Sharp R-55TS Microwave Oven: A Potentially Dangerous Problem

My parents just recently downsized and one of the things that they needed at the new house was a microwave.With less room than what they had before, they most definitely were looking for a microwave that had multiple capabilities. Hence, their joy at finding a microwave that could toast and bake, in addition to performing it's duties as a microwave.

THE SPECIFICS:

* 11.5" x 11.25" x 11.62"
* Six power levels
* Express defrost options
* 650 watts of power
* 10.5" turntable
* Numerous (See below) automatic settings

My parents have not throw away their toaster or ditched the oven quit yet, but they are fairly satisfied with their purchase so far. There are a number of things that they like about the R-55TS.

First of all, there are automatic settings for five foods and each food has five different settings. Hence, there are 25 different options. While they do not use this feature all that often, it is nice to know that you have it and can use when needed. Remember, you will be fixing many different foods in the microwave versus in the stove and may not know how much time they need to be cooked. Hence, the automatic settings work well as guides. Furthermore, the microwave comes with automatic settings for a number of different snack foods.

Secondly, the microwave can prepare drink and frozen entrees or vegetables quite well. One of the problems that you always seem to have with a new microwave is that you do not know how long to cook something. Again, the automatic settings come through when it comes to veggies and the like.

Thirdly, the microwave is very consistent and especially so when it comes to baking. There are four settings (325, 350, 375, 400) and all seem to produce a consistently cooked meal. The food comes out tasting quite good and the process is much quicker than anything you have done previously.

Fourth and perhaps most importantly, is the ability to turn the sound off. Ok, kidding. About the most important part. You can turn the sound off completely and this is not a bad thing by any means. No more annoying chirping when something is done. Hallelujah!

Finally, the microwave is a good looking piece of equipment. The microwave features a stainless steel front with a black cabinet and stainless interior walls. You can basically put it in any type of kitchen and it will look good. I will add that the inside seems to clean up with ease.

So, why are the parents not throwing away their other small appliances in favor of this microwave? Well, for one it takes most of the month in order to toast something. I have seen where someone mentions that it takes seven minutes to toast an english muffin and will agree that this is about right. The time it takes to toast anything is horrible.

The other reason they are not ready to give this machine the all clear is that they are not sure it will last. The dial knob does not seem to be well made and the turntable wobbles all over the place. In fact, I would almost go so far as to say that the turntable could be dangerous as it may encourage spills. The turntable does not have the typical outer rings and notches that keep in place. There is just a center piece to hold it in place. Therefore, it is not too difficult to tip it and/or have something that wobbles and ends up spilling. Most likely this something will be very hot and you will not be too happy.

Hence, I have a hard time giving this a great recommendation. If it was able to toast well, I could overlook the other problem. However, the fact that it cannot toast very well means that it is not so much a three-in-one machine as a two-in-one machine and that means that you still need your toaster oven and I can assume that you are not going to ditch your oven either way.

So, I am giving the Sharp R-55TS Microwave Oven a below average rating for now. When they figure out to make toasting more enjoyable and make the machine feel like it is better made, I will change my rating. Until then, it is your call but I cannot say this is a must have.