Sharp R-230KW

If you're on a tight budget or short on space, the Sharp R-230KW is an inexpensive, compact microwave that gets good reviews from owners. Available in black or white, this microwave has a simple control panel that owners say is easy to use. However, this 0.8-cubic-foot microwave doesn't have many bells and whistles compared with more expensive units -- there's no cooking sensor or inverter technology to prevent over- or undercooking -- and it only creates 800 watts of cooking power, meaning it will be slower than a more powerful microwave. The Sharp R-230KW gets quite a few complaints about durability, with users reporting a variety of different malfunctions within the first year or two. Users also say that its display can be hard to read. This microwave has a one-year warranty, and its magnetron tube is covered for five years.

We did not find any professional reviews for the Sharp R-230KW, but we read more than 250 owner reviews at Amazon.com, Epinions.com and Walmart.com. Most owner feedback is positive, but there are some complaints about the Sharp R-230's durability, small capacity and hard-to-read display.