Heating and sterilizing apparatus and method of using same

An apparatus for generating a superheated fluid capable of reducing or eliminating microorganisms associated with an item, comprising:

• an electric heater for heating a gas;
• a superheated fluid generator operatively coupled to the electric heater and including a first fluid reservoir for supplying a first working fluid to the apparatus, wherein the electric heater heats the gas to a temperature above the saturation temperature of the first working fluid such that when the first working fluid is combined with the heated gas, the apparatus at least initially generates a mixture of superheated vapor of the first working fluid and the gas capable of reducing or eliminating microorganisms associated with the item, wherein the fluid generator further comprises:
• a jacket housing disposed about at least a portion of the electric heater and in thermal communication therewith, the housing defining a chamber having an inlet in fluid communication with the reservoir and an outlet in communication with the heated gas from the electric heater, wherein the first working fluid in the chamber of the housing is heated by the electric heater and then introduced to the heated gas via the outlet so as to generate the mixture of the superheated vapor of the first working fluid and the gas, the generation of the superheated vapor of the first working fluid and the gas occurring at approximately one atmosphere of pressure.