Sharp R-820JS

I've had this product for just a few days and so far the convection features work well. However, the microwave is sub-par. For example, it takes twice as long to pop microwave popcorn as my old $30 Emerson… microwave. The result is that the popcorn burns more than it pops. In general, the microwave seems underpowered. This is a pity because the *combined* microwave/convection functionality is precisely why someone would buy this product, and why I give it only a 2-star rating. The poor microwave performance raises questions about Sharp's quality control standards, in general. Finally, it's also difficult to discern which auto-settings utilize microwave vs. convection heating, and thus difficult to know what materials (e.g., foil vs. paper) are safe as a cover for the dish being prepared.

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Bought this in Feb 2006 after doing a lot of research. There was a deal going then and I got it for just 206. The unit is pretty compact and looks nice. I have a small kitchen so counter space is at a… premium, and I like that the oven is versatile. For the convection part, I like the pizza settings and use them for just about everything. The drawback is that the oven is hot after using as a convection, so you can't just pop something in to nuke it like you can with separate appliances. The microwave works fine, but the popcorn setting is useless. Better to put 5-min on the timer and just stand there waiting to cut it off when popping slows down. The carousel has always worked perfectly, and was so pretty when new... but keep in mind that it will get dirty quickly and is hard to clean. Replacement parts are very pricey, so I've just lived with the ugly thing inside. This week, there was a burning smell when heating up some leftover pizza using the convection. I thought there may be some food or something under the carousel, but that was not it. Later I started heating some water in a Pyrex measuring cup, and it arced inside! And there was a horrible strange burning smell, like a chemical or something, I aired out the room for fear of something being toxic! Of course I have unplugged it, and am now without a microwave. So why did I give it 3 stars? I liked the unit, it was easy to use, and we used it daily (many times every day!) both as a convection oven and a microwave for nearly 4 years. For a little over [...] bucks, this oven gave us a lot of use. I'd have liked it to go another few years without needing a replacement, and I am also concerned about the safety hazard as I have no idea what caused this problem. And, I have found other reviews which say this happened within a year! Which is why I am looking at other brands for my replacement.

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After at least 35 YEARS of use, my old Sharp mIcro/convection oven has begun to get a little tired and the Magnatron tube takes a little longer to microwave frozen dinners. The turntable is getting a little… weird also but there are not too many things that last 35 years these days so I have decided to get a new R-820JS. I have used it almost every day and it has worked perfectly up to now. I use it on a cart as my primary oven in lieu of the built-in. I think this oven is the best appliance I have ever owned.Using the combo micro/convection roasting works just great & reduces cooking time while browning just like an older style oven.

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