Sharp R-55TS Warm & Toasty Microwave Oven

Good Looking But Hard To Read

By Devon  Oct 30, 2006 | 7 out of 7 found this Sharp R-55TS Warm & Toasty review helpful

Pros: Bake and toaster function works like a charm. I actually baked and used aluminum foil without incident.

Cons: Lack of illuminated display or back lighting for key/buttons controls.

This unit looks so perfect in my tiny kitchen. Very modern looking, nice finish, and doesn't look cheap. For the price, size and functions, Warm & Toasty is almost perfect. The short coming is user interface. Some companies just don't use the...ir own product in a natural setting before shipping it out or just overlook that one little necessity that void all the other functions making the product disappointing. Case and point with this product, lights. The only light on this unit is the very, very low wattage bulb in the microwave, which I got over within a few minutes, but the lack of illuminated display and controls is unforgivable and seriously degrades every cool function this unit posses. The codes for cooking and reheating will get a little use to learning, maybe a multi-line display would have solve the decoding learning curve. MORE Cons: Button are non distinguishable. This is done to maintain the unform look but forget about using in low light. All buttons are dark and with dark letters, no lights, all looking the same. Forget it. Steep learning curve. I have never reference a manual so much. This microwave have some great features but all cumbersome. Everything being so dark really kills the features. Not Energy Star compliant. No end of operation "repeat" reminder. The last microwave I had would beep every 45 seconds after the microwave was done reheating. I'm surprised a repeat alert is not included since this model have heating coils which stills gives off heat after turning it off. Foods will definitely dry out if left after the recommended heating time. Toast and bagels can become flammable if left under heating coils, and today people rarely stand at the microwave watching their foods and there are so many distractions too. Read more Less