Thursday, June 25, 2009

Sharp R-410LW Carousel 1-2/5-Cubic-Foot Family-Size Microwave Oven, White

Product Description

The R-410LW family size microwave oven features short cut options that are easy to use for melting, softening and warming popular foods such as butter and cream cheese. In addition to 16 automatic settings for reheating, cooking and defrosting, the R-410LW family size microwave also offers a separate popcorn key, Minute Plus and a convenient kitchen timer.


Customer Reviews

Excellent Microwave5
Because I have an existing trim kit, getting a particular size is extremely important to me. Unfortunately, Sharp keeps changing its models. Fortunately, this one not only fits perfectly, but it has more features than the last one. And, it is less expensive. And, it works faster. The good: fast, attractive, lots of features, big. The bad: nothing really, except my wife wishes the buttons were slightly larger. I think microwaves are one of the few products that get better and cost less with time. Highly recommended.

Top Notch5
I was swayed in selecting this item by the positive reviews and was not disappointed. This is a very good microwave and even 'tho it was advertised as white the black is quite acceptable. A fine product.

Sharp 5 stars Amazon 1 star5
This Sharp microwave is very good,however we were sent a black model instead of the white one we ordered.We picked this particular model because it shows a white microwave and thats what my wife wanted.After the initial disappointment we decided not to send it back,we wanted this particular microwave and didn't want to take a chance there wouldn't be one left. It is a very good product for the money.

Sharp R-820JS 0.9-Cubic Foot Grill 2 Convection Microwave, Silver

Product Description

Sharp convection microwave, R820JS silver family size convection microwave, bakes, grills, roasts, 11 power levels, stainless interior, turntable. Enhanced browning and crisping are possible in a convection microwave oven. That’s because only the Grill 2 Convection has "double" grills that emit radiant heat both over and under food.


Features

  • 900-watt convection microwave provides both browning and crisping capabilities
  • 1500-watt "double" grills emit heat over and under food; 11 power levels
  • 2-line, 12-digit interactive display; auto-touch convenience; 7 automatic settings
  • Stainless-steel, 0.9-cubic-foot interior with light; 12-3/4-inch turntable for even heating
  • Measures 20-1/2 by 12-1/8 by 19-3/4 inches

Customer Reviews

Extremely versatile5
I acquired this microwave when I was moving to a flat with limited kitchen space, and my primary reason for the choice was that the Sharp model was multi-functional. Since I've begun using it, I happily have ceased to sing a requiem for the toaster oven, separate grill, and other items I was 'consolidating' in this purchase.

I have used the Sharp microwave for grilling and roasting, as well as normal microwave functions, and the results are better than I could have expected. Grilled and roasted foods are extremely tender and juicy - at least of the quality one could expect from a conventional oven. I have had similar success with cooking vegetables.

Reheating muffins and breads has amazing results - they seem fresh baked and, unlike breads normally heated in a microwave, do not harden in a minute. I have used the convection feature for preparing breads, and had especially stunning results with preparing a frozen chicken pie. I suppose the surrounding air from the convection oven was the reason, but it seemed like a fresh-baked meat pie.

There are a few drawbacks, which would not compromise my five star rating because of the great versatility and high quality of the unit overall. The 'auto' roast, defrost, and grill features are very convenient, as is the prompting (telling one when to turn over the meat, for example), but they are very limited in the weight restrictions. For example, if one is defrosting ground meat, it has to be a certain weight - significantly more than that of a single hamburger. Though grills and roasts would mostly fit in to the specifications, this is a drawback for defrosting, where one must estimate times and key them in manually.

Another difficulty I have experienced, when grilling on the rack, is that drippings which fall either on to the carousel tray or a pan placed under the meat can become badly burnt and baked on. This was slightly disappointing for my intentions of preparing gravies on the side. My single attempt to do so meant I had to soak the pan overnight and then scrape. The grilling results are wonderful, as far as the effect on the meats, but there is a great deal of smoke generated. Whenever I grill, it sets off the smoke alarm - probably best to roast, then only grill at the end.

I would advise anyone purchasing this microwave to read the manual in full. The capabilities will not be realised otherwise. I actually use the unit less for 'standard microwaving' than for its other features.

One further comment: the Sharp microwave cookbook, which is advertised in the manual for the unit, is useful but not specific to the multi-functional machine. It contains only microwave recipes - none for grilling, roasting, or convection.

