The LA Times had a nice story about Oxo tools a couple of weeks ago. (Thanks to FOOD Blog for the sighting.) I’ve been a big Oxo fan for years, and was glad to see the coverage. (I’d own all of their products if we weren’t a lesbian family with one stay-at-home-mom, paying federal taxes on the medical insurance my partner’s employer provides me.) Oxo develops kitchen, gardening, and hardware tools that are not only good-looking, but also offer functionality that goes beyond that of other brands. Every time I visit my parents and am forced to use their old pull-cord salad spinner, I’m thankful I have an Oxo push-top one (which also doubles as toddler amusement). A few of their products, like the Mango Splitter (see image above), seem on one level superfluous, but on another, cleverly solve a tricky kitchen need.

I’m not employed by Oxo or in any way affiliated with them. I just admire smart design. (I’m also a sucker for IKEA.) As a mom, I’m all in favor of anything that’s faster, safer, and more efficient. Now if Oxo would put their minds towards diaper pails and strollers, we’d really have something.