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

Comment: I'm a normal, reasonable microwave user- I don't use it to conduct experiments for nefarious purposes or anything of the like...just want to heat up my breakfast in the morning! I've never had a microwave die on me less than a year into our relationship- that is, until I bought the Sharp R-230KW. Bought it in July 2009, it's early March 2010, and it shuts itself off every five seconds. Unfortunately, I didn't fill out their warranty card and can't find my receipt (that's totally my fault, I know!)- so it looks like I'll be out the money. When I buy a new one, I don't think it'll be a Sharp this time. Buyer beware...

Comment: I decided to purchase this microwave after reading most of the customer reviews and the product description. Here is what I found.

Packaging:
This microwave oven arrived undamaged on the expected day. The unit was shipped in the original packaging and included styrofoam inserts to protect the oven with extra styrofoam to protect the glass carousel and rotating support.

Product:
The unit has a three-pronged electrical plug and will need an adapter for use with older two-pronged electrical outlets. The white exterior is easy to clean and hides fingerprints.

Measurements:
* Exterior: 18 inches wide (front) x 13 inches deep (exterior) x 11 inches tall (from counter)
* Interior: 11 13/16 wide x 12 3/4 inches deep (center of interior) x 8 inches tall (center of carousel)

Items included:
The unit shipped with an instruction booklet and registration card. The instruction booklet was very informational and easy to follow.

Pros:
* The buttons and timer display are easy to read.
* I was able to set the clock and cook food without ever opening the instruction booklet, though I read the booklet later.
* The interior light is only illuminated when the oven is in the process of cooking. The light doesn't stay on when the door is opened after cooking is completed - I like this as it doesn't waste any electricity.

Cons:
None at this time.

Thoughts:
I mainly use a microwave for popcorn, heating water for tea, cooking food less than 10 minutes and reheating leftovers. This microwave oven fits perfectly on my kitchen counter and works great for my needs.

Comment: I really like it. It works great. Some things must be heated a little longer because it's just 800 watts but it's no inconvenience. It is great for one person with little counter space.the power settings are easy to use.

Comment: This is a good basic microwave. I used to have the same model but an older version which lasted so long that I don't remember when I bought it... 10 years? anyway, it is the basic same design as my old one but I have to say the buttons and commands got smaller and not as clear to read because of the panel color combination between the background and the button labels. I guess my eyesight went down too, but still. The tray rotation seems to be a bit noisier than with the old one too. I basically use the quick 1-minute button only to heat up cups of water or nuke left-overs. I never use any other settings so this is good for me.
I hope this one will last as long as the other one, no reason why since it is probably the same basic stuff as my old one, in newer and lighter body.

Comment: I had a Sharp Carousel II for twenty years almost to the day -- bought 1/10/90; died 12/20ish/09. It was the smallest of the Sharp microwaves available then, and this is the smallest available now. While on one hand this model ups the wattage from 600 to 800, on the other the internal vertical measurement is less by almost an inch. I expected the same internal dimensions (if not more, given the increase in wattage); and can't fathom why they would be reduced. What that shrinkage does it make it a bit more difficult to buy accessories for it: the internal vertical measurement is 7 inches; I've already had to rule out a rice cooker I had in mind.

For comparison, the internal measurements of the Carousel II were:

11 3/4" Wide, 7 3/4" High, 12 3/4" Deep.

The internal dimensions of this oven (note caveats):

12 1/2" Wide, 8" High*, 13 1/4 Deep.
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*Measuring from top to bottom at the front edge, and accounting for the turntable system, it is 7" High. Inside, though, it has a "depression" in its "ceiling," so may be near 8" there; but then one must negotiate how to get a 7" High accessory past the narrower opening.

In addition, though this oven is 13 1/4" deep -- an inch deeper than the Carousel II -- it has a turntable system diameter of 10 3/4". The Carousel had a turntable system of some 11 7/8".
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The Carousel II cooked fine, and that it lasted twenty years with daily use is impressive. This one also cooks well, and I hope it lasts twenty years. But I also wonder if I should buy a second microwave one size larger.