Hip Housewares

From translucent microwave ovens to Museum of Modern Art -style appliances, the housewares industry has been bitten by the fashion bug.



Sharp Half Pint Microwave Oven
Great for college dorm rooms, tiny apartments, and decorators, the new Half Pint Microwave features a lightweight, cubed design decked out in four fashionable, translucent colors (blue, amber, black and white). The unit has a 10-inch diagonal turntable. It delivers 600 watts of cooking power and has the obligatory Automatic Popcorn key. $100. www.sharp-usa.com, 800-BE-SHARP



Dirt Devil Spot Scrubber
Translucent handheld spot remover shampooer comes equipped with a power brush to loosen deep stains and an extra long power cord for constant suction power from start to finish. Quick spray feature allows cleaning solution to be concentrated directly on the stain. Easy to fill, easy to empty. Comes with detachable 6-oz clean solution reservoir with convenient carrying handle for quick fill ups. $50 www.dirtdevil.com, 800-321-1134


Fashionable Kitchen Gadgets


OXO Products
Combining form with functionality, OXO's kitchen gadgets feature oversized rubber grips and good looks to boot. Prices start at only $5. www.oxo.com




Emsa Twister Pepper/ Saltshaker Combo
This tube-shaped salt and peppershaker grinder not only looks great, it grinds your favorite seasonings with a unique flip motion. $25. www.frieling.com

View the streaming video of the Emsa Twister!


Appliances


Michael Graves Housewares Line
Target has a line of inexpensive housewares designed by renowned architect Michael Graves. From toasters to tea kettles, picture frames to patio sets - the line of over 200 products ranges in price from $3.99 to $199.99. The line makes interesting use of materials (glass, plastics, wood, and metals) with a decent variety of choices in every category. Overall the collection is far superior to anything else in the same price point. www.target.com



Black & Decker Ergo Chopper
2-Cup bowl for onions, herbs, nuts, cheese, eggs, and more. Hi/Low Pulse controls, comfortable soft-grip surface, non-slip base doubles as a storage lid. $28 www.blackanddecker.com

View the streaming video of the Ergo Chopper!



Flat Panel Flip Down Kitchen TV
Sharp's new 10-inch under the cabinet mount LCD TV is simply the BEST kitchen TV in the business. Sure at $1,200 it cost more than a stainless steel JennAire cooktop, but we're talking the best here. The 2-inch thick LCD TV has a crystal clear picture and features a built-in stand for the countertop that doubles as an under cabinet mounting bracket. The mounting bracket allows the TV to slide out and swivel (yes swivel) for easy viewing and stowaway. Its remote control is spaghetti sauce proof. It's cable compatible. It even has a S-video input for connecting a DVD or VCR movie player so you can watch Eating Raoul while preparing Ramen noodles.www.sharp-usa.com

View the streaming video of the Sharp Kitchen TV!