Overall, and considering that it can replace several appliances, this microwave is an extraordinary value.

NIce. Really nice.5
First let me say that I got a killer deal right here on Amazon. I paid $204 with shipping included. The unit arrived in tact although the box was a little beat up. So much so that I had to unpack it outside. Now onto the review. The unit is very heavy and well constructed. The majority of the weight comes from what appears to be a commercial grade convection motor. I lugged the unit inside and put it on a utility cart with the back facing a window. I unpacked the contents, which were securely stowed inside the unit. Contents included a porcelain coated turntable, rotary mechanism for the turntable and a circular raised rack for grilling. I plugged it in and it immediately displayed instructions on how to set the clock. That was cake so now it was time to cook something! Despite what others may say, you do have to read the manual to do just about anything (except setting the clock) because the unit uses special codes for different foods, i.e 1 for pork, 2 for chicken, 3 for humans and so on. The manual is relatively easy to follow and the unit also comes with a quick reference card so you don't have to whip out the manual everytime you want to cook something. So far, I have cooked a stuffed pork chop, cinnamon rolls, chocolate chip cookies and a 10 inch frozen pizza. All came out near perfect to perfect. I would attribute this to the quality of the convection motor. I might even go as far as comparing the quality and effectiveness of this motor to that of a Hobart. If you're looking for a high quality and extrememly versatile convection/microwave/so much more, then you can stop looking. I would have paid a lot more if I knew it was going to be this good. Bon Appetit!

Great product5
I really like this product. It has a lot of functionality. I bought it primarly for the microwave capability; but, thought the other features would come in handy. I find myself using the other features almost as much as the microwave. One of things that I like best about this oven is that I can make open face tuna melts using the grill function. That is what I missed most about my old toaster oven. This oven had saved me the cost of a toaster oven.

Sharp R-530ES 2-Cubic-Foot 1200-Watt Microwave, Stainless Steel and Black

Product Description

Sharp microwave oven touch key R-530ES 13 sensor settings, beverage center, keep warm plus, 2 line interactive display.


Product Details

  • Amazon Sales Rank: #5851 in Kitchen & Housewares
  • Color: Stainless Steel
  • Brand: Sharp
  • Released on: 2004-01-15
  • Dimensions: 16.38" h x 22.13" w x 27.00" l, 47.00 pounds

Features

  • Well-designed, full-size, 1200-watt microwave with 2-cubic-foot capacity
  • Stainless-steel front and glass window; touch-key control panel; interior light
  • 2-line, 16-digit display; interactive cooking system with Custom Help
  • 16-inch turntable for even heating; 33 automatic settings; defrost center; keep warm
  • Measures 24 by 13-3/8 by 19-1/8 inches
Sharp R-530ES3
Nice unit but vibration noise when operating. Bought 2 reconditioned units from other vendors and both were defective.

Sharp R-320HW 1200 Watts Mid Size Microwave Oven, white

Product Description

SMART & EASY Sensor Settings take the guesswork out of cooking 10 popular foods. Settings include baked potatoes, ground meat, chicken breasts, and rice. It automatically sets cooking times and power levels ¿ so you don't have to.Smart & Easy Sensor Settings for 8 most popular microwave foods, and sensor reheat for all pre-cooked foods. No need to set times or power levels - eliminates guesswork!Interactive Cooking System with Custom Help provides an easy way to "customize" the oven to individual needs. -Includes options for English, Spanish, and French.Popcorn Sensor pops microwave popcorn automatically - regardless of package size or brand.Instant Action Keys make microwaving easy! Touch once for each serving - up to six. Oven starts automaticallyDefrost Center quickly defrosts meats and poultry by weight. Specific program for each category assures excellent, even results.Minute Plus sets the oven at High with a single touch.7-Digit, 2-Color Lighted Display includes word prompts.Time of Day Clock is convenient and easy to set.


From the Manufacturer
Smart & Easy sensor settings take the guesswork out of cooking 10 popular foods. Settings include baked potatoes, ground meat, chicken breasts, and rice. It automatically sets cooking times and power levels--so you don’t have to.

