quick and easy clean-up and fits most car cup holders. Available in January for $20, it comes in white, black, red, or stainless steel. Hamilton-Beach; 800/851-8900; hamiltonbeach.com