Customer Reviews

Sharp R-1514 1-1/2-Cubic-Foot 1000-Watt Over-the-Range Microwave, Stainless

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(8)

 

 

It may look pretty, but as an over the range microwave oven it provides nothing but headaches. Even a modest amount of heat from the cook top below causes the microwave oven's pushbutton door latch to deform (melt?) because Sharp chose to save money with plastic rather than metal interior parts. Thus, either the door won't close or one has to pry the latch open each time. The service technician who replaced the assembly (twice) said he had performed almost a dozen similar replacements in the recent past.

My advice, buy it only if you never plan to use the cook top below.

Its a pretty big and heavy unit so having someone around to help mount would be a good thing. I found that sometimes the clips in the back have a little trouble popping in all the way, unless its lined up just right.

I didnt like the wall mount screws a whole lot as well as the fact there is only 4 to hold on the whole bracket (they note that you should have at least 2 in studs). They have holes drilled in the mount all the way across, so what I did was located two studs, drilled some 1/16th pilot holes in the bracket where they were and sunk (5) 1 3/4" drywall screws in each stud from top to bottom of the bracket to attach it to the wall. I didnt want to worry about the microwave falling off and either seriously injuring someone or smashing my new ceramic top stove.

Also be careful if drilling the top cabinet mount holes with the microwave in place, the bit can easily destroy the screw hole :) I ended up replacing the two small upper cabinet mount screws with 1/2" self tapping bolts. So the cinnimon powder doesnt quite sit level up there in the cupboard.. but the microwave is definately not falling out of my wall!

As for functionality, the microwave is nice and powerful, the unsightly buttons are hidden behind the door (you punch in the settings when you open it). A note of caution, dont put anything in it without the carousel tray to heat. I had a small paper nacho bowl in there and it almost started the glue on fire in 20 seconds.

Another note... The carousel tray does not ship in this box well, mine arrived broken in half. My only option was to ship the whole unit back (weighs like 80 lbs). I lucked out because my old microwave was a Sharp and the carousel tray is identical.

Undaunted by some of the poor reviews, we purchased this microwave oven... mostly because it was the only one that my wife and I agreed was really cool looking. In addition to the good looks, we have been very happy with the features and performance. The inside is much roomier than our old GE and the Sensor cooking feature seems to work very well.
The push button handle seems to get hot when cooking on both front burners of the stove, but so far no problems at all other than being hot to the touch. We did purchase the extended warranty from the Amazon website... just in case.
Overall, it is a really good looking microwave that performs well and priced great.

This is a very badly designed door release.
The plastic construction will melt if you cook right below it.
I have it changed 2 times and still melted after 1 1/2 year.
The LCD is another cheap module.
It stops working properly after 1 year.
Don't waste your money on this.
Get a handle door release as oppose to press down door relase for over the range microwave oven and don't get this one.

I purchased this microwave from Amazon back in June of 2004. I had very little expectations knowing I was "cheaping out" with a microwave that was under $300. My feelings were, when it dies in 5 years or so I will replace it with a top of the line convection/ microwave. Well, I had really hoped it would at least make it to the 2 year mark!

Last week we noticed a 6 to 7 inch crack going through the plastic part of the door. Overall,it has performed ok. I learned very quickly that is is very hot and I always shorten cooking times and lower temperatures. DO NOT use the popcorn setting, my 11 year old son has set 3 bags of popcorn on fire using it. I supervised, so I know he did it right!

I also agree that the fan is very noisy and when it goes on automatically, you have to wait until it is ready to turn off. That process seems to take a long time!

I would like to say it looks good though and it will be a challenge finding a replacement that I like as much visually!

UPDATE: Yes i too had the door latch button melt and it does not function any longer it actually was replaced within the 1st year under warranty but now this has happened again a second time and i was only boiling water on the front burner, i see no use in paying for a second repair since i am currently using a pen to pop the door open i will of course have to replace the whole microwave in the near future & i will be soooo happy when i finally do i can't wait to ditch this appliance what a waste. next time I'm choosing a regular handle not a push button latch. Live & Learn
don't they test these designs in practical applications before releasing them to the consumer.....won't be buying anything from sharp company any time soon.
I purchased this microwave to replace a countertop model (emerson proffesional) stainless steel, I needed a spacesaving feature plus vent for stove and wanted stainless steel to match my other stainless steel appliances.
I purchased it from Amazon for $275. lowest price I could find and am currently waiting on a $30.rebate from sharp so for the price its not a bad deal.
It has no handle that makes it sleek looking and the control panel is hidden behind the door not used to having to set controls before closing door but it makes cleaning easier.
My countertop model was of higher quality stainless steel and i only paid $100. for it (on all sides) not just the front like this model
I installed this unit to vent vertically outside the damper is a bit flimsy but hopefully its been tested by sharp for reliability.
Exhaust fan unit detects heat from stove and automatically operates, unit is a bit noisy on either hi or low setting,wish it was quieter.The light has hi and low settings either is bright enough, more of a night light feature.
Overall it work fine and looks good. Not a high end unit but then again not a high end price.
It does have a nice feature that senses when your food is cooked, used it on potatoes which turned out great.
At first I was reluctant to purchase this larger appliance that would be shipped through UPS for fear it would arrive damaged but UPS did a fine job with handling.
Rated it 3 stars as unit being average and appearance bearing clean lines which boosted my rating.

It took us about 2 hours to put up, the directions were not the best. I had no problems with the shipping and everything was fine with the box upon arrival. What I have enjoy the most is the fact that the buttons are all inside and this makes it very easy to clean. Also the microwave is bigger than the ones I checked out in the department stores. It was also cheaper. I think this is a great microwave, I'm glad I went on line to get it.

It looks lovely in our stainless steel kitchen, but after only 3 years of use, it has problems. Now the start button doesn't work, but the microwave is on nonstop whenever the door is closed. Started very suddenly. Will have to get it serviced. Great defrost, potato, popcorn functions.

I have also had the handle melt and the display has failed and become unreadable.

This item arrived via UPS with a significant amount of damage. All the molded Styrofoam in the box was broken. The bottom of the box was split open and Styrofoam flakes were falling out when I retrieved it from my porch. Upon opening the box I found the steel cabinet of the Microwave dented and bent out of shape in a number of places. Later, plastic parts that were supposed to attach the plastic facings, fell out of the oven. This item was returned and received back by Amazon. I have yet to receive a refund.

I would not advise purchasing a heavy, poorly packaged item like this one.