Spice solution

• SpiceStack ($29.95, www.spice stack.com or 1-866-247-9459)

The SpiceStack cabinet helps cooks find spices while saving countertop space and eliminating clutter from kitchen cabinets.

The unit stores spices in a cool, dark place away from the stovetop. Three pullout, drop-down drawers organize bottles horizontally with the labels clearly visible.

To use, pull the drawer until it is fully extended, then lower it to its resting position.

The compact unit -- measuring

11 inches wide, 10  3/4 inches deep and 8 inches tall -- comes in white and holds 27 full-size or 54 half-size round spice bottles. Spices can be stored alphabetically, by frequency of use or by type of cooking. Four nonskid pads on the bottom of the unit hold it securely in place.

Dog door

• Plexidor Electronic ($129 to $800, www.dogdoors.com or 1-800-749-9609)

The Plexidor Electronic pet door gives your pet a key to the house. The door opens only for pets that wear a radio-frequency identification chip clipped to the collar, keeping other animals out of the house.

When the door -- built with aluminum framing and plastic panels -- recognizes the chip, it will slide up to allow entrance. A safety check makes sure the door won't shut when something is inside it. The door is powered by electricity.

The chip -- waterproof and shockproof -- doesn't need batteries.

Scald safeguard

• HotStop Anti-scald faucets and showerheads ($24 to $39, www.h2otstop.com or 1-877-531-7470)

The HotStop system, designed by American Valve, prevents excessively hot water from burning unsuspecting users, especially children.

A valve inside the system senses when water temperature reaches 117 degrees and stops the water flow. At 130 degrees, water can burn a child.

Once the temperature cools, the water is then released. The process generally takes 30 seconds.

American Valve makes HotStop faucets, showerheads and tub spouts, and can be self-installed. Other companies sell a similar product.

-- Andy McCullough

amccullough@dispatch.com