MAHWAH, NJ--(Marketwire - February 17, 2009) - Enhancing its award-winning suite of
Insight® and Insight Pro® appliances,
Sharp today introduces next-generation 24- and 30-inch
Insight Pro Microwave Drawer® ovens, models
KB-6524 and
KB-6525, that feature a larger, sleeker and more accessible design.
While the exterior footprint remains the same as previous models, the
interior capacity has been increased to 1.2 cubic feet to accommodate
cooking and reheating needs. Added functionality includes a new Beverage
Center and several new automatic settings for the ultimate convenience in
microwave cooking.
"Sharp is constantly researching current cooking habits and kitchen design
trends to enhance our suite of appliance offerings," said Christine Lewis,
associate vice president of appliance marketing,
Sharp Electronics Corporation. "We
were the first company to introduce the Microwave Drawer oven, which
answered a key design need in today's kitchens. The new models add even
more functionality and convenience to this unique solution that solves the
important question of where to place the microwave."
Leading the list of enhancements for the next-generation Microwave
Drawer oven is a larger cooking cavity (1.2-cubic-foot capacity) that
is now tall enough to hold a 20-ounce takeout cup of coffee and wide
enough to fit a 9x13 oblong dish comfortably, without altering the
exterior dimensions. Smaller, lower drawer slides make it easier to
reach into the cooking area, as well as clean the top and back walls.
The 1000-watt oven is Sharp's most functional yet, with new
conveniences to optimize the user's cooking experience that were
developed based on feedback from current Microwave Drawer owners. These
offerings include expanded Short Cut options such as a "Warm" function
for heating syrup for pancakes and dessert sauce for ice cream, and a
"Beverage Center" that instantly warms and heats liquids, such as
coffee or water for tea or soup. The Microwave Drawer oven maintains a
"Keep Warm" function that keeps the serving temperature for up to 30
minutes, and "Soften" and "Melt" features to assist with
frequently-performed cooking tasks. To minimize guess work when cooking
or reheating, Sensor Cook® settings and defrost options have been
expanded to more accurately reflect current food trends. New sensor
settings include brown rice and sweet potatoes, while defrost options
are now available for boneless and bone-in poultry.
Users now have the option of accessing the drawer with Sharp's Easy
Open mechanism that opens and closes automatically with a gentle pull
or push of the handle, or the Open and Close buttons located on the
angled, front-mounted LCD panel for one-finger operation. The motorized
mechanism allows for quieter and smoother operation and simplifies
maneuvering dishes in and out of the drawer. For additional
convenience, an open towel handle bar has been added.
The Microwave Drawer oven is an ideal solution for open-plan kitchens,
islands and tight spaces, or as a cooking center in a wet bar, game
room or home theater. It can be installed directly into the cabinetry,
with the 24-inch model accommodating one of the most popular cabinet
sizes found in U.S. kitchens for added placement flexibility. Sharp's
patented Microwave Drawer solution is available in several different
configurations and a choice of black, white or stainless steel finishes
to maximize design possibilities within a kitchen. A
30-inch built-in combination unit pairs the Microwave Drawer oven
with a glass ceramic cooktop (KB-5121K), while
Insight and Insight Pro Ranges feature the Microwave Drawer oven
as part of 3-in-1 cooking center that includes a cooktop with a
convection or conventional oven.
Pricing and availability
-- Models KB-6524PS/6525PS (stainless finish) will be available
in February for a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)
of $919.99
-- Models KB-6524PK/6525PK (black finish) will be available in February
for an MSRP of $899.99
-- Models KB-6524PW/6525PW (white finish) will be available in February
for an MSRP of $899.99
For more information on Sharp's full line of cooking appliances,
contact Sharp Electronics Corporation, Sharp Plaza, Mahwah, N.J.,
07495-1163 or call 866-RANGE99. For online product information, visit
Sharp's Web site at
sharpusa.com.
Sharp Electronics Corporation is the U.S. subsidiary of Japan's Sharp
Corporation, a worldwide developer of one-of-a-kind home entertainment
products, appliances, networked multifunctional office solutions, solar
energy solutions and mobile communication and information tools. Leading
brands include AQUOS® Liquid Crystal Televisions, 1-Bit™ digital audio
products, SharpVision® projection products, Notevision® multimedia
projectors, Insight® Microwave Drawer® appliances, SuperSteam™
ovens, Plasmacluster® air purifiers and the OnEnergy™ solar system.
For more information visit Sharp Electronics Corporation at
www.sharpusa.com
Contact Information: CONTACT:
Kristen Blankenship
Stanton Crenshaw Communications
Phone: 646-502-3596
Email:
Patricia Booher
Sharp Electronics Corporation
Phone: 201-760-5312
Email: