Basic, reliable and reasonably priced, the 1.4-cubic-foot Sharp R-402 microwave oven is a good example of what can be found in this price range. Certainly not too fancy or complicated, this microwave oven offers the basics plus a few added convenience features.

The most notable convenience feature on this oven is an automated program feature that quickly reheats small servings of foods such as pizza, muffins, rolls and beverages. Since a sensor is not used to control this program you will need to be careful to place only the recommended number of servings in the oven to ensure accurate results.

A few additional short cuts have also been added to this model. They are useful for those who find themselves looking for a quick way to melt butter or chocolate or soften a container of ice cream. Those who enjoy baking find the melt/soften feature useful for recipes that require softened items such as cream cheese.

An additional automated program takes the guesswork out of defrosting meats and poultry. Simply enter the weight of the food you wish to thaw and follow the directions in the R-402's display. Defrosting by this method is limited by the weight of the item you wish to thaw. Larger items can certainly be defrosted, but you will need to enter the defrost times manually.

Sharp has added an inexpensive but helpful feature for those who enjoy a midnight snack. The R-402 has a built-in nightlight that helps theses users tread safely through the kitchen in the dark.

Powered by 1100 watts of microwave energy, the R-402 can be expected to heats as quickly as any other oven in the 1000-1200 watt range. Equipped with a larger-than-average interior for a medium-sized unit in this price range, Sharp's R-402 makes a good choice for the needs of a small, busy family.

Simple and reliable, with just a few uncomplicated features, the R-402 from Sharp is budget-friendly and family-ready.


Pros: Good value, spacious, offers nightlight
Cons: Lacks a senor, features are fairly basic

Warranty
1 year