The Sharp Carousel R-1880LS is a convection microwave designed for over-the-range mounting. This unit combines the best features in convection and microwave cooking. Once you try it, you'll wonder how you ever cooked without it.

Styled in beautiful stainless steel and black, the Sharp R-1880LS features a sleek touchpad control panel with a wide range of cooking and food prep options. Although we enjoyed the interactive help features, we did not find the controls to be completely intuitive; however, the easy-to-follow instructions help familiarize you with the workings of this oven. This unit comes with a large 13-inch ceramic turntable, two round cooking racks, a bright hood light and two removable exhaust fan vents. The unit's built-in exhaust system can be configured to vent from a vertical or horizontal access point or can be set for ductless re-circulating using a charcoal filter.

If you've never used a convection microwave before, you'll be pleasantly surprised by the expanded cooking options and excellent results this model delivers. Crisping and browning -- two functions that are not normally associated with microwave cooking -- are accomplished with ease and precision in this model. The Sharp Carousel R-1880LS handles the full range of standard microwave tasks, from heating beverages to defrosting, and quick heating of food. It also handles convection baking and broiling. Plus, you can combine the functions for a truly efficient cooking experience.

Six standard microwave options include Automatic Popcorn Sensor, Minute Plus, Keep Warm, Power Level, Reheat Sensor and Automatic Defrost. There is also a separate Sensor Cook button, which is ideal for baking potatoes, cooking frozen vegetables or entrees and preparing hot dogs, bacon or seafood. Convection functions include a basic Convec setting, as well as Preheat, Low Mix/Bake, High Mix/Roast, Broil and Slow Cook. This model also has three preprogrammed Bake, Roast and Broil cycles designed to deliver expert results with these everyday tasks.

We loved both of the "Mix" functions, which combine microwave energy with convection power for faster, more efficient cooking. Our tests turned out a perfectly baked bundt cake using the High Mix setting. The interactive display panel walks you through the various steps required to program each setting. The R-1880LS prompts you to enter the desired temperature and cooking time and even reminds you when the unit is preheated and when to hit Start. Using the manual settings, you can microwave any food you like by entering the desired power level (1-11) and number of minutes. Manual defrosting is available as well as preprogrammed automatic defrost options for hamburger meat, steaks or chicken pieces.

Our favorite features were the Sensor cooking and Instant Sensor functions, which utilize semi-conductor technology to detect the moisture and humidity levels present during cooking. The sensor monitors the food and automatically adjusts cooking time as needed for perfect results with 12 everyday tasks. We found the Sensor Reheat function to be extremely handy for warning leftovers.

Styled in stainless steel and black, this model has a 1.1-cubic-foot capacity and 850 watts of power. You get a 13-inch-diameter removable ceramic turntable and two round baking racks. The unit has a built-in exhaust system, hood light and minute timer. The Sharp R-1880LS's many options and sophisticated styling make it an excellent choice for those who want more than basic microwave functionality.


Pros: Convection plus microwave cooking, digital touchpad control panel, circulating fan and turntable, lighted operation
Cons: Buttons are not intuitive

Warranty
1 year, parts and labor (in-home service); 7 years, magnetron tube parts