MAHWAH, NJ, April 11, 2008 -- Sharp leverages its long history of cooking experience to introduce a generation of Insight^® and Insight Pro^® Ranges that feature the world’s first Microwave Drawer^® oven, incorporating one of the most frequently-used cooking appliances into a high-quality 30-inch wide range. Sharp’s line of Insight Ranges offers a wealth of design options by moving the microwave off of the counter and elegantly addressing the question of microwave placement.

Sharp’s Insight Range (model KB-3401L) and Insight Pro Ranges (models KB-3425L and KB-4425L) combine a smooth glass ceramic cooktop, a convection and conventional oven and the patent-pending Microwave Drawer appliance in a beautifully styled, compact footprint. The clever design positions the microwave at a convenient height, making the range ideal for consumers who use their microwave often. Available in freestanding (models KB-3401L and KB-3425L) or slide-in configurations (model KB-4425L), Sharp’s line of ranges are well-suited for open-plan kitchens, islands and tight spaces.

“Today’s consumers want to reclaim counter space, whether in a modern open-plan kitchen with few wall cabinets or a smaller condominium or apartment kitchen,” said Christine Lewis, associate vice president of marketing, appliances, Sharp Electronics Marketing Company of America. “Our Insight and Insight Pro Ranges feature Sharp’s innovative Microwave Drawer oven for space-saving style, and provide consumers with the cutting-edge technology and cooking performance that they have come to expect from Sharp.”

The Microwave Drawer oven brings convenience to the cooking process, either opening manually (model KB-3401) or automatically (models KB-3425 and KB-4425). The drawer provides easy reach-in access, eliminating the need to remove dishes from the microwave when checking or stirring foods. It incorporates Sharp’s sensor technology for superior microwave cooking and reheating results, and its smooth floor enables easy clean-up. Both the Microwave Drawer appliance and lower oven are artfully concealed behind large viewing windows for a sleek, state-of-the-art, unified appearance.

All Insight and Insight Pro Ranges feature a smooth glass ceramic cooktop that is easy to maintain. A deluxe heavy-duty backsplash on freestanding models protects tile or wallpaper behind the range. The KB-3425L and KB-4425L features front-mounted angled and lighted glass touch-screen controls that are readily accessible, easy to use and easy to clean. Model KB-3401L features a front-mounted glass touch control panel with separate LCD displays for the oven and Microwave Drawer product, while the glass controls on models KB-3425L and KB-4425L features Sharp’s LCD touch-screen technology that simplifies the cooking process with step-by-step instructions and helpful tips.

The ranges include one (KB-3401L) or two (KB-3425L and KB-4425L) EZ Pull oven racks that are ideal for handling heavier items. A warming zone on the smooth glass cooktop enables easy meal coordination when preparing multiple dishes. In addition, all models offer the benefits of European-type convection cooking with an additional heating element that provides even heat and a consistent temperature throughout the oven cavity. Three convection options (Convection Bake, Convection Broil and Convection Roast) provide ideal settings for a wide array of foods to cook them faster with superb results, such as cookies, crusty breads or juicy steaks. Because convection cooking settings are different than those of a standard oven, Insight Pro Ranges feature Custom Conversion technology - with exact settings for specific foods instead of general food categories - that automatically adjust time and temperature for outstanding results.

All ranges are available in a choice of stainless steel, black or white finishes, to complement the existing décor of virtually any kitchen.

Pricing and availability: