Sharp SMO1854DS Over the Range Microwave Oven with 1.8 cu. ft. Capacity, 1100 Cooking Watts, 450 CFM in Stainless Steel

Please bear with me as, I have a story to tell. We bought the home new about 12 years ago. It came with a GE Microwave. It was absolutely awful. It died within 8 years and, to be honest, it was kind of a blessing because that gave us an excuse to get rid of that awful...terrible Microwave.Next, we bought an LG since we new of people who had other LG appliances such as a washer and dryer that were good quality. What a mistake that was.! The LG Microwave was just as bad as the GE and, in fact it was actually worse. You literally could not see inside the Microwave. It was absolutely awful. You couldn't see the stove below because the lights were incandescent, low wattage and yellow as can be. The buttons were difficult to navigate definitely NOT intuitive. Furthermore, it was supposed to have a 1000 watt magnatron - it certainly was not 1000 watts. Again, the only blessing was that it died in just over one year. I got it from Lowes and paid $100 for a 5 year warranty. I thought I would get a replacement Microwave. Not a chance. Don't every buy anything from Lowes and rest assured, their so-called warranty is a complete joke. It has now been 5 months and I still have yet to get a refund for my purchase...that's after more than 30 phone calls. I'll spare you the long story. In addition, it had this huge 'handle' where the door was developing several cracks in the door just below the handle. AND, I ran an internet search and found that the Magnatron for the LG is no longer available...no wonder they couldn't fix it!So, the question was...what the devil should we get as a replacement??? Now, we did have a Sharp Microwave that lasted 30 years...a long time ago. That was probably the main reason for buying this Sharp Microwave because the reviews on Amazon really don't give you a good sense of the differences between Microwaves. After all, most reviews are by consumers who buy and initially like their purchase and then you never hear about the real problems they experience over time. Let's face it, most reviews are all 4 stars and I assure you that cannot be the actual experience that these people have over time.Now then, about this: Sharp SMO1854DS Over the Range Microwave Oven with 1.8 cu. ft. Capacity, 1100 Cooking Watts, 450 CFM in Stainless Steel: This Microwave is "magnificent". I should have gone with my past experience with Sharp's - in the first place! I'll give you a run down on each of the basic features:The 1.8 cu.ft. capacity is every bit as spacious and use able as the so-called 2.0 cu.ft. size of the LG that we had. My wife easily gets her largest casserole in this oven - and in turns nicely.The 1100 cooking watts is a true power. We get about 50% faster cooking than the so-called LG which couldn't have had even 800 watts while 'claiming' it was 1000 watts.The buttons are intuitive and very clear. The button paneI is VERY clear - the picture doesn't do it justice as my cell phone gives the fuzzy look - it's not the Microwave. I didn't even have to read the instructions to know how to use it. Nevertheless, I still suggest you read the instructions which are surprisingly good because this Microwave has some features that most do not have.The ability to actually SEE inside this Microwave is phenomenally good. See the pictures...Furthermore, just look at the picture of the light over the oven below. It is light and bright and you can see what you are doing. NONE of the the other Microwaves are this good. Sharp uses bright LED's instead of those dingy yellow incandescent bulbs.This Sharp is an absolute joy compared to that expensive crap that we had before this.And, I've used the Square Trade Warranty's (now sold as AllState by Amazon) before and they are much less expensive and my experience when I've had to use them has been excellent.In summary, if you want a good Microwave...this is the one.

The media could not be loaded.  This is a review of: Sharp SMO1854DS Over the Range Microwave Oven with 1.8 cu. ft……..UPDATE 10/22/2021 08:40 PM -10/10/2022 UPDATE - House still ongoing renovations. Haven’t used microwave EXCEPT for the exhaust fan, and it is LOUD, LOUD, LOUD!!! I cannot even hear myself think. Because of my previous issues with this model Sharp microwave, the EXTREMELY LOUD fan and re-reading the reviews, I can NO LONGER RECOMMEND THIS PRODUCT. Too, others have commented on the door latch not working properly, and that was the issue with the first microwave I received. IKnowing what I know now, I WOULD NOT PURCHASE this product.YEAAA! Sharp contacted me this afternoon, and I’m getting a new microwave. I must disclose I have bombarded 3 different email addresses for Sharp these past few days. After reviewing my case file again, Sharp is going to exchange the defective microwave with a new, same model microwave. Growing weary, I emailed them today after lunch advising i was filing my complaint in detail on Reddit including the photos and video. I don’t know if this influenced their decision reversal or not. Nonetheless, I am pleased Sharp is standing by their product. I understand the seller’s position. Basically, their hands were tied as my return window had closed 4 months ago, and they probably have guidelines and timelines to contact Sharp when they receive a return. I’m giving 3 Stars until the new microwave is installed and proves it works properly. I will update accordingly.ORIGINAL REVIEW -I’m still renovating from Hurricane Michael in 2018. I ordered this microwave in May 2021, and it was delivered May 24, 2021; however, it was just installed today (10/12/2021). Upon delivery, I gave it a quick once over. The box was not damaged. Once opened I noticed the styrofoam packaging on the right side was broken into pieces, but I saw no visible damage, and the door was taped shut. I DID NOT remove it from the box and thoroughly inspect it for damages at that time. However, this issue is not outwardly visible. Of course, the return window is closed. The seller directed me to Sharp. After my contractor opened the microwave door to insert the wire rack, he could not close the door. The top latch hook would not operate properly and the door will not close. He dismantled the door and the saw the latch assembly was broken. I have contacted Sharp concerning this defect and initiated a case for correction of this issue. I will update this review accordingly. However, I must say I am disappointed that a repair is necessary before it can be used. This review was written by LynKin.UPDATE 10/20/21I posted a screenshot of the voicemail I received from Sharp today. I have reached back out to Amazon again for help. I will update when I have more info. LynKinUPDATE 10/22/2021Reduced rating to 1 Star because Sharp’s warranty does not cover ‘concealed damages’, but I’m not giving up yet. I feel strongly the consumer should not be sold defective products or products with ‘concealed damage’. Lynkin