Every year, the Pro Tool Innovation Awards celebrate outstanding household products that don’t typically fall into standard categories like tools, accessories, or fasteners. Since the essence of home building lies in creating enjoyable living spaces, acknowledging innovative home products is essential. These groundbreaking items provide new and creative ways to enhance the comfort and enjoyment of our daily lives.
In 2025, the award-winning household products ranged widely, including everything from advanced kitchen appliances to innovative vacuums and cooling fans. This dynamic and growing category continues to introduce exciting products designed to make everyday living easier and more enjoyable.
WINNER – Hardware – Doors
Wright Products Ventana Mortise Leverset
What they said:
While screen and storm door hardware rarely see innovation, Wright Products is ushering in a new era—starting with the Ventana Mortise Leverset. This product leads a complete design refresh across the brand’s hardware portfolio, offering homeowners and pros a modern, secure, and easy-to-install alternative to outdated styles that haven’t changed in decades.
The Ventana features a sleek straight lever design, ideal for today’s contemporary exteriors. It fits out-swinging wood and metal doors from 1.125″ to 2″ thick, and its non-handed configuration makes installation simple, no matter the door orientation. Most importantly, it integrates a built-in keyed deadbolt, delivering enhanced security without compromising aesthetics—a rare combination in this category.
Available in Matte Black, White, and Satin Nickel finishes, the Ventana also includes all necessary mounting hardware and instructions. With its clean design and secure functionality, it’s the first truly modern mortise leverset made specifically for storm and screen doors.
Screen and storm door hardware hasn’t evolved in years. The Ventana is a complete departure from bulky, dated options—offering a streamlined silhouette that aligns with today’s modern home exteriors. By integrating a keyed deadbolt into a mortise configuration, Wright Products addresses both curb appeal and protection—two priorities that rarely coexist in this segment. With a non-handed setup and included hardware, the Ventana is designed for fast, frustration-free installs by contractors or DIYers. Compatible with common door materials and sizes, it allows for straightforward upgrades and easy sourcing.
What we say:
We love the stylish and modern look of the Ventana Mortise Leverset. Designed to put a much-needed finishing touch on screen and storm door hardware, its sleek, modern design is refreshing. It includes integrated security features like a built-in keyed deadbolt that works without breaking up the look of the hardware. The “non-handed” configuration also simplifies installation, and its universal fit accommodates various door materials and sizes. This is a truly innovative and impressive upgrade option for anyone installing screen and storm doors.
Price: Varies
For more information, click here.
WINNER – Hardware – Commercial Doors
Hampton Products All-in-One Closer with FlexPlate™
What they said:
Hampton Products’ New All-in-One Door Closer with FlexPlate™ solves a real-world pain point for contractors, MROs, and property managers: replacing old or broken closers without drilling new holes or guessing which mounting plate will fit.
The breakthrough lies in the new patented FlexPlate™ adapter, which dramatically increases compatibility—supporting over 130 hole patterns across multiple competing brands. This gives it three times more compatibility than previous models and allows it to cover more than 80% of existing installations. No more guesswork, no more added labor, and no more compromising fire-rated or specialty doors just to make a new closer work.
FlexPlate also introduces features rarely seen in this category. Sliding horizontal and vertical shims allow for fine-tuned adjustment to fix misalignments. Directional markings eliminate confusion during installation, especially when matching door swing or hinge orientation. All-in-one packaging includes the FlexPlate, adjustable closer body, parallel arm bracket, all mounting hardware, and instructions—everything needed in one competitive $120 MSRP kit.
The result is faster installs, simplified inventory, and fewer SKUs to stock or specify—without compromising strength or performance. Built for reliability and designed with the installer in mind, this system also protects high-value doors by avoiding unnecessary damage during replacement.
Available in Aluminum, Bronze, and Matte Black finishes, the All-in-One Closer with FlexPlate is already winning praise from pros who value speed, precision, and problem-solving design. It’s a product that doesn’t just meet industry needs—it redefines how door closer replacement should work.
What we say:
The patented FlexPlate adapter on the Hampton Products’ All-in-One Door Closer supports over 130 hole patterns. That gives it around three times the compatibility of previous models and covers more than 80% of existing installations. It significantly reduces installation time. They also included features like sliding shims for precise adjustments and clear directional markings. The all-in-one kit includes everything you need for installation. Available in multiple finishes, this closer provides a very convenient solution for the commercial door industry.
