Sharp R-401C Microwave makes my day!
Pros:
Easy to use; Popcorn, potatoe and dinner plate buttons a plus!
Cons:
Compu Defrost feature a bit confusing.
The Bottom Line:
I highly recommend the Sharp R401C - it is easy to use, easy to clean and has an interior capacity that is larger than most high end models.
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Overall Rating:
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Author's Review
I purchased this Sharp R401C (part of the 430C family - but not category for it) for $110. You can get it in either black or white - You have the option of using it on the counter top (which is what I bought it for), or using it as a built in microwave by purchasing a built in kit from your appliance dealer or directly from Sharp. This is not the same as an over the stove microwave - this one cannot be put over a heat source.
I liked this microwave because of its size (21 11/16 x 12 3/8 x 17 3/8) It has a 1.4 Cu. Ft. oven capacity and the inside dimensions of the oven are 15W x 9 7/16 x 16 3/4. When I renovated my kitchen I had an enclosed shelf built for this microwave and it fits in their perfectly. The turntable (carousel) will turn either to the left or the right - if you open the door while you are microwaving it will go in the opposite direction when you press start again.
The sensor pad has buttons for:
Popcorn (set a 1 min. 30 seconds - perfect popping for Act II popcorn)
Dinner Plate
Baked Potatoes (you press the pad for the # of potatoes you are cooking)
Frozen Entrees
Casserole
Beverage
Frozen Vegetables (you press the pad for the # of cups you are cooking)
Fresh Vegetables (you press the pad for the # of cups you are cooking)
Rolls/Muffins (you press the pad for the # of rolls/muffins you are warming up)
Minute Plus feature allows you to cook items for 1, 2, 3, minutes etc. by simply pressing the minute plus sensor for the number of minutes you want something cooked - takes a lot less work than having to press 1 0 0 start. :0)
All of the features listed above will automatically start cooking after the sensors have been pressed with a slight delay for the ones where you may want to add add'l sensor presses. An additional feature is after your popcorn is
popped the word Enjoy is shown in the display! Almost all of the other features have the word "Done" shown on the display.
This microwave also has a timer and clock which are easy to use. The compu defrost feature I'm still figuring out. What I have used it for is defrosting frozen boneless chicken breasts. I press Compu Defrost, the #5 for (1/2 pounds) the the power level button - press it once and the word more appears in the display, twice the word less appears. I usually press twice and it will defrost the meat for about 2 min. 30 seconds - after about 45 seconds the microwave stops, beeps and the display instructions you to separate meat. Close the door, press start again and about 1 min. later the microwave stops, beeps and display reads to mix or separate the meat. Close the door press start again and when it's done with the 2 min. 30 seconds cycle ti displays cover and let stand in the display.
You are able to disable the audible signal by pressing the timer/clock, #5 and pressing start for 3 seconds. You follow the same stops for enable the audible signal. There is also a Child Lock feature pressing the timer/clock, #1 and pressing start for 3 seconds - the word Lock will appear in the display - follow the same procedure for unlocking.
