SHARP Compact Countertop Microwave Oven – Honest Review

Key Features That Stand Out

This SHARP microwave packs a surprising amount of functionality into its small frame, making it a practical choice for many households. Here are some of the standout features:

• Compact 0.7 cu. ft. capacity: Ideal for apartments, dorm rooms, or small kitchens where space is at a premium.
• 700 watts of power: Provides sufficient heating and cooking capabilities for most everyday microwave needs.
• New! Gray Interior and LED Interior Lighting: Offers a sleek look and makes it easier to see your food as it cooks.
• Removable 10″ Carousel Turntable: Ensures even cooking by rotating food, and it’s easy to remove for cleaning.
• 10 Power Levels with 2-Stage Cooking: Allows for precise control over cooking intensity, from gentle thawing to quick reheating.
• Convenient “+30 seconds” key: Perfect for instantly adding more cooking time without interrupting the cycle.
• Auto Cook and Express Cook functions: Simplify cooking for popular menu items and offer quick start options for up to 6 minutes.
• Weight and Time Defrost: Takes the guesswork out of thawing frozen foods accurately.
• Child Lock: Provides an added layer of safety for households with young children.
• White LED Display: Delivers clear, easy-to-read information about cooking settings and time.

SHARP Compact Countertop Microwave Oven with Removable 10″ Carousel Turntable, 700 Watt, 0.7 Cubic Feet, White

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What We Like

Based on its feature set, the SHARP Compact Countertop Microwave Oven with Removable 10″ Carousel Turntable, 700 Watt, 0.7 Cubic Feet, White offers several appealing advantages for users seeking a compact and functional appliance.

• Space-Saving Design: The 0.7 cubic feet capacity is a significant plus for those with limited kitchen real estate.
• User-Friendly Controls: Features like the “+30 seconds” key, “Express Cook,” and Auto Cook presets simplify operation for quick and easy use.
• Even Cooking: The inclusion of a 10-inch carousel turntable is crucial for ensuring that food is heated evenly throughout, preventing cold spots.
• Versatile Power Levels: With 10 power levels and 2-stage cooking, users have finer control over cooking processes, which is great for delicate items.
• Modern Aesthetics: The new gray interior, white LED display, and LED interior lighting give it a fresh and updated appearance that complements many kitchen decors.
• Safety Features: The child lock is a welcome addition for families, offering peace of mind.

Performance Analysis

The performance of this SHARP microwave is primarily defined by its 700-watt power output and its compact size. While 700 watts is generally sufficient for basic reheating, melting butter, and cooking smaller portions, it may not be as fast as higher-wattage models for more extensive cooking tasks.

• Heating and Reheating: The 700-watt power, combined with the 10-inch carousel turntable, should provide adequate and relatively even heating for beverages, leftovers, and snacks.
• Defrosting: The Weight and Time Defrost functions are designed to offer more accurate thawing compared to simply using high power, which is a key benefit for preparing meals from frozen.
• Cooking Versatility: The 10 power levels allow for more controlled cooking. For instance, lower power settings would be beneficial for tasks like softening cream cheese or gently warming delicate foods, preventing overcooking.
• Convenience Features: “Express Cook” and “+30 seconds” are incredibly useful for users who want to quickly add a bit more time or start a short cooking cycle with a single button press. The Auto Cook options are helpful for beginners or when you’re unsure of exact cooking times for common items.
• Interior Lighting: The new LED interior lighting is a practical upgrade, making it easier to monitor food without opening the door, thus preserving heat and energy.

Best For

The SHARP Compact Countertop Microwave Oven with Removable 10″ Carousel Turntable, 700 Watt, 0.7 Cubic Feet, White is an excellent choice for several specific user groups and living situations.

• Apartment Dwellers and Dorm Room Students: Its compact footprint makes it perfect for kitchens with limited counter space.
• Singles and Couples: Ideal for individuals or pairs who primarily use a microwave for reheating meals, making quick snacks, or defrosting smaller portions.
• Secondary Microwave: It can serve as a convenient addition to a larger kitchen, perhaps placed in an office breakroom or a secondary cooking area.
• Those Seeking Simplicity: The straightforward controls and “Express Cook” functions cater to users who prefer ease of operation over a multitude of complex presets.
• Budget-Conscious Consumers: Typically, compact microwaves offer a more affordable entry point into microwave ownership, providing essential functions without a hefty price tag.

