ApplianceAdvisor Appliance Report SHARP 800

The New Appliance Report from ApplianceAdvisor.com

SHARP
800-237-4277
Japanese maker of microwave ovens (and more)

2006 Kitchen & Bath Show Introductions
Steam Oven
The AX-700 steam oven features "super heated steam", (that's hot to you and me), in a 1.4 ft3 unit that can steam, grill, bake, roast, reheat or defrost. Hell this thing can brown. Though there was not one mention of the "microwaves" in the release, we were told that the unit feature a 1000W microwave. The oven is NOT plumbed.
Available Q4 at an MSRP of $1400
http://www.applianceadvisor.com/2006Appliancephotos/2006sharp2.jpg

Mini-Microwave Drawers
As every type of appliance becomes available in every possible configuration, one wonders how long until we see a Side by Side microwave. Until then here is the model KB-6014L, 24" wide, 1 cu ft, 1000W microwave drawer for $850. As we ask every time with this system, we will ask here: How do you clean this again?
http://www.applianceadvisor.com/2006Appliancephotos/2006sharp7.jpg

How About a Microwave Sock Drawer?
This is a sort of 1/2 height slide-in range with a microwave drawer to replace the oven. So let's see:
       1) You don't get an oven, so if you want an oven you'll need to build it in.
       2) The drawer is, as far we can tell, not entirely possible to clean the egg, or spaghetti sauce, or Chinese take-out dripping off the roof.
       3) The dimensions of the unit mean that nothing can replace it except a Sharp product.
This is a 3'fer.
http://www.applianceadvisor.com/2006Appliancephotos/2006sharp3.jpg

Concept Side by Side Fridge and Washer Dryer
Why did we take a photo of the Fridge and not the Washer Dryer? No idea.
http://www.applianceadvisor.com/2006Appliancephotos/2006sharp5.jpg
http://www.applianceadvisor.com/2006Appliancephotos/2006sharp6.jpg

2005 Kitchen & Bath Show Introductions
Broan Allure Hood
A Broan Allure hood, with the Sharp name on it. From Sharp minds come sharp products.
http://www.applianceadvisor.com/2005Appliancephotos/2005Sharp4.jpg

Wall Oven: built in convection and self clean (bottom unit in photo)
http://www.applianceadvisor.com/2005Appliancephotos/2005Sharp2.jpg

Built in Steam Oven Prototype (top unit in photo)
http://www.applianceadvisor.com/2005Appliancephotos/2005Sharp2.jpg

Counter-top Steam Prototype
http://www.applianceadvisor.com/2005Appliancephotos/2005Sharp3.jpg

2004 Kitchen & Bath Show Introductions
We Thought You Would Never Arrive
Finally after decades in the US, Sharp enters the North American major appliance market with its "Insight" 30" smooth top electric range with two oven cavities similar in layout to the Maytag Gemini. The main lower oven is an electric self-cleaning oven (with convection optional) and with many cooking features. It is the upper cavity where Sharp is making waves. Sharp has installed a 1000W, 1.0 ft cu microwave oven in the top cavity with a drawer (not a door) access. Solving the problem of a microwave oven below counter level, food is placed in the oven from the top. Powered drawer opening is an option. People interested in having a 30" range but with no place for a separate microwave might be interested in this, but why didn't Sharp put the microwaves into the lower cavity for speed cooking? How do you clean the top of the microwave cavity? Overall styling is very slick. Also features an adjustable height backsplash. Available in free standing and slide in configurations. Retail priced between $1300 - $2500.
http://www.applianceadvisor.com/2004Appliancephotos/sharp30range1.jpg
http://www.applianceadvisor.com/2004Appliancephotos/sharp30range2.jpg
http://www.applianceadvisor.com/2004Appliancephotos/sharpmicrodrawer.jpg
http://www.sharpusa.com/products/ModelLanding/0,1058,1445,00.html

2003 Kitchen & Bath Show Introductions
High Speed Convection Thermal Built-in Oven....with ahh.......................microwaves
Sharp entered the high-end high speed oven market with a combination convection oven and microwave, but Sharp seems very embarrassed by the microwave part of it. The brochure credits "advanced engineering to develop a revolutionary system for circulating super-heated air within the oven cavity" as the reason that a 5 lb chicken can be roasted in 28 minutes instead of 140. Why are they running from the technology that brought them to the dance? Most microwaves are cheap, marginless, bottom-end appliances, and often assembled by peasants or folks longing to be peasants.. The ownership and use of a generic microwave oven connotes a harried, thoughtless and emotionless family life and not the utopian Martha Stewart-esque existence longed for in the target market. This oven says that you can have 3 kids, and a career, and a roast chicken dinner cooked the way Ma used to on a weeknight. They are selling to your guilt.
http://www.sharp-usa.com/products/ModelLanding/0,1058,925,00.html

Hidden Control Microwave
In this unit the controls are only visible when the door is open. I don't see the benefit in function or space savings that we saw on the 2001 unit with the controls directly on the door. We liked that. We don't understand this.

2002 Kitchen & Bath Show Introductions
Nothing to report

2001 Kitchen & Bath Show Introductions
Space Saving Under-Cabinet Microwave
New over the counter OTC microwave oven. Designed to be installed under cabinets anywhere EXCEPT over a cooktop. Controls are at the top, and microwave venting is on the bottom . 1100 Watts, 1.5 cu ft volume. Pricing and availability not yet determined.

Should Have Been Called "Macro-wave"
"Platinum" series microwave ovens have placed the controls directly onto the door, thereby greatly reducing the counter space needed for the unit. Think about it. Other microwaves lose 3-4" of oven width to make room for the controls. We assume the control is a touch sensor system. Includes various cooking sensors, modes, multi-language help and other goodies. This is a clever idea.
http://www.sharp-usa.com/products/TypeLanding/0,1056,98,00.html

2000 Kitchen & Bath Show Introductions
Mini-Microwave
The Sharp Half Pint is a line of half size 600 watt micro-microwaves with "iMac-like" styling of translucent plastic. Very trendy…..and fits a niche. http://www.sharp-usa.com/halfpint

Internet Ready Microwaves
Japan's only internet ready microwaves that allows the downloading of 400 recipes via a computer. Hello!!! Does this make sense? Wouldn't it be easier and cheaper to load the 400 recipes in before leaving the factory? Of course what would the dealer talk about? Thank God, this is NOT available in North America.

Combination Microwave
Combination microwaves with radiant elements for browning and crisping.
http://www.sharp-usa.com/products/appliances/microwave/convect/convect.html

LCD Controls
LCD touch screen control on some models to allow much more detailed control of the unruly microwave.