Features:

  • Smart & Easy sensor settings for 10 most-popular microwave foods, and sensor reheat for all pre-cooked foods. No need to set times or power levels--eliminates guesswork!
  • Interactive cooking system with custom help provides an easy way to "customize" the oven to individual needs. Includes options for English, Spanish, and French.
  • Popcorn sensor pops microwave popcorn automatically--regardless of package size or brand.
  • Instant Action keys make microwaving easy! Touch once for each serving--up to six. Oven starts automatically.
  • Defrost Center quickly defrosts meats and poultry by weight. Specific program for each category assures excellent, even results.
  • Minute Plus sets the oven at "high" with a single touch.
  • Seven-digit, two-color lighted display includes word prompts.
  • Time of day clock is convenient and easy to set.

Specifications:

  • 1-1/5 cubic-foot capacity
  • 1200-watt power
  • Color: white
  • Outside dimensions: 20-1/2 by 12-1/3 by 17-1/4 inches
  • Interior dimensions: 14-3/4 by 8-7/8 by 15-1/4 inches
  • 17 automatic settings
  • Turntable diameter: 12-5/8 inches
  • 4 defrost options
  • 7-digit, 2-color lighted display
  • Lighted cavity
  • Net weight: 35 pounds
  • Shipping weight: 39 pounds
  • AC line voltage: 120 volts, single phase, 60 Hz, AC only
  • AC power required: 1.68 kW, 14.2 amps
  • Safety compliance: FCC, DHHS, UL Listed

Customer Reviews

Terrific microwave5
We got this microwave because it was very highly rated in Consumer Reports. It does a terrific job and looks great in the kitchen. Super powerful at 1200 watts. You have to reduce the power level on some recipes since most microwave cookbooks use 1000 watt machines. The power level button prevents overcooking. The popcorn button is terrific. Highly recommend getting the Sharp Carousel Cookbook that you can order from the back of the instruction book. Only $7, it has terrific recipes. I've made great tasting stuffed mushrooms, excellent nachos and cheesey bacon english muffins. I very happy with this microwave. It was impossible to find in any retail stores. Amazon gave me the absolute best price and free shipping.

Sharp R-320HW 1200 Watts Mid Size Microwave Oven4
I bought this oven because I had owned an earlier version of the Sharp 320.

It runs well, and I like the controls, but the door is much flimsier than the previous model, and after a month I'm already having problems with the catch mechanism on the door.

Sharp Microwave Oven4
The oven's size is a bit less than we expected but the heating time is much faster than our previous oven. With the exception of setting the power level, (repeated pressing of the power level button to the desired power level) we're delighted with the product.

Sharp R-410LK Carousel 1-2/5-Cubic-Foot Family-Size Microwave Oven, Black

Product Description

The R-410LK family size microwave oven features short cut options that are easy to use for melting, softening and warming popular foods such as butter and cream cheese. In addition to 16 automatic settings for reheating, cooking and defrosting, the R-410LK family size microwave also offers a separate popcorn key, Minute Plus and a convenient kitchen timer.

Amazon.com Product Description
With a 1-2/5-cubic-foot capacity and 1100 watts of power, this family-size microwave oven provides quick and easy meal preparation. The unit's 14-1/8-inch-diameter turntable ensures even heating, while 16 automatic settings take the guesswork out of reheating, cooking, and defrosting by automatically setting cooking times and power levels. Four defrost options quickly defrost meats and poultry by weight; six cook options come in handy for baked potatoes, fresh and frozen vegetables, rice, ground meat, and frozen entrees; and six reheat options make it especially simple to reheat items like beverages, pizza, rolls, and muffins. In addition, short-cut options make it convenient to melt, soften, and warm popular foods such as butter and cream cheese. The microwave oven also provides Minute Plus, which sets the oven at "high" with a single touch, and a popcorn key that pops microwave popcorn automatically, regardless of package size or brand. Other highlights include touch-pad controls, a five-digit two-color lighted display, and a handy kitchen timer. The microwave oven measures 17-1/2 by 21-5/8 by 12-3/8 inches.

Customer Reviews

Excellent5
I have used the smaller microwave from Sharp and loved it. Lasted 11 years. Would not consider using any other brand. This microwave is an upgrade model, larger and at a great price. I love it!

