Sanyo EM-S6588S 1-Cubic-Foot Microwave Oven, Stainless Steel

Comment: This unit replaces a Samsung that I bought used in 1985--poor Mr. Microwave finally bought the farm. Possibly since I had such an elderly unit previously, my expectations might be lower than most consumers. The Sanyo is a little taller (good), and the user interface works just fine for me. I don't have to push the buttons hard to get it to work, and it doesn't move on the counter. It seems to have about the same power level as my old oven, but it's a lot quieter. It seems like a very sturdy product, and I am very happy with it.

Comment: I've had my unit for about a week and it has performed up to my expectations. The power, 800 watts, is typical for a small oven. The controls are logical and echo those of larger units. The black exterior is appealing. The carousel works well and is constructed like a scaled-down version of larger models. Heating is as even as any microwave I've ever used. The interior is large enough to heat a frozen entree, such as Stouffer's or Lean Cuisine, but you'd be pressed to fit in anything bigger with the carousel rotating.

Comment: After due diligence, the microwave was purchased on 16 Feb. 2010. Shiny - wife likes that. Solid - I like that. Everyone happy. Except for the unusual clicking noise. Two months later, the microwave is brought in to have its turntable repaired. It happens, been pretty lucky, can't complain. So, after returning a borrowed microwave, 100 miles of travel and a week later, the Sanyo was back in its place - five feet up and over the built-in oven. Still shiny. My wife is happy again. I look at it and don't see shiny, though. I don't see solid, either. I see heavy. Really heavy, now that the turntable is failing again. My particular microwave probably deserves no more than 1 star. But one doesn't absolutely need the table to turn. Not really. And it is shiny.
UPDATE: Sanyo's Authorized repairman states that the parts needed for repair are no longer available and that his emails are not answered. In addition, Sanyo Customer Service for microwaves can no longer be accessed by phone or online.

Comment: Have only been using the product for about a month, but we do give it a heavy use. So far, its been working well. Setting the power level is a bit klutzy and it seems the door opens harder than it needs to, but we consider both issues as just minor. This seems to be a good value.

Comment: A good functional unit. Big enough for a dinner plate but small enough that it doesn't overwhelm a small counter space. I do have 2 small issues with the unit, however:

1. The opening for the handle faces left, so it's difficult to open with your right hand.
2. The white lettering on a light blue background in the middle of the keypad is difficult to read.

Overall, though, this is a better value than others in it's size/price class.