Update below!

A: Color, size and brand name.

I've had good luck with Sharp microwaves. This is my third one since microwaves came out. My first one didn't have a carousel and it was small. My husband decided to upgrade to a larger one since my family size then was 6. At that time they were black. But now I didn't need a large one anymore. Even though it still worked, I had no need for this large black microwave on the counter. I took this one from my daughter who didn't need it anymore since she had one installed above the stove and she needed a bigger one. As family size changes in our households, so do our kitchen appliances. Unfortunately we can't just replace everything so we wait for a need to purchase the right type to meet our changing needs in a home.

I've always wanted a bread box in the kitchen but didn't have enough room for one. I searched high and low for a breadbox that would fit above my old microwave but was unsuccessful.

After I got this one, I was at Target and saw the cutest bread box that matches my large appliances. I was soooo happy.

My coffeemaker, can opener under-the-cabinet clock radio are all white and getting this white microwave made the kitchen look brighter. Of course I wasn't about to go out and buy a new one just for the color.

Specs:
800 Watts, 60 Hz
15 Automatic Settings
4 Defrost Options
4 - Digit LCD Display
Weight 25 lbs.
.8 cu.ft. Capacity
18" x 10 1/2" x 13" deep Outside Dimensions
Manufactured February 2003
Made in Thailand
Not for Built-in Installation
Carousel

What about this SHARP MICROWAVE?
I've used this R-220HW for over 1 year and am quite happy with it. I like the compact size and also that I'm now able to utilize the space above it for a bread box which I've always wanted.

The carousel plate is about 12" across and is the right size for heating up foods. I don't use the microwave for making meals or defrosting. It's great for heating up leftovers, cooking frozen vegetables and dinner entrees.

The control panel on the right has a one touch for popcorn and MINUTE PLUS which can be pressed repeatedly to increase the minutes. Below that it has a numeric touch pad similar to a phone. Under that has options for POWER LEVEL, STOP/CLEAR, TIMER/CLOCK and the START button. It then lists 3 options for REHEAT, COOK and DEFROST with a list of 14 foods below it. The door opens,seals and closes firmly.

Does it meet my needs?
A microwave has become a standard must-have fixture in everyone's home. They come in many sizes, colors and styles and features. Mine is a 800 watts which is probably the lowest in watts and the highest is around 1200 watts. I can change the POWER setting from HI down to 10 for cooking frozen foods at lower settings.

I use the timer occasionally if I have several things I'm timing. I have a hard time setting the clock but that is no problem since I have other clocks in the kitchen.

The only problem I've encountered is that the "1" and "4" buttons do not work. But that is no big deal for me since I mostly use the MINUTE PLUS mostly and it's several years old. Also, there were children using it at my daughter's so possibly those 2 digits were used more than the other numbers.

Cleaning it is relatively easy with a window cleaner for fingerprints on the outside and soap and water on the inside. I wash the carousel in the sink with hot soapy water. I do make sure food is covered with a paper plate to eliminate splatters and cleaning. But there are times others use it and don't cover their food. TIP: I do use baking soda to clean stubborn stains all around the outside to keep it bright and clean every few months. I just throw a few tablespoons in the sink and dab a kitchen cloth to get stubborn spots off. I use baking soda around the kitchen since its safe to use and cleans well.

I've never had any need to call Customer Service since the warranty has expired and if it should break, I can buy a new one probably above the stove. It seems everyone is replacing the coutertop one with the built in one. They're much better for those with limited counterspace and small children that might want to place their "Hot Wheel or MatchBox" cars in the microwave and press start. That has happened but not in mine.

I think Sharp has made good quality microwaves. The competition is getting bigger though. Sharp makes 11 different types of microwaves. For more details, visit the website below.

http://www.sharpusa.com/products/FunctionLanding/0,1050,2,00.html


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Update 10/26/07

I've changed my rating due to the durability change. It died after 4 1/2 years due to the touch pad stopped working.

Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): FREE