Sharp Introduces New SuperSteam Oven for Versatile, Healthy Cooking

Combines Four Healthy Cooking Methods in One Appliance for Ultimate Convenience, Space Savings and Healthy Food Preparation


MAHWAH, NJ--(Marketwire - February 17, 2009) - As consumers aspire to live a more active and fit lifestyle, there is a greater need for products that help them achieve healthy-living goals. Recognizing this, Sharp has introduced the second-generation SuperSteam™ oven, model AX-1200, a multi-purpose oven that enables healthier meal preparation.

The versatile AX-1200 uses SuperSteam convection technology to cook a wide variety of foods without the addition of oils, fats or sauces while preserving taste and appearance, making it deliciously easy for consumers to improve their eating habits. In addition to SuperSteam convection, the AX-1200 features three other cooking methods -- convection, conventional steam and microwave -- all in a single appliance. The space-saving design and convenience of multiple cooking methods in one oven make the AX-1200 an ideal solution for today's smaller kitchens or for the growing number of empty nesters preparing smaller meals for fewer people. With convection heat and two-level baking, the AX-1200 also serves as the perfect second oven.

"From the Carousel® turntable to the patented Microwave Drawer® oven, Sharp has a longstanding history of creating innovative appliances that complement current kitchen trends and lifestyles," said Christine Lewis, associate vice president of appliance marketing, Sharp Electronics Corporation. "Today's consumers are actively taking steps to live a healthier lifestyle and are looking for guidance on ways to improve their diet. Steam cooking is one of the healthiest ways to cook, and when combined with convection heat, the results are delectable and healthy meals."

With Sharp's SuperSteam oven, steam is superheated to approximately 540 degrees Fahrenheit and combined with a convection heating system to ensure optimal cooking results. The addition of superheated steam allows foods to brown and crisp while also retaining moisture and nutrients for juicy, flavorful results without increasing fat and calories from added oils, fats or sauces.

The AX-1200 features an intelligent operating system that marries Sharp's excellence in both LCD and cooking technologies for simple use. By following the directions on the large LCD display, consumers can choose from 43 settings that automatically determine the correct time, temperature and cooking method for a variety of popular foods, such as bone-in or boneless chicken breasts, bone-in turkey breast, bone-in pork chops, pork tenderloin, fish steaks, baked sweet potatoes, a variety of vegetables and even convenience foods like frozen pizza or chicken nuggets.

The oven's unique Balanced Meals function uses SuperSteam Convection to cook six different pre-programmed meals for two, so that an entrée and two side dishes -- such as chicken breasts with sweet potatoes and asparagus, beef kabobs and corn-on-the-cob, salmon served over brown rice and peas, fajitas, or even a brunch medley -- can be cooked simultaneously in the oven for time savings and convenience. Each Balanced Meal cooks in 25 minutes or less and has less than 500 calories per serving. In addition, Sharp has created a SuperSteam cookbook that includes 50 healthy, tasty and easy-to-prepare recipes, almost all with fewer than 300 calories per serving, as well as a guide with optimal cooking methods for a wide variety of foods that allows users to maximize the oven's manual settings.

For ultimate design flexibility, users can place the AX-1200 on the countertop or install it in a 30-inch wall oven cabinet with Sharp's deluxe built-in kit (model RK-12S30). Available in stainless (model AX-1200S) or black (model AX-1200K) finishes, the AX-1200 design coordinates with Sharp's Insight® and Insight Pro® appliances for a seamless cooking suite. Installed above a Sharp Microwave Drawer® oven or Sharp Warming Drawer, the SuperSteam oven creates a one-stop cooking center.

Pricing and availability

--  Model AX-1200K will be available in March for a Manufacturer's
    Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $999.99
--  Model AX-1200S will be available in March for an MSRP of $999.99
--  Model RK-12S30 Built-in Kit will be available in March for an MSRP of
    $299.99
    

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.

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