After almost a month and two rounds of review, our six judges have finally settled on their selections for our fourth annual 2020 Most Valuable Products Awards--Kitchen + Bath.

This year marks a new format for our program. In previous years, every product published in our print magazine was automatically nominated. Our judges from different disciplines in architecture, design, and remodeling would then comb through the collection to find the winners. But this year, we asked manufacturers to submit entries.

Though the format was different, the difficulty the judges faced was the same. Still, they persevered. So, in no particular order, here are our 2020 MVP (Most Valuable Product) Awards—Kitchen + Bath.

[ For a list of the winners in the other categories, follow this link: MVP AWARDS: THE MOST VALUABLE PRODUCTS OF 2020]

Bathroom

Kohler, Moxie Showerhead and Wireless Speaker
Gold

The Moxie Showerhead and Wireless Speaker features an integrated speaker powered by Amazon Alexa for hands-free control in the shower and Bluetooth settings, Kohler says. It is designed specifically to overcome white noise in the shower and can be taken anywhere else in the home. 
What the judges say: “I want one of these for every shower in my house.”

QuickDrain, Shower Bench
Silver

QuickDrain’s Shower Benches are made from 100% recycled PET made from plastic bottles and come in three configurations. Not only do the Shower Benches meet the ADA standard guidelines for height, but they also exceed the weight requirement, promoting a universal design for all, the company says. The units are simple to install and can easily be trimmed in the field for a perfect fit.
What the judges say: “Love the sustainability. Anytime something new is made by reusing waste, I'm all in.”
 

Crossville, Cursive Wall Tile Collection
Silver

The Cursive wall tile collection features uniquely shaped pieces that are designed to puzzle together to create custom patterns, the company says. Pieces range from rectangles, squares,  triangles, circles, coordinating corner  options, and demilunes. A 1½-inch-by-6-inch trim piece with finished edges on short and long sides completes the offering. Each tile has a handmade appearance with a watercolor effect around the edges.
What the judges say: “This is a beautiful idea. I love it.”
 

Infinity Drain, Slot Linear Drain
Bronze

The Slot Linear Drain with a narrow ⅜ inch drainage gap can disappear into its surroundings, says Infinity Drain. Available in a range of finishes from stainless steel to matte black, the drain features an easily accessible clean-out tray that simplifies the process of debris removal. The slot linear drain comes in 24, 32, 36, 42, 48, and 60 inch sizes.
What the judges say: “That is one sexy drain. You have to look hard to even see it!”
 

Kitchen

Blanco, Ikon Farmhouse Sink
Gold

Blanco says its Ikon Farmhouse sink is the world’s first apron front sink with a low divide made of Silgranit, a granite composite material available in eight colors. Silgranit works well for apron sinks as it resists scratches, heat, acid, drops and is easy to clean. The sink’s low divide sits just 5½ inches from the sink bottom and makes it easier to handle large pots and baking sheets while still dividing the sink into cleaning and prepping bowls.
What the judges say: “I like a sink that works this hard to offer a smoother experience for the owner.”

Appliances

Samsung, Front Control Slide-In Range with Air Fry
Gold

Samsung Front Control Slide-In Range with Air Fry offers Wi-Fi connectivity to control the appliance remotely. In addition to the built-in Air Fry mode, the range also features the most powerful burner in the industry: the 23K BTU Dual Ring Brass Power Burner, Samsung says. The range’s Smart Dial learns behavior and creates shortcuts to regularly used cooking preferences.
What the judges say: “Air fry is THE thing for people right now. And this range is easy for production builders to use and won't break the bank for the buyer.”

Signature Kitchen Suite, Double Wall Oven with Steam Sous Vide
Silver

Signature Kitchen Suite Double Wall Oven with Steam Sous Vide combines premium cooking features into one powerhouse, the company says. The wall oven offers convection, sous vide cooking, steam-combi convection, and more. The Steam Sous Vide cooking mode allows for sous vide results without preheating and the unit is equipped with a feature that allows the oven door to easily open and close gently.
 

Signature Kitchen Suite, PowerSteam Panel-Ready Dishwasher 
Bronze

Signature Kitchen Suite PowerSteam Panel-Ready Dishwasher features the brand’s PowerSteam and QuadWash technologies that eliminate the need to pre-wash dishes by hand. PowerSteam has multiple steam cycles that help dissolve food, while QuadWash technology features four wash arms instead of the traditional two. The multi-motion arms rotate back and forth while spinning to power-clean dishes from multiple angles.
What the judges say: “The steam feature and its ability to eradicate bacteria is a huge comfort to homeowners right now. I think buyers would be willing to spend money for a feature that can help them keep their families safe.”
 

Surfaces

Cambria, Coordinates Collection
Gold

The Coordinates Collection consists of 14 quartz designs for both commercial and residential applications. Designs were created around the Natural Color System, a scientifically based color system that allows for accurate cross-industrial color communication, Cambria says. Two designs within the collection—Sanibel Shoreline and Big Sur Mist—use pre-consumer, recycled content as certified by SCS Global Services. Cambria is naturally stain resistant and maintenance free, never requiring sealing or polishing. Additionally, Cambria is much harder than other natural stone surfaces, making it the ideal surface for high-traffic and heavy-use areas.
What the judges say: “Impressive sustainability and commitment to responsible manufacturing. Gorgeous color palette.”

Dekton, Liquid Series
Gold

Composed of three colors that visualize the power of liquid, Dekton’s Liquid Series comes from London-based pattern experts and designers Patternity. The collection is resistant to UV rays, scratches, stains and thermal shock and the large format makes it a durable and easy to clean solution for homeowners, the company says. It is manufactured in large format slabs in five different thicknesses.