Saturday, January 28th
2023 Microwave Oven Reviews
Sharp
- 37 microwave oven models to choose from (countertop, drawer, over-the-counter, over-the-range)
- Prices range from $79.99 to $2,199.99
- In business for 60+ years
- Warranty typically covers one year parts/labor and five years on the magnetron tube
Sharp is a brand that balances innovation and design with quality and value. Products in the company's portfolio include everything from networked office solutions to atmospheric water generators - and a surprisingly large selection of home appliances as well.
Biggest variety of microwave oven styles
Out of all of the microwave brands we checked out, Sharp has one of the broadest ranges of options. Whether you need a small countertop model for a dorm room or a standard over-the-range style, you'll probably have not just one but several to choose from.
Features you never knew were possible
If you buy Sharp's top-of-the-line microwave, the 24" Built-In Smart Convection Drawer Oven, you may never need another small kitchen appliance again. This microwave does it all: cooking modes include air fry, convection grill, convection bake, convection roast, toast, keep warm, smart cook and sensor cook. But wait, there's more. Open the drawer with just a wave of your hand to reveal the spacious interior that can hold up to three dinner plates, two 3-quart casserole dishes, or even a 20-oz beverage. This microwave oven can even be voice controlled with 65 "convenient and simple" commands. The price? $2,199.99.
Lots of features for less money
Not in the market for a drawer-style microwave for over $2,000? No problem. The vast majority of Sharp microwaves are priced at $600 or less, without skimping on features or capacity. For example, you could get a countertop microwave oven with a whopping 2.2. cu.ft. interior size, cooking at a powerful 1200 watts - for just $229.99. We even found one for under $200 that works with Amazon Alexa voice commands. Why spend more for a fancy brand when you can get a perfectly functional, efficient appliance at a fraction of the cost?
BBB rating not indicative of overall satisfaction
At first glance, you might think that Sharp isn't the most reputable brand in our review. The Better Business Bureau gives the company a "C-" grade, mostly for failing to respond to four complaints and to resolve another seven. But, that's not a huge worry - Sharp is a huge company with a long history, and 16 complaints in a 12-month period is hardly indicative of a huge problem.
Microwaves have a reputation for lasting a decade or longer
On the other hand, customer satisfaction with Sharp microwaves is high - especially over the long term. These appliances tend to last longer than the competition, particularly with over-the-range models. While this doesn't automatically apply to anything you'd buy now, many Sharp microwaves purchased 10-20 years ago are still working just fine. Today's models have a one-year limited warranty on parts and labor and five years' coverage on the magnetron tube.
Give Sharp a try
Sharp is the brand that caught us off guard - in a good way. No, you're probably not going to hear your neighbor bragging about her Sharp microwave... unless she's one of the many customers who have had their appliance last for year after year with no issues. Beyond the trendy drawer-style microwave oven, Sharp isn't going to kill your budget no matter which model you choose, and you'll get decent warranty coverage from a company that seems to make it pretty easy to get service when needed. This is definitely a microwave oven brand that should be on your list to consider.
More Microwave Oven Reviews
The 10 Best Microwave Ovens
Which Brand of Microwave Oven is the Best?
For most of us, it's hard to imagine a kitchen without a microwave. Who heats up water for cocoa on the stove or reheats an entire meal in the oven anymore? A novelty in most homes in the 1980s, these appliances have become so common that it takes you aback when you don't see one in the kitchen - or even at the office.
Microwave oven styles have come a long way from the bulky countertop appliances of the past. Yes, you can still get models like that - after all, a dorm room isn't going to have a place to install a microwave - but the majority of kitchens now include a ready-made space under the cabinets or over the range just for a microwave. Today's more modern homes may incorporate microwave ovens as built-ins that match the oven and the refrigerator with pull-down doors, or even as a pull-out drawer in a kitchen island.
Microwave Oven FAQ
Continued from above...
While some people have held onto concerns that microwave ovens might be unsafe because of the way they cook food, those fears are unfounded. Manufacturers go to great lengths to make sure that the biggest risk of using a microwave oven is when people eat their food before it cools off a bit (we've all done that breathy-mouth-thing when we just couldn't wait for that delicious snack to be ready - and regretted it for days afterwards).
Not only have microwave designs expanded, but their capabilities have grown too. Convection for faster cooking, air fryer functions, and voice controls are just a few features that may "wow" you, especially if you're replacing a trusty old model that finally gave up the ghost after a decade or more of faithful food-cooking service in your home.
With so many options, where do you start? Walk yourself through this checklist as you figure out which microwave oven and brand are right for you:
- Microwave Style and Size. The easiest way to narrow down the options is by style and size. Do you need a countertop design or something that you install over your range, under the cabinets, or built into the wall or island? And how much room do you have? Take careful measurements, but rest assured that most spaces will be cut to a standard dimension.
- Finish. Are you coordinating with other appliances? Most microwaves come in stainless steel, but you'll still need to decide if you want it in black, brushed stainless, and so on.
- Features. Are there any must-haves on your list? Maybe you've been thinking about buying an air fryer, and a fully-featured microwave oven could help you kill two birds with one stone. Do you want a handle to pull or a button to push when opening the door?
- Reputation. Based on owners' comments, how long will your new microwave last? How does the brand measure up when something breaks under warranty? Will you get help from customer service quickly or will your problem be ignored? Take a look at the company's Better Business Bureau rating and customer reviews to help you pick a brand that stands behind its appliances.
TopConsumerReviews.com has evaluated and ranked the most popular brands of microwave ovens on the market today. We hope this information helps you choose the right model for your kitchen!
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