Price: $120
For more information, click here.
WINNER – Hardware – Door Safety
Brinks Commercial M91P Rim Panic Exit Device
What they said:
The Brinks Commercial M91P Rim Panic Exit Device stands out as a high-performance, cost-effective solution to one of the most expensive components in commercial access control. Designed as a direct replacement for the widely used Von Duprin® 98/99 Series, the M91P matches the chassis design and durability—while cutting costs by nearly 50%.
For contractors, facilities teams, and specifiers, the M91P solves multiple challenges. Plug-and-play compatibility with popular 990 Series Outside Pull Trims and 110 Night Latch. Includes SC4 Rim Cylinder and Pull Trim—a $60+ value out of the box. Heavy-duty construction (steel and aluminum) with fluid-filled hydraulic dampener for smooth, quiet operation. Meets ANSI/BHMA Grade 1, UL 305, and is ADA compliant, ensuring code readiness across high-traffic environments like hospitals, schools, and public venues.
Its true innovation lies in how it’s sold: unlike legacy devices that must be sourced through distributor networks, the M91P is available via Amazon, Lowe’s special order, and soon, additional direct-to-contractor retail channels. This shift dramatically improves access, cuts lead times, and removes friction from the procurement process.
By delivering premium performance, full-featured value, and a modern distribution strategy, the Brinks Commercial M91P brings high-end commercial security hardware into a more accessible and affordable space—without compromise.
What we say:
The Brinks Commercial M91P Rim Panic Exit Device redefines commercial access control with its innovative design and value-driven approach. Unlike traditional high-cost legacy systems, the M91P offers a nearly 50% cost reduction while maintaining compatibility with popular trims. Its heavy-duty materials and fluid-filled hydraulic dampener ensure smooth, quiet operation, meeting ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 and ADA compliance for high-traffic environments. This combination of premium performance and affordability makes the M91P a standout choice.
Price: $770
For more information, click here.
WINNER – Household – Pool/Hot Tub
Beatbot AquaSense 2 Ultra
What they said:
Beyond integrating water surface skimming, floor cleaning, wall & waterline scrubbing, and water purification into one seamless system, the Beatbot AquaSense 2 Ultra pioneers the industry-first AI-powered HybridSense™ Precise Vision System. Leveraging multi-sensor fusion, this robot achieves unmatched navigation precision and optimized cleaning performance.
Maps out your pool and calculates the most efficient cleaning route. It even displays pool maps and cleaning paths via the smart app after the cleaning task is completed. Intelligently identifies and eliminates residual debris for spotless results. A unique mode which is perfect for last-minute cleaning before guests arrive, swiftly targeting leaves, fruit debris, and other visible pollutants. Uses a natural clarifier derived from recycled crab shells, reducing chemical dependency and environmental impact.
After cleaning, the robot automatically parks itself on the water surface at the pool’s edge and drains water from itself, providing lighter and effortless retrieval. By combining AI intelligence, precision engineering, and sustainable innovation, Beatbot delivers the ultimate hands-free, high-efficiency pool maintenance solution.
What we say:
Having experienced many robotic pool vacuums, the Beatbot AquaSense 2 Ultra stands out for the precision of its AI navigation and cleaning efficiency. Innovative features, such as AI Fusion Pool Mapping and Automatic Targeted Debris Detection, ensure a thorough clean by optimizing routes and identifying debris. We also love the integrated clarifier function, which can be activated via the app prior to cleaning. Additionally, the Smart Surface Parking feature makes it easy to retrieve the vacuum when it’s done cleaning, and the vertical dock saves space and makes it easy to charge. The competition really needs to catch up before it will top what Beatbot offers consumers.
Price: $3,550
For more information, click here.
WINNER – Household – Smart Home
American Standard Link UX360 Smart Thermostat
What they said:
The American Standard Link UX360 is a standout in the HVAC industry. This smart thermostat is designed to give homeowners greater control, efficiency, and convenience. With intuitive features and powerful built-in technology, this thermostat does more than just control the temperature – it’s a central hub for home comfort.
At its core is Link Communication Technology, a world-class communication system that allows the thermostat to seamlessly liaise with American Standard systems for enhanced precision and efficiency. Paired with a built-in System Controller, the American Standard Link UX360 supports self-configuration, real-time diagnostics, and enhanced accuracy, maximizing system performance and ultimately helps HVAC technicians and builders analyze system health more accurately. It’s designed to anticipate needs and streamline service, making HVAC management smarter and more reliable.
