Sharp heats up steam cooking with flexible mid-range combi microwave

By Patrick Avenell

SYDNEY, NSW: What are the challenges of cooking with steam? It’s too messy, too risky, too stressful and altogether too time consuming. These were the hurdles that Sharp recognised when it set out to introduce a new combination steam microwave that could be both a replacement for the traditional microwave, whilst offering a convenient steam solution.

Rather than targeting the high end of the market, which is currently being supplied by Miele, Bosch and Ilve with some very attractive, built-in models (all with price points well into four figures), Sharp is positioning its new SteamWave oven as a stepping stone for consumers that want their microwave to do more but are not yet prepared to invest in a higher end unit.

Considering this positioning, it’s interesting to note that the SteamWave includes a rare feature for steam appliances: variable temperature. Whereas many of its competitors only allow steaming at 100° Celsius, the SteamWave can be set at temperature levels starting at 70° Celsius. This allows for a slow steaming process that is favoured when cooking more delicate dishes, such as whole fish, egg dishes and quiches.

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At the launch event in Sydney today, Current.com.au tried a number of dishes prepared in the SteamWave, such as a whole snapper, Thai chicken mince and salmon. Not only were these foods prepared quickly without too much fuss, they were also delicious. According to Sharp national marketing manager Mark Beard, these dishes were also healthy, as steam cooking retains natural flavour, moisture and nutrients in the food.

In addition to the steam function, the SteamWave is a fully functional 900-watt microwave with five sensor auto menus and four defrost function. There’s also a 1,100-watt grill heater, making this unit a 3-in-1 kitchen solution.

Beard said that although he thought the previously released SuperSteam oven was a great product, its high-end position meant that some consumers were unable to make the jump up from normal microwave or more traditional benchtop steamers. This unit, at RRP $768, is designed to create a full good-better-best story in the Sharp microwave range. Having this mid-step should also help retailers sell up on the shop floor.

Sharp’s consultant food expert Janelle Bloom was full of praise for this model. She highlighted that this unit has preset programs that have been formulated in Australia specifically for Australian consumers and using Australian food. She said other microwaves in the marketplace use international programs which may not be ideal for Australian users.

The new Sharp SteamWave AX1100J is available now for RRP $768.

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