Sharp, a leader in appliance products, today showcased key home appliance products at the Kitchen/Bath Industry Show 2004 that tie into an overall vision for the ultimate high-style and state-of-the-art home. Leveraging its leadership in microwave ovens and small appliances and expertise in quality cooking results, Sharp will enter the major appliance range category with the unveiling of the Insight(TM) Range line. Sharp will also display the 2.1 cubic-foot Smart Carousel(R) Over-the-Range microwave ovens, and the new 2004 countertop microwave oven line. In addition, Sharp will demonstrate Plasmacluster air purification systems and state-of-the-art, flat-panel AQUOS(TM) Liquid Crystal televisions.
“Sharp delivers innovative products and cutting-edge technology that complement both the fast-paced lifestyles and home decor of our consumers,” said Dennis Joyner, director of marketing, appliances, Sharp. “Entering the range category with the Insight Range line has further bolstered Sharp’s appliance offerings, featuring innovative cooking solutions and beautiful designs, while providing some of the most sophisticated and user-friendly technology available on the market.” Sharp will highlight the following key products at the Kitchen/Bath Industry Show. For additional details, please see individual product press releases.
Insight Range
The Insight line of ranges offers a fresh perspective into premium cooking appliances and kitchen design. The Insight Range redefines cooking products by combining a smooth glass cooktop, a conventional thermal or convection oven and the world’s first Microwave Drawer, all neatly arranged into a beautifully styled, 30-inch product. The Microwave Drawer incorporates Sharps’ sensor cooking technology for superior microwave cooking or reheating results, and the smooth floor enables easy clean up. The Insight Range features front- mounted glass touch controls and select models are equipped with true European-type High Velocity Convection(TM) that provides even heat and consistent temperature for faster cooking with superb results, and Sharp’s LCD touch screen technology that simplifies the cooking process with step-by-step instructions, convection recipe conversions, and helpful tips. The Insight Range will be available in the last quarter of 2004 in 30-inch electric freestanding or slide-in models in a choice of stainless steel, black or white finishes. Pricing will be announced at a future date.
Over-the-Range Microwave Oven (models R-2120 and R-2110)
Sharp’s new 2.1 cubic-foot Over-the-Range microwaves employ Sharp’s exclusive concealed microwave distribution system, Smart Carousel with Direct Energy(TM), to maximize usable oven capacity. These new ovens, models R-2120 and R-2110, allow multiple dishes to be cooked or reheated simultaneously, making it easier for busy, “on-the-go” families to eat meals together. The R- 2120 and R-2110 will be available in May for a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $399.95 and $369.95, respectively.
Family Size Microwave Oven with Retro-styling (models R-408JK, R-428JK and R-428JW)
Sharp’s stylish, large-capacity family size microwave ovens feature sleek cabinets and are accented with chrome trim for a “retro” feel and built-in night light (on the R-428JK/W models). The R-408JK family-size ovens offer eight reheat options that make it easy to heat frequently-served foods and beverages, including pizza, rolls and muffins, and six cook options that ensure perfectly cooked popular foods, such as frozen vegetables and rice, for one to eight servings. These models also provide short-cut options to easily melt, soften and warm foods, and four defrost options that quickly and evenly defrost meats and poultry by weight. In addition, the R-428JK/W models are equipped with Smart & Easy(TM) sensor settings that eliminate guesswork for cooking popular microwave foods. The R-408JK and R-428JK/W will be available in April for MSRPs of $109.95 and $129.95, respectively.
Family Size Microwave Oven (models R-402JK and R-404JK)
Sharp’s stylish, large-capacity family size microwave ovens feature sleek cabinets, a built-in night light and offer Sharp’s leading short-cut, defrost, reheat and cook options. The R-402JK has 1.4 cubic foot capacity, while the R-404JK has 1.3 cubic foot capacity. In addition, the ovens offer Minute Plus(TM), a five-digit, two-color lighted display, 11 variable power levels and three programmable cooking stages. Other features include a popcorn key, kitchen timer, a child safety lock, demo mode and audible signal elimination. The R-402JK and R-404JK will be available in April for an MSRP of $99.95.
Mid-Size Auto-Touch Microwave Oven (models R-308JK, R-308JW, R-310JK, R-310JW)
Sharp’s mid-size microwaves offer an Auto-Touch control panel that lets consumers easily select times and power levels with precise and easy-to-use controls. With 1100 watts (R-308J line) and 1200 watts (R-310J line) of cooking power, these ovens offer Sharp’s leading short-cut, defrost, reheat and cook options. In addition, the ovens also feature Minute Plus(TM), a four-digit, lighted display, 11 variable power levels and three programmable cooking stages. The R-308JK and R-308JW will be available in April for an MSRP of $79.95, and the R-310JK and R-310JW will be available in May for an MSRP of $89.95.
Stainless Steel Mid-Size Auto-Touch Microwave Oven (model R-315JS)
The stainless steel “Hide and Sleek” R-315JS features an Auto-Touch control panel concealed beneath a translucent plastic door cover. The oven features 1200 watts of cooking power; 1.2 cubic foot capacity; and short-cut, defrost, cook and reheat options that match the R-308JK/W and R-310JK/W lines. The R-315JS will be available in June for an MSRP of $109.95.
Plasmacluster Air Purifiers (models FP-N25CX, FP-N40CX, FP-N60CX and FP-280WM)
Sharp’s air purifiers, based on Sharp’s innovative Plasmacluster Ion technology, clean air and remove odors, airborne irritants, allergens and smoke in the home, in room sizes ranging from 123 sq. ft. to 330 sq. ft. The models are equipped with a triple-filtration system that includes a true HEPA filter and an active carbon filter, are Library Quiet(TM) and can easily be situated in any room of the home or office. The FP-N25CX, FP-N40CX and FP-N60CX are available for MSRPs of $299.95, $449.95 and $549.95, respectively. Pricing and availability for the new wall-mountable FP-280WM will be announced at a future date.
AQUOS Liquid Crystal Televisions
As the number-one global manufacturer of Liquid Crystal televisions (LC-TV)*, Sharp offers an extensive array of size and design options for AQUOS Liquid Crystal Televisions, with 47 models available this year in 13- to 37-inch screen sizes in traditional 4:3 and widescreen 16:9 aspect ratios. Optional mounting brackets are available for 13- and 15-inch models, making them ideal for kitchen applications. Lightweight and less than three inches thin, Sharp’s AQUOS series offers elegant design, high brightness, superior picture quality and stereo speakers. In addition, the new AQUOS line uses sophisticated ASV (Advanced Super View) panels featuring Black TFT, an anti-glare coating for the ultimate viewing experience.
For more information on Sharp’s full line of products, contact Sharp Electronics, Sharp Plaza, Mahwah, N.J., 07430 or call 1-800-BE-SHARP. For online product information, visit the Sharp Web site at http://www.sharpusa.com
Sharp Electronics Corporation is the Mahwah, N.J.-based marketing and sales subsidiary of Japan’s Sharp Corporation, a worldwide developer of the core technologies that are integral to shaping the next generation of home entertainment products, appliances, networked, multi-functional office solutions and mobile communication and information tools. Leading brands include AQUOS(TM) Liquid Crystal Televisions, 1-Bit(TM) digital audio products, SharpVision(R) projection products, Viewcam(R) camcorders, Carousel(R) microwaves, IMAGER(TM) digital multifunctional systems, Notevision(R) multimedia projectors, and the Zaurus(TM) mobile data terminal. Sharp Electronics Corporation employs approximately 2,000 people throughout the U.S. supporting more than 50 product lines.