They say good things come in small packages; Sharp Home Electronics Company of America (SHCA) is out to prove the proverb right.
Two years after introducing its super-heated SuperSteam+ combination steam and convection oven, the company is back with a pint-sized variation of the original built-in wall unit.
The new Superheated Steam Countertop model (SSC0586DS) combines super-heated steam and conventional radiant heat to reach the same 485 degrees F as its predecessor.
Sharp says the intense, searing heat produces meals that are crispy and browned on the outside while remaining tender and juicy on the inside. What’s more, with its 12.5 by 12.5-inch broiling pan and crisper tray — 39 percent larger than a standard quarter-size sheet pan — and 13.8 by 4.6 by 14.1-inch cavity, the SSC0586DS is the first countertop oven capable of cooking entire sheet-pan meals and crispy 12-inch personal pizzas using superheated steam, the company noted.
Other features include instant on heating; five pre-set cooking modes; an easy-to-fill 6.8-fluid-ounce water tank that’s good for 60 minutes of cook-time; an easily removable drip tray that rinses clean; and an aggressive $499 suggested retail.
“The ability to package this innovative technology into a countertop solution at this price point has made this our most important entry into the small appliance category yet,” said president Jim Sanduski, who seeks to make superheated steam cooking more accessible to consumers.
Indeed, cooking with steam allows food to retain its authentic flavors and texture as well as its nutrients, the company said.
“Sharp remains dedicated to making healthy cooking at home a fun and positive experience for everyone,” added Peter Weedfald, sales and marketing senior VP. “We’re showing our commitment to ‘Simply Better Living’ with a revolutionary new product that is simple to use, better than the competition and creates great-tasting meals for a modern, fast-paced, healthy lifestyle.”
Shipping began earlier this month, making the Superheated Steam Countertop Oven available nationwide starting March 31.
