Toshiba Lifestyle to launch microwave with semiconductor heating in December
The ER-WM01C is a 21L single-function microwave that combines a semiconductor emitter with a magnetron, priced at an estimated 65,780 yen.
Toshiba Lifestyle announced the ER-WM01C, a household microwave that uses semiconductor oscillation technology, for release in December at an open price with an estimated market price around 65,780 yen, according to kaden.watch.impress.co.jp.
The ER-WM01C is a 21L single-function unit that irradiates microwaves from a semiconductor emitter on top and a magnetron below, a combination the company says reduces uneven heating. Toshiba Lifestyle describes it as the first domestic household microwave to use semiconductor oscillation, a technology previously used in commercial thawing machines.
Heating is controlled by a 64-eye infrared sensor and a heating balance sensor that adjust to the condition of the food. According to the company, 100g of minced meat defrosts in about 1 minute 30 seconds, compared with about 3 minutes 30 seconds on the ER-S10A released in fiscal 2024.
Defrost modes include «Kiwami Zen Kaito» for minced and sliced meat and «Kiwami Han Kaito» for frozen sashimi, alongside a «Shihan no Reitoshokuhin Atatame» mode for heating frozen pasta, noodles, side dishes, fried rice and bento without setting a time. The «Sugoraku Atatame» function can warm one dish or two dishes of different types and temperatures at once.
The microwave has a handleless smart damper door and a «Torechau Coat» on the interior side and rear surfaces. The body measures 468 x 407 x 349 mm, weighs about 16 kg, consumes 1,400 W and offers microwave output of 1,000/600/500/200/100 W. It is available in black.
Quick answers
When will the Toshiba Lifestyle ER-WM01C go on sale?
It is planned for release in December at an open price.
How much does the ER-WM01C cost?
It is sold at an open price, with an estimated market price around 65,780 yen.
What is different about the ER-WM01C's heating system?
It uses a semiconductor emitter on top together with a magnetron below to reduce uneven heating, which Toshiba Lifestyle says is a first for a domestic household microwave.