Sharp R-410LK Carousel 1-2/5-Cubic-Foot Family-Size Microwave Oven, Black 5
This Microwave oven gets my highest rating even though Amazon only allows for five stars the oven is extremely fast and has the largest capacity for the price, also the quietest microwave oven I have ever heard or owned, I am amazed at the speed of cooking and reheating it can do and Amazon has the best and lowest price of any website I researched on, oven has a clock which was not stated on the description on the amazon page where it is located on there is however downfall to this microwave oven which I was very surprised to have witnessed for such an innovator of this type of oven they are known for their carousel that it did not have a luud beep when the oven is finished cooking or reheating you really have to be in a room that is very quiet to hear this beeping sound for when the oven is finished but all in all great oven great price and lots of cooking and reheating settings and loads of interior space, I was even able to put a Visions cookware pot in there without damaging the sides of the oven while the turntable is in motion which I thought I would not be able to do prior to receiving the oven I did have a concern that I would not be able to use this particular pot in there because of damage it could cause but I was pleasantly surprieed I was able to put it in this oven If you own a lower wattage microwave oven and you purchase this one you will also need to adjust your times by at least half the amount you already use on your current oven, I also love the minute plus setting, if you make a mistake in your time you can press this button to add one more extra minute everytime until you reach the desired time, it is very handy if you are not sure just how much more time you need with your cooking and don't want to have to go all through the steps again to reset and start over this button is so easy just one press and you get an extra minute I completely recommend this Microwave oven ot everyone, I just hope it last twenty years like my old Amana microwave did

bmvstlouis5
I can't say enough great things about our new micro. We have a large family and use it all the time. It is very big inside for large items. The cook time is almost half of what we were using. Buy this if you are in the market for a new one!!!

Sharp R-230KW 800-Watt 4/5-Cubic-Foot Compact Microwave, White

Product Description

Sharp R230KW Compact Microwave Oven / 0.8 Cubic Feet / 800 Watt / Auto Touch Controls / 6 reheat option / 3 cooking stages / Pops Popcorn automatically Pops Popcorn automatically - perfect results with all types of microwave popcorn Minute Plus - single touch setting to high Unit Dimensions - Height 10 7/8 x Width 18 1/8 x Depth 14 1/8 inches Oven Interior Dimensions - Height 7 7/8 x Width 12 5/8 x Depth 13 1/4 inches General Capacity - 0.8 cubic feet Wattage - 800 Watts Automatic Settings - 15 Turntable Diameter - 11 5/8 inches Defrost Options - 4 Display Type - 4-Digit LCD


Product Details

  • Amazon Sales Rank: #9319 in Kitchen & Housewares
  • Brand: Sharp
  • Model: R-230KW
  • Dimensions: 15.00" h x 20.00" w x 12.00" l, 48.00 pounds

Features

  • 800-watt compact-size microwave oven with 4/5-cubic-foot capacity
  • Defrosts meats and poultry by weight; 15 automatic settings; 4 cooking options; 6 reheat settings
  • Short cuts make melting, softening, and warming easy; popcorn setting; Minute Plus
  • Auto-touch controls; 4-digit LCD display; interior light; 10-3/4-inch turntable provides even heating
  • Measures 18-1/8 by 10-7/8 by 14-1/8 inches; 1-year limited warranty

Customer Reviews

Serves its purpose well4
I purchased this microwave as an addition to my dorm room. I would have liked a high-powered microwave, but restraints on space and money stopped me. For the price and for the size, this microwave works rather well. There are some extra functions, but I just use the regular microwaving. The only thing that I do not like about the microwave is that its internal rotating dish is not very stable, and is prone to shifting off its base with even a slightly unbalanced load. Even so, it was a worthwhile purchase.

Perfect for small to medium applications5
We needed an oven for popcorn, hot drinks, and letovers. This is perfect! Right price, right size. Can't do better than this.

Sharp R-315JS 1-1/5-Cubic-Foot 1200-Watt Microwave Oven, Stainless

Product Description

Sharp microwave oven, R315JS, silver compact size, unique wrap around design, 1200W of cooking power, 11 power levels, 6 cooking options, turntable.


Product Details

  • Amazon Sales Rank: #2746 in Kitchen & Housewares
  • Color: Silver/ Stainless
  • Brand: Sharp
  • Model: R-315JS
  • Dimensions: 14.50" h x 19.38" w x 23.25" l,

Features

  • 1200-watt mid-sized microwave oven with 1-1/5-cubic-foot capacity
  • 12-5/8-inch-diameter turntable provides even heating; 23 automatic settings
  • 4 defrost options; 6 automatic cook options for up to 6 servings; 6 reheat options
  • Minute Plus; popcorn key; 11 power levels; touch-pad controls; 4-digit lighted display
  • Measures 20-1/2 by 17-5/8 by 12-1/4 inches; 1-year limited warranty

Customer Reviews

A product NOT made in China ... it's made in Thailand.4
I've waited quite awhile to review this product. Why? Well, I wasn't really sure of the quality and wanted to wait and see what would go wrong. After all, this is a very inexpensive microwave. So I waited ... and waited ... but since product models come and go quickly, I thought I had better put my 2 cents in before this model became history.

