Panasonic’s recent launch of its Countertop Induction Oven (CIO) is the first step in the company’s renewed product development efforts in small electrics that in the coming months will see the company debut select new appliances, officials told HOMEWORLD BUSINESS®.

While the company is no stranger to the small electrics segment, its effort is focused on bringing to market better quality goods that offer unique features or new cooking methods.

“We are being very specific in [small electrics],” said Lisa Knierim, vp/home merchandising for Panasonic. “The first thing we did is identify those product categories in which we did not want to participate.”

In launching CIO, Panasonic highlighted the company’s more than 40 years of history of innovation in induction heating technology. According to the company, the new unit is designed to grill, bake, toast and re-heat and requires little or no pre-heating.

The countertop oven is equipped with pre-set menu options and adjustable temperature controls that allows the home cook to make steak, chicken and vegetables on a single pan and at the same time. The unit’s direct induction heat and a tightly sealed, compact interior maintain cooking temperature while also circulating heat during the process. The countertop induction oven is scheduled for availability in October and is priced at $599.

During the design process of the CIO, Knierim said her team focused its product development efforts on a cooking appliance that allowed consumers to make fresh food simply at home.

“Those were the constant themes we were hearing,” she said. “There are many dual income families or those with older kids at home and they are looking to easily make an incredible meal for their family.”

Panasonic’s renewed strategy in small electrics includes a targeted approached regarding retail placement. Company officials are eyeing placement at department stores and other high-end retailers.

For more on Panasonic, see the March 28, 2016, issue of HOMEWORLD BUSINESS®.