Sharp vs Thermador for December 2024

Item: Sharp vs Thermador
Rating: 3
Author: Top Consumer Reviews

Wednesday, December 4th

2024 Microwave Oven Reviews

Sharp

62 microwave models
1-year warranty on parts and labor
Free shipping on some models
30-day return policy
"A+” Better Business Bureau rating

Sharp became popular for their consumer electronics, but we were impressed to see that their selection of microwave ovens is pretty comprehensive. There are 62 models you can choose from, ranging from just $84.99 to $2,199. They have microwaves with all types of features for every type of household cook. Some models come with free shipping and all of them have a 1-year warranty. Where Sharp falls short is their lack of unfiltered customer reviews, which is where they differ from most other microwave oven retailers. We're happy to see that they have an "A+” rating from the Better Business Bureau, but we wish we could see honest customer feedback too.

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Thermador

5 microwave ovens
Luxury products
730-day warranty

Thermador initially seems to be a high-end retailer for microwave ovens and other kitchen appliances. Although this is the identity they're tied to, they don't have any microwave ovens for sale through their website and only 5 in total for us to discover at all. You'll spend over $1,000 at the very least for a microwave oven that doesn't seem much different than ones we've found elsewhere for under half the price. Thermador does not have any customer ratings on their website and their Better Business Bureau rating is poor, so there's no sense in wasting your time here.

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See Microwaves

Read Full Review

See Microwaves

Read Full Review

See Microwaves

The 12 Best Microwave Ovens

Whirlpool

KitchenAid

Samsung

Frigidaire

Sharp

Maytag

Panasonic

Bosch

Thermador

Toshiba

Which Microwave Oven Brand is the Best?

More than likely you moved into your home and a microwave oven was already there, ready for you to use at your convenience. We rarely think twice about these powerful little appliances that allow us to nuke a hot pocket, reheat last night's takeout, and quickly appease a child's demands for chicken nuggets. If yours suddenly breaks and you find yourself in the market for a replacement, you'll quickly realize just how much you depended on your microwave. Can you even live without one?

You may not have paid much attention to it before, but there are actually quite a few different designs for microwaves. Do you want stainless steel? Black? White? Red? Most people choose to match the color and design of their microwave to their oven and refrigerator, but you could always switch things up for a more modern style you like better.

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Microwave Oven FAQ

How do microwave ovens work?

It sounds really sci-fi, but microwave ovens use electromagnetic radiation to make the water molecules in your food vibrate. That's what generates the heat that cooks it. There's a vacuum tube in your microwave that creates the waves that are reflected off the inside, passing through paper, plastic, glass and other materials while being absorbed by the food. But don't worry: this kind of radiation is different from x-rays and other types of radiation, and it won't hurt you.

Are microwave ovens safe?

Yes, when used properly, they're no more dangerous than your stovetop or oven. You're more likely to be injured by picking up a hot container or overheated food than from any radiation leakage - mostly because these ovens are highly regulated by the FDA to prevent such leaks. As long as you follow the manufacturer's instructions for use, cook with microwave-safe containers, avoid super-heated water, check the seals from time to time, and make sure your microwave isn't running with the door open, you should be perfectly safe.

Why can't I put metal objects in my microwave oven?

Great question. If you've ever forgotten and left a spoon in your dish when you put it in the microwave, you've probably seen the little lightning bolts inside. Oops! The short answer is that metals are much denser, so as they heat up there's no way to release steam (or anything else). Plus, if the metal object is pointy, the electrons can gather at the edges and create an arc between it and the electromagnetic transmitter inside the oven. You're not going to cause a house fire, but you could ruin a perfectly good microwave!

What shouldn't I cook in my microwave oven?

According to The Food Network, you should avoid cooking several things in your microwave oven. Eggs and uncovered pasta sauces can explode all over the inside. Microwaving broccoli can destroy its nutrients. Raw hot peppers can emit dangerous fumes from the capsaicin vaporizing at high temperatures. But, believe it or not, the biggest one to avoid is water: microwaving it can bring it to extremely high temperatures without it boiling, which can cause severe burns if it explodes or splatters.

How much do microwave ovens cost?

The price range for microwaves may surprise you. You could get a small model perfect for a dorm room for about $50. Typical countertop microwave ovens are usually priced between $100 and $300. Many homes use over-the-range models; depending on the size, brand, features and whether or not it's designed to be built into the wall or the cabinetry, you could pay as little as $200 or over $1,000.

How long should my microwave oven last?

On average, microwave ovens last about seven years. Some older models have been known to keep on cooking for up to 20 years, but that's the exception. If your household uses the microwave on the regular for defrosting food, heating up snacks, and so on, yours may only last 4-5 years. You may want to consider an extended warranty on your appliance if you've got a large household.

Why should I buy my microwave oven online?

Because shopping at an appliance store in your pajamas in the middle of the night is frowned upon? All jokes aside, shopping for your microwave online helps you make the best purchase: you can narrow down what features you need, which brands are the most reliable, and find the best match at a price you like, all with no pressure from salespeople and at no risk of making an impulse buy just because something was available at the store.

How are microwave sizes measured?

That depends on what you mean by "size”. If you're looking just at its physical dimensions, a microwave oven is measured by the internal measurements, described in cubic feet. The width is usually intended to line up with a cabinet's: 24”, 27”, or 30”. The height is usually between 17”-22”, and the depth goes from 20” to 25” on most models. However, you might be thinking of the microwave's power, measured in watts. The higher the wattage, the more your food will cook quickly and evenly.

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Many homes have a place built into the wall specifically for a microwave so that they don't stand out or take up counter space like they used to. Still, microwaves differ a bit in which features they come with and their size. Most over-the-range ovens are around 30”, open from the side, and have basic heating functionality.

More advanced microwaves act more like an oven with pull-down doors and convection technology that allow you to make things like cookies or rolls within minutes. Some even let you air fry, allowing you to have lots of important cooking functions without needing multiple appliances to get the job done.

Most microwave oven brands all get their microwaves from the same manufacturer, so rather than focusing or worrying too much about which brand provides the best quality, you'll want to pay attention to the designs offered, selection, prices (and how often they run sales), warranty, policies, and feedback about customer service. More specifically, here are some things we recommend paying close attention to when you're browsing all the different companies you might choose to buy your microwave oven from:

Selection. Does the company have all types of microwaves for you to choose from? Are there a range of styles, colors, sizes, and features for you to browse? Find a website that allows you to easily narrow down the inventory by your preferred criteria so you know how many options you have to work with. You should easily be able to measure your space and know what type and size of microwave will fit in your home or office.
Features. Are you someone who just needs to be able to melt butter or reheat food for a minute or two? If so, you probably don't need anything fancy. However, you may be surprised to find that there are more ways to take advantage of your microwave than you're using. Some models have voice control, air frying capabilities, convection baking, and more. In case these would be of use to you, be sure to carefully read through the product description to see what each microwave oven is capable of.
Reputation. It's one thing to find a microwave oven that looks and functions exactly the way you want it to, but it's another to be able to deal with a company that meets your every need. What do other customers have to say about the reliability of the company's shipping speeds? How about how quickly they respond to customer queries? What rating do they receive from the Better Business Bureau? If you have issues at any time during the buying process, it's imperative that you are working with a company who will quickly resolve them.

The experts at Top Consumer Reviews have researched the most important things you'd need to know about choosing a microwave oven. We hope this helps you find a microwave that makes cooking food a breeze and lasts for years to come.