First, let me comment on the looks of this unit. That's what attracted me in the first place. It's a very modern looking unit with a very nice brushed stainless steel face. Unfortunately, it's a fingerprint, finger smudge magnet (yes, I knew that going in). But a little window cleaner keeps it looking great (just be prepared to do this every time you touch it -- either that, or wear gloves).

For whatever reason, I was surprised how big this unit was, but I shouldn't have been. Both the picture and the dimensions are correct (which is kind of a first). I measured 20-3/8 W x 12-1/4 H x 16-3/8 D (add another inch or so for the power cable mount on the back). The power plug (that goes into your outlet) needs about 3 inches of clearance. In other words, this unit will take a good deal of counter space. And in all honesty, I really didn't need a unit this large. Still, it's one of the more attractive microwave units that I've looked at.

As had been stated, almost all of the controls are behind the door. It really doesn't effect me because one has to open the door to put in the food. It's just different, that's all (and gives it a very clean outside appearance, which I really like). It does have a minute timer on the outside (I'm surprised how often I use that button) and a button for popcorn as well as start and stop/clear buttons. You push the panel below those buttons to open the door. It has a large, heavy glass turntable (about 12-5/8 diameter ... they got this dimension right as well) so one can cook some pretty large meals. The inside dimensions are: 13-7/8 W x 8-3/8 H x 14-7/8 D.

It's a 1200-watt unit that's pretty noisy, but probably not any louder than others in this power range (aren't all microwaves noisy?). It has several different types of settings (see the features listed by Amazon), and I wish I could tell you all about them, but I don't often use any of them (I just go by what the food product suggests). I don't even use the popcorn button (I do it the old fashion way ... by listening).

So how does it cook? Average, I guess. Really, no better or no worse than any other microwave that I've had. I couldn't tell a discernible difference. It cooks pretty well and fairly evenly, although occasionally there is a semi-frozen spot when I defrost. I guess my biggest complaint is how the power set button is incorporated. You want a power setting of 30? Then be prepared to push this button 7 times (90, 80, 70, 60, 50, 40, 30). And to tell you the truth, I haven't really figured out the defrost settings for certain items (like bread). I just "guestimate" with the power settings, but I get most items defrosted without too many problems (just takes a little practice). In my own defense, I lost (or misplaced) the manual a month after I purchased this product.

Not being any sort of a cook whatsoever, I'm not sure how valuable this review will be, so let me apologize if this wasn't helpful to you. In any case, I rate this unit an 8 (or a solid 4-star rating), meaning that I think this is a very good product and an excellent value. It's certainly cheap enough, has worked well for over 11 months (and absolutely nothing has gone wrong ... knock on wood), and it still looks great (after I clean it). And it's easy to clean inside and out, and does what it is suppose to do (and probably a lot more). To tell you the truth, I wasn't really expecting much from this unit, and if it broke I knew I wouldn't be out much money. So imagine my surprise when after almost one full year of continual, everyday use, it looks and operates like new.

contemporary style microwave that seems to be a good deal4
After a fiery death that luckily did not drag my overcrowded apartment with father, baby, dog and nanny, of a old Sharp carousel microwave (5 years old) to ashes, I found this microwave at Amazon.
The price was right and the shipping is that push me to buy it. If you search for microwaves around, the selections for a decent price have pretty much dried up. 5 years ago, you could find several dozen models for a price point, but I guess it is not profitable to carry so many models anymore.

The looks of the microwave, I give it 5/5 stars.

The features, although sophisticated sounding, are not all that it seems. The weight in defrosting is less than 2 lbs, anything else will force you to cancel all previous programming steps.

For technical features, I give it a 4/5 stars.

For reliability, I give it a 3/5 stars.

I received a unit whose open or eject door button was defective. I had to return it and go without a range for another week.


It has been 2 months and it has been working without any problems. As I said previously, it looks good, it is fine with features, and asides from the problems I have encountered, it is a competent unit.

