The innovation prize is conferred on the basis of a two-stage selection procedure. A jury manned by experts from the kitchen and design sector identifies the most innovative products according to the criteria of “technical function and safety”, “innovativeness”, “ergonomic function and ease of use” as well as “aesthetic function and design”. The products preselected by the jury are then put to consumer vote. With the assistance of a market research institute, the consumers single out the three best products in each category, which receive bronze, silver and gold awards. In this way the consumer is offered competent and reassuring guidance in making purchase decisions. The award is also intended to heighten the consumer’s awareness of innovation and quality.