Buying Guide

When considering a compact microwave like this SHARP model, it’s important to evaluate several factors to ensure it meets your needs.

Key Features to Look For

• Capacity: For compact models, 0.7 to 0.9 cubic feet is standard and suitable for single servings or small dishes.
• Wattage: 700 watts is common for compact microwaves and sufficient for most basic tasks, though higher wattage means faster cooking.
• Turntable: A removable carousel turntable is essential for even cooking, ensuring food rotates properly.
• Power Levels: Multiple power levels offer flexibility for different cooking and defrosting needs.
• Convenience Functions: Look for features like “+30 seconds,” “Express Cook,” and Auto Cook presets that simplify daily use.
• Defrost Options: Weight and time defrost are beneficial for accurately thawing frozen items.
• Interior Lighting and Display: LED interior lighting and a clear LED display enhance usability and visibility.
• Safety Features: A child lock is important for households with children.

Important Materials

While specific material compositions are not detailed in the provided features, standard microwave ovens typically feature a durable plastic exterior for heat insulation and an enamel or ceramic-coated interior for ease of cleaning and durability. The turntable is usually made of glass.

Essential Factors to Consider

• Size and Space: Measure your available counter space to ensure the microwave will fit comfortably, including space for ventilation.
• Usage Requirements: Determine what you’ll primarily use the microwave for. For simple reheating, 700 watts is fine. For more involved cooking, consider higher wattage if space allows.
• Ease of Cleaning: A removable turntable and a smooth interior surface are key for simple maintenance.
• Energy Efficiency: While not explicitly stated, compact microwaves generally consume less energy than larger models due to their smaller capacity.

Budget Planning

Compact microwaves with a wattage around 700 watts and basic-to-intermediate features typically range from $70 to $120. This SHARP model, with its “new” features like LED lighting and gray interior, likely falls within the mid-range of this spectrum, offering good value for its functionality and modern updates.

When to Buy

Microwaves, especially smaller models, can often be found on sale during major shopping holidays such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Amazon Prime Day. End-of-year sales or spring cleaning promotions can also present good opportunities to purchase. For this specific model, checking for new model releases or seasonal sales on home appliances would be beneficial.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the interior capacity of this microwave?

The microwave has a compact 0.7 cubic feet capacity, which is suitable for heating individual meals, snacks, or small dishes.

Is the turntable removable for cleaning?

Yes, it features a removable 10-inch carousel turntable, making it easy to clean spills and stains.

What is the wattage of this SHARP microwave?

This model operates at 700 watts, providing sufficient power for everyday microwave tasks like reheating and cooking.

Does this microwave have quick-start options?

Yes, it includes a convenient “+30 seconds” key for instant start and an “Express Cook” function that allows for up to 6 minutes of cooking with a single press.

Can I adjust the cooking power?

Absolutely. It offers 10 different power levels, allowing you to control the intensity of cooking for various food items.

Is this microwave suitable for defrosting?

Yes, it is equipped with Weight and Time Defrost functions to help you accurately thaw frozen foods.

Does it have any safety features for children?

Yes, this microwave includes a Child Lock feature to prevent accidental operation by children.

Final Thoughts

The SHARP Compact Countertop Microwave Oven with Removable 10″ Carousel Turntable, 700 Watt, 0.7 Cubic Feet, White emerges as a solid contender for those seeking a functional and space-conscious microwave. Its 0.7 cubic feet capacity is perfectly suited for smaller living spaces, while the 700-watt power output handles everyday reheating and cooking needs effectively. The inclusion of a 10-inch carousel turntable is a significant advantage, promoting even cooking, and the new features like the gray interior, LED lighting, and LED display add a modern touch. Convenience is clearly a focus with the “+30 seconds” key, “Express Cook,” and Auto Cook options, simplifying meal preparation. The Weight and Time Defrost function and the Child Lock further enhance its practicality and safety. While it might not be the most powerful option for heavy-duty cooking, its thoughtful design and user-friendly features make it a reliable and attractive choice for dorm rooms, apartments, or anyone needing a compact microwave solution.