A ceramic heater, flexible silicone beakers, and a paper bakeware line were honored as the “Best of the Best” during the 2012 Housewares Design Awards gala luncheon and ceremony Tuesday afternoon, held at New York City’s Marriott Marquis overlooking Times Square.

The “Best of the Best” honorees were among the 12 “Best in Category” award winners presented during the awards ceremony. The ceremony also honored the 2012 Green House Award winner for eco-responsible housewares design.

The Stadler Form Anna Heater from Swizz Style Inc. was named “Best of the Best – Gold.” The Anna Heater received top honors in part for its sleek appearance and a process that ensures the white paint on the heater doesn’t turn yellow, even after being exposed to heat.

“Best of the Best – Silver” went to SleekStor Pinch+Pour Beakers from Chef’n Corporation. The SleekStor beakers feature the company’s Pinch+Pour technology, offering a flexible silicone form that can be pinched to create a pour spout, coupled with a sturdy nylon core that helps the beakers retain their shape.

“Best of the Best – Bronze” went to Welcome Home Brands’ Paper Bakeware. The Welcome Home line offers decorative, oven-safe paper bakeware in freestanding forms that let users pour batter directly into the bakeware and place directly into the oven.

Twelve “Best in Category” winners were presented during the 2012 Housewares Design Awards gala:

Cookware & Bakeware: Welcome Home Brands – Paper Bakeware

Countertop Cooking & Beverage Appliances: Jura Capresso Inc. – Jura Impressa J9 One Touch TFT

Countertop Food Prep Appliances: Cuisinart – Blend and Cook Soupmaker

Countertop Kitchenware: Joseph Joseph Inc. – No-Spill Mill Electric Salt and Pepper Mill with Closing Base

Cutlery: Robert Welch Co. – Robert Welch Signature Range

Floor Care & Cleaning Appliances: Electrolux Home Care Products Inc. – Electrolux Nimble

Gadgets & Kitchen Tools: Chef'n Corporation – SleekStor Pinch+Pour Beakers

Home Environment Appliances: Swizz Style Inc. – Stadler Form Anna Fan Heater

Home Organization, Laundry Care & Non-Electric Cleaning: Cool Gear International Inc. – Go Gear Travel Tubes

Home & Outdoor Décor: Nambe – Elbow Frame, 5x7

Personal, Health & Garment Care: Spectrum Brands Inc. – Remington Pro Power Series Haircut & Beard Trimmer

Tableware, Serveware & Beverageware: Black + Blum – Lunch Pot

This year’s “Green House” Design Award winner is the Fresh Air Odor-Free Kitchen Compost Collector from Full Circle. The mess-and odor-free design features a sealed container that allows air to pass through organic kitchen waste, allowing for aerobic breakdown. The Green House Award finalists were selected from Housewares Design Awards category entries that also were entered into the separate Green House competition

The 2012 Housewares Design Awards are presented by HOMEWORLD BUSINESS®, with sponsorship by The Gourmet Housewares Show at NYIGF, Whitford Corporation and Gourmet Insider magazine. The product submission and judging process is managed exclusively by the International Housewares Association (IHA).

Products judged were introduced to the United States market between October 1, 2010, and September 30, 2011.  No prototypes were allowed.

For more on the winners of the 2012 Housewares Design Awards, see HomeWorld’s February 6, 2012, issue. Plus, look for full coverage of the 2012 Housewares Design Awards ceremony in the February 20 edition of HomeWorld Business.