Very Satisfied5
I am very satisfied with my purchase. The 1200 Watt Microwave Oven is powerful/quick and doesn't take up as much space as many other ovens with the same wattage. It works well. It was shipped very promptly and received in good condition. Nice features. The only thing I might choose differently next time I need to purchase a microwave would be to have all features/settings on the exterior panel rather than hidden by the outer door. But, I suspect I'll be used to it by then. Very nice product. Very satisfied. Would recommend to anyone who wants a microwave that can do it all if you want it to -- or just boil a cup of water for tea.

Sharp R-426LS Family Size Countertop Microwave

Product Description
  • 1200-watt microwave with 1-3/5-cubic-foot capacity and 14-1/8-inch turntable
  • Clean, uncluttered design; control panel located behind oven's door
  • 9 sensor settings; popcorn sensor; Instant Action keys; 5-option defrost feature
  • Keep Warm Plus; 7-digit, 2-color lighted display; interior light; easy-to-set clock
  • Measures 21-21/32 by 12-3/8 by 18-7/16 inches

  • Customer Reviews

    Great Large Microwave5
    I owned this microwave for one and a half years. In that time I was most impressed with the sleek finish and large size. It does everything you would expect of a microwave (boil water, popcorn, reheat food, etc). The preset, by weight, settings are a little hit or miss, but all in all pretty good. Generally, I like to manually adjust the power level and this microwave does a great job with that. For instance, melting butter on power level one or two melts the butter without boiling or liquefying it.

    My roommate took my first Sharp and I'm about to buy my second. I hope this helps.

    my new kitchen5
    I recently finished my kitchen remodel which included all stainless steel appliances. I bought this model of microwave because of its design. Now that I am using it, I love it. It is easy to use. It took no time for me to adjust to the buttons being on the inside.The size is great and the sensor mode works wonderfully. I would highly reccomend this product.

    Sharp R-230KK 800-Watt 4/5-Cubic-Foot Compact Microwave, Black

    Product Description

    .8 CUFT, 800W, Black, Compact Microwave, Auto Touch Controls, Digital Display, 4 Defrost Options, 4 Cook Options, 6 Reheat Options, Minute Plus Button.


    Features

    • 800-watt compact-size microwave oven with 4/5-cubic-foot capacity
    • Defrosts meats and poultry by weight; 15 automatic settings; 4 cooking options; 6 reheat settings
    • Short cuts make melting, softening, and warming easy; popcorn setting; Minute Plus
    • Auto-touch controls; 4-digit LCD display; interior light; 10-3/4-inch turntable provides even heating
    • Measures 18-1/8 by 10-7/8 by 14-1/8 inches; 1-year limited warranty

    Customer Reviews

    Love It!!5
    I bought this Microwave to replace an older Sharp model. I have had very good luck with Sharp Microwaves and this new one is no different. It's a very good compact microwave for one or two people. It was very easy to set the clock and use right out of the box. I love the look of it. The buttons are very simple to use. I don't use my microwave for cooking that much, I use it mostly for reheating and defrosting. I am a single mom with one teenage son who never eats at the same time as I do so it comes in very handy. I do sometimes cook bacon and pototoes in it. It makes great baked potatoes. It you have more than two people in your family you might want to get a larger oven. I have been using Sharp microwaves for many, many years, they make a great product. I highly recommend this model and all Sharps for that matter.

