Top Kitchen and Bath Finds for 2024

As we scoured the show floor at IBS/KBIS, we collected the best of the best from sustainable innovations to design masterpieces.

At the International Builders' Show (IBS) and the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) 2024, the Green Builder Media team had the opportunity to explore a plethora of innovative products that are set to redefine the landscape of sustainable building and design. From groundbreaking insulation materials to state-of-the-art appliances, the products offered the promise of elevating  home comfort and performance to unprecedented heights.

This year, sustainability was a primary focus at booths across the show floor, reflecting a growing industry commitment to the environment and future generations. Manufacturers in most sectors have made significant strides in developing products that not only reduce the carbon footprint of homes and buildings but also enhance the health and well-being of their occupants. 

As Green Builder Media methodically combed through the vast array of offerings, several products stood out for their innovative approach to sustainability, combining cutting-edge technology with practical solutions to some of today's most pressing environmental challenges. 

In this post, we’ll focus on the best kitchen and bath finds. Following will be posts that cover heat pumps, products that go behind the walls, innovations and systems, surfaces, and exteriors. Sign up for our Vantage enewsletter to receive these future blogs.

AILA Sink by Thompson Traders

The AILA sink by Thompson Traders marks a monumental achievement and advancement in kitchen and bath design. AILA is the very first sink to be designed by AI. After many renditions and performance-enhancing alterations, AILA became a reality. The solid copper sink is handmade in Mexico using techniques and tools passed down from the 15th Century, making AILA a fusion of technology and traditional craftsmanship.

SlimTech Insulation Refrigerators by Whirlpool

Whirlpool’s new SlimTech insulation uses a proprietary material that is vacuum-sealed within the refrigerator's door and sides. SlimTech insulation can reduce the wall thickness by up to 66%, allowing for up to 25% more capacity inside the refrigerator. This innovative design reduces the appliance's overall material footprint by using less insulation material while maintaining optimal thermal performance. This not only makes the appliance more energy-efficient but also contributes to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions during production. According to Whirlpool, “the material used in SlimTech insulation technology also has the potential to be recycled, and Whirlpool Corp. is working to map out a path to reclaiming the material at a refrigerator’s end of use, paving the way for a more circular future.” SlimTech insulation will launch in 2024 on select JennAir 30 in. Column refrigerators and will later expand to the KitchenAid brand.

30-inch Induction Cooktop by Signature Kitchen Suite

This 30-inch induction cooktop by Signature Kitchen Suite has four different induction elements. The Flex Cooking Zone combines elements to accommodate several different cookware sizes and shapes, and the 11-inch wide center dual element rapidly boils water. Powered by ThinQ Technology, the induction cooktop’s WiFi feature allows homeowners to monitor the cooktop and turn it on and off with the Signature Kitchen Suite app. Additionally, when combined with the Signature Kitchen Suite Pro-Style Hood, the two can communicate, and synchronize the elements and fans for seamless air quality control. 

Dryer Exhaust Duct Power Ventilator by Panasonic

The Panasonic Dryer Exhaust Duct Power Ventilator (DBF-DEDPV) addresses challenges associated with long duct runs in dryer systems. It's designed for both single and multi-family buildings, improving dryer efficiency and reducing the risk of lint build-up, which can lead to dryer fires. This solution monitors internal pressure, alerts homeowners of blockages for safety, and is easy to install and maintain. Its features include an integrated lint trap and a durable 18Ga galvanized steel housing for rust protection. This product is part of Panasonic's exclusive distribution of Atmosphere products in the US, ensuring quality and reliability with a 10-year warranty.

Pyramid Wall Mount Hood with Clean Air Sensing by GE Profile

The GE Profile Pyramid Wall Mount Hood with Clean Air Sensing introduces an innovative solution aimed at enhancing health and wellness in the home. This advanced wall-mounted hood is designed to detect, monitor, and report on eight different types of pollutants, making it an ideal addition for individuals concerned about indoor air quality, particularly those with respiratory conditions or allergies. Equipped with Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) sensors, the hood actively maintains air quality by continuously monitoring and responding to the presence of pollutants. The hood is enhanced with SmartHQ™, ensuring it receives the latest features through over-the-air (OTA) software updates, continually improving its performance. Set to be available in April 2024, this product represents a significant step forward in indoor air quality management.

