Kitchen, Bath Products Of Tomorrow

(CBS)  When it comes to home improvements, the two rooms Americans love to make over most are the kitchen and bathroom.

So, The Early Show's resident handyman, Danny Lipford, who also hosts "Today's Homeowner," went to Chicago for a huge, annual kitchen and bath industry trade show, where he checked out some of the cool innovations coming to, or on, the market.

The National Kitchen and Bath Association's show starts Friday and runs through the weekend at the McCormick Center.

Among the products that caught Lipford's eye, as described by their manufactures:

PERLICK UNDER-COUNTER REFRIGERATION

Perlick, manufacturer of luxury under-counter refrigeration and bar equipment, says it's the first to offer under-counter refrigeration in patented, colored stainless steel in 24-, 48-, and 72-Inch configurations that can feature one, two or three distinct temperature zones, respectively.

The 48-Inch Under-Counter Refrigerated Copper Cabinet is featured in a copper color finish with brass accents and is configured with a glass door refrigerator and glass door wine cabinet. MSRP: $4,500-$6,800; price varies according to configuration.

The 48-Inch Under-Counter Refrigerated Stainless Steel Cabinet is configured with a glass door refrigerator and refrigerated drawers. The glass door refrigerator is the only under-counter refrigerator in the industry with the ability to store food, as well as beverages. The refrigerated drawers have the largest capacity in the industry: A single refrigerated drawer can hold up to nine gallons of milk, with room to spare, and is tall enough to store Corona bottles upright. MSRP: $3,500-$5,300. Available nationwide through local dealers. For dealer listings, go to bringperlickhome.com.

SHARP MICROWAVE DRAWERS

Sharp's Microwave Drawer appliances take the microwave off the counter and place it at the most convenient height for ideal accessibility, especially for children, the elderly, and consumers with special needs. The new 24-inch model (KB-6014L) also accommodates one of the most popular cabinet sizes found in U.S. kitchens, offering consumers more possible places for the microwave. Features front-mounted touch controls and opens with the touch of a button for extra convenience. Also available in a 30-inch model. Comes in stainless steel, white and black finishes. Available June 2006. MSRP: $849.99 (for 24-inch model); sharpusa.com

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