    Luxury features I never expected for this price, never5
    Power-level settings of 100%, 90%, and right on down--I am amazed. I think the very-low settings are for drying food; can you imagine being able to do dried foods yourself? Then quick-buttons for nearly everything. It'll take a while to learn all the features but even right out of the box it was just so easy to use! All I wanted was a small simple one that wouldn't take much counterspace and never dreamed it would have all this, not for this price. My old microwave had just given out--after 23 years of daily use--and the one thing I wanted was defrost, that's all. I'd always used the microwave, on defrost, to simmer foods that needs long, slow cooking--with no pot-watching and no chance of burning. You ought to try that! Much better than on the stove--and this does have defrost, of course of course--but so many other settings that will be even better for slow cooking. Then you can choose to defrost meat according to how much the chunk of meat actually weighs, of all things--there's a setting for that too! Never heard of that! One more feature I especially wanted was for the light to go out when the door is open and here's why: The way to make a microwave last simply forever is to leave the door open a while after each use and let it dry out. Then it will last for decades--like my old one did. But wouldn't want to leave it open if the light stayed on, no; so another highly desirable feature right there. I just don't think a better microwave could be bought at any price, period--many more features aren't even listed here. The more expensive ones seem to only have features I'd never use anyway--a built-in toaster or something--so why pay for that! No, if it's microwaving you're after, this is just IT. Also, if you're wondering about size, it says compact but holds a regular-size Pyrex loaf pan with room to spare as it turns, or a big mixing bowl with a pretty big hen or whatever in it, so that's plenty big for most people. It's the design--there are scooped-out places in the inner walls that allow space for the rim of a bowl or a pan to turn. That's why it holds so much. And hey, it looks nice too--and is light enough that I can easily move it to clean under it yet it does feel as heavy and solid as can be. My hat is certainly off to the designers! (And as always, to Amazon! It got here in no time with Amazon's free SuperSaver shipping--days before I was told it would arrive!) I don't have a single negative to say after a week's use and every day am still discovering yet more wonderful things about it that save a busy person's time and energy--as well as money. Thought I'd let other shoppers know!

    Good Compact Microwave4
    We bought this microwave when our old one broke. We have limited counter space, so the size is perfect. We don't often use the preset times for defrosting/reheating, as they don't seem to work for the amount of food we put in (thus the reduction in stars). For the most part, we manually set the times and things heat/defrost great. The one preset we still want to try is the popcorn setting. Our old microwave consistently burnt our popcorn, so we're looking hoping this one works better! We don't use our microwave for cooking, just reheating, melting, defrosting and heating beverages.

    Sharp R-305KS 1-Cubic-Foot 1100-Watt Microwave Oven, Stainless

    Product Description

    Sharp R-305KS 1100 Watts Stainless Silver Microwave


    Product Details

    • Amazon Sales Rank: #669 in Kitchen & Housewares
    • Color: Silver
    • Brand: Sharp
    • Model: R-305KS
    • Dimensions: 12.25" h x 20.50" w x 17.75" l, 37.00 pounds

    Features

    • 1100-watt mid-sized microwave oven with 1-cubic-foot capacity
    • 12-5/8-inch-diameter turntable provides even heating; 23 automatic settings
    • 4 defrost, 6 cook, and 6 reheat options; Short Cuts for melting, softening, and warming
    • Minute Plus; popcorn key; auto-touch controls; 4-digit 2-color lighted display; interior light
    • Measures 20-1/2 by 17 by 12-1/4 inches; 1-year limited warranty

    Customer Reviews

    One of the BEST values in mid-sized MW ovens!5
    I conducted a good amount of research before deciding on this Sharp microwave oven. I wanted my new oven to meet the following important criteria and have the following features:

    * a carousel and be able to fit a dinner plate
    * at least 1000 watts of heating power (this has 1100) to heat food fast
    * classy looking, compact stainless steel design
    * name brand reputation for reliability
    * around 100 dollars or so, give or take a little

    I've had good luck with the Sharp brand. My previous microwave oven was also a Sharp unit, I had purchased way back in 1995. It was a full-size unit though, and I wanted to get something smaller, in stainless steel, since we recently re-did our kitchen in stainless steel. 'Luck would have it' that our old 1995 Sharp unit broke down shortly after we re-did our kitchen in late 2005, so I jumped at the opportunity to get another Sharp. The new R-305KS works flawlessly, and cooks even faster and more even than my older, larger unit! I must have reaped the benefits of improved microwave technology over the last 10 years or so that i've owned the older Sharp oven. All in all, a SUPERB VALUE and a SOLID PERFORMER!

    Marilyn in San Jose5
    We love this microwave. It is great looking. It is powerful - all cooking times are less, which we have to get used to. It is roomy inside but compact - doesn't take up all of our limted counter space.

    great - if this is what one needs. It is for me4
    I had another brand which did magnificently for 12 years. I couldn't find one similar in the same brand, so went to the Sharp. It is the size that a couple almost 80 years old can use best. We do little cooking in the microwave - more reheating coffee, or warming up food that has already been cooked on the stove. Oh, it does cook our oatmeal daily - generally 3 min at 50% power. Price was right, and shipping was included. Why not 5 stars? -- we prefer the door with a handle like our previous microwave had. For those who prefer "push" over "pull" - it is a 5 star.Sharp R-305KS 1-Cubic-Foot 1100-Watt Microwave Oven, Stainless