My
compact microwave finally died. I did note in the review for my dead microwave there were problems with the
Touch Control Panel. Since I received it used from my daughter, I'm not sure when this happened but I used it working around this problem until this month when the Start and Stop button stopped working. I called Sharp about this problem and was told it is something that can happen due to individual use and basically it was out of warranty. But then I researched online and noticed many other people with a variety of
Touch Control Panel problems with different brands and not just Sharp products. So off I went to several stores looking for a new microwave.
Because I have limited space on my countertop, my search was for a
Compact again under 11" high with no special features, capacity or high-end models which are more expensive. I like the space above the microwave to be utilized with a cute bread box that I use much more than the microwave. It has a nice contour design in the front unlike my previous model which was flat.
I visited the Sharp website and I noticed they now sell 10 categories of various models. My interest was only in the Compact one and noticed there were 3 listed all starting with the "R" 230KW, 220KW and 209KK. I then started looking locally for one. To my surprise, the compacts are hard to find at brick and mortar stores. I went to several that were supposed to carry these models but out of 6 stores only
Lowe's had a compact in stock. Since I was expecting company over the week-end and needed a replacement ASAP, I decided to buy it there. The price,
$59.99, was reasonable. While out looking, I saw other brands but did not like either the style or color. I wanted to stick with
White. This microwave did not look like my old one and figured it had to be a newer model. I didn't go out looking for any specific model since all stores will carry a select few of each brand. At this point, I just wanted an inexpensive microwave and would settle for any but prefer the Sharp brand. When I got home I unpacked the microwave and realized it was the same model number as the one I was replacing (220). I was going to return it if it was from old inventory but when I checked the back of the microwave it stated
"Manufactured August 2007" and my old one said
"February 2003". Both were
made in Thailand. Now I felt better and realized they were not the same inventory.
Is this for you?
If you are limited with space, like the color white, don't mind 800 Watts, 0.8 cu. ft then it might be for you. The Turntable Diameter is 10 3/4. It has a Display Type of 4-Digit LCD with 15 Automatic Settings 4 Defrost Options. It has a light that turns on when started. The outside dimensions are; 18 1/8" wide x 10 7/8" high x 13 1/2" deep.
I don't defrost food in the microwave. I prefer to let it thaw out in the refrigerator slowly. The only settings I use are the minute plus which is on the start button that with each press it increases by the minute. I also use the popcorn setting. Basically I use my microwave for heating small portions of food. The removable glass turntable fits a normal size dinner dish. It has a Timer on the Clock button that can time your cooking for up to 99 minutes and 99 seconds. I tested the timer and it beeps for a few seconds when time is up. There are 11 preset power levels to decrease the power down to 0% useful for slow cooking. This oven requires a 120 voltage line.
The operation manual is for the 3 models listed above. It shows various examples on the features with illustrations. The back includes Auto-Touch Guide which is handy for a quick overview.
If you have a large family, this may not be for you. I replaced my large microwave when it became too big for my use and besides it took more counter space. This microwave has features I probably will never use. The 800 Watts is suitable for my needs.
In conclusion
I like this style, size and color. It was inexpensive so if it breaks it would probably be better to replace it than try to repair it. It has many more features I didn't detail above. I don't expect it to last as long as my large microwave since products are not made to last as long anymore.
While microwaves come in many different watts, colors and styles, Sharp makes it easy to choose one of the many they sell. Shopping for one online would be easier than running around looking for the particular one, but I can return mine within 3 months at Lowe's if I find a reason to return it and they will replace it (so I was told). I hope this lasts until I decide to place a microwave above my stove which is nicer if I decide to remodel my kitchen in the near future.
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(My thanks to
gamblin_man for adding this Sharp Microwave to the database)
