The next must-have kitchen appliance to rival the microwave could be the Icebox, an information communications box with TV, Web, email and multimedia capabilities.

Created by CMI, which also developed the Juiceman juice extractor and the Breadman automatic breadmaker, the Icebox is the first online info appliance designed specifically for the kitchen.

"It will forever change the lifestyle of those who find the kitchen the coolest place to hang out," commented a CMI spokesperson who also confirmed that the Icebox will begin shipping in March.

Four years in the making, the Icebox comes with a washable, greaseproof keyboard and shockproof wireless remote and is designed to make daily tasks more efficient, claimed CMI.

Family members can send email, shop online, watch TV, or play DVDs and CDs while the dinner is cooking.

Consumers can use the icebox to prepare weekly menus and household schedules as well as access message boards, the news headlines, share prices and local traffic and weather conditions.

With the addition of a security camera the icebox can also work as a security system, monitoring the baby sleeping in the nursery upstairs or checking who is at the front door when the doorbell rings.

A counter-top Icebox model will cost around $500 and an under-cabinet version with a flatscreen LCD display will set you back more than $2000.