Tools & toys

By Marcia Schnedler

LITTLE ROCK — Torto Ceiling Fan

What’s to love:

The Fanimation fan has just three blades and a different kind of airflow pattern.

What’s it do:

It’s a new twist on ceiling fans, with just three blades circling at anunusual angle. The fan pushes air at an angle rather than straight down, so you feel far more air flow when standing next to it than when you’re directly under it. As with any fan, airflow is increased if the fan has a longer down rod.

High-speed airflow is 4,400 cubic feet per minute; uses 58 watts (excluding lighting); has airflow efficiency of 76 cubic feet per minute. Comes in metro gray or oil-rubbed bronze, both with opal frosted glass lighting fixture. Has 52-inch blade sweep, varying blade pitch. Accommodates ceiling slopes up to 30 degrees; three each forward andreverse speeds; includes hand-held reversing remote control; optional controls available. UL listed for dry and damp locations.

Price:

$599; view fanimation.com for nearest dealer.

WineSkin

What’s to love:

Makes it safer to pack wine, other bottles in checked luggage.

What’s it do:

WineSkin has a tough,flexible and durable plastic wrap with dielectrically sealed seams and a protective, bubble-wrap interior to provide shock and impact absorption. A dualstrip sealing system provides a leak-proof lock so liquids won’t get out in case the bottle breaks. It’s designed to hold virtually every 750-ml wine bottle or fortified spirits bottle.

Price:

$9.95 for 2-pack; view at magellans.com.

HomeStyle, Pages 37 on 11/07/2009