Thursday, June 25, 2009

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.

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