See what's in drawer No. 2

The drawer microwave can be installed either under your counter or below a wall oven.

(Credit: Dacor.com)

Appliances have made their way off counters and floors and into a place that's far less conspicuous: drawers. Drawer freezers and fridges have made their way into savvy cooks' kitchens because they make reaching items easier, they blend in under countertops, and they're handicap-friendly.

But the drawer is a space that has great potential outside of the realm of cooling. If you haven't seen it yet, you should take a moment to check out Dacor's Millennia Microwave-in-a-Drawer. Granted, the microwave in a drawer was first released in 2006 by Sharp, but one important lesson to learn about new technology is that it should constantly be revisited and reevaluated to gauge whether it belongs in your kitchen.

I mention this because in the wave of built-in appliances and minimalist designer kitchens, extra appliances on the counters and walls have the potential to seriously interrupt the culinary Feng shui of your kitchen. Supplementing these new designs with existing appliances can lessen the blow to your pocketbook when you redesign, and the Dacor Millennia can save you counter space and help you maintain your kitchen's aesthetic.

The Millennia is available in 30 inch and 24 inch models, with finishes in stainless steel or black (a blend of the two finishes is available in the 30 inch model). It also includes a Control Lock for child safety, an automatic open feature, and touch controls.

The Dacor Millennia Microwave-in-a-Drawer retails for about $1,155 at dealers that can be located on Dacor's Web site.