The American Standard Link UX360 Smart Thermostat integrates with American Standard Diagnostics, a powerful tool that gives HVAC dealers real-time remote access to system data. This helps enable fast, accurate troubleshooting and can eliminate the need for a technician to visit the home, ultimately saving time and manpower on truck rolls.
Maintenance alerts keep homeowners informed with timely reminders for air filter changes and tune-ups to protect the system’s longevity, preventing increased breakdowns and technician visits. A built-in humidity sensor actively monitors indoor air moisture levels, helping maintain optimal comfort and air quality. Additionally, the sleek 7″ full-color touchscreen makes programming and adjustments effortless, offering one-touch presets (Home/Away/Sleep), self-explanatory icons, and local weather forecasts – all of which simplify the home comfort experience for customers and increase their satisfaction.
What we say:
The American Standard Link UX360 Smart Thermostat communicates seamlessly with American Standard systems. Its built-in System Controller supports self-configuration and real-time diagnostics, facilitating proactive maintenance and giving you and installers accurate system health analysis. Remote access helps make the role of HVAC dealers and installers easier, while maintenance alerts and humidity sensing let users focus on comfort. The sleek 7″ touchscreen interface simplifies programming with intuitive controls and local weather updates, making it not just a thermostat, but a comprehensive home comfort management system.
Price: Contact a dealer
For more information, click here.
WINNER – Household – Handheld Vacuums
RYOBI FVG65K USB Lithium HP Compact Hand Vacuum Kit
What they said:
The RYOBI USB Lithium HP Compact Hand Vacuum Kit was designed to keep life clean, making it your go-to solution for quick clean-ups and everyday messes. With the most suction of any cordless hand vacuum, weighing 1.3 lbs. or less, it tackles dirt and debris with ease. Using the 2 included USB Lithium batteries, experience best in class suction for tough tasks. The docking station ensures your vacuum is always charged and ready to go when you are. The included upholstery tool is effective for cleaning couches, car seats, and stairs, while the 2-in-1 crevice tool & dust brush is ideal for detail cleaning in tight spaces. Plus, the easy-to-empty dust cup means less hassle when it’s time to clean up.
Perfect for daily use, this kit offers convenience and power in our ultra-compact design. This product features an LED indicator to signal when the battery is charged (green) or has a low battery (red) while in use. The 2 included USB Lithium 2Ah batteries feature a USB-C port that also charges mobile devices, and an LED fuel gauge that clearly indicates the battery level status. Best of all, this hand vacuum is part of the RYOBI USB Lithium System of tools that provides compact, rechargeable, everyday solutions for cordless power and productivity. The USB Lithium Compact Hand Vacuum Kit is backed by the RYOBI 2-year manufacturer’s warranty and includes (2) USB Lithium 2Ah Batteries, Charging Docking Station, Upholstery Tool, 2-in-1 Crevice Tool & Dust Brush Attachment, Filter, and Operator’s Manuals.
What we say:
Ryobi outdid itself in the compact handheld vacuum category with the FVG65K. Running on the company’s USB Lithium HP platform, this ultra-lightweight vacuum sits upright in its charger, ready to go until you need it. Weighing just 1.3 lbs., it offers excellent suction for its weight class. The system includes and uses two USB Lithium batteries and specialized tools like the upholstery attachment and 2-in-1 crevice tool, which enhance its cleaning capabilities. If this isn’t the coolest gift of 2025 and 2026, we’d be surprised.
Price: $100
For more information, click here.
WINNER – Household – Upright & Stick Vacuums
CRAFTSMAN V20 Brushless RP Stick Vacuum Kit
What they said:
The V20 Cordless Brushless RP Stick Vacuum Kit delivers up to 2.5X increased suction power and provides up to 45 minutes of runtime. Its innovative floorhead design efficiently captures large debris, vacuuming it away instead of pushing it forward. The Tangle-Free beater bar decreases hair tangles up to 70%, while 3 adjustable speed settings let you choose between maximizing runtime or suction power.
What we say:
We like the upgraded Craftsman V20 Cordless Brushless RP Stick Vacuum for its innovative floorhead design that manages to capture large debris without pushing it forward. It uses a tangle-free beater bar that reduces hair tangles by up to 70%—ideal for pet owners. You also get three adjustable speed settings and up to 45 minutes of runtime.
Price: $249.99
For more information, click here.