Rainstick Shower by Rainstick

Love your long, hot showers? Now you can indulge guilt-free with Rainstick, a shower system that offers up to 80% savings in water and energy. It achieves a luxurious shower experience with a high flow rate while reusing water up to six times through a safe, three-stage sanitization process. With its exquisite design, WiFi connectivity for easy monitoring and control via smart home devices, and significant savings, Rainstick positions itself as a leading solution in environmentally conscious living.

The Delta Clarifi Tankless Reverse Osmosis System

Delta’s new Clarifi Tankless Reverse Osmosis System offers an advanced, National Sanitation Foundation (NSF)-certified solution for in-home water filtration. The system efficiently removes over 80 types of contaminants, including lead, PFAS, microplastics, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, nitrates, and heavy metals. Its tankless design ensures a continuous flow of water, reducing waste compared to traditional tanked systems. Additionally, the system simplifies filter replacements, making it user-friendly. With rigorous testing and multiple NSF certifications, the reverse osmosis system guarantees reliable protection against a wide range of pollutants, providing peace of mind and cleaner, safer drinking water for your family. Delta will be releasing this system in the winter of 2024. 

QuickDrain BenchDrain by Oatey

Oatey made its debut at KBIS this year, bringing a wide range of plumbing solutions. Their QuickDrain BenchDrain caught our attention for its sleek design, but we stayed for the functionality and sustainability attributes. The BenchDrain merges a linear drain with a shower bench for a modern, hidden drainage solution. It is manufactured with 100% recycled plastic bottles, making it a guilt-free bathroom addition. The bench accommodates the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards for height and depth and exceeds the ADA weight guideline, making it a perfect choice for aging in place. The BenchDrain is designed for ease of installation and versatility, allowing for on-site customization to fit shower openings between 26 to 72 inches, providing a perfect fit for various bathroom layouts. 

Phantom Toilet by Niagara

The Phantom® 0.8 GPF One Piece Toilet from Niagara exemplifies innovation in water efficiency and design. Its stealth technology enables a powerful, yet whisper-quiet flush with only 0.8 gallons per flush—half the federal standard. This technology has earned it over 15 industry awards and WaterSense certification, highlighting its cost-saving and environmental benefits. Meeting ADA height requirements and featuring a sleek, easily cleaned design, the Phantom offers a combination of performance, aesthetics, and accessibility, making it a standout choice for eco-conscious and design-savvy consumers. According to the EPA, “By replacing old, inefficient toilets with WaterSense labeled models, the average family can reduce water used for toilets by 20 to 60 percent—that's nearly 13,000 gallons of water savings for your home every year! They could also save more than $140 per year in water costs, and $2,900 over the lifetime of the toilets.”

G7000 Dishwasher Line by Miele

Miele announced new and updated features to their line of G7000 Dishwashers, set to be available in Summer 2024. They bring innovative features for efficiency and convenience with an advanced AutoDos system with PowerDisk technology that dispenses the right amount of detergent for each load to reduce waste. They also feature a redesigned basket for cleaning reusable water bottles and straws. With AutoStart, control is at your fingertips via an app, allowing remote operations. These dishwashers are designed to be water-efficient, automatically adjusting water usage based on load.

The WasteLAB Project by Kohler

The WasteLAB project by Kohler  is an innovative initiative focused on sustainability and repurposing waste materials into valuable products. This endeavor transforms various by-products from Kohler's manufacturing processes, such as pottery cull, waste enamel powder, glaze overspray, vitreous cull, and iron slag, into beautiful and functional ceramic tiles, vessels, and other decorative items. A testament to Kohler's commitment to environmental stewardship, the WasteLAB project not only diverts thousands of pounds of waste from landfills but also contributes to the company's goal of achieving net-zero waste to landfill by 2035. The project combines design, engineering, and craftsmanship to inspire a reevaluation of manufacturing processes and promote a more sustainable approach to product development.